Headlight Quality Evaluation via Camera-Based Dynamic Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating motor vehicle headlight quality are subjective and qualitative, failing to provide quantifiable values for comparison across different types or conditions, especially under dynamic and vibrating states.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a camera to observe and evaluate headlight quality during driving or on a vibration test bench, assessing criteria like brightness distribution and cut-off line position over time, enabling quantitative analysis and comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If subjective qualitative evaluation by driver or observer is used, then evaluation can be performed during driving, but quantifiable values for comparison cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation during drivingVSAvoidquantifiable values
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the subjective human observation system with an automated camera-based measurement system. The camera captures images of the headlight beam pattern, and a computing machine processes these images to objectively measure brightness distribution, cut-off line position, and other parameters, eliminating subjectivity while maintaining ease of evaluation during driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a camera and computing machine as intermediary devices between the headlight and the evaluator. These intermediaries capture and process the light distribution data, transforming subjective visual assessment into objective quantifiable measurements that can be compared across different headlights and driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If headlight quality is evaluated in static state, then measurement setup is simple, but vibrations from engine and chassis cannot be accounted for

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement setupVSAvoidvibration influence
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static evaluation to dynamic evaluation by implementing a measurement system that operates during actual driving conditions. The camera and computing machine capture and analyze headlight performance while the vehicle is moving, naturally incorporating vibration effects into the measurements without requiring complex vibration isolation setups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If camera observes headlight during driving on vibration test bench, then quantitative data under dynamic conditions is obtained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantitative data under dynamic conditionsVSAvoidcamera and computing machine system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a measurement system with universal applicability that can evaluate multiple headlight parameters (brightness distribution, cut-off line position, symmetry) using a single integrated camera and computing machine setup. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate specialized devices for each measurement type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reliable, quantitative assessments of headlight quality, allowing for reproducible comparisons and constructive adjustments, even under dynamic conditions, and enables immediate data analysis during test drives.

Implementation Method 1

a camera, with the camera being aimed at the headlight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2698618B1Method and device for evaluating a quality of a headlamp
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 AUDI AG
  • EP2698618B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for evaluating the quality of a headlight (10) of a motor vehicle (12) during driving and/or during operation on a vibration test rig, in which the headlight (10) is observed by means of a camera (16) and a camera image and/or a temporal sequence of camera images are evaluated according to at least one predetermined criterion. The invention further relates to a device designed for carrying out such a method. This enables reliable and reproducible quantitative quality control of headlights (10).