Auxiliary Light Source Control for Low-Light Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems struggle to effectively detect and classify objects in low-light conditions beyond the range of conventional headlight illumination, limiting the detection range and accuracy of lane markings and objects in a vehicle's path of travel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system utilizing one or more CMOS cameras and an image processor to control auxiliary light sources, such as matrix headlamps, to enhance illumination in specific areas beyond the range of low or high beam headlights, thereby extending the detection range and accuracy of lane markings and objects, without the need for additional night vision systems or ranging sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional headlight illumination is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection range and accuracy of objects in low-light conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vehicle's existing auxiliary light sources (matrix LED headlamps) for their primary illumination function while simultaneously employing them for enhanced object detection. The image processor controls these existing lights to illuminate specific regions of interest, making the system self-sufficient without requiring separate illumination devices. This resolves the contradiction by using existing resources to improve detection accuracy without adding system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary light sources serve dual purposes: providing常规 illumination for the road and simultaneously acting as active illumination sources for the vision system to enhance object detection. The image processor dynamically controls these lights to illuminate specific areas beyond the standard headlight range, enabling the same hardware to perform multiple functions and improve detection accuracy without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional night vision systems or ranging sensors are added, then object detection in low-light conditions improves, but hardware costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing auxiliary light sources multi-functional by using them both for conventional road illumination and for active illumination of objects beyond the standard headlight range. The image processor dynamically controls these lights to illuminate specific regions, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes and eliminate the need for separate night vision systems or ranging sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing auxiliary light sources to illuminate objects of interest rather than relying on external illumination sources or additional sensors. The image processor controls these self-owned resources to enhance detection capability, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding the need for additional hardware components.
3Length of stationary object
If auxiliary light sources are activated to extend illumination range, then object detection range improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent activates auxiliary light sources selectively to illuminate only specific regions of interest beyond the standard headlight range, rather than providing uniform illumination across the entire field of view. The image processor identifies objects or areas requiring enhanced illumination and directs auxiliary lights only to those specific locations, extending detection range while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically activates auxiliary light sources based on detected objects or regions of interest, rather than maintaining continuous illumination. The image processor monitors the scene and triggers auxiliary lighting only when objects are detected that require enhanced illumination, creating a periodic activation pattern that extends detection range while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous 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
The system enhances object detection and classification capabilities in low-light conditions by extending the illumination range, allowing for better lane detection and object recognition, even beyond the conventional headlight range, without additional hardware costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
control an auxiliary light source of the vehicle (such as one or more individual light emitting diodes of a matrix headlight or the like of the vehicle)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera configured to be mounted at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle and having a field of view exterior and forward of the vehicle. An ECU includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera when the camera is mounted at the vehicle windshield. The ECU, responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data, determines lane markers ahead of the vehicle. The ECU determines a path of travel of the vehicle. The ECU, responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data, detects an object that is present forward of the vehicle. Responsive to determination at the ECU that the detected object is in the path of travel of the vehicle, an auxiliary light source of the vehicle is controlled by the ECU to enhance illumination of the detected object.