Semi-Autonomous Headlight Control for Human and Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-autonomous vehicle systems face challenges in providing optimized simultaneous illumination for both human vision and machine-based navigation vision, as infrared lighting is ineffective for driver visibility and is compromised by approaching headlights or street lights, while additional broad-spectrum lighting interferes with machine vision.
Innovation Solution
A system with dual illumination sources and a control device that manages active cycle times and intensity levels for infrared and visible light LEDs, ensuring they operate independently and synchronized with the camera system to optimize both human and machine vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared lighting is used to illuminate obstacles for machine vision, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but driver visibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into distinct infrared and visible light sources with separate control mechanisms. The infrared illumination source (108) and visible light illumination source (110) operate independently with different active cycle times, allowing optimized illumination for both machine vision and driver visibility without mutual interference.
2Illumination intensity
If additional broad-spectrum lighting is added for driver visibility, then driver illumination is improved, but effectiveness of infrared lighting is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic illumination cycles where the infrared and visible light sources are activated in alternating time intervals. The control device (104) manages active cycle times for each source, creating synchronized periodic patterns that ensure infrared effectiveness for machine vision while providing visible light for driver visibility during designated intervals.
3Measurement precision
If infrared lighting is used for machine vision, then camera operation at optimum parameters is improved, but interference from approaching headlights and street lights increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of ambient illumination conditions through the camera system (106) before activating infrared illumination. The control device (104) receives ambient illumination information and determines the probability of effectiveness of infrared lighting in advance, activating it only when conditions favor its effectiveness and avoiding periods when external light sources would interfere.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate control systems are implemented for infrared and visible light sources, then illumination optimization for both human and machine vision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device (104) merges the control functions for both infrared and visible light illumination sources into a single integrated unit. This consolidated controller manages active cycle times, intensity levels, and synchronization with the camera system (106) for both light sources simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize illumination for both human and machine vision.
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
Enables effective obstacle detection and driver visibility by coordinating infrared and visible light illumination sources, enhancing the reliability of camera systems in adverse weather conditions and reducing interference from external light sources.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared (IR) light can be effective in providing the correct illumination for the cameras to detect obstacles in weather
Implementation Method 2
the second illumination source is configured to provide a second frequency band of illumination for a human driver of the semi-autonomous vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for providing optimized simultaneous illumination for human vision and machine based navigation vision on a semi-autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes a first control output configured to provide first illumination control information including first active cycle times for a first illumination source. The first illumination source is configured to provide a first frequency band of illumination for machine vision navigation of the semi-autonomous vehicle. The system further includes a second control output configured to provide second illumination control information including second active cycle times for a second illumination source. The second illumination source is configured to provide a second frequency band of illumination for a human driver of the semi-autonomous vehicle. The system further includes a first monitor input configured to receive ambient illumination information from a camera system.