Headlamp Aiming Alignment Using Camera-Based Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headlight aiming test devices are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to backlighting and false readings, necessitating a more efficient and precise alignment method.
Innovation Solution
A device using a camera, potentially stereo or 3D, captures a temporal sequence of images during a vehicle's approach to determine headlight position, employing machine learning and AI for precise alignment, adjusting the aiming device relative to the headlight based on pixel position and stereoscopic information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mobile robot with photodiodes is used to determine headlight position, then the aiming device can detect light beam position, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to backlighting and false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical photodiode-based detection system with a camera-based image processing system. The camera captures images of the headlight, and digital image processing algorithms determine the headlight position and orientation, eliminating the problems of backlighting interference and false readings associated with photodiodes while significantly reducing alignment time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the headlight and processes this copy computationally to determine position and orientation. This digital representation allows for accurate measurement without being affected by physical limitations of optical sensors like photodiodes, enabling both high precision and rapid processing
2Reliability
If photodiodes are used for headlight alignment, then light beam detection is possible, but backlighting causes false readings and inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the photodiode-based optical detection system with a camera-based visual detection system. The camera captures the entire headlight assembly image, and image processing algorithms analyze the headlight structure and position without being susceptible to backlighting effects that plague photodiode systems, thereby eliminating false readings and improving reliability
3Ease of operation
If traditional headlight alignment methods are used, then the aiming device can be positioned, but additional alignment steps are required which consume time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function with the image capture and processing function. The same camera system used to capture headlight images for position determination also provides the data needed for alignment, eliminating the need for separate alignment steps and procedures, thereby simplifying the operation and reducing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically analyzing the captured headlight image, determining the headlight's position and orientation, and adjusting the aiming device accordingly without requiring manual intervention or separate alignment procedures, thus streamlining the entire process
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 a time-efficient and precise alignment of the headlight aiming device by continuously adjusting during the approach maneuver, ensuring accurate headlight testing without additional alignment steps.
Implementation Method 1
capture at least one camera image of the vehicle's headlight
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 2d
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device (101) for aligning a headlight aiming test device (107) relative to a headlight (121, 122, 220) of a vehicle (120). The device (101) is configured to capture at least one camera image (200) of the headlight (121, 122, 220) of the vehicle (120) during an approach maneuver of the vehicle (120) to the headlight aiming test device (107) using a camera (102), and to determine a position of the headlight (121, 122, 220) within the camera image (200). The device (101) is further equipped to align the headlight aiming test device (107) depending on the determined position of the headlight (121, 122, 220) within the camera image (200) relative to the headlight (121, 122, 220) of the vehicle (120).