3D Light Projector Calibration for Real-Time Alignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adaptive lighting systems in vehicles lack precision and quality due to inaccurate 2D-based calibration methods, leading to issues like dazzling oncoming vehicles and limited use of fine light patterns, especially at greater distances, and mechanical stress causes misalignment that is not adequately addressed by existing calibration methods.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a depth camera, such as a stereo camera or TOF camera, to determine the 3D position of light projector elements relative to a capturing surface, allowing for real-time calibration of light projector orientation and position through test images with recognizable comparison structures, enabling precise 3D projection adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D-based calibration methods are used, then the calibration process is simple, but the illumination precision and lighting quality are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D calibration to 3D calibration by introducing depth information through a depth camera. The calibration process now operates in three-dimensional space, determining spatial relationships between the camera and light projector in 3D coordinates rather than 2D image coordinates. This dimensional upgrade enables precise mapping between 3D scene objects and 2D light projector elements, achieving high illumination precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated processing.
2Reliability
If adaptive lighting strategies are implemented with fine light patterns, then lighting quality improves, but mechanical stress causes misalignment that reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the depth camera continuously captures the projection surface and compares the actual light pattern position with the intended position. When mechanical stress causes misalignment, the system detects the deviation and automatically compensates by adjusting the light projector's aiming direction or recalculating the projection mapping. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable lighting quality despite mechanical vibrations or displacements during vehicle operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual calibration methods are used, then initial setup is possible, but real-time correction of misalignment is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration automatically without requiring manual intervention. The depth camera captures the projection surface, the control unit processes the images to detect comparison structures, calculates the spatial relationship between camera and light projector, and adjusts the projection mapping in real-time. This automated self-service approach maintains ease of operation while enabling continuous real-time correction of misalignment, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions during vehicle operation.
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
Enables precise 3D projection and adaptive lighting strategies by correcting translational and rotational displacements in real-time, allowing for accurate illumination of specific areas and objects, even during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a depth camera, for example a stereo camera, a Time-of-Flight (TOF) camera, a LiDAR
Implementation Method 2
a camera, which is designed to capture a capturing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for calibrating a light projector (1) with adaptable luminous elements (3) arranged in an image plane (2), comprising a camera (4) and a control unit (5) connected to the light projector (1) and the camera (4), wherein the light projector (1) is configured to project in temporal succession at least two test images (6, 6′) with at least two comparison structures (9, 9′) from the image plane (2) to an arbitrarily extending projection surface (7), the camera (4) is a depth camera configured to record at least two camera images of a recording surface (8) in a manner substantially synchronized temporally with the light projector (1), and to detect the three-dimensional position data of the comparison structures (9, 9′) in the camera images, and the control unit (5) is configured to determine the position and orientation of the light projector (1), and to calculate the translational displacement and rotational twist between camera (4) and projector (1).