Vehicle Vision Lighting Matrix for Low-Light Object Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle object detection systems in reduced light conditions are hindered by bulky, expensive, and energy-consuming lighting devices that are limited by camera miniaturization, necessitating a more efficient solution for illuminating and recognizing objects.
Innovation Solution
A vision system incorporating a lighting matrix with individually controllable LED elements, including red-green-blue diodes, that adjusts lighting characteristics, such as power and color, in a time sequence imperceptible to the human eye to enhance object recognition by a vehicle-mounted camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lighting devices are used to illuminate objects in reduced light conditions, then object detection capability is improved, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting function into multiple individually controllable LED elements arranged in a matrix, where each element can be controlled independently based on the detected object's position and characteristics, replacing traditional single-unit lighting devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts lighting characteristics (intensity, color temperature, duration) based on real-time object detection results and environmental conditions, allowing adaptive optimization of illumination parameters rather than using fixed lighting configurations
2Reliability
If traditional lighting devices are used to illuminate objects in reduced light conditions, then object detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates only the specific LED elements needed to illuminate the detected object rather than illuminating the entire field of view, and controls the duration and intensity of lighting to be just sufficient for object recognition, minimizing energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting elements are activated in periodic pulses synchronized with the camera's image capture timing, providing illumination only during the brief moment when images are being captured, rather than continuous illumination
3Measurement precision
If lighting characteristics are adjusted during a time sequence perceptible to the human eye, then object recognition is improved, but driver disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rapid periodic modulation of lighting characteristics at frequencies above human perception threshold, allowing multiple lighting adjustments during a single imperceptible time sequence to capture different object aspects without causing visual discomfort to the driver
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting adjustments occur continuously during the brief exposure time of the camera sensor, ensuring that object recognition is maintained across multiple rapidly captured images while the human eye perceives only a single stable illumination state
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 accurate object recognition in reduced light conditions with minimal energy consumption and disturbance, improving the vehicle's ability to detect and respond to obstacles without the need for bulky lighting devices.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of lighting elements forming a lighting matrix may include a plurality of 'red-green-blue' light-emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system for a motor vehicle includes an optical image capture device configured to capture images of objects in its field of vision. A lighting device includes a plurality of lighting elements forming a lighting matrix configured to illuminate the field of vision of the optical device. A control device associated with the optical device and the lighting device is configured to determine the nature of each image of an object captured by the optical device. The control device is configured to locate the object, select the lighting elements of the lighting matrix capable of illuminating the object relative to the location of the object, and individually control at least one lighting characteristic of each selected lighting element so as to be able to determine the nature of the image of the object captured by the optical device.