Controllable Headlamp Pattern Projection for 3D Road Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-camera vision systems in automobiles are limited in capturing 3D surface geometry and distance to objects, unlike RADAR and LiDAR systems, which hinders their ability to detect and distinguish three-dimensional objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle illumination system comprising two headlights and a camera, where the processor controls the headlights to project patterned lights onto objects, and the camera captures these patterns to reconstruct the surface geometry and determine distances using structured-light 3D surface imaging techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-camera vision system is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture 3D surface geometry and distance to objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces patterned light as an intermediary between the camera and the object. The structured light pattern acts as a mediator that carries depth information from the object surface back to the camera, enabling 3D measurement without requiring multiple cameras or complex hardware. The light pattern serves as a carrier wave that encodes spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical 3D sensing systems (multiple cameras, LiDAR, or RADAR) with an optical system using patterned light projection. Instead of using multiple mechanical sensors to capture depth information, the system uses optical projection and imaging to achieve 3D surface geometry capture, substituting mechanical complexity with optical elegance.
2Measurement precision
If patterned light projection is used to capture 3D surface geometry, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional headlights and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the headlight system multi-functional by enabling it to both illuminate the road and project measurement patterns. The same headlight units that provide conventional illumination are repurposed to project structured light patterns for 3D measurement. This eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and integrates multiple functions into existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination function and measurement function into a single integrated system. The headlights that normally only provide lighting are combined with pattern projection capability, and the camera that captures standard images is also used to capture the reflected measurement patterns. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity despite adding measurement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headlights are used for illumination, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to project patterned light for 3D imaging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The headlight system is designed to perform multiple functions: conventional road illumination and structured light pattern projection for 3D measurement. By making the headlights universal, the system can switch between or combine these functions without requiring separate dedicated devices, thereby managing energy consumption while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patterned light projection operates periodically or in specific modes rather than continuously. The system can alternate between conventional illumination mode and pattern projection mode, or use duty-cycled projection, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the adaptability to perform 3D imaging when needed.
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
Enhances the ability to capture 3D surface geometry and determine distances to objects, improving object detection and recognition in autonomous vehicles by leveraging patterned light projection and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
controls the first headlight to project a first patterned light on to an object on a roadway, controls the second headlight to project a second patterned light on to the object on the roadway, controls the first camera to capture an image of the first patterned light projected on the object and the image of the second patterned light projected on the object
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system for a vehicle is described, which includes a first headlight, a second headlight, a first camera and a processor. The processor is communicatively coupled to the first headlight, the second headlight, and the first camera. When operating, the processor controls the first headlight to project a first patterned light on to an object on a roadway, controls the second headlight to project a second patterned light on to the object on the roadway, controls the first camera to capture an image of the first patterned light projected on the object and the second patterned light projected on the object, and send the captured image of the first patterned light and the image of the second patterned light to another system in the vehicle for object detection.