Vehicle Lighting System with Telemetry for Obstacle Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting and signaling systems for motor vehicles struggle to adaptively control the dimensions, intensity, and direction of light beams based on traffic conditions, and they suffer from inefficiencies in wavelength conversion and light diffusion processes, leading to incomplete distance measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that incorporates a primary light source, a wavelength conversion device, and an optical imaging system, along with a control unit featuring modulation and demodulation means to generate and process signals from non-converted primary light, enabling precise distance measurement and three-dimensional image creation of obstacles using high-frequency sinusoidal modulation and phase modulation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a wavelength conversion device using phosphorescent material is used to create white light, then the lighting system can provide adaptable illumination, but the slow diffusion process of phosphorescence light limits the speed of light transmission and distance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light beam into two distinct components: converted phosphorescence light and non-converted primary light. The non-converted light travels at the speed of light for instantaneous distance measurement, while the converted light provides the necessary illumination. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the speed limitation imposed by phosphorescence diffusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the non-converted primary light as an intermediary carrier for distance measurement information. This intermediary light component travels unimpeded through the optical system, carrying modulation signals that enable fast telemetry, while the converted light serves as the illumination medium.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conversion device is used to return secondary light radiation, then wavelength conversion occurs, but the non-converted primary light must be filtered out for accurate distance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the wavelength difference between the primary light source and the phosphorescent conversion light. By selecting a primary light source with wavelength outside the phosphor's emission spectrum, the non-converted light maintains a distinct color signature that can be easily separated using simple optical filters, avoiding complex filtering systems.
3Measurement precision
If modulation signals are used for distance measurement, then telemetry capability is achieved, but the modulation frequency must be higher than the phosphorescence diffusion rate to maintain signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic modulation of the primary light source at frequencies远高于 the phosphorescence diffusion rate. This dynamic approach allows the non-converted light to carry high-frequency modulation signals for precise distance measurement, while the converted light naturally filters out these high frequencies due to its slow diffusion characteristics.
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 system allows for a simple and cost-effective evaluation of obstacle distances and creation of three-dimensional images, enhancing safety and driving conditions by accurately assessing the environment with adaptable light beams.
Implementation Method 1
a first primary light source producing a first primary light beam of given wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a first wavelength conversion device receiving the first primary light beam and returning a secondary light radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting system including a primary light source producing a primary light beam in the direction of a conversion device that returns a secondary light radiation to an optical imaging system forming a projected light beam. A light sensor generates a signal corresponding to the light received by this sensor. The light includes a non-converted light part of the first primary light beam which is returned by the conversion device in the projected light beam and is reflected by an obstacle situated in the zone illustrated by said projected light beam. A control unit has modulation means generating a modulation signal for the primary light, and demodulation means for processing the signal formed by said sensor, and determines a distance between the obstacle and the lighting system.