Vehicle Imaging System with Visible Light Attenuation for Pedestrian Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle imaging systems that combine lane keeping and collision prediction controls face challenges due to the increased size and cost when using both cameras and radar devices, and struggle to recognize objects with low permittivity like pedestrians, as radar devices are ineffective in such cases.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle imaging system that performs both visible light and infrared ray imaging using a single camera with a visible light attenuation mechanism, allowing for the output of combined image data without the need for multiple imaging devices, and includes infrared ray projection for enhanced pedestrian detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If both a camera and a radar device are provided for lane keeping control and collision prediction control, then the recognition capability for road compartment lines and objects is improved, but the size and cost of the entire apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging means is designed to perform multiple functions: it can image visible light for road compartment line recognition and infrared rays for detecting objects with low permittivity such as pedestrians. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate camera and radar devices, thereby reducing apparatus size and cost while maintaining comprehensive recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of a camera and radar device into a single imaging means that can detect both visible light and infrared rays. By merging these detection capabilities into one device, the system reduces the number of components, simplifies the apparatus structure, and lowers overall cost while achieving both lane keeping and collision prediction control
2Device complexity
If one camera is used to recognize road compartment lines and produce images using infrared rays, then the size and cost of the apparatus is not increased, but the apparatus cannot be used for both lane keeping control and collision prediction control
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging means is designed with universal capability to support both lane keeping control by imaging road compartment lines in visible light and collision prediction control by detecting objects using infrared rays. This multi-functional design allows a single device to fulfill the requirements of both control systems without compromising adaptability
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
Enables efficient recognition of road compartment lines using visible light and pedestrians using infrared imaging, maintaining a simple configuration and reducing the need for multiple sensors, thereby improving traffic safety and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that converts both of the visible light and an infrared ray to electric signals
Implementation Method 2
visible light attenuation means for attenuating part of visible light that enters the imaging means
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle imaging system includes an imaging device that images at least a part of an area around a vehicle; and a visible light attenuation device that attenuates part of visible light that enters the imaging device. The imaging device includes an imaging element that converts both of the infrared light and an infrared ray to electric signals. The imaging device outputs both of image data produced based on the electric signal to which the visible light, which has entered the imaging device without passing through the visible light attenuation device, has been converted, and image data produced based on the electric signal to which the infrared ray, which has passed through the visible light attenuation device, has been converted.