Vehicle Light Source Detection via Shadow Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source detection methods in vehicles are limited in detecting light sources at a distance, such as the sun, and require additional equipment, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using cameras and an artificial intelligence model to generate a top view image of a vehicle, detect shadow areas, and calculate the incidence angle of light from a distant light source, without the need for additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threshold-based brightness detection method is used, then the detection simplicity is improved, but the detection distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces shadow detection as an intermediary method between the camera and the light source. Instead of directly detecting the light source brightness, the system detects the shadow cast by the vehicle, which serves as a mediator to infer the presence and position of distant light sources like the sun. This resolves the contradiction by enabling distance detection without requiring direct line-of-sight to the light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from detecting light sources in the 2D image plane to detecting shadows in the 3D space above the vehicle. By analyzing the shadow area and its geometric relationship with the vehicle, the system can determine light source position and distance. This dimensional transformation allows detection of distant light sources that would be invisible or indistinguishable in traditional 2D brightness-based methods.
2Measurement precision
If additional detection equipment is installed, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the vehicle's existing camera system to perform light source detection functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated equipment. By utilizing the shadow detection capability already present in the vehicle's imaging system and processing it through software algorithms, the system achieves accurate light source detection without adding new hardware. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining high detection accuracy while avoiding increased device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical/optical detection equipment with a software-based processing system. Instead of using additional sensors or optical components, the system uses image processing algorithms to analyze shadow characteristics and determine light source properties. This substitution of mechanical systems with computational methods achieves detection accuracy without increasing physical device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If a surround view camera is used, then the coverage area is improved, but the detection distance for distant light sources remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the three-dimensional shadow space created by the vehicle to extend detection capability beyond the two-dimensional camera coverage area. Even though the surround view camera captures images from multiple angles, the shadow detection method utilizes the vertical dimension and geometric relationships to detect light sources at significant distances, overcoming the limitation of traditional 2D-based detection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of detecting a position of a light source are provided. The method includes: generating a top view image of a vehicle by using one or more cameras mounted on the vehicle; detecting a shadow area from the top view image by using an artificial intelligence model trained to recognize objects from a video or an image input; detecting a first area corresponding to an area of a shadow of the vehicle from the shadow area; detecting a direction of the light source based on the first area; and calculating an incidence angle at which light emitted from the light source is incident on the vehicle, based on the first area.