Vehicle Headlight Elevation Control via Rearward Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headlight systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust their elevation based on the vehicle's movement and orientation, leading to inefficient light projection and potential issues like blinding oncoming traffic or losing effective projection distance.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system that includes an imager to capture image data of the rearward field of view, processing this data to identify features and movements, and a controller that adjusts the elevation of the headlamps' light emissions in response, allowing for independent control of each headlamp's vertical level to compensate for vertical and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If headlight elevation is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but lighting effectiveness deteriorates due to inability to compensate for vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The headlight system transitions from a fixed elevation design to a dynamic adjustment system. The controller receives vehicle movement data from sensors (accelerometers, GPS, steering angle sensors) and automatically adjusts headlight elevation in real-time to compensate for vehicle motion, maintaining optimal lighting effectiveness without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor vehicle movement parameters (acceleration, position, orientation) and feed this information to the controller. The controller processes this feedback data and adjusts headlight elevation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing driving conditions.
2Reliability
If headlight elevation is adjusted dynamically, then lighting effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases due to active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system predicts vehicle movement trends using sensor data and adjusts headlight elevation proactively before significant movement occurs. By anticipating vehicle motion based on current acceleration and steering inputs, the system minimizes frequent adjustments and reduces energy consumption associated with continuous active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts discrete elevation parameters rather than continuous positioning. The controller selects from predefined elevation levels or makes small incremental adjustments only when necessary, reducing the frequency and magnitude of actuator movements, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining lighting effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If headlight elevation is adjusted based on rearward field of view, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a rearward-facing camera or sensor array that serves multiple functions: it detects vehicle movement for headlight elevation adjustment, provides rearview imaging for driver assistance, and can identify environmental features. This multi-functional approach allows environmental adaptation without adding dedicated specialized sensors, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes data from existing vehicle sensors (accelerometers, GPS, steering angle sensors) and translates this information into headlight elevation adjustments. Rather than requiring a complex dedicated control system, the controller leverages data already being collected by other vehicle systems, simplifying the overall architecture.
4Manufacturing precision
If independent headlamp control is implemented, then lighting precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The headlight system is divided into independently controllable headlamp units, each capable of individual elevation adjustment. This segmentation allows precise control of each headlamp based on specific driving conditions and vehicle movement, improving lighting precision while enabling modular control architecture that simplifies implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each headlamp unit is equipped with integrated position sensors and control mechanisms that enable autonomous elevation adjustment. The headlamps self-regulate their positioning based on controller commands without requiring complex external positioning mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high precision control.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting system comprises an imager configured to capture image data in a plurality of image frames in a rearward field of view. The system further comprises at least one headlamp configured to output an emission of light at a plurality of elevations and a controller. The controller is in communication with the imager and the headlamp. The controller is operable to process the image data to identify features in a first frame and a second frame. The controller is further operable to identify a movement of the features from the first frame to the second frame and adjust the elevation of the output emission in response to the movement.