Vehicle Headlight Misalignment Detection Using Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting vehicle headlights to prevent dazzling are time-consuming and expensive for vehicle owners, as they require manual adjustment in a workshop and lack efficient automated detection of misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A camera system on the vehicle captures the area in front, records beam characteristics, and compares them to target patterns to detect misalignment, allowing for automatic headlight calibration and driver notification, with the option for manual or automatic correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual headlight adjustment is performed in a workshop using a headlight aiming device, then headlight alignment precision is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to perform its own headlight alignment check autonomously during normal operation. The camera captures the beam pattern, the evaluation unit compares it with target values, and the system notifies the driver of misalignment - all without external workshop equipment or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical headlight aiming device with an optical detection system (camera) and electronic evaluation unit. Instead of using physical alignment tools and manual adjustment mechanisms, the system uses image capture, digital image processing, and electronic notification to detect and report misalignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual headlight adjustment is performed in a workshop, then headlight alignment precision is improved, but expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle autonomously monitors its own headlight alignment using the existing camera system and evaluation unit, eliminating the need for expensive workshop services. The system leverages already-installed components to perform what previously required specialized external equipment and technician labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system and evaluation unit serve multiple functions: they detect environmental objects for driver assistance, capture beam patterns for alignment verification, and provide notification to the driver. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated alignment detection equipment, reducing overall system cost.
3Speed
If the camera system captures the beam pattern during vehicle operation, then detection speed is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its detection approach based on vehicle operation conditions. It captures beam patterns during normal driving when the vehicle is in motion, accepting that measurements occur under varying road conditions rather than requiring static workshop environments. The system processes images digitally to compensate for environmental variations.
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 quick, cost-effective, and accurate detection of headlight misalignment during vehicle operation, ensuring proper illumination without dazzling other road users and reducing the need for workshop adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor device detects the lighting situation in front of the vehicle in the form of the light reflected from the road
Implementation Method 2
a camera system mounted in or on the vehicle and directed at an area in front of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting misalignment of a vehicle headlight using a camera system is specified. For this purpose, the headlight is in a predefined position and the camera system is arranged on or in the vehicle and is oriented in such a manner that the light distribution pattern of the headlight in front of the motor vehicle is detected. With a predefined headlight position, an actual light distribution pattern of the headlight is recorded using the camera system and is compared with a desired light distribution pattern for the predefined headlight position. If the actual light distribution pattern differs from the desired light distribution pattern, misalignment of the headlight is detected.