Synchronous Light Filtering for EV Charging Receptacle Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous localization systems for electric vehicle charging face challenges in accurately identifying the charging receptacle due to ambient lighting conditions that contaminate the environment, making it difficult to filter out extraneous light and precisely locate the charging connector.
Innovation Solution
A computer vision system that utilizes light filtering by comparing frames with marker lights of different modes to differentiate them from other light sources, employing synchronous lighting and image capture frequencies to transiently filter out unpredictable light, allowing for refined control and precise localization of the charging receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ambient lighting is present in the target environment, then the vision system can operate in various lighting conditions, but the ambient light contaminates the marker light detection and reduces localization accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating the marker light at a specific frequency and using synchronous detection to capture images at the same frequency. This allows the vision system to distinguish the periodic marker light from non-periodic ambient lighting, maintaining measurement precision while operating in various lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency modulation as an intermediary characteristic that mediates between the marker light and ambient light. By encoding the marker light with a specific temporal frequency and using synchronous detection, the system creates a frequency-based intermediary that separates the signal of interest from background contamination
2Reliability
If the vision system captures continuous frames to locate the charging receptacle, then it can track movements and maintain localization, but it increases computational load and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by capturing images at synchronous intervals matched to the marker light frequency. This selective periodic sampling reduces the number of frames processed while maintaining reliable localization, as only frames containing the modulated marker light signal are captured and analyzed
3Measurement precision
If the system uses synchronous lighting and image capture frequencies, then it can filter out extraneous light effectively, but it requires precise coordination between light source and sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function and sensing function into a coordinated synchronous system. The light source modulation and sensor capture are combined and synchronized through a common timing reference, enabling effective light filtering while managing coordination complexity through integrated design
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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of autonomous EV charging by effectively filtering out contaminating light, enabling precise location determination and improved operational efficiency in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensitive receiver (e.g., a camera) having an image capture frequency and configured to capture a target environment in a plurality of frames according to the image capture frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for directing a connection element is provided. The apparatus includes a robotic element for manipulating the connection element and a computer vision system communicatively coupled to the robotic element. The computer vision system includes one or more processors configured to: receive a first frame representing an environment at a first time, the environment at the first time comprising marker light of a first mode and other light; receive a second frame of the environment at a second time, the environment at the second time comprising marker light of a second mode and the other light; compare the first frame to the second frame to determine a difference in lighting in the environment between the first time and the second time; and differentiate the marker light of the first mode and the marker light of the second mode from the other light based on the determined difference.