Adaptive Headlight Beam Width Control via Stereo Camera Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle lighting systems fail to effectively adjust beam width and shape in response to changing traffic conditions, often blinding oncoming traffic while not providing optimal illumination ahead.

Innovation Solution

A stereo camera system captures images to create a spatial representation of external light sources, allowing for adaptive control of headlight beam width and shape, integrating with vehicle control systems to adjust lighting based on traffic conditions, road surface, and object recognition for enhanced safety features like pedestrian protection and automatic high beam activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the headlight beam width is increased to improve illumination of the area in front of the vehicle, then the driver has better visibility, but oncoming traffic is blinded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination of the area in front of the vehicleVSAvoidblinding of oncoming traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of headlight beam width using a motor-driven adjustment mechanism that continuously modifies the lighting parameters based on real-time detection of traffic conditions, road curvature, and environmental factors, allowing the system to optimize illumination while preventing blinding of oncoming traffic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs sensors and detection devices that continuously monitor the environment and feed this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the headlight beam width accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a single camera is used for light width regulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system reliability decreases due to potential camera failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidnumber of cameras

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a redundant camera system where multiple cameras are used to capture images for light width regulation. This redundancy ensures that if one camera fails, the system can continue to function using the remaining cameras, thereby cushioning against potential failures and maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the beam width is constantly adjusted to adapt to traffic conditions, then the lighting system becomes more responsive, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to traffic conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes images from cameras, detects traffic conditions, determines road curvature, controls headlight beam width adjustment, and coordinates with other vehicle systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7447581B2Procedure for controlling the light width of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2008.11.04 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

In a method for traffic dependent light width adjustment of light width for headlights in a motor vehicle, at least two image capturing units are provided whose pictures are forwarded to a control unit for evaluation. A control unit for controlling the light width of the headlights is provided, and on the basis of the captured pictures of both image capturing units a classification of the light sources outside of the vehicle is conducted. A distinction is made between oncoming, standing, and distancing light sources. With this classification the light width of the headlights is adjusted.