Headlamp Calibration via Dark-Light Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current headlamp calibration methods are inadequate for accurately and reliably adjusting headlamps on vehicles, particularly in response to short-term changes and aging effects, which can lead to inadequate lighting or dazzling of oncoming traffic, and often require additional equipment and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method using an image data acquisition unit and control unit to detect the change from a dark to a light area, determining the actual position of objects within the headlamp's illumination structure, allowing for precise calibration of headlamps while in motion, and adjusting them based on discrepancies between actual and target settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional headlamp calibration methods are used, then the headlamps can be adjusted at production end or in workshops, but they cannot track short-term changes and aging effects that occur during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic calibration by enabling headlamps to be adjusted in real-time during vehicle operation based on detected positions of other vehicles. The control unit continuously receives image data, determines relative positions, and automatically adjusts headlamp orientation accordingly, transforming the static calibration system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing traffic conditions and compensates for short-term effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the image data acquisition unit continuously monitors the environment, the control unit processes this information to determine headlamp alignment, and the headlamps are adjusted based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables the system to track and compensate for both short-term thermal effects and long-term aging changes in real-time.
2Illumination intensity
If headlamps are adjusted too high to illuminate the road adequately, then road illumination improves, but oncoming traffic is dazzled creating dangerous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing light selectively based on the local position of other vehicles. The headlamps adjust their orientation to illuminate specific areas of the road in front of the host vehicle while avoiding areas where other vehicles are located, thus providing adequate road illumination without dazzling oncoming traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the orientation parameters of the headlamps based on detected traffic conditions. By adjusting the azimuth and elevation angles of the headlamps in real-time according to the positions of other vehicles, the system optimizes the light distribution to maximize road illumination while minimizing glare to other road users.
3Measurement precision
If additional equipment is added to improve calibration accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using the same image data acquisition unit for multiple purposes: detecting other vehicles for safety, determining headlamp alignment for calibration, and monitoring environmental conditions. This universal approach improves measurement precision without adding dedicated calibration equipment, thereby avoiding increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration using its own image data acquisition unit and control unit, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or specialized workshop facilities. The headlamps automatically adjust their orientation based on the detected positions of other vehicles, enabling the system to self-correct alignment issues without external intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for calibrating at least one headlamp (2, 3) and/or at least one element of a headlamp, particularly on a motor vehicle (1), using the illumination structure that is contained in the light distribution of the headlamp or of the element of the headlamp, with an image data acquisition unit (6) and a control unit (7), wherein the illumination structure of at least one headlamp (2, 3) and/or of at least one element of a headlamp is formed between a dark area (9) and a light area (10), such as a dark/light boundary, and the image data acquisition unit (6) detects an, in particular retro-reflective, object (13) when changing from the dark area (9) to the light area (10), wherein also the absolute position of the object (13) upon entry into the light area (10) is determined and this is used to determine an actual setting of the at least one headlamp (2, 3) or of the at least one element of a headlamp. The invention also relates to an apparatus in this regard.