Vehicular Tilt-Sensing Method Using Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headlight leveling systems face challenges on sloped roads, where illumination distance is affected by vehicle tilt and load, leading to glare and reduced visibility, and current solutions are complex, expensive, or limited in application.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular tilt-sensing method using image processing technology to capture and analyze road images, detect lane marking lines, calculate the vehicle's tilt angle, and adjust headlights in real-time to maintain appropriate illumination, incorporating an image capture device, image processing unit, and level adjusting controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If variable resistors are installed in the front and rear axles to detect vehicle tilt, then the tilt angle can be calculated from resistance variation, but the installation becomes very complicated and the device is exposed to collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tilt-sensing device (variable resistors in axles) with an image processing system using a camera and computer vision algorithms. The camera captures road images and the system calculates tilt angle by detecting lane marking lines and their vanishing points, eliminating mechanical components and their installation complexity while maintaining tilt detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the road geometry by capturing images and processing lane marking lines to determine the vanishing point. This virtual representation allows tilt calculation without physical sensors, replacing the need for mechanical measurement devices with digital image analysis
2Measurement precision
If a G-sensor and precision potentiometer are used to detect tilt, then more accurate tilting data is obtained, but the cost greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard camera and image processing algorithms instead of expensive precision potentiometers and G-sensors. The system achieves accurate tilt measurement through software-based image analysis of lane markings, replacing costly hardware components with more affordable digital processing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces precision mechanical sensors (potentiometers and G-sensors) with an optical-digital system using camera imaging and computer vision. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive precision mechanical components while achieving comparable or superior measurement accuracy through algorithmic processing
3Measurement precision
If traditional tilt-sensing devices are used, then tilt detection is possible, but the device cannot detect road state beforehand and is limited in application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes and analyzes road images in advance to detect lane marking patterns and calculate the vanishing point before the vehicle reaches the tilted section. This allows the system to predict upcoming road conditions and adjust headlights proactively, rather than merely reacting to current tilt status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the image processing platform can detect not only vehicle tilt but also predict road conditions, analyze lane markings, and provide comprehensive driving environment information. The same camera and processing system serves multiple detection purposes, enhancing versatility beyond single-function tilt sensors
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
The method provides precise, adaptive illumination, enhancing night driving safety by predicting road conditions and adjusting headlights to maintain optimal illumination, regardless of road slope or load, while being cost-effective and robust.
Implementation Method 1
processing the road image to obtain at least one instantaneous lane marking line
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a vehicular tilt-sensing method and an automatic headlight leveling system using the same. The method of the present invention comprises steps: using an image capture device to capture an image of the road and obtain at least one instantaneous lane marking line from the image; extending the instantaneous lane marking lines afar to obtain an instantaneous vanishing point; establishing an instantaneous horizontal line passing through the instantaneous vanishing point; calculating from the image the displacement between a datum horizontal line and the instantaneous horizontal line; and calculating the tilt angle with the displacement and the focal length of the image; using the tilt angle to generate a control signal to control level adjusting controllers to adjust headlights, whereby the headlights can provide optimized illumination to enhance night driving safety on a rugged road or in the case that the vehicle is unevenly loaded.