Vehicle Headlamp Structured Light for 3D Road Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional single-camera systems in automobiles are unable to capture the surface geometry of imaged objects and the distance to these objects, limiting their ability to detect and distinguish 3-dimensional objects.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headlight system incorporating a hybridized device with an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that projects patterned light onto objects, combined with a camera system to capture images of this light, allowing for the reconstruction of surface geometry and distance measurement using structured-light 3D imaging techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional two-dimensional single-camera system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of surface geometry and distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source function and camera function into an integrated headlight system. The hybridized device merges LED array, optics, and camera into a single modular unit, reducing overall system complexity while enabling structured light projection and image capture for precise 3D measurement of surface geometry and distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a structured light pattern as an intermediary between the camera and the target object. By projecting known light patterns onto the object and analyzing the distorted reflected patterns captured by the camera, the system can calculate surface geometry and distance with high precision without requiring complex direct measurement equipment
2Loss of information
If a conventional single-camera system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the information completeness about 3D objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera imaging to three-dimensional surface geometry measurement by projecting structured light patterns and analyzing their distortion. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to capture depth information, surface contours, and 3D shape data that are invisible to conventional 2D cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by projecting structured light patterns onto the target object before capturing the image. This pre-illumination with known patterns enables the camera to record depth and surface information that would otherwise be unavailable, completing the information set needed for 3D reconstruction
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 surface geometry and determine distances to objects, improving the detection and recognition of 3-dimensional features, particularly useful in autonomous driving applications.
Implementation Method 1
The hybridized device includes an array of light emitting devices that illuminate a roadway on which the vehicle is located when operating
Implementation Method 2
causes a camera to capture an image of the patterned light projected on the object
Data Source
AI summary
A headlight for a vehicle is described herein. The headlight includes a hybridized device and a controller. The hybridized device includes an array of light emitting devices that illuminate a roadway on which the vehicle is located when operating. The controller is electrically coupled to the hybridized device and, when operating, causes the array of light emitting devices to selectively project a patterned light on to an object on the roadway using the hybridized device and causes a camera to capture an image of the patterned light projected on the object.