Adaptive Reversing Light Segmentation for Glare-Free Rear Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle vision systems, highly reflective objects can cause overloading of imaging sensors during low light conditions, leading to errors in object detection and analysis, as they result in glare and blinding effects, potentially masking critical objects in the vehicle's path.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system utilizing an adaptive and segmented reversing light source, comprising individually controllable light segments, adjusts illumination intensity based on image data processing to prevent overloading and enhance object detection, particularly by reducing glare from highly reflective objects and increasing illumination for low-illuminated areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a reversing light source is activated during low light conditions, then illumination intensity is improved, but highly reflective objects cause overloading of the imaging sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The reversing light source is divided into multiple independently controllable light segments. The control unit selectively activates only those light segments that illuminate areas without highly reflective objects, while deactivating segments that would illuminate reflective surfaces. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall illumination while avoiding sensor overloading from specific reflective objects.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illumination area are treated differently based on the presence of highly reflective objects. The control unit adjusts the illumination characteristics locally by activating or deactivating specific light segments depending on whether they would illuminate reflective surfaces or non-reflective areas, thereby optimizing illumination quality in different zones.
2Measurement precision
If light intensity is increased to improve visibility, then object detection is enhanced, but glare and blinding effects mask critical objects
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple independently controllable units. The control unit selectively activates only the necessary light segments that provide illumination without creating glare, thereby maintaining object detection accuracy while eliminating blinding effects from overly intense or misplaced illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from image data analysis to dynamically adjust which light segments are activated. When highly reflective objects are detected in certain areas, the control unit deactivates the corresponding light segments that would create glare, thereby preventing blinding effects while maintaining visibility in other areas through selective illumination.
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
The system provides optimal, homogeneous illumination, reducing errors in image recognition and enhancing object detection accuracy during reversing and parking maneuvers by dynamically controlling light intensity, ensuring accurate and unambiguous environmental awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a rearward directed light source 4, which can be part of a vehicle taillight 4a (as shown in FIG. 1) that provides illumination
Implementation Method 2
highly reflective object reflections (off highly reflective objects in the field of view of the camera)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicular vision system (1) includes a camera (2a) disposed at a vehicle (3) and having a field of view rearward of the vehicle (3), a light source (4) disposed at the vehicle (3) and operable to emit light, and a control including an image processor. Light emitted by the light source (4), when operated, illuminates at least a portion of the field of view of the camera (2a). The light source (4) includes a plurality of light segments (5), and light emitted by each light segment (5) of the light source (4), when operated, illuminates a respective portion of the field of view of the camera (2a). Image data captured by the camera (2a) is provided to the control. The control, responsive to image processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera (2a), controls intensity of the light emitted by each light segment (5) to provide enhanced object detection via processing by the image processor of captured image data.