Vehicle Cabin Object Detection with Adaptive Multi-Zone Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object recognition systems in vehicles face challenges with accurate gesture and head movement detection due to varying object distances from the camera, inadequate illumination, and limited light output, leading to incorrect operations and detection failures, especially in autonomous driving scenarios where vehicle occupants may not be attentive to their surroundings.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a multi-light source setup with adjustable and variable light distribution, using optical elements like lenses and filters, and adaptive optics to ensure adequate illumination in both near and far fields, combined with advanced algorithms for object localization and recognition, allowing precise object recognition even at different distances and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light output of lighting devices is increased to improve illumination in the depth range, then object detection reliability is improved, but installation space requirements increase, power consumption increases, waste heat increases, and power limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic illumination by controlling multiple light sources to be selectively activated based on detected object position and distance. The control unit adjusts which lighting devices are active and at what intensity levels, creating a dynamic adaptation to varying detection requirements rather than using constant high-power illumination throughout the depth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different illumination qualities to different spatial zones by using multiple light sources with different characteristics positioned at various locations. Each lighting device illuminates a specific region with appropriate intensity, providing locally optimized illumination rather than uniform high-intensity illumination across the entire depth range.
2Reliability
If multiple lighting devices are used to illuminate different areas in the depth range, then object detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lighting devices multi-functional by using them both for their primary illumination purpose and for defining detection zones. The same light sources that illuminate the depth range also serve as references for the control unit to determine which areas require active object detection, reducing the need for separate zone-definition mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the control unit continuously monitors object position and distance information, then adjusts the activation and intensity of lighting devices accordingly. This closed-loop control automates the complex coordination of multiple light sources, managing device complexity through intelligent control rather than fixed complex hardware configuration.
3Ease of operation
If conventional input devices are used for operating display surfaces and assistance systems, then ease of operation is maintained, but driver distraction risk increases and incorrect inputs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input devices (buttons, joysticks, touchpads) with an optical detection system that uses cameras and light sources to detect driver gestures and head movements. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with control interfaces, allowing the driver to operate systems through natural movements while maintaining input accuracy through sophisticated gesture recognition algorithms.
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
This solution enhances the reliability of object recognition, reducing incorrect operations and improving user interaction with vehicle systems by providing consistent and accurate detection of gestures and movements, even in varying lighting conditions and occupant positions, thus enhancing safety and usability in autonomous driving environments.
Implementation Method 1
a camera system comprising at least one sensor for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a lighting device with at least one light source and an optical system
Implementation Method 3
These cameras measure the time between the light emission from the TOF camera's light source and the registration of the reflection on the camera system's sensor
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an object detection device for detecting at least one object (26), made available by a vehicle occupant or part of the vehicle occupant, in the passenger compartment. The device comprises a camera system (12), a lighting apparatus (2) with a light source (3) as well as an optics system (4) and a control apparatus. The control apparatus receives electrical signals from the camera system (12) and a further device of the motor vehicle (10) and generates and transmits control commands. The lighting apparatus (2) can illuminate regions in the motor vehicle (10) in such a way that object points can be captured by the camera system (12). The illumination, object localization and object detection and activation of the lighting apparatuses (2, 16) and camera systems (12) are determined by the state of the motor vehicle (10). The state is determined by the speed, acceleration, occupation of the vehicle seat, position of the vehicle seat, orientation of the vehicle seat and illumination, weather, day, night, carriageway, road signs and/or traffic situation.