Adaptive Vehicle Headlamp Light Distribution for Autonomous Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle front light distributions are not optimized for the distinct needs of human drivers versus optical cameras used in autonomous driving systems, leading to suboptimal object recognition and safety during partially or fully autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
Adapting the front light distribution based on whether the vehicle is driven by a person or autonomously, using a smaller beam angle for cameras and targeted illumination by additional sensors like radar or lidar to enhance object detection and distance estimation, while avoiding dazzling oncoming traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional wide light distribution is used to illuminate the entire visual range of a human driver, then the angle of vision coverage is improved, but the light range and object detection distance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light distribution adaptive and changeable based on driving mode. The control unit switches between different light distribution patterns (wide for manual driving, narrow for autonomous driving) to optimize performance for each specific operating condition, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and light range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating light intensity in specific regions based on driving mode. During autonomous driving, the narrow light distribution concentrates illumination on the central road area where objects of interest are located, rather than uniformly illuminating the entire wide field, thus extending effective detection distance.
2Measurement precision
If a smaller beam angle is used for camera optimization during autonomous driving, then object recognition precision is improved, but the overall illumination coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the beam angle based on the detected driving mode. When autonomous driving is detected, the control unit activates the narrow beam angle configuration optimized for camera detection precision. When manual driving is detected, it switches to the wide beam angle for comprehensive illumination coverage.
3Reliability
If additional sensors like radar or lidar are used for autonomous driving, then detection capability is improved, but targeted illumination is required to maximize camera effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection system into complementary components: active sensors (radar/lidar) for reliable detection independent of light, and the optical camera for detailed recognition that benefits from targeted illumination. The control unit coordinates these segmented systems, using sensor data to trigger appropriate lighting responses.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the open-loop or closed-loop control of the front light distribution of a vehicle having headlamps that can be changed with respect to the light distribution involves producing a different light distribution during an at least partially autonomous driving operation of the vehicle than during operation with a person driving the vehicle.