Headlamp Adjustment via 3D Surface Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the setting of motor vehicle headlights require a planar projection surface, limiting their applicability to arbitrarily shaped or aligned surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a 3D camera to record and create a 3D model of the projection surface, allowing for the identification of the actual and target positions of the headlight's light area, and adjusting the headlight if necessary, enabling flexible checking on any projection surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a planar projection surface is used for headlight alignment checking, then the measurement method is simple and well-established, but the applicability is limited to planar surfaces only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D planar surface analysis to 3D surface modeling. The image acquisition device captures three-dimensional spatial position information, and a 3D model of the projection surface is created from captured images. This allows the system to handle arbitrarily shaped and oriented surfaces by adding the third dimension (depth) to the traditional 2D analysis approach.
Solution Approach 2:
A 3D model serves as an intermediary between the raw image data and the headlight alignment assessment. The 3D model of the projection surface acts as a mediator that translates complex arbitrary surface geometries into a standardized representation that can be analyzed for light distribution patterns, enabling universal applicability across different surface types.
2Measurement precision
If traditional 2D image analysis is used, then the processing is computationally simple, but the spatial position information is insufficient for arbitrary surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the projection surface geometry and creating a 3D model in advance, before the actual headlight alignment measurement. This preliminary 3D modeling enables subsequent rapid analysis of light distribution on complex surfaces without repeated complex computations during the measurement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment checking methods with optical-digital systems. Instead of physical alignment tools and manual measurements, the system uses image acquisition devices to capture spatial information and computer algorithms to analyze the 3D model, substituting mechanical processes with optical sensing and digital processing.
3Reliability
If multiple recording times are used to capture the projection surface, then the measurement completeness is improved, but the checking time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by capturing the projection surface at multiple discrete recording times during the alignment checking process. Images are acquired at different moments as the headlight beam is projected, allowing the system to build a complete 3D model through sequential data collection. This periodic sampling ensures measurement completeness while maintaining efficient processing through structured timing.
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 quick and reliable headlight setting checks on various projection surfaces, with the potential for automatic adjustment and immediate notification of misalignment to the driver, ensuring accurate headlight positioning without the need for a specific projection surface shape or alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a projection surface assigned to the headlight is captured in a predetermined basic position of the headlight by means of an image acquisition device of the motor vehicle at one or more recording times, comprising a recording time with the headlight activated
Implementation Method 2
the position of a cut-off line of the headlight's light distribution on a measuring surface is recorded for different swivel angles of the headlight beam
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for checking the adjustment of a headlamp (2, 3) in a motor vehicle (1). In the method, in a step a), in a predetermined basic position of the headlamp (2, 3) a projection surface (PF) facing the headlamp (2, 3) is detected by means of an image recording device (SK) of the motor vehicle (1) at one or more recording times comprising a recording time with activated headlamp (2, 3), such that image data (PF) are obtained with spatial position information, wherein the image data include the projection surface (PF). In a step b) a 3D model of the projection surface (PF), which describes the projection surface (PF) in a reference system of the motor vehicle (1) on the basis of a plurality of positions on the surface of the projection surface (PF), is determined from the image data. In a step c), from the image data an actual position (PLi, PRi) of an area of light within the light distribution of the headlamp (2, 3) on the projection surface (PF) is identified in the reference system of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the area of light is characterised by a beam path (SR L , SR R )) predetermined for the basic position in the light of the headlamp (2, 3) in the reference system of the motor vehicle (1). On the basis of the predetermined beam path (SR L , SR R ) and the 3D model of the projection surface (PF), in a step d) a desired position (PLs, PRs) of the area of light within the light distribution of the headlamp (2, 3) on the projection surface (PF) is determined in the reference system of the motor vehicle (1). Finally, in a step e) an adjustment of the headlamp (1, 2) is detected if the deviation between the actual position (PLi, PRi,) and the desired position (PLs, PRs) of the area of light exceeds a predetermined threshold value.