Vehicle Lamp Photoconductor Layout for NIR Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of near-infrared light in active sensors for vehicle lamps poses regulatory challenges due to visual recognition as red, and existing solutions fail to integrate active sensors with existing lamp functions while ensuring appropriate light distribution and laser safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lamp configuration that includes a white lamp and an illumination device for an active sensor, utilizing a near-infrared light source and a photoconductor to create a predetermined light distribution, which is integrated with existing lamp functions without impairing their performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If near-infrared light is used in the illumination device, then the active sensor can obtain depth information, but part of the spectrum is visually recognized as red by human eyes, violating regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into two separate light sources: a white lamp for visible illumination and a near-infrared light source for depth information. This segmentation allows each light source to perform its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between obtaining depth information and avoiding visual red recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a photoconductor as an intermediary component that receives near-infrared light and converts it to visible light with a predetermined distribution. This intermediary transforms the invisible near-infrared illumination into a visible form that satisfies regulatory requirements while maintaining the depth information capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the illumination device for active sensor is integrated into the vehicle lamp, then space is saved and functions are combined, but it is difficult to satisfy both appropriate light distribution and laser safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a photoconductor with specific optical properties at the integration interface. The photoconductor is designed with predetermined light distribution characteristics that ensure laser safety standards are met while maintaining appropriate illumination for the active sensor. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between integration and safety.
3Illumination intensity
If the photoconductor is disposed with rear surface facing the white lamp, then the white lamp light is transmitted through the photoconductor, but the near-infrared light source and white lamp must be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an equipotential optical path by positioning the photoconductor such that its rear surface faces the white lamp and emission surface faces the near-infrared light source. This symmetric positioning ensures that both light sources can transmit through the photoconductor efficiently without requiring high manufacturing precision, as the optical paths are optimized for this configuration.
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 satisfies regulatory requirements by preventing visual recognition of near-infrared light as red, integrates active sensor illumination with existing lamp functions, and ensures both appropriate light distribution and compliance with laser safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a photoconductor configured to receive emitted light from the near-infrared light source and emit illumination light having a predetermined light distribution from an emission surface
Implementation Method 2
The photoconductor is disposed such that a rear surface thereof faces a light emitting surface of the white lamp, and emits, from the emission surface, emitted light from the white lamp which is received at the rear surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle lamp includes a clearance lamp and an illumination unit for an active sensor. The illumination unit includes a near-infrared light source and a photoconductor. The photoconductor receives emitted light from the near-infrared light source and emits illumination light having a predetermined light distribution from an emission surface. The photoconductor is disposed such that a rear surface thereof faces a light emitting surface of the clearance lamp, and emits, from the emission surface, emitted light from the clearance lamp which is received at the rear surface.