Vehicular Headlamp Shadow Area Prevention via Camera-Based Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular headlamp systems with auto leveling devices face issues of increased cost and weight due to the need for additional components like sensors and wiring, leading to shadow areas between low and high beams, which can obstruct the driver's visual field and cause accidents.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a camera unit installed in front of the vehicle to transmit image data, a controller to determine if a darkness cell is formed, and a leveling motor adjustment to prevent shadow areas by adjusting the headlamp beams, minimizing the need for additional components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auto leveling device is installed to adjust headlamp emission angle, then the headlamp can be directed downward to satisfy regulations, but a shadow area is formed between the low beam and high beam on the road surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic leveling control where the emission angle of the headlamp is automatically adjusted based on real-time detection of vehicle load conditions. The system detects changes in vehicle posture caused by passenger or cargo weight and dynamically adjusts the headlamp angle to maintain proper illumination while preventing shadow area formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect vehicle load and headlamp emission angle, then feeds this information back to a control unit that adjusts the headlamp positioning. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the headlamp maintains the correct emission angle to prevent shadow areas while complying with regulations.
2Device complexity
If a base plate supporting both low and high beams is used for auto leveling operation, then the headlamp system can be integrated, but the weight of the base plate and total lamp module assembly is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal base plate design that supports both low beam and high beam functions while maintaining optimized weight. The base plate is engineered to perform multiple functions - supporting different beam types and enabling auto leveling operation - without requiring separate heavy structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the base plate parameters including material selection, thickness, and structural geometry to achieve the necessary strength and stability while minimizing weight. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the base plate maintains structural integrity for supporting both beams without excessive weight increase.
3Reliability
If a high-strength bracket and high-performance motor are included to operate the base plate, then the auto leveling function is achieved, but the cost of the lamp is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cost-optimized motor selection that provides sufficient power for the specific auto leveling requirements without excessive capacity. The motor is sized to deliver just enough torque and speed for the base plate operation, avoiding the need for oversized high-performance motors that would increase cost unnecessarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the bracket and motor specifications to achieve the minimum required performance for reliable auto leveling operation. By carefully selecting materials and component ratings that meet but do not greatly exceed the requirements, the system achieves functional reliability while controlling manufacturing cost.
4Measurement precision
If sensors and wiring are additionally installed at the front axis for dynamic leveling system, then real-time position sensing is achieved, but the total weight of the vehicle is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from separate front-axis sensors and integrates it into the existing rear-axis sensor system. By using the rear sensor to detect vehicle posture changes that indicate load conditions, the system eliminates the need for additional front-axis sensors and their associated wiring, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method control a vehicular headlamp for preventing a shadow area between a low beam and a high beam of a headlamp using a camera unit. The method includes periodically determining whether a high beam of the vehicular headlamp is lit or illuminated. Upon determining that the high beam is illuminated, the method includes determining whether a darkness cell is formed in front image data of the vehicle, which is transmitted from a camera unit. Upon determining that the darkness cell is formed, the method includes changing a leveling motor to be directed upward by 1 step and storing a changed number of steps. Upon determining that the darkness cell is not formed, the method includes driving the leveling motor by the pre-stored number of steps.