Toronto, Ontario — General Motors (GM) recently filed a patent application for a camera-based adaptive light system to help modify the brightness level of a vehicle’s backup lights to help improve visibility in low light conditions.
The patent, which was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and published on July 2, 2024, specifically identifies a “method for modifying a brightness level of an automobile vehicle backup light (which) includes receiving electronic signals in a brightness evaluator and light controller defining at least one image captured within a field-of-view (FOV) of an automobile vehicle camera.”
Notably, the system outlines a camera that captures images behind a vehicle, with the images then divided into multiple different zones. The brightness of each zone is evaluated and compared to a predetermined threshold. A light controller would then adjust the brightness of the back-up lights based on the data.
The patent also describes how the system would “compare a brightness level of at least one backup light of the automobile vehicle to the environmental brightness level” and then modify the brightness as needed.
The patent application further describes how “in automobile vehicles equipped with rear camera systems, bad image quality of the rear camera may be caused by low light conditions. This may occur in a mechanical parking spot situation in which brightness is low. This may also occur in situations when a reflective material may cause backup light reflection toward the camera which reduces camera image quality.”
As a result, “there is a need for a new and improved camera based on an adaptive backup light system,” the automaker said.
Overall, for GM, the goal of the patent is to help increase the safety and environmental awareness for the driver.
While there is no guarantee that this technology will ever be manufactured, the idea is potentially one way to contribute to advanced driver assistance systems.
To read the full patent, click here.
