Automated Headlight Aiming via Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headlamp aiming adjustments rely on human inspection workers, leading to variations in accuracy due to differences in skill levels and adjustment feelings, resulting in inconsistent and potentially suboptimal aiming results.
Innovation Solution
An automated headlamp aiming system that includes a lamp unit, a light axis displacement unit, and an information acquisition unit, which acquires and adjusts the light axis to match a reference area with a deviation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by workers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual aiming adjustment is performed by inspection workers, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the aiming precision varies due to differences in worker skill levels and adjustment feelings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated optical measurement and control system. The aiming inspection apparatus uses a camera to capture the light distribution pattern, processes the image data to locate the elbow point automatically, and provides precise positioning information to the worker, eliminating reliance on manual skill and subjective judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the light distribution pattern by capturing it with a camera. This optical copy is then processed through image recognition algorithms to automatically identify key features like the elbow point, replacing the need for direct visual inspection and manual measurement by workers.
2Reliability
If automated aiming adjustment is implemented, then aiming precision and consistency are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera captures the actual light distribution pattern, the system processes this information to determine the elbow point position, and this measured position is fed back to guide the adjustment process. This closed-loop feedback ensures consistent and reliable aiming results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the optical measurement and the final aiming adjustment. This intermediary layer processes the captured images, extracts meaningful information automatically, and presents processed data to the operator, reducing the complexity burden on any single component.
3Productivity
If visual inspection method is used, then the equipment cost is low, but the productivity and efficiency of aiming adjustment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing the light distribution pattern and pre-processing the image data before the actual adjustment decision is made. The system pre-identifies the elbow point position and calculates the required adjustment, preparing all necessary information in advance to enable rapid and accurate adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the manual visual inspection process with an automated optical measurement and image processing system. The camera-based system captures and processes images automatically, replacing the time-consuming manual visual assessment and increasing adjustment efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A headlight aiming system (100) includes a lamp unit (18), an actuator (20) which displaces the optical axis of the lamp unit (18), an imaging device (72) for acquiring the information needed to adjust the optical axis, and an electronic control unit (ECU) (74) for controlling the actuator (20). The luminous intensity pattern formed by the irradiation of the lamp unit (18) is captured by the imaging device (72). The ECU (74) controls the actuator (20) so that the deviation between the position of the focal point on the luminous intensity pattern obtained from the captured image information and the position of the preset reference point is minimal or zero, adjusts the orientation of the lamp unit (18), and automatically and autonomously aims the lamp unit (18).