Vehicle Lighting Diagnosis via Camera Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for checking the functional status of a vehicle's lighting system are limited to detecting misalignment and require external testing devices or third-party involvement, failing to comprehensively assess the entire lighting system's functional states.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a camera system on or in the vehicle to record image data from the vehicle's lateral or rear areas, processing this data to determine the functional state of various light-emitting devices through image processing algorithms, which can be implemented in a control unit or driver assistance system, allowing for both passive and active assessments of light-emitting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external testing devices or third-party providers are used to check the lighting system, then measurement precision can be ensured, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring external equipment and professional intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to serve multiple functions: it captures images for both driver assistance applications and lighting system diagnostics. The same camera hardware and processing unit are used for different purposes, eliminating the need for separate specialized testing equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through software-based analysis of light distribution patterns
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using specialized physical testing equipment, the system creates a digital copy or representation of the light distribution pattern through camera imaging. This optical copy is then analyzed computationally to determine lighting system functionality, replacing complex physical test devices with simpler optical capture and digital analysis
2Ease of operation
If a camera system is used to detect headlight misalignment, then ease of operation improves by eliminating external devices, but measurement precision deteriorates because only misalignment can be detected, not comprehensive functional states
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its diagnostic capabilities by controlling light emission devices to operate in different states (on/off, different intensities) and analyzing the camera's temporal response to these changes. This dynamic testing approach enables comprehensive functional assessment including bulb health, intensity levels, and operational responsiveness, not just static misalignment detection
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system employs periodic activation of light emission devices, switching them on and off in controlled sequences. By analyzing the camera's periodic response to these controlled activations, the system can detect various functional states including proper operation, partial failure, and complete malfunction of lighting components
3Reliability
If the entire lighting system is comprehensively checked, then reliability improves, but loss of time increases due to extended diagnostic procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary functional checks by capturing images during normal vehicle operation before actual diagnostic testing begins. This preliminary data collection establishes baseline information about the lighting system's operational state, allowing subsequent comprehensive diagnostics to focus only on specific areas of concern and reduce overall testing time while maintaining reliability
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
Enables comprehensive and independent evaluation of the entire vehicle lighting system, including standard and additional lighting components, providing timely detection of defects or malfunctions, such as low light intensity, without the need for external devices or third-party intervention.
Implementation Method 1
image data from at least one lateral or rearward area around the vehicle are captured by means of at least one camera
Implementation Method 2
at least one functional state of at least one light emission device arranged in the lateral or rearward area of the vehicle is determined by means of image processing of the image data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a corresponding device for determining the functional state of the lighting system of a vehicle by means of a camera system.