Vehicle Camera Vision Using Headlight Structured Light for 3D Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-camera vision systems in automobiles are unable to capture the surface geometry and distance of imaged objects, limiting their ability to detect and distinguish 3-dimensional objects, unlike RADAR and LiDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system using first and second vehicle headlights to project patterned light structures into the travel path, with a camera capturing reflections to reconstruct the object's surface geometry and determine distance, utilizing a controller and image processor to synchronize light patterns and process images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera is used for vision sensing, then the system structure is simple and cost-effective, but the ability to capture surface geometry and distance information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function (headlights) with the structured light projection function, and integrates the camera capture system with the controller synchronization mechanism. This merging allows a single camera system to achieve 3D surface geometry capture by projecting patterned light and analyzing its reflections, eliminating the need for separate LiDAR or multi-camera setups while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses alternating activation of first and second headlights to project light structures sequentially. The controller synchronizes capture signals to coincide with the alternating light projections, creating periodic action that enables the single camera to capture multiple views or patterns over time, thereby reconstructing surface geometry without requiring multiple simultaneously active cameras
2Measurement precision
If RADAR or LiDAR systems are used, then surface geometry and distance detection capability is excellent, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The headlights are designed to serve dual functions: conventional illumination for driver visibility and structured light projection for 3D surface geometry capture. The camera system similarly serves both general vision sensing and precise distance measurement. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve LiDAR-level distance detection accuracy using components already present in conventional vehicles, reducing overall system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that synchronizes the alternating headlight activation with the camera capture signals. This coordination mechanism enables the single camera to effectively function as a distance measurement device by capturing reflections of known light structures at precisely controlled intervals, achieving accurate distance detection without requiring direct LiDAR hardware
3Loss of information
If headlights project light structures alternately, then the system can capture 3D information with a single camera, but the synchronization requirement increases system control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with the alternating activation sequence for the first and second headlights. Capture signals are pre-synchronized to coincide with the expected timing of light structure projections. This preliminary configuration reduces real-time control complexity while ensuring that no surface geometry information is lost during the alternating projection cycles
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
Enhances the ability to capture surface geometry and determine distance of imaged objects, improving object detection and recognition in autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
first and second vehicle headlights alternately project the first and second light structures... images of the object captured by the camera include reflections of the first and second light structures
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle vision system comprises first and second vehicle headlights configured to project first and second light structures into a travel path of the vehicle to illuminate an object in the travel path. The system includes a camera disposed in the vehicle between the first and second headlights to capture images of the object in response to capture signals. The first and second vehicle headlights alternately project the first and second light structures. A system controller synchronizes the capture signals so that images of the object captured by the camera include reflections of the first and second light structures. An image processor can reconstruct a surface geometry of the object based on the reflected first and second light structures.