Actuating Device for Vehicle Surroundings Monitoring Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle surroundings monitoring systems with cameras face calibration issues due to installation displacements and soiling, leading to performance restrictions in object detection and image fusion, especially in poor weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device, featuring a multi-purpose camera situated inside the vehicle, initiates calibration of bird's-eye view cameras only when favorable weather conditions are detected, using objective criteria to ensure effective and time-saving calibration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cameras are installed in exposed positions (e.g., side mirrors) to achieve bird's-eye view monitoring, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the lenses become heavily soiled during driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the calibration function from the monitoring function by using a dedicated first camera for calibration purposes. This first camera is positioned in a protected location (vehicle interior behind windshield) while the second cameras perform monitoring in exposed positions. The segmentation allows the monitoring cameras to remain in optimal positions for coverage while a separate calibration camera avoids soiling issues.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cameras are protected from environmental effects to prevent soiling, then lens cleanliness is improved, but installation positions cannot be optimized for monitoring coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the camera system into two functional groups: protected cameras (first camera behind windshield) for calibration and exposure-resistant positioning, and exposed cameras (second cameras in side mirrors) for optimal monitoring coverage. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each camera type to be positioned according to its specific functional requirements.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed continuously to maintain accuracy, then calibration precision is improved, but time and energy are wasted during poor weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the first camera to continuously monitor weather conditions and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit intelligently decides when to initiate calibration of the second cameras, performing calibration only when weather conditions are favorable. This feedback mechanism maintains calibration accuracy while avoiding unnecessary calibration operations during poor weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the calibration process by making it conditional on weather parameters. Instead of continuous calibration, the calibration is triggered only when specific weather conditions (clear visibility, no precipitation) are detected, optimizing the balance between calibration accuracy and resource consumption.
4Reliability
If a dedicated calibration camera is added to the system, then calibration reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first camera serves multiple functions: it acts as both a weather monitoring device and a calibration reference camera. By making the first camera multi-functional, the system achieves reliable calibration capabilities without adding a completely separate dedicated calibration camera, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating device is provided for a device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings, which actuating device is functionally connected to the device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings. A calibration of the device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings is able to be initiated by means of the actuating device, the initiation of the calibration being correlated with a weather parameter detected by the actuating device.