Road Surface Detection Using Projected Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining road surface conditions are often expensive and unreliable, particularly when environmental lighting conditions change, leading to inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
A road surface detection system using a processor to analyze images from a camera, with a light source generating a pattern on the road surface, allowing for the extraction of feature vectors and classification of road conditions, employing economical lighting sources like LEDs and robust image processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive hardware is used for road surface detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex hardware with inexpensive components: a standard camera and an economical LED light source. This substitution maintains detection functionality while dramatically reducing system cost and complexity, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical/optical detection hardware with a software-based image processing system. The camera captures images that are then analyzed through digital image processing algorithms, replacing what would traditionally require specialized hardware with a combination of standard hardware and software intelligence
2Adaptability or versatility
If environmental lighting conditions change, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by actively illuminating the road surface with an LED light source before capturing the image. This controlled lighting ensures that the road surface is properly illuminated regardless of environmental lighting conditions, allowing consistent feature extraction and reliable detection across varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image processing techniques that analyze specific parameters of the captured image, such as intensity ratios and texture features, rather than relying on absolute intensity values. This approach allows the system to adapt to varying environmental lighting conditions while maintaining reliable and consistent road surface condition detection
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
The system provides reliable road surface condition detection across varying environmental conditions, using economical lighting sources and robust image processing, enhancing vehicle safety and stability without the need for expensive hardware.
Implementation Method 1
The systems can use an economical lighting source such as a flash or light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
The image includes a pattern from a light source
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods use an image of a road surface that is generated by a camera. The image includes a pattern from a light source. A region of interest in the image is determined based on the pattern from the light source. A total area is determined that includes at least part of the region of interest and an area adjacent the region of interest. A feature vector is extracted based on the region of interest and the total area. A road condition is determined based on the feature vector and a classifier.