Glare Reduction in Vehicle Driver Imaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems for monitoring vehicle drivers face challenges in reducing glare from corrective lenses, which can lead to artifacts and 'ghosting' due to image motion, compromising the reliability of the system.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with two or more illumination devices positioned to selectively illuminate a subject's face from different angles, a camera to capture images, and a processor that adjusts brightness values to reduce glare by comparing and modifying pixel values in synchronized images, using techniques like weighted averages or threshold operations, while accounting for eye movement through eye model fitting and machine learning algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a pixel-wise minimisation algorithm is performed on successive images to reduce glare, then glare reduction is achieved, but image motion between consecutive images causes artifacts and ghosting that negate the glare reduction effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image registration to align successive images before applying the pixel-wise minimisation algorithm. This preliminary alignment action ensures that corresponding pixels across frames represent the same physical location, preventing artifacts and ghosting while maintaining glare reduction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the registration process continuously adjusts for head and eye movements detected between frames. This feedback loop maintains accurate pixel correspondence throughout the image sequence, ensuring reliable glare reduction without compromising image quality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the subject from different positions, then glare reduction capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations. Each light source can be independently controlled and activated, allowing the system to selectively illuminate from optimal positions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of different light sources rather than continuous operation of all sources. By alternating between different illumination configurations, the system achieves comprehensive glare reduction while reducing overall power consumption and simplifying control requirements.
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 effectively reduces glare and enhances image quality, maintaining reliability and accuracy in monitoring facial features like eye position and gaze, even with corrective lenses, by compensating for head and eye motion.
Implementation Method 1
the geometry (e.g., convex shape) of the glasses may reflect the light illuminated onto the image that is acquired by the imaging camera
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
A system and method are provided for actively illuminating and capturing images of an object, such as a driver of a vehicle to reduce glare. The system includes a video imaging camera orientated to generate images of the subject object (e.g., eye(s)) in successive video frames. The system also includes first and second light sources operable to illuminate the object one at a time. The system further includes a processor for processing the image by performing a functional operation to reduce glare in the image. The system may remove glare caused by the illuminators and by external energy sources.