Device and method for invisible road illumination and imaging using preliminary pulses

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a reduced glare imaging system for motor vehicles, and more particularly to roadway illumination systems which do not cause glare for oncoming drivers.

#2. Discussion of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an imaging system for object illumination and imaging in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2A is a timing diagram representing illuminating pulses and gating periods associated with an exemplary imaging system in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2B is an exploded representation of illuminating pulses of FIG. 2A.

#The present invention relates to an imaging system for motor vehicles which emits electromagnetic pulses (primary light pulses) and receives radiation resulting from the primary light pulses being scattered by an object. The scattered radiation received is used for object illumination and imaging. The imaging system also emits a preliminary electromagnetic pulse (first pulse) prior to each primary light pulse to alert other imaging systems that a primary light pulse will soon follow.

#The first pulse can have different parameters than the primary light pulse. Accordingly, a first imaging system can receive a first pulse from a second source, such as a second imaging system. In response, the first imaging system can be gated to an operational state where the first imaging system does not responsive to light signals during the time period in which the first imaging system would otherwise receive a blinding primary light pulse emitted by the second imaging system. Accordingly, the first imaging system will not be affected by glare caused by the second imaging system's primary light pulse. Hence, the present invention provides a high reliability imaging system with virtually no glare, which is of utmost importance, especially for vehicles which are used to provide emergency services, such as police vehicles, ambulances, fire rescue vehicles, etc.

#Primary Light Pulse Generation and Detection