Vehicle Headlight Camera Object Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle headlight control systems struggle to accurately determine the presence of structural separations, such as barriers, without specialized sensors, leading to glare issues and inadequate navigation in low-cost vehicles, especially in construction sites and urban areas where GPS and navigation systems are unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method using a standard camera to read light signals from vehicle headlights, determining object position by analyzing brightness and sharpness, allowing for distance calculation and recognition of structural infrastructure measures, thereby enabling precise positioning without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If navigation systems are used to recognize structural separation, then headlight control accuracy is improved, but system cost and availability are worsened due to lack of permanent installation in lower price segment vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the standard camera to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a navigation/positioning aid and as a structural separation detection device. The camera captures images that are processed to detect barriers, concrete walls, and other structural elements, eliminating the need for dedicated navigation systems in lower-cost vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing standard camera (already present for other purposes) to perform structural separation detection. This self-service approach allows the camera to contribute to headlight control functionality without requiring additional specialized sensors or navigation equipment, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining detection capability.
2Loss of information
If navigation systems are used in construction sites with structural separation, then position information is obtained, but reliability is worsened due to outdated map material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the navigation system's reliance on pre-stored map data (mechanical/information system) with direct optical sensing of the current environment. The camera captures real-time images of structural elements like concrete walls and barriers, and image processing algorithms identify these features regardless of whether they exist in navigation maps, ensuring reliable detection in construction sites and areas with temporary or unmapped structures.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used for parking aids, then distance measurement capability is improved, but system cost is worsened due to additional sensor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the standard camera to perform distance measurement in addition to its primary functions. By analyzing the size and position of detected objects in the captured images, the system calculates distances to obstacles, effectively replacing ultrasonic sensors without requiring additional hardware, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining measurement capability.
4Device complexity
If standard camera is used for object positioning, then system cost is reduced, but measurement precision is worsened compared to specialized sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the camera's output data through sophisticated image processing algorithms. The system analyzes multiple parameters including object size, shape, brightness, position in the image frame, and spatial relationships between detected features. By changing and combining these parameters through algorithmic processing, the system achieves accurate distance and position measurements from the standard camera, compensating for its lower inherent precision compared to specialized sensors.
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 enhances driving safety by accurately detecting structural separations, adjusting headlight settings, and providing lane guidance and parking assistance, reducing glare and collision risks while utilizing existing camera technology to lower system costs.
Implementation Method 1
Reading a light signal from an optical sensor, the light signal being a brightness and a degree of reflection of light emitted by a headlight of the vehicle from an object
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (400) for ascertaining a position for an object (127) in surroundings (120) of a vehicle (100). The method comprises a step of reading in (410) a light signal from an optical sensor (110), wherein the light signal represents a brightness, a degree of reflection of light which has been emitted by a headlamp (140) on the vehicle (100) from an object, and/or a sharpness of a boundary line of the object (127) illuminated by light from the headlamp (120). In addition, the method (400) comprises a step of determining (420) a distance (128) of the object (127) from the vehicle (100) by using the light signal in order to determine the position of the object (127) in the surroundings (120) of the vehicle (100).