Headlamp Camera Calibration Using an Integrated Reference Mark
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlamp systems face calibration drift due to vibrations and component tolerances, leading to reduced performance in obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle headlamp system incorporates a camera calibration system with a reference mark on the cover lens, an adjustment device, and a control device to automatically calibrate the camera's spatial orientation, ensuring it remains in a predetermined target position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software algorithms are used to compensate for calibration drift, then performance loss is reduced, but the drift must remain within an acceptable area which limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures images of a reference mark, the control device determines the mark's position, and the adjustment device modifies camera orientation based on this feedback to maintain the mark within a target position sector, thereby actively compensating for calibration drift
Solution Approach 2:
The camera calibration system is self-regulating, using its own captured images and automatic control algorithms to detect and correct its own calibration drift without external intervention, maintaining accurate obstacle detection performance autonomously
2Stability of the object's composition
If a reference mark is used for calibration, then calibration stability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mark is integrated directly into the cover lens as an integral part, merging the calibration reference function with the existing protective lens component, thereby improving calibration stability without adding separate independent components
Solution Approach 2:
The cover lens serves dual functions: protecting the camera and providing a stable mounting surface for the reference mark, while the reference mark itself serves both as a calibration reference and as a visual indicator for automatic position detection and correction
3Manufacturing precision
If the reference mark is made integral to the cover lens, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The reference mark is created using a two-component molding process that incorporates different materials (such as a dark-colored component) into the cover lens during manufacturing, achieving precise positioning through integrated mold design rather than post-manufacturing assembly
4Measurement precision
If cameras are aligned for distance measuring, then obstacle detection accuracy is improved, but the reference mark may fall outside the target position sector
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts camera orientation based on real-time detection of the reference mark position, allowing the camera to shift between fixed alignment positions as needed to maintain both accurate distance measurement and proper reference mark visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the camera's spatial orientation parameters (position and/or orientation) based on the detected reference mark position, dynamically adjusting these parameters to ensure the mark remains within the target position sector while maintaining alignment for obstacle detection
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
This solution effectively maintains camera calibration stability, enhancing the system's ability to detect obstacles by preventing calibration drift and ensuring accurate image alignment between headlamps.
Implementation Method 1
the vehicle headlamp comprises a lens or a lens system arranged between the reference mark and the camera in order to create a sharp image of the reference mark
Data Source
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AI summary
Vehicle headlamp (10) for illuminating a light distribution and for detecting an obstacle in front of the vehicle headlamp (10) in a main direction (X), comprising: - a housing (100) and a cover lens (200), - an obstacle detection device comprising a camera (300) for capturing images (310), wherein the camera (300) is disposed inside the housing (100), - a camera calibration system for automatically calibrating the spatial orientation of the camera (300), wherein the camera calibration system is configured to keep the camera (300) in a predetermined target position (PI), wherein the camera calibration system comprises: - an adjustment device for adjusting the spatial orientation of the camera (300) within the housing (100), - a reference mark (400) arranged in the housing (100), wherein each image (310) having a constant predetermined reference mark position sector (310a), and wherein the camera (300) is in the target position (PI), when the reference mark (400) is arranged within the predetermined reference mark position sector (310a) of the images (310), - a control device which is connected to the camera (300) and the adjustment device, wherein the control device is configured to receive the images (310) captured by the camera (300), wherein the control device controls the adjustment device in order to remove the deviation from the target position (PI) the camera (300), when the reference mark (400) is outside the predetermined reference mark position sector (310a) of the images (310) in a non-target position (P2).