Motor Vehicle Headlight Beam Projection Control via 3D Road Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling headlight beam projection in motor vehicles are inadequate, particularly in navigating bends and differentiating relevant from irrelevant light sources, leading to suboptimal lighting and potential glare for oncoming traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing at least two image recording units to generate a three-dimensional road profile, differentiate between relevant and irrelevant light sources, and adjust headlight beam projection accordingly, including predictive activation in bends and adjustments for road features like bumps and depressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If headlight beam projection is controlled based on simple image recognition, then the system complexity is reduced, but the lighting performance in bends and the ability to differentiate relevant light sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image analysis to three-dimensional road profile reconstruction by utilizing stereoscopic vision from multiple image recording units. This dimensional enhancement enables accurate detection of road geometry (bends, bumps, depressions) and spatial positioning of light sources, resolving the contradiction by maintaining system simplicity while achieving reliable lighting control through 3D spatial understanding
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of light sources as relevant or irrelevant based on their spatial position relative to the reconstructed 3D road profile before executing beam projection control. This preliminary action enables the system to anticipate lighting requirements and avoid glare, improving lighting performance without requiring complex real-time decision-making
2Illumination intensity
If beam projection is adjusted to illuminate bends better, then lighting in bends is improved, but glare to oncoming traffic may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different beam projection strategies to different spatial regions based on the 3D road profile and classified light sources. Relevant light sources (oncoming traffic, traffic ahead) receive glare-preventive control, while irrelevant light sources (roadway markings, roadside objects) allow for enhanced illumination in bends. This localized quality control resolves the contradiction by optimizing lighting performance where needed without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the positions of light sources relative to the 3D road profile and adjusts beam projection accordingly. By providing feedback on light source classification and spatial position, the system dynamically balances bend illumination with glare prevention, ensuring that lighting adjustments benefit the driver without harmful effects to other road users
3Measurement precision
If multiple image recording units are used to generate 3D road profile, then road profile accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple image recording units serve multiple functions: they simultaneously capture images for 3D road profile reconstruction, detect light source positions, and provide spatial context for classification. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by justifying the increased device complexity through substantial functional benefits, where the same hardware components achieve multiple measurement and control objectives
Data Source
AI summary
A method for traffic-dependent control of beam projection of headlights of motor vehicles requires the passing of images from at least two image recording units to a control unit for evaluation. A road profile is generated as a three-dimensional image by reference to the images from the at least two image recording units so that predictive control of the vehicle lighting is carried out on a basis of the determined road profile.