Camera-Based Headlight Alignment for Glare-Free Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual methods of headlight alignment in vehicles are prone to human error, leading to suboptimal alignment of vehicle headlights, which can result in improper illumination and glare for both the driver and oncoming traffic.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a front camera performs dynamic headlight level sensing using AI/ML-based image processing to determine headlight misalignment by capturing images of a wall when headlights are on and off, mapping pixel intensities, and adjusting alignment or notifying the user of misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual headlight alignment is performed by a vehicle mechanic or owner, then the alignment process can be completed, but human error may result in suboptimal headlight alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the headlight beams projected onto a wall or screen, and image processing algorithms automatically determine alignment accuracy. This substitution eliminates human error in measurement and judgment, achieving both high precision and reliability in headlight alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service headlight alignment by allowing vehicle owners to perform alignment checks themselves using the automated camera-based measurement system. The clear visual feedback and automated analysis eliminate the need for professional mechanic intervention, while maintaining high measurement precision through objective digital analysis rather than subjective human assessment.
2Measurement precision
If automated headlight alignment sensing is implemented using camera and AI/ML image processing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a standard vehicle camera that can serve multiple functions - capturing headlight alignment data, recording road conditions, and providing visual feedback to the driver. By making the camera multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated complex sensing equipment while achieving high measurement precision through software-based image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simple intermediary element - a wall or screen - that the headlight beams project onto. This intermediary converts the invisible light patterns into visible images that can be captured by the camera and analyzed. This simple mediator enables precise measurement without requiring complex direct sensing equipment, thus improving measurement precision while minimizing device complexity.
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
Automated headlight alignment reduces the likelihood of human error, ensuring optimal illumination and reducing glare, thereby enhancing driving safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a front camera configured to capture images of a wall portion that may be within the camera's field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a front camera, left and right headlights, and a processor is disclosed. The front camera may be configured to capture an image of an external surface in front of the vehicle. The left headlight may be configured to illuminate a left zonal area of the external surface, and the right headlight may be configured to illuminate a right zonal area. The processor may map a first set of image pixels to the left zonal area and a second set of image pixels to the right zonal area. The processor may further determine a first illumination intensity associated with the left zonal area, and a second illumination intensity associated with the right zonal area. The processor may perform a predefined action when a difference between the first and second illumination intensities may be greater than a threshold.