Vehicle Light Sensor Array for Direction, Distance, and Data Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack an effective and cost-efficient method for accurately determining the direction and distance of other vehicles to prevent accidents, while also enabling reliable data transmission between vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The system uses controllable light sources to emit modulated light, with sensor units equipped with optical imaging systems to determine direction and distance through light intensity values, and modulated signal evaluation, allowing for precise direction and distance determination and low error data transmission. Additionally, the system includes a means to control steering to avoid collisions by changing the vehicle's trajectory based on detected light sources and camera evaluations for position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light intensity values from multiple sensor units are used to determine direction and distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple sensors and evaluation units
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into multiple sensor units arranged around the vehicle, each independently detecting light intensity. This segmentation allows precise directional determination through comparison of readings from different sensor positions while keeping each individual sensor simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source serves multiple functions: it illuminates the road for normal driving operations and simultaneously transmits vehicle data through modulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication hardware, reducing device complexity while enabling precise data transmission and distance measurement.
2Productivity
If modulated light signals are used for data transmission between vehicles, then productivity is improved through high data rates, but reliability decreases due to potential interference and signal noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the same sensor units that detect light intensity for receiving modulated signals. The evaluation unit processes these signals by comparing expected modulation patterns with actual sensor readings, providing feedback-based error correction that maintains reliability while enabling high-speed data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Data is transmitted through periodic modulation of the light source at specific frequencies. This periodic action creates distinct signal patterns that can be easily distinguished from random noise through frequency filtering, ensuring reliable communication while maintaining high data transmission rates.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensor units are arranged in a regular pattern on a carrier, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised due to fixed geometric constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the carrier holding the sensor units to be positioned at different distances from the vehicle center and permits variation in the exact spacing between sensors. This parameter flexibility enables adaptation to different vehicle types and manufacturing tolerances while maintaining sufficient measurement precision through the overall geometric arrangement.
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 approach enables precise direction and distance determination, reduces collision risks, and facilitates high-data-rate communication between vehicles, ensuring effective collision avoidance and accurate position tracking.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor unit has a sensor and an imaging system, in particular a lens, with the sensor being arranged essentially in the focal point of the imaging system
Implementation Method 2
The other vehicle 3 is located in this cone of light. Each vehicle 3 has sensor units 1 on its outer circumference
Implementation Method 3
The controllable light source 2 emits modulated light, with sensor units equipped with optical imaging systems to determine direction and distance through light intensity values
Implementation Method 4
On their front side they have a controllable light source 2, in particular a multiplicity or an array of controllable light sources
Implementation Method 5
sensor units equipped with optical imaging systems to determine direction and distance through light intensity values
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system with vehicles (3) and to a method for operating a system with a plurality of vehicles (3), each vehicle (3) comprising a controllable light source (2) and sensor units (1), the sensor units (1) being connected to an evaluation unit for evaluating the sensor signals, wherein the evaluation unit has a means for determining that sensor unit (1) which detects the greatest light intensity, wherein each sensor unit (1) on the vehicle (3) has an orientation, the angular distance of which to a direction fixed by the vehicle (3), in particular the direction of travel (5) in the case of straight-ahead travel, is stored in a memory.