License Plate Light Photometric Charting With Camera Image Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for photometric charting of vehicle license plates are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly when dealing with varied geometrical arrangements of license plate lights, as they require point-by-point measurement and cannot easily account for different illumination settings and geometrical dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that utilize a camera and a positioning device controlled by a unit to record luminance density images of a reflectance standard, allowing for the creation of an overall image that represents the distribution of photometric characteristics as if illuminated by multiple license plate lights, with the ability to correct for non-perpendicular angles and varying reflection properties, and optionally use HDR imaging to reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If point-by-point measurement is used for photometric charting, then measurement precision can be maintained, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical point-by-point measurement system with an optical imaging system (camera). Instead of moving a photometer to multiple measurement points, the camera captures the entire reflectance standard simultaneously through optical imaging, achieving both speed and precision through parallel data acquisition across the measurement field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point-by-point measurement to two-dimensional imaging measurement. By capturing the luminance density distribution across the entire reflectance standard in a single image, the system achieves comprehensive photometric characterization without temporal sequencing of measurement points.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is positioned perpendicular to the reflectance standard, then measurement simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different geometrical arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the camera to be positioned at arbitrary angles relative to the reflectance standard, not limited to perpendicular orientation. By changing the angular parameter of camera positioning and applying corresponding geometric corrections during image evaluation, the system adapts to different license plate light geometrical arrangements while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple license plate lights with varied geometrical arrangements are evaluated, then comprehensive compliance testing is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where a single camera-based setup can evaluate multiple license plate light arrangements. By capturing the entire reflectance standard in one image and using software-based analysis to determine luminance density distributions, the system eliminates the need for multiple specialized measurement devices or complex reconfigurations for different geometrical arrangements.
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 enables rapid and efficient charting of photometric characteristics for various geometrical arrangements of license plate lights, reducing measurement time and allowing for easy evaluation of new or modified illumination settings without physical disassembly, while ensuring compliance with standards.
Implementation Method 1
a reflectance standard which is configured and arranged in a geometrically equal way as the license plate in order to achieve a standardized and comparable measurement. The reflectance standard is also referred to as a reflectance normal... a spectrally neutral, preferably lambertian, i.e. diffuse, reflecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for photometrical charting of a reflectance standard (Z) illuminated by a license plate light (1). A camera (4) releasable by a control unit (5) is arranged and aligned relative to a holding device (3) configured for holding a reflectance standard (Z) in such a way, that a luminance density image (B1, B2) recorded by the camera (4) at least covers the reflective surface (Z.1) of a reflectance standard (Z) held by the holding device (3). A license plate light (1) is arranged in a positioning device (2) which is movable by the control unit (5). The positioning device (2) is controlled by the control unit (5) in such a way that the license plate light (1) arranged therein is traversed to at least one position (P1, P2), optionally to multiple positions (P1, P2) sequentially, relative to the reflectance standard (Z) arranged in the holding device (3) and held there. In each position (P1, P2), recording of at least one luminance density image (B1, B2) is triggered. An overall image (B) is formed from the recorded luminance density images (B1, B2) recorded by the camera (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement for performing this method.