Headlamp Misadjustment Detection via External Light Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting misadjustments in vehicle headlamps are laborious, unreliable, and can cause glare for other road users, as they fail to account for overall reference system errors and are irritated by visible light beams, leading to incorrect adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a detector, such as a camera, to capture light signals from other road users and transmit information to a control unit for adjusting the headlamp, which outputs correction information to the headlight range adjusting device, avoiding additional pixel transmission and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmitting devices emit radiation beams in the visible spectral range to detect headlamp beam range, then the beam range can be tracked and detected, but the light beams cause glare and irritation to vehicle occupants and other road users
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of visible light beams (glare and irritation) into a beneficial detection method by using light signals from other road users' headlamps as the detection source. Instead of emitting beams that cause harm, the system detects reflected or direct light from other vehicles' headlamps to determine beam range misadjustments, thereby eliminating glare while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary approach by using light signals from third-party sources (other road users' headlamps) as the detection medium. These external light signals serve as intermediaries that enable beam range detection without requiring the detecting vehicle to emit its own visible beams, thus avoiding the harmful glare effect while maintaining the ability to detect misadjustments
2Device complexity
If headlight range adjusting devices only adjust angles within the reference system, then the adjustment mechanism remains simple, but overall reference system errors are not corrected and glare persists
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors light signals from other road users and provides information to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected beam range with the expected range and generates correction commands to the headlight range adjusting device, creating a closed-loop system that automatically corrects both local angle adjustments and overall reference system errors, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the headlamp system to self-diagnose and self-correct misadjustments by automatically detecting beam range errors through external light signals and triggering corrective adjustments without requiring manual intervention or complex external calibration equipment, thus balancing simplicity with improved accuracy
3Measurement precision
If additional pixels and wavelength ranges are added to the headlamp design for detection, then detection capability is improved, but the design cost and device complexity considerably increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the detector serve multiple functions: it detects light signals from other road users for beam range measurement, identifies the color/type of light signals for different detection scenarios, and provides comprehensive information to the control unit for various correction scenarios. This multi-functionality improves detection capability without requiring separate specialized components for each function, thereby avoiding increased complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves improved detection capability by changing the parameters of the existing detector (such as sensitivity settings, detection wavelength ranges, and signal processing parameters) rather than adding new hardware components. The control unit adjusts detection parameters based on different traffic situations and light conditions, enabling versatile detection without increasing physical device complexity
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 approach provides a simple, reliable method for detecting and correcting headlamp misadjustments, reducing glare and informing drivers through display instruments, while storing adjustment information for future service needs.
Implementation Method 1
a detector (11), with which at least one light signal (12) of another road user (13) is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting misadjustments of a headlamp of a vehicle and to a device for this purpose. It is provided that the vehicle is provided with a detector with which at least one light signal of another road user is detected, and wherein the vehicle is equipped with a control unit with which light signal information of the detector is captured and by means of which adjustment information for correcting the misadjustment of the headlamp is output as a function of the captured light signal information.