Camera-Based Dark Sector Detection for Anticipatory Headlight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems, relying on photodiodes, fail to anticipate the switching on of headlights before entering a dark sector, such as a tunnel, leading to reduced visibility and increased travel distance under suboptimal conditions, and are costly due to the need for multiple photodiodes to account for various tunnel entrance forms.
Innovation Solution
Employing a camera and image processing application to detect the imminent arrival in a dark sector, allowing for early switching on of headlights by identifying dark objects and analyzing their changes, thereby eliminating the need for multiple photodiodes and reducing the complexity of template storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single photodiode is used to detect external luminosity level, then the device complexity is reduced, but the switching on of headlight devices cannot be anticipated before entering the tunnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using image processing to detect dark sectors (tunnels) before the vehicle reaches them, allowing the headlight switching decision to be made in advance. The system analyzes upcoming frames to identify dark areas ahead of the vehicle, triggering light switching before the photodiode would normally detect the luminosity change at tunnel entry.
2Loss of time
If multiple photodiodes are used to enable early switching on of lighting devices, then the switching time is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing camera serve multiple functions: it continues to provide night vision capability while also enabling early detection of dark sectors for anticipatory headlight switching. This eliminates the need for dedicated photodiode arrays and template storage systems, as the camera's image processing can identify dark areas without requiring pre-stored templates of tunnel entrances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by analyzing image data from the camera to create a representation of the dark sector ahead, allowing the system to detect and respond to upcoming dark areas without physical contact or dedicated sensors. The image processing creates a digital copy of the visual environment that can be analyzed for dark sector detection.
3Device complexity
If conventional photodiode systems are used, then the detection is simple, but the visibility is reduced during the switching on delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the lighting switch-on action in advance by detecting dark sectors before the vehicle reaches them. This preliminary detection and anticipatory switching eliminates the visibility gap that occurs with conventional systems, ensuring continuous optimal illumination without the one-second delay experienced by drivers entering tunnels.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective early detection of dark sectors, ensuring optimal visibility by switching on headlights before entering, reducing the distance traveled under non-optimal conditions and eliminating the need for extensive template storage.
Implementation Method 1
identifying, on a first image supplied by the camera, at least one dark object liable to correspond to the dark sector
Implementation Method 2
analyzing, on following images supplied by the camera, a change in each dark object identified
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates in particular to a method for the early detection of the arrival of a motor vehicle in a dark sector. In general terms, the invention proposes to use a camera for early detection of the arrival of the vehicle in a dark area, for example a tunnel. For this purpose, in the invention, provision is made in particular for using an image processing application for determining on a set of images supplied by the camera, whether the vehicle is ready to enter a dark area and, if it turns out that the vehicle will enter a dark area, to cause a switching on of the lights. Particular embodiments of the method according to the invention also make it possible to dispense with storing a plurality of templates corresponding to the various shapes of tunnel entrances, by providing judicious and reliable recognition criteria.