Vehicle Cabin Infrared Camera Calibration Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared cameras used in vehicles face calibration issues due to environmental impacts, leading to inaccurate detection and location determination of objects, such as occupants and safety belts, which affects the reliability of control systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a vision system with an infrared camera, selective wavelength interactive material, and a control system, where the material reflects or absorbs infrared light and is used to calibrate the camera by comparing captured patterns to known arrangements, and to determine if an occupant is wearing a safety belt by capturing images of the material on the belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is precisely placed and calibrated at manufacture, then the control system can accurately detect objects and determine their locations, but the camera may move from its precisely placed position due to environmental impacts in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing a calibration pattern with known geometry in the vehicle cabin before the camera calibration process. This pre-positioned reference pattern allows the camera to be calibrated against a stable, known reference that remains fixed in the environment, compensating for any camera movement that occurs after manufacture. The calibration pattern serves as a preliminary reference that enables accurate calibration even when the camera's precise placement is compromised by environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the calibration pattern to provide continuous reference information for camera calibration. The control system captures images of the calibration pattern and compares the detected pattern geometry against the known reference geometry, using this feedback to determine and correct camera calibration parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that even if the camera moves from its precisely placed position, the system can detect and compensate for the displacement by referencing the stable calibration pattern.
2Loss of information
If the camera captures images of the cabin to detect objects and safety belts, then the control system can make conclusions about object locations, but improper calibration causes the control system to make improper conclusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the calibration pattern as an intermediary element between the camera and the objects being detected. This intermediate reference pattern with known geometry serves as a mediator that allows the control system to indirectly determine camera calibration parameters by comparing the captured pattern image against the known reference. This intermediary calibration pattern enables accurate object location determination by providing a reference framework that compensates for calibration errors, ensuring that the control system makes accurate conclusions about object locations rather than improper conclusions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is used in challenging vehicle environments, then the system can monitor occupants and safety belts, but environmental impacts cause the camera to move from its precisely placed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration reference function from the camera system itself and places it in the environment through the calibration pattern. By separating the reference standard (calibration pattern with known geometry) from the camera, the system allows the camera to be flexible in its placement while the reference remains stable in the environment. This extraction enables the camera to adapt to different vehicle environments and mounting positions without compromising calibration accuracy, as the stable external reference compensates for camera position variations caused by environmental impacts.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains camera calibration and accurately determines if an occupant is wearing a safety belt, enhancing the reliability of object detection and location determination within the vehicle environment.
Implementation Method 1
The selective wavelength interactive material are configured to reflect or absorb infrared light from an infrared light source
Implementation Method 2
The selective wavelength interactive material are configured to reflect or absorb infrared light from an infrared light source
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for calibrating a vision system includes a selective wavelength interactive material located within the cabin of the vehicle and a control system in communication with the camera. The material is arranged as a pattern having pattern elements configured to reflect or absorb infrared light from an infrared light source. The control system is configured compare a captured image from the vision system that shows the pattern elements and calibrate the vision system based on a comparison of the captured image. Additionally or alternatively, the selective wavelength interactive material is disposed on a surface of a safety belt and the control system is configured to determine that an occupant seated in a seat is wearing a safety belt associated with the seat when the captured images show that the selective wavelength interactive material on the surface of the safety belt extending across the occupant seated.