Vehicle Headlamp Alignment via Camera Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlamp alignment systems require manual adjustments and specialized equipment, making them cumbersome and inefficient for achieving precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlamp alignment system that includes a camera to capture images of the headlamp beam projected onto a surface, with a controller processing these images to determine the aim and adjust the headlamp using actuators, allowing for automatic alignment without the need for manual intervention or specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjusters are used to adjust headlamp orientation, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing camera and processor to perform alignment operations automatically, eliminating the need for external specialized equipment and manual intervention. The headlamp alignment system serves itself by utilizing already-present vehicle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated optical measurement system. The camera captures images of the headlamp beam pattern, and the processor automatically calculates alignment parameters, substituting human mechanical adjustment with automated optical-electronic measurement and control.
2Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for headlamp alignment, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the vehicle's existing camera serve multiple functions - it is used for both normal driving assistance functions and for headlamp alignment measurement. This eliminates the need for dedicated specialized measurement equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital image copy of the headlamp beam pattern projected on the wall and processes this copy to determine alignment parameters. This allows precise measurement without requiring complex physical measurement instruments, as the beam pattern itself serves as the measurement reference.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment procedures are followed, then alignment can be achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of the headlamp beam pattern image and automatic processing before final alignment determination. By pre-capturing the beam pattern and automatically processing the image to extract alignment parameters, the system eliminates time-consuming manual measurement and calculation steps during the actual alignment procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback by processing the captured beam pattern image and directly controlling the adjuster module to achieve alignment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for iterative manual adjustment and measurement, significantly reducing the time required to achieve precise alignment.
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 easy and precise alignment of vehicle headlamps by automatically adjusting their aim based on image processing, improving alignment accuracy and simplifying the process for users and technicians.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring images of the beam illuminating on the surface with the use of a camera
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle headlamp alignment system is provided that includes a headlamp located on a vehicle, an adjuster module for adjusting aim of the headlamp, and a camera located on the vehicle. Sensors may determine distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to a wall. A controller processes images of a beam on the wall acquired by the camera and determines the aim of the headlamp based on the images. The controller controls the adjuster module to align the headlamp based on the determined aim.