Vehicle Light Source Offset Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assisting systems for motor vehicles face performance issues due to misalignments between imaging means and light sources, which can lead to reduced system effectiveness and failure in directing driver attention to the correct position, especially when the vehicle and objects are in motion.
Innovation Solution
The system determines an offset between the optical figure and the reference position by controlling the light source to illuminate the reference position first, then compensates for misalignments using vehicle and object motion data, ensuring accurate illumination of detected objects by adjusting the light source's direction and shape, and employing an auxiliary infrared light source for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is controlled to continuously illuminate the detected object, then the object recognition probability increases, but misalignments between the imaging means and light source reduce system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses imaging means to detect the position of detected objects and provides feedback to the light source control. The processing means calculates the offset between the imaging means and light source positions, and continuously adjusts the light source direction based on this feedback to maintain accurate illumination of the detected objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment adjustment with electronic/image processing-based offset determination. Instead of physically aligning the light source with the imaging means, the system uses image processing to detect the offset and electronically compensates for it by adjusting the light source direction based on calculated position differences.
2Speed
If the vehicle and objects are in motion, then the system must continuously track and illuminate moving objects, but misalignments worsen due to latency between detection and illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the offset between the imaging means and light source positions in advance, before actual illumination is required. This preliminary offset determination is stored and used to quickly calculate the correct light source direction when objects are detected, eliminating latency in the illumination response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a positional model of the offset relationship between imaging means and light source. This copied positional information is then used to rapidly determine illumination directions for moving objects without requiring real-time mechanical adjustment or complex calculations during the illumination phase.
3Measurement precision
If the offset determination is performed without first controlling the light source to illuminate the reference position, then systematic errors remain, but adding this control step increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own light source to illuminate a reference position and detect the resulting optical figure with its own imaging means. This self-generated reference signal allows the system to autonomously determine the offset between imaging means and light source without requiring external calibration equipment or additional complex control systems.
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 significantly improves the accuracy of object illumination, increasing the recognition probability for the driver and the system, thereby enhancing driver confidence and system performance by effectively compensating for misalignments and vehicle motion.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arrangement (20a, 20b) comprising a light source (20a, 20b) for generating an optical figure (33) in the vehicle surrounding region through a light beam (21)
Data Source
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AI summary
A driver assisting system (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising an imaging means (11) adapted to capture images from a region surrounding the motor vehicle, a processing means (14) adapted to process image data provided by said imaging means (11) and to detect objects in said vehicle surrounding region, and a light source arrangement (24) comprising a light source (20b; 22) for generating an optical figure (33; 34) in the vehicle surrounding region through a light beam (21; 23) and being controllable by said processing means (14) to change the direction and/or shape of said light beam (21; 23), wherein said processing means (14) is adapted to control said light source (20b; 22) to illuminate a reference position in said vehicle environment based on said image processing, to detect in the acquired images said optical figure (33; 34) generated by said light source (20b; 22), to perform a verification that a determined optical figure (33; 34) originates from said light source (20b; 22), and to determine an offset (35) between the position of said optical figure (33; 34) and said reference position, wherein said reference position is related to the position of a detected object (31).