Handheld Device Flash Lighting for Automated Vehicle Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges arise in obtaining a visual lock between a handheld device and a vehicle during automated parking operations due to adverse ambient conditions such as poor lighting and low visibility, which hinders vehicle identification and tracking.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a flash lighting system in the handheld device to illuminate the vehicle and, if necessary, instructs the vehicle's lights to turn on, supplemented by vehicle-to-infrastructure or vehicle-to-vehicle signals to enhance lighting, and uses image processing techniques like vehicle path prediction and interpolation for effective tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a handheld device camera is used to capture vehicle images during automated parking operations, then vehicle identification and tracking are enabled, but image quality deteriorates under adverse ambient conditions such as poor lighting and low visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by activating illumination sources (flash lighting system and vehicle lights) before image capture to ensure adequate lighting conditions. The flash is triggered in advance when adverse conditions are detected, and vehicle lights are instructed to turn on before the parking maneuver begins, preventing image quality deterioration from occurring during critical capture moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary illumination system consisting of the flash lighting system and vehicle lights that mediates between the adverse ambient conditions and the camera capture process. This intermediary light source compensates for poor lighting conditions by providing additional illumination, thereby improving image quality without requiring changes to the camera or ambient environment.
2Reliability
If visual lock is attempted between handheld device and vehicle under adverse ambient conditions, then vehicle tracking is enabled, but tracking reliability deteriorates due to poor visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system instructs vehicle lights to turn on in advance before the automated parking maneuver begins, ensuring that the vehicle is properly illuminated before tracking starts. This preliminary lighting action improves the reliability of visual lock and subsequent tracking by ensuring adequate visibility from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle lights serve as an intermediary element that enhances visibility between the handheld device camera and the vehicle. By introducing this additional light source, the system overcomes adverse ambient conditions and improves the reliability of vehicle identification and tracking during the automated parking operation.
3Measurement precision
If flash lighting system is activated to illuminate the vehicle, then image quality improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using the flash lighting system only when and where needed - specifically during image capture moments when adverse lighting conditions are detected. Rather than continuous illumination, the flash provides targeted, temporary illumination exactly when required for capture, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by coordinating the flash lighting system with the image capture process - the flash activates continuously during the brief moment when the camera shutter is open, ensuring uninterrupted illumination during the critical capture window. This synchronized approach maintains image quality without requiring excessive or continuous flash operation.
4Reliability
If vehicle lights are instructed to turn on to enhance illumination, then tracking capability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a user interface for initiating automated parking and as a communication device for instructing vehicle lights. The same device that captures images and processes tracking data also communicates with the vehicle to control lighting, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lighting control hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the handheld device automatically manage the entire lighting coordination process - detecting adverse conditions, activating the flash, and instructing vehicle lights to turn on without requiring separate manual controls or additional complexity. The device autonomously handles lighting management as an integrated function of the automated parking 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
This approach improves image quality and enables reliable vehicle identification and tracking even in challenging conditions, ensuring safe and efficient automated parking operations.
Implementation Method 1
light is transmitted from the handheld device (from a flash lighting system, for example) to illuminate the vehicle for better image capture
Implementation Method 2
uses a camera of the handheld device to capture an image of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is generally directed to remotely-controlled automated vehicle parking operations. A driver of a vehicle stands on a curb and launches a software application on a handheld device. The software application uses a camera of the handheld device to capture images of the vehicle that can be observed by the driver. The software application then attempts to obtain a visual lock between the camera and the vehicle. In some cases, obtaining the visual lock may be hampered due to adverse lighting conditions. Light may be transmitted from the handheld device to illuminate the vehicle for better image capture. Alternatively, a command can be transmitted from the handheld device to a controller in the vehicle for turning on a light in the vehicle. After obtaining visual lock, various techniques such as vehicle path prediction and interpolation, can be used for effectively tracking the vehicle.