Adaptive Re-projection Surface for Distortion-Free Surround View

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera-based driver assistance systems for vehicles project texture information onto static surfaces, leading to highly distorted displays of the vehicle environment, resulting in annoying artifacts due to the mismatch between the projection surface and the real environment.

Innovation Solution

A camera surround view system that processes camera images and re-projects textures onto an adaptive, dynamically changing three-dimensional re-projection surface based on sensor data, including movement and structural information from vehicle sensors, such as parking distance, radar, lidar, and camera data, to create a distortion-free display of the vehicle environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a static projection surface is used for displaying vehicle environment, then the display system is simple and easy to implement, but the objects in the vehicle environment are displayed with severe distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay system complexityVSAvoiddisplay accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static projection surface to a dynamic re-projection surface that adapts in real-time. The re-projection surface is continuously updated based on sensor data (ultrasonic, radar, lidar, camera) to match the actual vehicle environment, thereby eliminating distortion while maintaining system feasibility through algorithmic adaptation rather than physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the re-projection surface based on detected environment parameters. The system adjusts the re-projection surface's shape, position, and orientation according to real-time sensor data, allowing the display to accurately represent objects at various distances and angles without severe distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a static re-projection surface is used, then the system is easier to implement, but distorted artifacts are created that distract the driver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation easeVSAvoiddistorted artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic re-projection surface that adapts in real-time to the vehicle environment based on sensor data, eliminating distorted artifacts while maintaining ease of operation through automated algorithmic adjustment rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously using sensor data (ultrasonic, radar, lidar, camera) to detect the actual vehicle environment and feed this information back to adjust the re-projection surface parameters. This closed-loop system automatically corrects distortion and eliminates distracting artifacts without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If an adaptive re-projection surface is used to minimize distortion, then the display accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay accuracyVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a multi-functional sensor system (ultrasonic, radar, lidar, camera) that serves both environment detection and re-projection surface adaptation purposes. This integrated approach achieves high display accuracy while managing complexity through shared hardware resources and unified processing architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with computational algorithms. Instead of physically adjusting projection surfaces, the system uses software-based re-projection techniques that calculate and apply distortion corrections algorithmically, achieving high display accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3140813B1Method and device for the distortion-free display of an area surrounding a vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
  • EP3140813B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3140813B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a camera surround view system for a vehicle, comprising at least one vehicle camera which supplies camera images that are processed by a data processing unit in order to generate an image of the surroundings, said image of the surroundings being displayed on a display unit. The data processing unit re-projects textures, which are detected by the vehicle camera, on an adaptive re-projection surface, which is similar to the area surrounding the vehicle, said re-projection surface being calculated on the basis of sensor data provided by vehicle sensors.