Vehicle Light Synchronization for Trailer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for inputting trailer parameters, such as trailer reverse assist functions, face challenges in low-light conditions where rear-view cameras struggle to detect reference points on trailers, leading to ineffective image processing and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light system that synchronizes light illumination with camera image acquisition using pulse width modulation, ensuring consistent and adaptive lighting to enhance image capture and processing during trailer reverse assist functions, even in dark environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rear-view cameras are used to detect reference points on trailers, then trailer parameters can be automatically detected, but the system fails in low-light conditions where there is not enough light to detect the trailer or sticker
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a retro-reflective sticker or target to the trailer beforehand, which is specifically designed to reflect light back to the camera. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the camera needs to detect the trailer, there is already a high-visibility reference point in place that will work even in low-light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses retro-reflective materials that change their optical properties based on light input. The sticker or target is designed to reflect light back to the camera with high intensity, creating a bright visible reference point that contrasts with the dark background in low-light conditions, enabling reliable detection.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement and sticker application is used to input trailer parameters, then accurate parameters can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manually measuring and entering trailer parameters, the system creates a visual copy or representation of the trailer parameters through the retro-reflective sticker pattern. The camera captures this visual information and automatically processes it to extract the necessary parameters, replacing manual measurement with automated image-based measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical process of manual measurement and parameter entry with an optical and computational system. The camera captures images of the retro-reflective sticker, and image processing algorithms automatically extract trailer parameters, substituting manual mechanical measurement with automated optical detection.
3Extent of automation
If camera tracking uses reference points or edges on the trailer, then trailer position can be tracked, but tracking fails when there is insufficient light to detect these features
Solution Approach 1:
The retro-reflective sticker or target is specifically designed to change its optical appearance under different lighting conditions. In low-light conditions, it reflects light back to the camera with high intensity, creating a bright, easily detectable reference point that maintains visibility and detectability regardless of ambient light levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The retro-reflective sticker acts as an intermediary between the light source and the camera. It captures light (from any source) and redirects it back to the camera, ensuring that the reference point remains visible and detectable even when ambient light is insufficient, thereby mediating the detection process in low-light conditions.
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
Improves image analysis and tracking of trailer parameters by providing consistent and optimized lighting, enabling reliable operation of trailer reverse assist functions even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The temporary state of the one or more lights includes outputting light based on a pulse width modulation signal. The pulse width modulation signal is synchronized with an acquisition timing of the camera image.
Implementation Method 2
receiving, at the data processing hardware one or more images from the camera
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for controlling one or more vehicle lights of a vehicle during execution of a vehicle function based on image analysis is provided. The method includes receiving instructions to analyze one or more images captured by a camera supported by the vehicle. The method also includes transmitting instructions to a vehicle light system including the one or more lights positioned within a vicinity of the camera. The instructions causing a change in a current state of the one or more lights to a temporary state. During the temporary state, the method includes receiving one or more images from the camera, and identifying one or more reference points within the one or more images.