Windshield Camera Misalignment Correction for Adaptive Headlamp Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic high beam control systems for vehicles face challenges in efficiently adjusting headlamp states to minimize glare on other road users while optimizing forward vision, particularly in varying lighting conditions and misalignment issues during vehicle use.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a photosensor array and image processing to detect and track light sources, adjusting headlamp beams based on the focus of expansion and movement of objects, and automatically compensates for misalignment by recalibrating image processing parameters to maintain accurate detection of light sources and objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system processes the full image data set to detect light sources and objects, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing task into two stages: first processing a reduced image data set from a subset of photosensor elements to perform initial detection, then selectively processing additional regions of interest from the full image data set only when objects are detected. This segmentation reduces overall processing complexity while maintaining detection accuracy for critical objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial processing by analyzing only a reduced image data set from a particular grouping of photosensor elements rather than processing the complete image data set continuously. This partial action approach reduces processing load while still enabling effective detection of light sources and objects through selective region analysis.
2Device complexity
If the system uses a reduced image data set from a particular grouping of photosensor elements, then processing complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing strategy based on detected conditions. When objects are detected in the reduced image data set, the system transitions to processing expanded regions or the full image data set to maintain detection accuracy. This dynamic adaptation ensures that processing complexity is reduced only when it does not compromise detection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the initial processing of the reduced image data set to guide subsequent processing decisions. Detection results from the reduced data set trigger further processing of specific regions or the complete image data set, ensuring that accuracy is maintained for detected objects while avoiding unnecessary processing of entire images when objects are absent.
3Measurement precision
If the system adjusts headlamp beams based on full image processing, then headlamp control accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of the reduced image data set to quickly identify potential objects of interest before committing to more time-consuming full image processing. This preliminary action enables the system to make rapid initial assessments and only invest additional processing time when actually needed to maintain headlamp control accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If the system processes images at high resolution to maintain detection accuracy, then object detection precision is improved, but processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photosensor array into different groups and processes reduced image data from specific groupings rather than analyzing all pixels at full resolution. This segmentation approach maintains object detection precision for relevant regions while significantly improving processing speed by avoiding unnecessary high-resolution processing of the entire image.
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 approach reduces processing costs and complexity, providing improved performance by optimizing headlamp adjustments and maintaining accurate object detection despite manufacturing tolerances and vehicle misalignment, enhancing driver safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensor array having a plurality of photosensor elements and a control responsive to an output of the photosensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular imaging system includes a camera disposed behind a windshield of a vehicle and viewing through a portion of the windshield. Image data captured by the camera is provided to a control. The control receives, via a communication bus of the vehicle, at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) vehicle pitch information relating to pitch of the vehicle, (ii) vehicle yaw information relating to yaw of the vehicle and (iii) vehicle steering information relating to steering of the vehicle. The system automatically corrects for misalignment of the camera. Image data captured by the camera is processed at the control for a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and for at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) an automatic headlamp control system of the vehicle, (ii) a collision avoidance system of the vehicle and (iii) an adaptive front lighting system of the vehicle.