Vehicle Interior Lighting for Camera Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle occupant detection systems face challenges with high error rates and costs due to reliance on infrared illumination, which causes reflections and thermal radiation issues, and require separate lighting systems, increasing installation space and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an interior lighting system, such as existing reading lights or light strips, as a visible light source to illuminate the interior space for object detection and classification, reducing the need for additional lighting and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If infrared illumination is used for camera-based object detection, then illumination of the interior space is achieved, but reflections and thermal radiation issues occur leading to high error rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the illumination light from infrared to visible light range (400-780 nm). This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of infrared radiation such as thermal radiation and eye damage, while avoiding reflections that compromise detection accuracy. The visible light spectrum is optimized for camera-based detection without the adverse effects of infrared illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing interior lighting system (reading lights, overhead lights, ambient lighting) instead of deploying dedicated infrared illumination devices. This approach eliminates the need for separate expensive infrared illumination hardware and reduces system complexity. The existing lighting infrastructure is repurposed for dual functions: interior illumination and camera-based object detection support.
2Measurement precision
If a separate illumination device is added for camera-based detection, then detection capability is improved, but installation space and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing interior lighting system serve multiple functions: (1) providing ambient illumination for occupants, (2) supporting camera-based object detection, and (3) enabling weight sensor calibration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated illumination devices for each function, reducing overall system complexity and installation space requirements while maintaining enhanced detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of interior illumination and camera support illumination into a single lighting system. Instead of having separate illumination devices for general interior lighting and separate devices for camera assistance, the existing interior lights are used for both purposes simultaneously, simplifying the system architecture and reducing the number of components.
3Illumination intensity
If infrared illumination is used, then illumination is provided, but harmful radiation for eyes and thermal radiation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameter of the illumination from infrared wavelengths to visible light wavelengths (400-780 nm). This parameter change fundamentally eliminates the harmful effects associated with infrared radiation, including thermal radiation that can cause discomfort and potential eye damage, while providing sufficient illumination for camera-based detection without adverse health effects.
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 improves detection accuracy and reduces costs and installation space by leveraging existing components, providing efficient and user-acceptance-friendly object classification with reduced susceptibility to errors and distractions.
Implementation Method 1
an interior lighting system is activated as the illumination device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an identification system for a motor vehicle for ascertaining and classifying an object in an interior space of the motor vehicle, the interior space being recorded with the aid of an interior camera and the interior space being illuminated during the recording with the aid of an illumination device, the method provides that an interior lighting system is activated as the illumination device. A corresponding system, a device, and a computer program for carrying out the method are also described.