Vehicle 3D Detection Using Selective Matrix Headlight Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensors, such as radar, lidar, and stereo cameras, struggle to provide reliable 3D detection of unstructured surfaces under varying light conditions, especially at night, due to limited texture information and high costs of laser scanners, and stereo methods' reliance on natural texture which degrades in poor lighting.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system using a matrix headlight as an illumination device to project a variable light pattern selectively onto critical regions identified by an analysis unit, enhancing 3D detection by imparting structure to untextured areas, and utilizing a camera module and analysis unit to compute 3D positions based on image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser scanners are used for 3D detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laser scanning systems with a combination of standard camera and LED illumination system. The LED headlight projects structured light patterns that are captured by a conventional camera, eliminating the need for expensive laser scanners while maintaining 3D detection capability through photogrammetric methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a camera to capture optical images of the illuminated scene, creating a visual copy of the 3D structure. By projecting known light patterns and analyzing their distortion in the captured images, the system reconstructs 3D information without requiring direct mechanical measurement, thus simplifying the device
2Measurement precision
If stereo cameras are used for 3D detection, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates under poor light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by actively illuminating the scene with structured light patterns before capturing images. The LED headlight projects known geometric patterns onto the target objects, ensuring sufficient light and texture information are available in advance, which enables reliable stereo matching and depth calculation even in poor ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes different colors or wavelengths of light in the projected patterns to enhance feature distinguishability. By using structured light patterns with specific color characteristics that differ from the ambient environment, the system improves contrast and makes it easier to distinguish projected features from background textures, thereby maintaining reliability under varying light conditions
3Measurement precision
If structured light patterns are projected into all surrounding regions, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by projecting structured light patterns only into specific critical surrounding regions where 3D detection is needed, rather than illuminating the entire scene uniformly. The analysis unit identifies regions requiring enhanced measurement precision and directs illumination selectively to those areas, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining accuracy where required
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses partial action by applying structured illumination only to the extent necessary for achieving reliable 3D detection. Instead of continuously illuminating all areas, the system activates illumination selectively in regions where texture information is insufficient or where precise depth measurement is critical, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption
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 reliable 3D imaging of entire surfaces, even under low contrast conditions, reducing computational effort and power consumption by situational illumination, and improving object recognition for safer navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination device is formed by a matrix headlight of the vehicle and is designed to project a light pattern into the surroundings, said light pattern varying with the distance from the illumination device
Implementation Method 2
The at least one camera module is configured to image at least part of the light pattern that is projected into the surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting the surroundings of a vehicle and a method for detecting the surroundings, and a vehicle designed to carry out said method comprise a camera module, a camera control apparatus, an analysis unit and an illumination device. The illumination device is formed by a matrix headlight of the vehicle and is designed such that it can project a light pattern into the surroundings. The projected light pattern is imaged in the detection region of the camera module and the 3D position of measurement points formed by the light pattern in the surroundings is determined by the analysis unit. However, the illumination device projects the light pattern only into regions of the surroundings in which the analysis unit has ascertained, based on image data, a value that is critical for 3D position determination.