Vehicular Camera Defocus Testing With a Stepped Collimator Target
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating camera defocus in vehicle vision systems are costly, complex, and require moving parts, increasing cycle time and reducing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system using a single collimator with an internal target, either angled or with a stepped surface, allows for defocus measurement without moving parts by processing image data captured by the camera, reducing complexity and costs while improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple collimators with moving parts are used to measure defocus, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target from a separate movable component and integrates it internally within the collimator assembly. This eliminates the need for external moving parts and multiple collimators, reducing device complexity while maintaining defocus measurement capability through the fixed internal target at known distance
Solution Approach 2:
The single collimator with internal target serves multiple functions: it provides a fixed reference target at a known distance, eliminates the need for multiple collimators, and removes moving parts while maintaining full defocus measurement capability. This multi-functional design reduces both complexity and capital expenditures
2Ease of operation
If moving parts are used in the measurement system, then adjustment capability is provided, but cycle time increases and accuracy reduces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using moving parts to adjust the target position, the patent inverts the approach by fixing the target internally at a known distance within the collimator. The measurement system then relies on the fixed geometric relationship rather than mechanical adjustment, eliminating cycle time losses and improving accuracy
3Measurement precision
If multiple collimators are used to measure defocus, then measurement range is improved, but capital expenditures and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target from external positioning systems and embeds it within the collimator itself. This single integrated solution replaces multiple collimators, reducing the quantity of equipment needed while maintaining measurement range through the internal target at a precisely known distance
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
This approach reduces capital expenditures, simplifies equipment, and enhances measurement accuracy by using a single collimator location to estimate defocus without requiring moving parts, thus improving the efficiency of camera focus determination.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention provides a testing system for a camera for a driver assistance system or vision system or imaging system for a vehicle. The testing system or method measures or estimates the defocus of the camera.
Implementation Method 2
The system includes a collimator with an internal optic and target. The target may be angled relative to an image plane of the camera or include a stepped surface within the view of the optic and camera.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a vehicular camera for a vehicular vision system includes providing a vehicular camera suitable for use on a vehicle, with the vehicular camera having a field of view. A collimator assembly is provided that includes an optic and a target fixedly disposed within the collimator assembly. The collimator assembly is positioned in the field of view of the vehicular camera such that the camera images light that reflects off the target and passes through the optic. The target has a stepped surface. Image data is captured with the vehicular camera, with the captured image data being representative of the stepped surface of the target. The captured image data is processed, via an image processor, and a defocus of the vehicular camera is estimated based on processing by the processor of the captured image data of the stepped surface of the target.