Vehicle Glare Sensor Using Shadow Analysis for Dynamic Window Darkening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of motor vehicles are often blinded or dazzled by external light sources such as direct sunlight, reflections, or headlamp lights from other vehicles, posing a significant traffic hazard due to impaired ability to detect the traffic situation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus comprising a shadow-casting object, a projection area, and an image capturing device, which captures the shadow of the object to determine properties of external light sources, controlling a darkening apparatus integrated into the vehicle's window to attenuate or shadow light rays and prevent blinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a darkening apparatus is integrated into the windowpane to block external light sources, then the driver is protected from glare, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The darkening apparatus is divided into multiple individually controllable segments or zones across the windowpane surface. Each segment can be independently darkened based on the position and intensity of external light sources, allowing selective glare protection without requiring complete window darkening. This segmentation enables the system to address specific glare problems while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus continuously monitors external light sources and predicts their movement trajectories. The control device pre-positions the darkening apparatus in anticipated glare paths before the actual glare occurs, allowing proactive protection rather than reactive response. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of real-time control by preparing the system in advance.
2Reliability
If the darkening apparatus is controlled based on real-time light source properties, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly measuring light source properties such as intensity and position with high-precision sensors, the system projects a shadow-casting object's shadow onto a projection area and analyzes the shadow's characteristics. This indirect measurement approach through shadow analysis reduces the precision requirements of the imaging device while still enabling accurate determination of light source properties for effective darkening control.
Solution Approach 2:
A shadow-casting object is introduced as an intermediary element between the external light source and the imaging device. The object casts a shadow whose position, shape, and intensity encode information about the light source properties. This intermediary transforms the measurement task from direct light detection to shadow pattern analysis, reducing the precision demands on the imaging system.
3Measurement precision
If the shadow-casting object is positioned close to the projection area, then the shadow resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shadow-casting object is integrated directly into the windowpane structure or mounted on its inner surface, merging the object with the existing window assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting mechanisms and complex positioning systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the object's proximity to the projection area for high shadow resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow-casting object serves multiple functions: it structures the light to create measurable shadows, acts as a reference element for calibration, and can be designed with patterns that enhance shadow contrast and resolution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall apparatus structure while achieving high measurement precision.
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
Effectively protects vehicle occupants from being blinded by external light sources by accurately determining light source properties and controlling the darkening apparatus to reduce glare, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shadow of the object is cast onto the projection area when the object is illuminated by at least one light source situated outside of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an image capturing device which is embodied to capture an image of the shadow of the object cast onto the projection area
Implementation Method 3
a darkening apparatus which is embodied to attenuate or shadow light rays which emanate from the at least one light source situated outside of the vehicle and impinge on the occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device is provided for a system for protecting an occupant, in particular a driver, of a vehicle from glare from light sources outside the vehicle. The device includes a projection surface, a shadow-casting object, which is arranged and/or designed such that upon an illumination of an object by a light source located outside the vehicle, at least one shadow of the object is cast onto the projection surface, an image capturing unit that is designed to capture an image of the shadow of the object cast onto the projection surface, and a control unit that is designed to detect at least one property of the at least one light source based on the captured image of the shadow of the object cast onto the projection surface.