An auxiliary device and method for testing the field of view of a vehicle-mounted camera based on eccentricity

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of based on eccentricity's auxiliary device and method of vehicle-mounted camera field of view test, the auxiliary device includes panel, camera and multiple light beams, the camera is located at the center of the panel, the light beam ring array is at the edge of the panel, and each light beam can rotate around the connecting point with the panel, to adjust the irradiation angle;With the camera as the symmetrical center, the outermost irradiation surface of two light beams is the field of view angle boundary of the camera.The center point of the imaging of the camera is calculated by the eccentricity of the camera, and the offset value is input to the light beam controller by calculating the offset of the center point and the camera FOV angle value, and then the light beam direction is controlled.The method can be used for bench verification, and can also be used for real vehicle verification, so that the developer can feel the field of view range, and provide basis for development.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of testing technology for vehicle-mounted cameras, and more specifically, to an auxiliary device and method for testing the field of view of vehicle-mounted cameras based on eccentricity. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle-mounted cameras capture images of the car's exterior and display them on an in-car screen, allowing the driver to understand the surrounding environment and improving driving safety. Currently, the most commonly produced vehicle-mounted cameras are rearview cameras and surround-view cameras. Rearview cameras typically use a single rear camera to display the view behind the car on the in-car screen, while surround-view cameras use four cameras positioned around the vehicle to stitch together the four images to create a bird's-eye view of the surroundings, reducing blind spots.

[0003] The installation angle and height of cameras directly affect the quality of the image, thus impacting driving safety. Many factors need to be considered when placing cameras. Besides ensuring they don't interfere with surrounding vehicle components, the field of view should only include portions of the front and rear bumpers for user reference; other vehicle parts or components should not obstruct the view. Therefore, proper camera placement is crucial. During vehicle development, common methods include 3D software simulation or verification using a test bench connected to a display screen.

[0004] Software simulation verification is an intuitive and economical method, widely used by major OEMs and suppliers to provide a theoretical basis for camera placement and verification. However, software simulation is more suitable for the early stages of development. After camera placement, discrepancies will inevitably exist between the actual vehicle body model, the camera model itself, and the physical model due to manufacturing processes. Therefore, verification on a real vehicle is necessary.

[0005] Verification via a test bench requires a connected display screen. However, the test bench environment differs significantly from the actual vehicle, making it difficult to objectively perceive the surrounding conditions of the vehicle. This is also insufficient for providing a clear view of a 360-degree panoramic image that requires stitching.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a testing auxiliary device and method that can effectively and intuitively perceive the field of view of a camera has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an auxiliary device and method for testing the field of view of a vehicle-mounted camera based on eccentricity. The camera's field of view is displayed by a beam lamp, making it easier to intuitively perceive the camera's field of view in real-world scenarios.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary device for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity is provided, comprising a panel, a camera, and a plurality of beam lights, wherein the camera is located at the center of the panel, the beam lights are arranged in a ring array at the edge of the panel, and each beam light is rotatable about a connection point with the panel to adjust the illumination angle; the outermost illumination surfaces of the two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry are the field of view boundaries of the camera.

[0009] Optionally, in the auxiliary device for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity according to the present invention, the number of beam lights is 2n, where n is a positive even number.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an in-vehicle camera based on eccentricity is also provided, comprising the auxiliary device described in the above embodiments and the following steps:

[0011] Step 1: Measure the vertical field of view α of the camera using the wide-angle testing equipment in the optical laboratory;

[0012] Step 2: Locate the physical center point A of the camera, which is the center point of the panel;

[0013] Step 3: Measure the eccentricity of the camera using an optical eccentricity testing device;

[0014] Step 4: Calculate the actual center point B of the camera image based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera.

[0015] Step 5: Simulate the field of view boundary of the camera by using two vertical beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry;

[0016] Step 6: Adjust the beams emitted by the two vertical beam lights to the specific value of the vertical field of view angle α with the actual center point B as the center of symmetry. The vertical field of view of the camera is the area between the beams of the two beam lights.

[0017] Step 7: Rotate the other two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry to a vertically vertical position, and repeat steps 1 to 6 to calculate the average value of the vertical field of view.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity is also provided, comprising the auxiliary device described in the above embodiments and the following steps:

[0019] Step 8: Measure the horizontal field of view b of the camera using the wide-angle testing equipment in the optical laboratory;

[0020] Step 9: Locate the physical center point A of the camera, which is the center point of the panel;

[0021] Step 10: Measure the eccentricity of the camera using an optical eccentricity testing device;

[0022] Step 11: Calculate the actual center point B of the camera image based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera.

[0023] Step 12: Simulate the field of view boundary of the camera by using two horizontal beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry;

[0024] Step 13: Adjust the beams emitted by the two horizontal beam lights to the specific value of the horizontal field of view angle b with the actual center point B as the center of symmetry. The vertical field of view of the camera is the area between the beams of the two beam lights.

[0025] Step 14: Rotate the other two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry to a horizontal position, and repeat steps 8 to 13 to calculate the average value of the horizontal field of view.

[0026] Optionally, in the auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an in-vehicle camera based on eccentricity according to any of the above embodiments, the result of the eccentricity can be directly measured by an optical wide-angle testing device.

[0027] Optionally, according to the auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an in-vehicle camera based on eccentricity as described in any of the above embodiments, the coordinates of the actual center point B of the camera image calculated based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera can be directly measured by an optical wide-angle testing device.

[0028] This invention utilizes a ring of beam lights surrounding a camera to display the camera's field of view (FOV), providing a more intuitive understanding of the camera's field of view in real-world scenarios. The invention calculates the center point of the image based on the camera's eccentricity, calculates the offset between this center point and the camera's FOV angle, and inputs this offset value to the beam light controller to control the beam direction. This method can be used for bench testing and real-vehicle testing, allowing developers to experience the field of view and providing a basis for development.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the auxiliary device for testing the field of view of an in-vehicle camera based on eccentricity disclosed in this invention.

[0032] Figure 2This is a side view of the vertical field of view of the camera disclosed in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0034] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0035] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0036] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0037] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0038] according to Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides an auxiliary device for testing the field of view of an in-vehicle camera based on eccentricity. The device includes a panel, a camera, and multiple beam lights. The camera is located at the center of the panel, and the beam lights are arranged in a ring array along the edge of the panel. Each beam light can rotate around its connection point with the panel to adjust its illumination angle. The outermost illumination surfaces of the two beam lights, with the camera as the center of symmetry, constitute the field of view boundaries of the camera. The angle formed by the two field of view boundaries in the vertical direction of the camera and the camera's viewing angle boundary is the vertical field of view angle α of the camera, which can be measured using relevant equipment in an optical laboratory.

[0039] Optionally, in the auxiliary device for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity according to the present invention, the number of beam lights is 2n, where n is a positive even number.

[0040] Then according to Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides an auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity, including the auxiliary device described in the above embodiments and the following steps:

[0041] Step 1: Measure the vertical field of view α of the camera using the wide-angle testing equipment in the optical laboratory;

[0042] Step 2: Locate the physical center point A of the camera, which is the center point of the panel;

[0043] Step 3: Measure the eccentricity of the camera using an optical eccentricity testing device;

[0044] Step 4: Calculate the actual center point B of the camera image based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera. This is because due to factors such as the optical processing and manufacturing process and assembly process of the camera, it is difficult to ensure that the optical axis of each component is completely coincident with the ideal axis, resulting in a deviation between the actual imaging center B and the physical center point A of the camera.

[0045] Step 5: Simulate the camera's field of view boundary using two vertical beam lights symmetrically positioned around the camera. The beam emitted by beam light 1 and the beam emitted by beam light n+1 are adjusted to form an angle 'a' with B as the center of symmetry. By simply adjusting beam light 1 to coincide with the camera's field of view boundary 1 according to the actual field of view, the camera's vertical field of view can be fully represented by the beams emitted by beam light 1 and beam light n+1.

[0046] Step 6: Adjust the beams emitted by the two vertical beam lights to the specific value of the vertical field of view angle α with the actual center point B as the center of symmetry. The vertical field of view of the camera is the area between the beams of the two beam lights.

[0047] Step 7: Rotate the other two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry to a vertically vertical position, and repeat steps 1 to 6 to calculate the average value of the vertical field of view.

[0048] Similar to the method described above, this invention also provides an auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity, including the auxiliary device described in the above embodiments and the following steps:

[0049] Step 8: Measure the horizontal field of view b of the camera using the wide-angle testing equipment in the optical laboratory;

[0050] Step 9: Locate the physical center point A of the camera, which is the center point of the panel;

[0051] Step 10: Measure the eccentricity of the camera using an optical eccentricity testing device;

[0052] Step 11: Calculate the actual center point B of the camera image based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera.

[0053] Step 12: Simulate the field of view boundary of the camera by using two horizontal beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry;

[0054] Step 13: Adjust the beams emitted by the two horizontal beam lights to the specific value of the horizontal field of view angle b with the actual center point B as the center of symmetry. The vertical field of view of the camera is the area between the beams of the two beam lights.

[0055] Step 14: Rotate the other two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry to a horizontal position, and repeat steps 8 to 13 to calculate the average value of the horizontal field of view.

[0056] Following the method described above, adjust the beams emitted by beam lamps 1+n / 2 and 1+3n / 2 in the direction of the horizontal field of view b, centered on point B, to form an angle of b. Align beam lamps 1+n / 2 and 1+3n / 2 with the horizontal field of view boundary of the camera. The camera's horizontal field of view will then be fully represented by the beams emitted by beam lamps 1+n / 2 and 1+3n / 2. The beam controller adjusts the beam direction according to the deflection angle of each beam lamp, ensuring it deflects as required.

[0057] Optionally, the auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an in-vehicle camera based on eccentricity according to any of the above embodiments can directly measure the eccentricity of the camera using a wide-angle testing device.

[0058] Optionally, according to the auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an in-vehicle camera based on eccentricity as described in any of the above embodiments, the coordinates of the actual center point B of the camera image calculated based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera can be directly measured by an optical wide-angle testing device.

[0059] The field of view formed by all the beam lights is consistent with the actual field of view of the camera, so that the beams emitted by the beam lights can completely simulate the actual field of view of the camera, allowing people to intuitively and vividly perceive the field of view of the camera.

[0060] For use in 360-degree panoramic systems, beam correction can be performed on the four cameras (front, rear, left, and right) to clearly show the field of view of the four-way panoramic view and the stitching point.

[0061] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity, characterized in that, The system includes an auxiliary device comprising a panel, a camera, and multiple beam lights. The camera is located at the center of the panel, and the beam lights are arranged in a ring array at the edge of the panel. Each beam light can rotate around its connection point with the panel to adjust its illumination angle. The outermost illumination surfaces of the two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry form the field of view boundary of the camera. The number of beam lights is 2n, where n is a positive even number. And the following steps: Step 1: Measure the vertical field of view α of the camera using the wide-angle testing equipment in the optical laboratory; Step 2: Locate the physical center point A of the camera, which is the center point of the panel; Step 3: Measure the eccentricity of the camera using an optical eccentricity testing device; Step 4: Calculate the actual center point B of the camera image based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera. Step 5: Simulate the field of view boundary of the camera by using two vertical beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry; Step 6: Adjust the beams emitted by the two vertical beam lights to the specific value of the vertical field of view angle α with the actual center point B as the center of symmetry. The vertical field of view of the camera is the area between the beams of the two beam lights. Step 7: Rotate the other two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry to a vertically vertical position, and repeat steps 1 to 6 to calculate the average value of the vertical field of view.

2. An auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity, characterized in that, The system includes an auxiliary device comprising a panel, a camera, and multiple beam lights. The camera is located at the center of the panel, and the beam lights are arranged in a ring array at the edge of the panel. Each beam light can rotate around its connection point with the panel to adjust its illumination angle. The outermost illumination surfaces of the two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry form the field of view boundary of the camera. The number of beam lights is 2n, where n is a positive even number. And the following steps: Step 8: Measure the horizontal field of view b of the camera using the wide-angle testing equipment in the optical laboratory; Step 9: Locate the physical center point A of the camera, which is the center point of the panel; Step 10: Measure the eccentricity of the camera using an optical eccentricity testing device; Step 11: Calculate the actual center point B of the camera image based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera. Step 12: Simulate the field of view boundary of the camera by using two horizontal beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry; Step 13: Adjust the beams emitted by the two horizontal beam lights to the specific value of the horizontal field of view angle b with the actual center point B as the center of symmetry. The vertical field of view of the camera is the area between the beams of the two beam lights. Step 14: Rotate the other two beam lights with the camera as the center of symmetry to a horizontal position, and repeat steps 8 to 13 to calculate the average value of the horizontal field of view.

3. The auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The eccentricity result is directly measured using an optical wide-angle testing device.

4. The auxiliary method for testing the field of view of an onboard camera based on eccentricity according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coordinates of the actual center point B of the camera image are calculated based on the eccentricity and the physical center point of the camera, and then directly measured by an optical wide-angle testing device.

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