Vehicle Object Detection Using Synchronized Illumination Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems for detecting objects, such as passengers or child seats, in the passenger compartment face challenges in accurately differentiating between 2D and 3D objects and determining their position, especially in low-light conditions without additional auxiliary illumination.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a synchronized variation in passenger compartment illumination, using both visible and infrared light, to create different shading conditions, allowing for the detection of surface structures and object positions through image processing, which can generate a 3D model and classify objects without the need for additional illumination devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional auxiliary illumination devices are used to improve object detection in low-light conditions, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing passenger compartment illumination system to serve dual purposes: providing ambient lighting and serving as an auxiliary illumination source for object detection. The control unit activates existing illumination units (reading lamps, map lights, overhead lights) in specific patterns to create shading effects that reveal surface structures and object positions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated illumination devices for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by having the illumination system serve its own detection function. The existing illumination units, originally designed for passenger convenience, are repurposed to automatically provide the illumination needed for object detection. The control unit manages the activation and deactivation of these units based on detection requirements, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external or additional illumination equipment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple illumination settings are used to differentiate 2D and 3D objects, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by activating and deactivating illumination units in alternating sequences rather than keeping them continuously on. The control unit activates specific illumination units for brief periods to capture images showing surface structures, then deactivates them. This periodic activation pattern provides sufficient light for detecting 2D versus 3D objects while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only specific illumination units for specific detection tasks rather than illuminating the entire passenger compartment continuously. The control unit selectively activates individual reading lamps, map lights, or overhead lights based on which areas need detection, providing just enough illumination to differentiate object dimensions without excessive energy expenditure on unnecessary illumination zones.
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of object detection, enabling the differentiation between flat 2D and raised 3D objects, and improves the efficiency of passenger compartment sensing, potentially eliminating the need for additional auxiliary illumination, while providing optimal illumination for evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
An illumination device, for example, can be a conventional passenger-compartment illuminator for illuminating the object using visible light and/or infrared light
Implementation Method 2
The shading can depend on the intensity of the incident light, the direction-dependent reflection factor, and the angle of incidence
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining by an image-recording device of a vehicle first and second images that respectively represent first and second shadings on an object in the vehicle generated by illumination of the object by an illumination device of the vehicle at first and second illumination settings, respectively; processing the images, thereby identifying the first shading and the second shading; based on the identified first shading and second shading, detecting at least one of a surface structure and a position of the object; and based on the detected at least one of the surface structure and position, a least one of controlling a restraint and outputting a warning.