Vehicle Vision System Using Optical Beam Splitting for Wide Field of View
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems face limitations in field of view, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance complexity, particularly due to the high expense of multiple laser light sources and the need for rotating parts to extend the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A vision system comprising multiple receiving units with light deflection and sensing devices, utilizing a single light source and optical beam splitting to generate multiple light beams, which are distributed across the vehicle to cover an extended field of view without rotating parts, reducing the number of scanning devices and light sources, and using flexible optical fibers for positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are installed to extend the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receiving units with a single light source through optical beam splitting. The light beam from one source is divided into multiple beams that are directed to different receiving units, allowing the system to achieve an extended field of view without installing multiple expensive laser light sources. This merging approach maintains detection coverage while significantly reducing the number of light sources required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light detection function into multiple receiving units, each equipped with light deflection devices and light sensing devices. These receiving units are distributed across the vehicle to cover different angular ranges. By segmenting the reception function while sharing the light source, the system achieves wide-field coverage without proportionally increasing the number of light sources.
2Area of stationary object
If rotating parts are used to extend the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple angular ranges, with each receiving unit dedicated to a specific angular range. The light deflection devices in each receiving unit are configured to direct light from specific angular ranges to the light sensing devices. This segmentation eliminates the need for rotating parts to scan the entire field of view, as each unit statically covers its designated angular range.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rotating parts to dynamically scan the field of view, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple stationary receiving units with fixed light deflection devices. Each receiving unit is configured to capture light from a specific angular range through its light deflection device, eliminating mechanical rotation while achieving comprehensive field coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are installed to extend the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source function into a single unit that serves all receiving units through optical beam splitting. By consolidating the light source into one component rather than distributing multiple light sources across the vehicle, the system reduces the number of components that require maintenance. The single light source can be serviced once, benefiting all receiving units simultaneously.
4Area of stationary object
If rotating parts are used to extend the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but noise and vibration issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the dynamic scanning approach by using multiple stationary receiving units with fixed light deflection devices. Each receiving unit is configured to capture light from a specific angular range without requiring mechanical rotation. This eliminates the noise and vibration generated by rotating parts while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage through the distributed arrangement of receiving units.
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 achieves a wide field of view, such as 360°, while being cost-effective by minimizing the number of expensive light sources and eliminating the need for rotating parts, thus simplifying maintenance and reducing noise and vibration issues.
Implementation Method 1
a surface is illuminated by a light beam that originates from a light source, typically a laser light source, and is reflected by the surface
Implementation Method 2
The time-of-flight of the light beam is indicative of the distance between the system and a point on the surface
Implementation Method 3
an optical beam splitting arrangement on the emitting side for generating a plurality of light beams from said light beam, wherein said light beams are emitted into the environment of the vehicle for scanning said surface
Implementation Method 4
The optical fibers advantageously generate a plurality of light beams which could also have different or equal properties
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A vision system 1 for a vehicle 100 comprises at least one light source 2 arranged on an emitting side 23 adapted to generate at least one light beam 3, at least one receiving unit 25 arranged on a receiving side 24 with a light deflection device 6 comprising an array of light deflection elements 7, wherein each light deflection element is adapted to redirect light which is incident on said light deflection element from a scanned surface 4 in an environment 5 of the vehicle 100, and to change the direction of the redirected light between at least a first deflection direction and a second deflection direction, and a light sensing device 8 to sense light redirected from the light deflection device 6 in said first deflection direction, and a data processing device 19. The vision system 1 further comprises a plurality of receiving units 25, wherein each receiving unit 25 comprises a corresponding light deflection device 6 and a corresponding light sensing device 8, and wherein the number of light sources 2 is less than the number of said receiving units 25.