Vehicle Side-Lighting Layout for Uniform Lateral Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lighting systems struggle to uniformly illuminate the lateral regions of vehicles, making it difficult to detect ground markings and obstacles, especially at night, which hinders the performance of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane keeping, lane centering, lane changing, autonomous emergency braking, and parking assistance.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rear first luminous module and a front second luminous module, with their light beams oriented towards each other, creating a region of overlap that uniformly illuminates the lateral region of the vehicle. The modules can emit visible or infrared light, with near-infrared being preferred to comply with regulations and utilize existing sensor technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing vehicle lighting systems are used, then the road in front of the vehicle is illuminated, but the lateral regions remain insufficiently illuminated making detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into multiple luminous modules (first and second modules) positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each module independently illuminates a specific portion of the lateral region, and their combined coverage achieves complete illumination of the entire lateral area without requiring a single complex lighting system.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lateral region is illuminated uniformly, then detection of ground markings and obstacles is improved, but the angular extent makes uniform lighting very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each luminous module is oriented to illuminate a specific local area of the lateral region. The first module illuminates one portion while the second module illuminates another portion, with their illumination areas overlapping to ensure uniform coverage. This local specialization approach achieves uniform overall illumination without requiring complex single-source lighting arrangements.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple luminous modules are used to cover the lateral region, then illumination coverage is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second luminous modules are not only illumination devices but also serve as imaging devices capable of capturing images of the lateral region. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate imaging devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving comprehensive illumination and detection capabilities.
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 effectively illuminates the lateral region of the vehicle, enhancing the detection of ground markings and obstacles, thereby improving the performance of ADAS functions and making them suitable for autonomous vehicles, while maintaining simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a rear first luminous module capable of emitting a first light beam and a front second luminous module capable of emitting a second light beam
Implementation Method 2
the first luminous module and/or the second luminous module comprises at least one source of infrared light, preferably of near-infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a system for lighting a lateral region of a vehicle. The system includes a first rear light module capable of emitting a first light beam and a second front light module capable of emitting a second light beam. The first and second light modules are arranged such that their respective light beams are oriented towards each other. The invention also relates to a vehicle including such a system. The invention finally concerns a lighting method and a method for assisting the driving of a vehicle.