As part of the industrial research project “CarVisionLight”, ZKW are coöperating with the Institute of Visual Computing and Human-Centred Technology at the Technical University of Vienna and Emotion-3D. The idea is to understand and apply the interplay between lamps and 3D cameras in ADB systems.
The CarVisionLight project consider image acquisition, image processing and adaptive lighting. It is a central, essential step for the further development of premium vehicle lighting technology. The integration of 3D stereoscopy to capture the surroundings in a control loop with high-resolution headlight technology serves as the cornerstone for the product concept of an overall machine vision system.
Part of the project is the training of night-drive-specific AI algorithms. The experimental system used for this consists of flexibly-conceptualised prototype headlamps incorporating a camera and high-resolution micromirror Z-LED module based on DLP technology; image processing based on artificial intelligence, and an improved ADB light control that takes stereoscopic data into account. An essential part of the project is also the recording of suitable video sequences as training data for the algorithms. It is also crucial to minimise image disturbances, with challenges such as glare and motion blur versus the usual installation behind the windshield.
Compared to current implementations, the depth of information from stereoscopy offers the possibility of significantly improving the lighting control. This can be implemented through model-based development of a function which enables execution on prototype hardware. Dynamic object lists are used instead of a fixed number of objects. The model takes into account separate processing paths for a supporting Segment-Lite-ADB basic lighting system from ZKW and the high-resolution Mirror-Z-LED module that creates the image. This light control realisation is the basis for general product development as well as for the further development of existing product solutions.
Accounting for the various challenges that arise when a camera is in the headlamp, ZKW have developed tests to assess which system is best suited for the project. For automotive cameras, for example, HDR (high dynamic range) cameras and imaging systems provide a very good contrast ratio for image processing.