Windshield Image Processing for Direction-Independent Light Streak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing devices struggle to detect light streaks on vehicle windshields due to varying wiping directions of wipers, and cannot recognize light streaks extending in directions other than the wiping direction, especially when caused by scratches or unwiped portions not aligned with the wiper direction.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device with a light spot detection unit, light streak candidate extraction unit, and light streak presence/absence determination unit, which detects light spots, extracts light streak candidates, and determines if they are light streaks based on angle differences and symmetry, regardless of the streak's direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a specific direction intersecting the wiping direction of wipers is set in advance, then light streaks in that direction can be detected, but light streaks extending in other directions cannot be detected and the system cannot be applied to vehicles with different wiper directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by not constraining the light streak detection to a specific predetermined direction. Instead, the system extracts light streak candidates in multiple directions and determines them as light streaks based on angle difference criteria, allowing detection of light streaks regardless of their extension direction. This resolves the contradiction by making the detection system adaptable to different wiper directions and light streak orientations without sacrificing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by creating a light streak detection system that can handle multiple scenarios: light streaks from wiper unwiped portions, scratches, and other windshield imperfections. The system extracts candidates in various directions and uses angle difference determination to identify light streaks universally, making it applicable to different vehicle types with different wiper configurations
2Reliability
If edge detection is used to identify light streaks, then light streaks with clear edges can be detected, but light streaks without edges in the wiping direction cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional edge detection along the wiper direction to two-dimensional angle difference analysis. By extracting light streak candidates in multiple directions and analyzing angle differences between candidate portions, the system can detect light streaks regardless of their orientation or whether they have edges in the traditional wiper direction, significantly expanding detection coverage while maintaining reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
An object is to detect generation of a light streak regardless of a direction in which the light streak extends. An image processing device includes a light spot detection unit, a light streak candidate extraction unit, and a light streak presence/absence determination unit. The light spot detection unit detects a light spot having a luminance value larger than or equal to a predetermined value from an image acquired by a camera mounted in a vehicle. The light streak candidate extraction unit extracts a light streak candidate extending from the light spot detected by the light spot detection unit. The light streak presence/absence determination unit determines that the light streak candidate is a light streak when a difference in angle between a portion of the light streak candidate extending from the light spot to one side and a portion of the light streak candidate extending from the light spot to the other side is within a predetermined range.