Vehicle Light Source Layout for Near-Infrared Road Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light-emitting devices fail to provide sufficient illumination to the road, especially in areas not covered by conventional side marker lamps and backup lamps, leading to poor image capture by attached image capturing devices, particularly in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
A light source unit comprising a light-emitting device that emits near infrared light to the lateral, front, and rear areas of a vehicle, ensuring precise image capture by image capturing devices, even in unlit regions, using multiple light emitters strategically positioned on the vehicle body and side mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional side marker lamps and backup lamps are used for illumination, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the road areas not covered by these lamps remain unlit leading to poor image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is segmented into multiple independent light-emitting devices positioned at different locations (side mirrors, front, rear) to cover different road areas. Each light-emitting device independently illuminates its specific zone, collectively achieving comprehensive road coverage without requiring a single complex lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends illumination from traditional vertical downward lighting to include lateral and oblique directions. By positioning light sources on side mirrors and using multiple emission angles, the system covers road areas in lateral, front, and rear dimensions that conventional lamps cannot reach.
2Measurement precision
If light-emitting devices are added to cover unlit road areas, then image capture precision improves, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting devices serve multiple functions: they illuminate road areas for image capture, provide vehicle visibility to other road users, and can be integrated with existing vehicle lighting systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated illumination devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines image capture devices and light-emitting devices into integrated assemblies mounted on side mirrors and vehicle body. This merging reduces overall system complexity by consolidating components that work together for the same ultimate goal of road monitoring.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light-emitting devices are positioned strategically, then coverage of lateral, front, and rear road areas improves, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting devices are designed as pre-assembled units with integrated mounting structures. These units can be installed as complete modules on side mirrors and vehicle body, reducing on-site assembly complexity and facilitating easier manufacturing and installation despite the multiple components involved.
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 enables precise image capture of the road, including road markings, by providing adequate illuminance in previously unlit areas, reducing halation and enhancing image clarity, especially in low-light conditions, and supporting autonomous driving applications.
Implementation Method 1
the light-emitting device emits near infrared light to a road in a lateral area of the vehicle and a road in at least one of the front area or the rear area of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an image capturing device that captures an image of the road by detecting light emitted from the light-emitting device and then reflected off the road
Data Source
AI summary
A light source unit includes a light-emitting device to be attached to a vehicle together with an image capturing device, and the light-emitting device emits near infrared light to a road in a lateral area of vehicle and a road in at least one of the front area or the rear area of the vehicle.