GB2529442A

GB2529442A - Illumination system

Info

Publication number: GB2529442A
Application number: GB1414784.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Greenwood; Paul Widdowson
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-20
Filing date: 2014-08-20
Publication date: 2016-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-20
Also published as: GB2529442B; GB201414784D0

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an illumination system. The illumination system includes a base unit (Figure 1, 3) having means for emitting a directional beam of electromagnetic radiation L, and an aerial platform 5. The aerial platform 5 comprises a luminescent target (Figure 1, 7) for emitting light when energized by the directional electromagnetic beam. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle V in combination with the illumination system. The aerial platform may comprise of a drone or a remote controlled aircraft. The system may be used to a send a message. The electromagnetic beam may be a laser beam.

Description

ILLUMINATION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an illumination system and particularly, but not exclusively, to an illumination system for a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to an illumination system, to an aerial platform, and to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

When working from or with a utility vehicle, it is useful to be able to illuminate a work area around the vehicle. This is important to enable the driver to understand the terrain surrounding the vehicle and to identify a suitable route. The vehicle is typically fitted with headlamps or spotlights to illuminate the terrain in front of the vehicle. However, in certain scenarios, the driver may be confronted with a blind spot in which they are unable to determine terrain features. As illustrated in Figure 3A, an obstacle 0 proximal to a vehicle V will be illuminated by the light from a headlamp. However, a shadow will be cast behind the obstacle 0 and this may obscure certain terrain features from view. This can present a particular problem for the driver of the vehicle as they may be unable to identify hazards or obstacles behind the obstacle 0.

One approach to overcome the aforementioned problem would be to mount floodlights on top of the vehicle to reduce the size of the shadow cast by an obstacle in front of the vehicle.

However, this approach is not always practicable, particularly on vehicles which are intended primarily for use on highways or roads. An alternate approach would be to floodlight the area around the vehicle. This could be achieved by a rising mast with a halogen floodlight.

However, the rising mast would occupy space within the vehicle and would potentially be time consuming to deploy.

It is against this background that the present invention has been conceived. At least in certain embodiments, the present invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate problems and

limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to an illumination system for a vehicle, to an aerial platform, and to a vehicle.

According to a further aspect there is provided an illumination system comprising: a base unit having means for emitting a directional beam of electromagnetic radiation; and an aerial platform; wherein the aerial platform comprises a luminescent target for emitting light when energized by said directional electromagnetic beam.

The aerial platform can be movable relative to the base unit, for example to be deployed to a position remote from the base unit. The illumination system can be configured to be used in conjunction with a vehicle. The aerial platform can be deployed to provide a light source remote from the vehicle. Thus, the aerial platform can provide a secondary lighting system to supplement a primary lighting system. The primary lighting system can, for example, comprise one or more headlamps and/or spotlights. The aerial platform can in certain embodiments function as a remote floodlight. By energising the luminescent target with electromagnetic radiation emitted from the base unit, the aerial platform does not need to provide a separate power source, such as a battery, for an on-board source of light.

Moreover, the position of the aerial platform relative to the vehicle can be controlled, for example to illuminate a particular area of interest.

The light emitted from the luminescent target can be in the visible light spectrum or outside the visible light spectrum. For example, the light emitted can be infrared light or ultraviolet light. An appropriately sensitised camera can be used to view the infrared or ultraviolet light.

The base unit can be configured for mounting to the vehicle. The vehicle can be an off-road vehicle or a utility vehicle. The base unit can comprise a targeting apparatus configured to direct the directional beam of electromagnetic radiation at said luminescent target. The base unit can comprise a tracking device configured to track the position of the aerial platform relative to the base unit. The targeting apparatus can be coupled to the tracking device. The tracking device can, for example, comprise a camera coupled to an image processor.

The emitting means can comprise a laser for emitting a laser beam. The targeting apparatus can comprise one or more mirrors for aiming the directional beam of electromagnetic radiation at the luminescent target. The emitting means can be adapted to output electromagnetic radiation at an optical energising wavelength of the luminescent target.

The luminescent target emits light after the absorption of photons from the beam of electromagnetic radiation. The luminescent target can, for example, comprise phosphor or a compound of phosphor. The luminescent target could comprise other materials to change the colour of the emitted light.

The luminescent target can be adapted such that the light is emitted downwardly from the aerial platform. For example, the luminescent target can be disposed on an underside of the aerial platform. The luminescent target can comprise an at least partially transparent medium for reflecting the laser beam internally within the at least partially transparent medium.

A surface of the at least partially transparent medium can be coated with a luminescent material. A surface of the at least partially transparent medium can be doped with a luminescent material. Alternatively, or in addition, particles of a luminescent material can be suspended in the at least partially transparent medium.

The aerial platform could be tethered, for example to receive control signals and/or electrical power for one or more electric motors over a wired connection. The aerial platform can comprise a remote controlled aircraft, such as a helicopter, a multi-rotor aircraft (such as a tn-copter or a quad-copter), an aeroplane, or an airship. Alternatively, the aerial platform could be a balloon. The aerial platform could be configured to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. For example, the aerial platform could be configured to hold station relative to the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerial platform could be configured to operate over a search pattern on a pre-prograrnmed or autonomous basis.

The aerial platform could be configured to detect the directional electromagnetic beam. The aerial platform could lock onto the directional electromagnetic beam, for example by detecting when the light emitted by the luminescent target is brightest. The aerial platform could, for example, move to the centre of the directional electromagnetic beam. The same mechanism could be applied if the aerial platform was partly obscured by an intermediate object, such as a tree branch. The aerial platform could be steered using the directional electromagnetic beam as a guide. Alternatively, a control for controlling the directional electromagnetic beam could be configured also to control the aerial platform. User inputs to control the directional electromagnetic beam could be transmitted to the aerial platform to synchronize movements. This technique could, for example, be implemented if the directional electromagnetic beam is controlled by a low resolution drive mechanism, such as a stepper motor operative in incremental steps of one (1) degree. In a simplified arrangement, the directional electromagnetic beam could be fixed in a straight ahead position and the aerial platform is configured to lock onto the beam and hold position at a fixed distance from the vehicle. Alternatively, the directional electromagnetic beam could be inclined upwardly relative to a horizontal axis and rotatable about a vertical axis. The aerial platform could track the directional electromagnetic beam to follow a circular flight path based on the angular orientation of the directional electromagnetic beam.

The luminescent target can comprise a curved surface. The curved surface can be convex or concave. The curved surface can be part-spherical or part-cylindrical. Alternatively, the luminescent target can comprise a planar surface. The luminescent target can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane (so as to be inclined when the aerial platform is hovering) to provide an increased target area. The luminescent target could be steerable to control the direction in which the light is emitted. The luminescent target could, for example, be controlled in dependence on a head tracking unit provided in the vehicle to monitor the driver head pose (orientation).

The base unit can be configured to control the directional electromagnetic beam to modulate the emission of light from the luminescent target to transmit a message. The directional electromagnetic beam can be controlled to energize the luminescent target intermittently to transmit said message optically, for example using Morse code. The base unit can be configured to switch the directional electromagnetic beam on and off; or to direct the directional electromagnetic beam away from the luminescent target.

According to a further aspect there is provided a vehicle comprising a base unit as described herein. The aerial platform can be deployed to provide illumination remote from the vehicle.

According to a further aspect there is provided an illumination system of the type described herein in combination with a vehicle. The vehicle can, for example, be an off-road vehicle, a utility vehicle, or a sports utility vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a base unit; the base unit having: means for emitting a directional electromagnetic beam, and a targeting apparatus for directing the directional electromagnetic beam at a luminescent target.

The base unit can be configured to control the directional electromagnetic beam to modulate the emission of light from the luminescent target to transmit a message.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerial platform comprising a luminescent target for emitting light when energized by an electromagnetic beam.

The luminescent target comprises a luminescent material for emitting light when energized by a laser beam.

The luminescent target can comprises an at least partially transparent medium for reflecting the laser beam internally.

The luminescent target can comprise a curved surface. The curved surface can be convex or concave. The curved surface can be part-spherical or part-cylindrical. Alternatively, the luminescent target can comprise a planar surface. The planar surface can be inclined relative to a horizontal plane (so as to be inclined when the aerial platform is hovering) to provide an increased target area.

The term luminescent is used herein to refer to a material which actively emits light when energized. It will be understood that luminescent includes phosphorescence and/or fluorescence.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle illumination system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an aerial platform for use in the vehicle illumination system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3A illustrates terrain illumination performed from a light source mounted on a vehicle; and Figure 3B illustrates terrain illumination performed utilising a vehicle illumination system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of an illumination system 1 for a vehicle V will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The illumination system 1 is operable to provide a source of light remote from the vehicle V to provide improved illumination. In particular, the illumination system 1 comprises a base unit 3 disposed on the vehicle V and an aerial platform 5. The aerial platform 5 comprises a luminescent target 7 which emits light when energized by electromagnetic energy transmitted from the base unit 3. The aerial platform 5 can thereby function as a secondary lighting system for the vehicle V. As shown in figure 1, the base unit 3 comprises a control unit 9 including a processor 11 coupled to system memory 12, and a wireless transmitter 13. The processor 11 is configured to execute a set of software instructions held in the system memory 12. The wireless transmitter 13 comprises a first antenna 19 and is configured to transmit control signals wirelessly to the aerial platform 5. The control signals can be generated based on a predefined set of instructions or in dependence on user inputs, for example via a human machine interface (not shown). The wireless transmitter 13 could optionally be provided with a receiver for receiving signals from the aerial platform 5. The control unit 9 is coupled to a tracking unit 15 and an electromagnetic emitting module 17. The tracking unit 15 and/or the electromagnetic emitting module 17 could be integrated into the base unit 3.

The tracking unit 15 is configured to track the position and orientation of the aerial platform 5 in relation to the vehicle V. The tracking unit 15 comprises a camera 21 coupled to an image processing unit 23. The camera 21 is operative to generate image data for analysis by the image processing unit 23, for example to identify the relative position of defined features of the aerial platform 5, such as light emitting diodes ([ED5). The camera 21 can be a stereoscopic camera to determine the relative position of the aerial platform 5. The image processing unit 23 can thereby determine the relative position and orientation of the aerial platform 5. The image processing unit 23 outputs a tracking signal Si to the processor ii to enable the position and orientation of the aerial platform 5 to be determine in relation to the base unit 3. The processor 11 could optionally obtain positional data information from other sources, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) or inertial navigation. To provide a suitable field of view, the camera 21 can be mounted to a roof of the vehicle.

The electromagnetic emitting module 17 is configured to emit a directional beam of electromagnetic radiation. In the present embodiment, the electromagnetic emitting module 17 comprises a laser 25 for emitting a beam [of coherent light (referred to herein as a laser beam [). The laser 25 in the present embodiment emits electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of S0nM. The term light used herein refers to electromagnetic radiation at any frequency and, therefore, includes visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and so on. The electromagnetic emitting module 17 also comprises a targeting apparatus 27 for directing the laser beam [. The targeting apparatus 27 comprises a first mirror 29 pivotable about a horizontal (1) axis and a second mirror 31 pivotable about a vertical (Z) axis. By controlling the orientation of the first and second mirrors 29, 31, the direction of the laser 25 output from the base unit 3 can be controlled. A control module 33 is provided to control operation of the laser 25 and the targeting apparatus 27 in dependence on a control signal S2 received from the processor 11. The control signal S2 comprises an activation component for controlling the laser 25 and a targeting component for controlling the targeting apparatus 27. The targeting component of the control signal S2 is generated by the processor 11 in dependence on the tracking signal Si generated by the tracking unit 15. A modified arrangement of the targeting apparatus 27 could utilise a single mirror pivotable about horizontal (Y) and vertical (Z) axes. The mirror could, for example, be mounted to a gimbal.

The aerial platform 5 is capable of hovering to provide a stationary light source. The aerial platform 5 in the present embodiment is a remote controlled quad-copter having four electric motors 35 each coupled to respective rotor 37. As shown in Figure 2, a flight controller 39 is provided to control operation of the electric motors 35, thereby controlling the flight pattern of the aerial platform 5. The flight controller 39 is coupled to a wireless receiver 41 having a second antenna 43 for receiving control signals transmitted from the wireless transmitter 13 in the base unit 3. A rechargeable battery (not shown) is provided to power the electric motors 35. The luminescent target 7 is disposed beneath the aerial platform 5 such that, when energized, light is emitted downwardly to a region beneath the aerial platform 5. In the present embodiment, the luminescent target 7 comprises a convex member 45 formed from a transparent plastics material. In the present embodiment, the convex member 45 is part-spherical. A luminescent coating or a doped coating, for example comprising phosphorous, is applied to an inner surface of the convex member 45. Alternatively, luminescent particles can be suspended in the convex member 45. In an alternative embodiment, the luminescent target 7 could comprise a concave member for emitting light to a localised region beneath the aerial platform 5. In a further alternative, the luminescent target 7 could comprise a planar member which would optionally be inclined to a horizontal plane to provide a larger target.

The operation of the illumination system 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. As outlined above, when the vehicle V is travelling off-road, the vehicle headlamps may not always be effective in illuminating terrain features in front of the vehicle.

As shown in Figure 3A, there is a bright foreground reflection for an obstacle 0 located proximal to the vehicle V. Moreover, a shadow or unlit region is formed behind the obstacle O which results in a blind spot where terrain features are not visible or are only partially obscured to the driver. The terrain distal from the vehicle V can be dimly lit due to background reflection. As a consequence, the driver may need to exit the vehicle V to identify (spot) obscured terrain features, particularly those behind the obstacle 0. The illumination system 1 in accordance with the present embodiment overcomes or ameliorates at least some of these problems.

As shown in Figure 3B, the aerial platform 5 is launched from the vehicle V. The wireless transmitter 13 transmits a control signal to the aerial platform 5, for example in dependence on inputs from the driver of the vehicle V, to manoeuvre the aerial platform 5 into the desired location above the terrain features to be viewed. In the illustrated arrangement, the aerial platform 5 is positioned on the opposite side of the obstacle 0 from the vehicle V. In order to avoid distracting the driver of the vehicle V, the aerial platform 5 could optionally be configured to hover over a fixed position on the ground. Alternatively, the aerial platform 5 could be configured to remain in a fixed (holding) position relative to the vehicle V, for example at a constant distance from the vehicle and/or a constant angle relative to the vehicle. The aerial platform can be configured to maintain said fixed position relative to the vehicle V, for example to remain in a fixed relative position when the vehicle V moves.

The tracking unit 15 tracks the position and orientation of the aerial platform 5 in relation to the base unit 3. In particular, the camera 21 captures a video image which is analysed by the image processing unit 23 to determine the position and orientation of the aerial platform 5. A tracking signal Si is output to the processor 11 which generates a targeting signal S2 for the electromagnetic emitting module 17. The control module 33 controls operation of the laser and the targeting apparatus 27 in dependence on the targeting signal 52 received from the processor 11. In particular, once the aerial platform 5 has been identified, the targeting apparatus 27 orientates the first and second mirrors 29, 31 such that they are aligned with the luminescent target 7. The laser 25 is then activated to emit a laser beam L which is targeted on the luminescent target 7. The luminescent material on the luminescent target 7 is energised, causing it to luminesce and to emit light. The luminescent target 7 thereby actively illuminates the area beneath the aerial platform 5 by luminescence and not by reflected light. The light emitted from the luminescent target 7 is illustrated by a region S in Figure 3B.

In use, the luminescent target 7 provides an alternate light source which can be positioned remotely from the vehicle V. The use of an aerial platform 5 allows the terrain to be lit from above and can provide a comparatively uniform illumination (similar to a floodlight). Internal reflection of the laser beam L within the convex member 45 can cause the luminescent target 7 to emit light over a larger region (rather than merely the localised region exposed directly to the laser beam L).

By positioning the aerial platform 5 in the appropriate location, the shadow cast by the obstacle 0 can be reduced or eliminated by the light emitted from the energised luminescent target 7. The illumination system 1 can be used in conjunction with, or instead of the headlamps of the vehicle V. The tracking unit 15 can track the aerial platform 5 as it is manoeuvred, thereby enabling the targeting apparatus 27 to target the laser 25 onto the luminescent target 7 to provide a continuous light source. The driver of the vehicle V could, for example, use this tracking function to control the aerial platform 5 so as to illuminate a larger area around the vehicle V, for example to plan a route for the vehicle V. By utilising a laser 25 disposed in the base unit i7, the aerial platform 5 does not need to transport an energy source for an aerial light source. Rather, an internal combustion engine or battery provided on the vehicle V can be used to power the laser 25 which serves as a remote energy source. Thus, the operational characteristics of the aerial platform 5, such as flight time, can be improved.

An alternative application for the illumination system 1 would be to function as an emergency beacon. The aerial platform 5 can be deployed vertically upwardly from the vehicle V and the luminescent target 7 energised by the laser 25 to function as a flare. The activation of the laser 25 could be controlled to cause the luminescent target 7 to broadcast a visible signal.

For example, the laser 25 could be activated intermittently to broadcast an SOS message using Morse code.

It will be appreciated that the illumination system 1 described herein can be modified without departing from the scope of the present application. The light emitted from the luminescent target 7 can be in the visible spectrum. In this arrangement, the driver of the vehicle V can directly view the illuminated terrain. Alternatively, the luminescent target 7 could comprise a luminescent material which emits infrared or ultraviolet light when energized. A camera disposed on the vehicle V could be sensitised to detect infrared or ultraviolet light, as appropriate.

In a further alternative, the aerial platform 5 could be configured to fly in a position relative to the base unit 3 such that the luminescent target 7 remains in the path of the laser beam L. This arrangement would allow the targeting apparatus 27 to be omitted.

Further aspects of the present invention are set out in the following series of numbered paragraphs.

1. An illumination system comprising: a base unit having means for emitting a directional beam of electromagnetic radiation; and an aerial platform; wherein the aerial platform comprises a luminescent target for emitting light when energized by said directional electromagnetic beam.

2. An illumination system as described in paragraph 1, wherein the base unit comprises a targeting apparatus configured to direct the directional beam of electromagnetic radiation at said luminescent target.

3. An illumination system as described in paragraph 2, wherein the targeting apparatus is coupled to a tracking device configured to track the position of the aerial platform relative to the base unit.

4. An illumination system as described in paragraph 1, wherein the emitting means comprises a laser for emitting a laser beam.

5. An illumination system as described in paragraph 1, wherein the luminescent target comprises an at least partially transparent medium for diffusing the beam of electromagnetic radiation internally within the at least partially transparent medium.

6. An illumination system as described in paragraph 5, wherein a surface of the at least partially transparent medium is coated with a luminescent material; or particles of a luminescent material are suspended in the at least partially transparent medium.

7. An illumination system as described in paragraph 1, wherein the aerial platform comprises a remote controlled aircraft.

8. An illumination system as described in paragraph 1, wherein the luminescent target comprises a curved or planar surface.

9. An illumination system as described in paragraph 1, wherein the base unit is configured to control the directional electromagnetic beam to modulate the emission of light from the luminescent target to transmit a message.

10. A vehicle comprising a base unit as described in paragraph 1, wherein the aerial platform is deployable to provide illumination remote from the vehicle.

11. A vehicle comprising a base unit; the base unit having: means for emitting a directional electromagnetic beam, and a targeting apparatus for directing the directional electromagnetic beam at a luminescent target.

12. A vehicle as described in paragraph 11, wherein the base unit is configured to control the directional electromagnetic beam to modulate the emission of light from the luminescent target to transmit a message.

13. An aerial platform comprising a luminescent target for emitting light when energized by an electromagnetic beam.

14. An aerial platform as described in paragraph 13, wherein the luminescent target comprises a luminescent material for emitting light when energized by a laser beam.

15. An aerial platform as described in paragraph 14, wherein the luminescent target comprises an at least partially transparent medium for diffusing the laser beam internally.

16. An aerial platform as described in paragraph 15, wherein a surface of the at least partially transparent medium is coated with a luminescent material; or particles of a luminescent material are suspended in the at least partially transparent medium.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An illumination system comprising: a base unit having means for emitting a directional beam of electromagnetic radiation; and an aerial platform; wherein the aerial platform comprises a luminescent target for emitting light when energized by said directional electromagnetic beam.
2. An illumination system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base unit comprises a targeting apparatus configured to direct the directional beam of electromagnetic radiation at said luminescent target.
3. An illumination system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the targeting apparatus is coupled to a tracking device configured to track the position of the aerial platform relative to the base unit.
4. An illumination system as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the emitting means comprises a laser for emitting a laser beam.
5. An illumination system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the luminescent target comprises an at least partially transparent medium for diffusing the beam of electromagnetic radiation internally within the at least partially transparent medium.
6. An illumination system as claimed in claim 5, wherein a surface of the at least partially transparent medium is coated with a luminescent material; or particles of a luminescent material are suspended in the at least partially transparent medium.
7. An illumination system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerial platform comprises a remote controlled aircraft.
8. An illumination system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the luminescent target comprises a curved or planar surface.
9. An illumination system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit is configured to control the directional electromagnetic beam to modulate the emission of light from the luminescent target to transmit a message.
10. A vehicle comprising a base unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerial platform is deployable to provide illumination remote from the vehicle.
11. A vehicle comprising a base unit; the base unit having: means for emitting a directional electromagnetic beam, and a targeting apparatus for directing the directional electromagnetic beam at a luminescent target.
12. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the base unit is configured to control the directional electromagnetic beam to modulate the emission of light from the luminescent target to transmit a message.
13. An aerial platform comprising a luminescent target for emitting light when energized by an electromagnetic beam.
14. An aerial platform as claimed in claim 13, wherein the luminescent target comprises a luminescent material for emitting light when energized by a laser beam.
15. An aerial platform as claimed in claim 14, wherein the luminescent target comprises an at least partially transparent medium for diffusing the laser beam internally.
16. An aerial platform as claimed in claim 15, wherein a surface of the at least partially transparent medium is coated with a luminescent material; or particles of a luminescent material are suspended in the at least partially transparent medium.
17. An illumination system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
18. An aerial platform substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
19. A vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.