Projection Headlight Modulator for Adaptive Fog Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems, such as headlamps, struggle to improve visibility in adverse conditions like fog or rain, as increasing brightness is limited by legal regulations and static light settings fail to effectively enhance visibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting arrangement featuring a spatial modulator and camera system that captures and analyzes light images to dynamically adjust light output, enhancing visibility by adapting light intensity and distribution based on captured image data, particularly focusing on edge and contrast enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the brightness of the headlight is increased to improve visibility in adverse conditions, then visibility may be improved, but legal regulations limit the maximum brightness allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static headlight brightness to dynamic adaptation. The spatial modulator and camera system enable the lighting to continuously adjust its intensity and distribution based on real-time environmental conditions captured by the camera, allowing the system to operate at optimal brightness levels that comply with regulations while improving visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using the spatial modulator to create non-uniform light distribution. Instead of uniformly increasing overall brightness, the system selectively enhances specific regions or patterns of light based on the captured image data, allowing targeted visibility improvement in adverse conditions while maintaining compliance with maximum brightness regulations.
2Device complexity
If static light settings are used in headlamps, then the system is simple, but visibility in adverse conditions like fog or rain is not substantially improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating the camera system and spatial modulator with the existing headlight assembly. This combination allows the same lighting unit to serve both as a standard illumination source and as an adaptive visibility enhancement system that processes image data and dynamically adjusts light output based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the camera to capture real-time images of the surrounding environment and feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit analyzes the captured images to detect adverse conditions such as fog or rain, and automatically adjusts the spatial modulator and light source accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes visibility.
3Illumination intensity
If infrared and thermal radiation systems are used to improve visibility, then visibility in adverse conditions can be improved, but the system becomes more expensive and requires additional displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using the camera to capture a visual copy or representation of the surrounding environment. This optical copy is then processed by the control unit to generate control signals for the spatial modulator, which reproduces enhanced visibility information through modulated light patterns, eliminating the need for separate infrared sensors or thermal imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the spatial modulator as a mediator between the camera system and the light output. The modulator translates the captured image information into spatially varying light intensity patterns that enhance visibility without requiring additional display components or complex infrared/thermal radiation systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides improved visibility in adverse conditions without the need for additional displays, offering immediate and effective illumination adjustments, reducing latency and avoiding sensor misinterpretations, while being cost-effective compared to infrared and thermal radiation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light that is emittable by the light source can thus be directable or deflectable in a targeted manner via the modulator to the light output
Implementation Method 2
a camera with which a light image or a camera image or light is capturable via the light passage and via the modulator
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement or a projection headlight with a modulator, in particular with a DMD, is disclosed. In this case, a projection lens of the arrangement not only images the image content of the modulator in the surrounding area, but also images the surrounding area on the modulator. The modulator can thus guide the imaging of the surrounding area to a camera and reflect light from a light source into the surrounding area.