Vehicle Surround Capture With Complementary Light Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle surround capture systems are not space-efficient and lack redundancy, particularly for self-driving applications.
Innovation Solution
An illumination unit emits at least two light pulses with complementary light patterns, allowing for simultaneous generation of sensor and useful light without interference, using a high-frequency pulse frequency imperceptible to the human eye, and an optical capture unit captures these pulses synchronously for evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are installed for surround capture, then measurement precision and redundancy are improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (illumination and optical capture) into a single integrated sensor unit. The illumination unit and optical capture unit are merged into one device that performs both functions, eliminating the need for separate illumination devices and cameras, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit performs multiple functions: it emits light pulses for illumination, captures reflected light for depth measurement, and provides surround capture. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing installation space and system complexity while improving redundancy.
2Measurement precision
If light pulses are emitted for sensor measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but interference with surroundings and visibility to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination unit emits light in periodic pulse sequences rather than continuous illumination. The optical capture unit is synchronized to capture images only during specific phases of these pulse sequences. This periodic operation enables depth measurement while minimizing continuous light emission that could interfere with surroundings or be visible to humans.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light pulse are used for different purposes: certain spatial-temporal regions emit light for sensor measurement, while other regions maintain normal illumination or remain dark. This localized differentiation allows measurement functionality without creating widespread interference or visible patterns to humans.
3Reliability
If additional redundancy is added for self-driving applications, then reliability is improved, but installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges illumination and optical capture functions into a single integrated sensor unit that can be installed in existing vehicle locations such as side mirrors or headlamp regions. This consolidation provides redundant surround capture capability without requiring additional installation space, as the integrated unit replaces or supplements existing components rather than adding entirely new devices.
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 ensures space-efficient surround capture with enhanced redundancy, supporting other sensors under adverse conditions like heavy fog, while minimizing interference and enabling high-resolution imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an optical capture unit for detecting light pulses reflected on an object in the surroundings
Implementation Method 2
the distance of, and thus the distance to, the object may be calculated from the propagation time of the light pulse detected by the optical capture unit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing surroundings of a vehicle, which includes an illumination unit for emitting light pulses into surroundings, an optical capture unit for detecting the surroundings, an evaluation unit for evaluating a detection signal recorded by the optical capture unit. The illumination unit is designed such that at least two light pulses are periodically emitted, luminous areas of the light pulses having light patterns designed to be complementary to each other. The optical capture unit being controlled such that it captures an illumination area illuminated by the light pulses as a detection image synchronously with the emission of the light pulses.