Vehicle Occupant Imaging Light Emitting Unit with Intersecting Optical Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupant imaging systems in vehicles face challenges in reliably illuminating occupants for accurate image processing, such as recognition or state detection, due to limited irradiation ranges and potential interference from surrounding components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle imaging system comprising an imaging unit and a light emitting unit with two intersecting optical axes for the first and second light emitting portions, which increases the irradiation range and distance, allowing for more comprehensive illumination of occupants while minimizing interference with other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single light emitting portion is used to illuminate the occupant, then the device structure is simple, but the irradiation range is limited and cannot reliably illuminate occupants with varying positions
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting unit is divided into multiple light emitting portions (first light emitting portion and second light emitting portion) with different optical axes. Each portion independently illuminates different regions of the imaging range, thereby expanding the overall irradiation range to cover occupants with varying positions while maintaining a relatively simple segmented structure.
2Illumination intensity
If the light emitting unit is positioned closer to the occupant, then the irradiation intensity is higher, but interference with other vehicle components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the light emitting unit closer to the occupant in the longitudinal direction, the patent uses multiple light emitting portions arranged in the lateral direction with different optical axes. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve high irradiation intensity through multiple targeted beams while maintaining a position that avoids interference with other vehicle components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light emitting portions with different optical axes are used, then the irradiation range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each light emitting portion is configured with a specific optical axis directed toward a particular region of the imaging range. The first light emitting portion targets one area while the second light emitting portion targets another area, providing localized illumination quality optimized for different positions. This local quality approach expands adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
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
The solution enhances processing accuracy by increasing the irradiation range and distance, ensuring reliable illumination of occupants even with varying positions, and reduces noise from electrical components by accommodating the light emitting unit within the instrument panel.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit (14) including a first light emitting portion (142) and a second light emitting portion (144) that irradiate an imaging range (12b) of the imaging unit (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises: an imaging unit configured to image an occupant from front of the occupant in a vehicle longitudinal direction in a vehicle interior; and a light emitting unit including a first light emitting portion and a second light emitting portion configured to irradiate an imaging range of the imaging unit. An optical axis of irradiation light from the first light emitting portion and an optical axis of irradiation light from the second light emitting portion intersect with each other between the light emitting unit and the occupant in plan view.