Vehicle Camera Field of View Orientation for Detection Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driving assistance systems face challenges in cost reduction and standardization, leading to compromises in field of view that degrade performance for certain functions, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for multifunctionality and adaptability in vehicle sensors.

Innovation Solution

A detection method for motor vehicles that incorporates a headlight capable of modifying its light beam orientation and a camera with a predetermined field of vision, linked to a Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) device, which adjusts the camera's field of view based on driving state information, such as vehicle turn, environment, and speed, to enhance visibility and reduce dazzling risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed field of view is selected for the camera to standardize the sensor, then manufacturing cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but the field of view cannot be adapted to different driving situations, degrading detection precision and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is mounted on a movable platform that can dynamically adjust its field of view orientation based on driving conditions such as vehicle speed, steering angle, and ambient light levels. This dynamic adjustment allows the same standardized sensor to optimize detection precision for different situations without requiring multiple fixed sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single camera sensor serves multiple functions by adapting its field of view through the movable platform. The same sensor performs both daytime detection and nighttime detection tasks, replacing what would traditionally require separate fixed sensors for different driving conditions, thus reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining detection precision.

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

2Area of stationary object

If the camera field of view is widened to cover more areas, then detection coverage is improved, but the field of vision becomes less focused, reducing measurement precision for specific targets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movable platform enables the camera to dynamically adjust its field of view orientation based on driving conditions. At low speeds, the camera orients to widen coverage for detecting pedestrians and obstacles. At high speeds, it focuses on the road ahead for precise target detection, thus adapting coverage and precision to operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the orientation parameter of the camera field of view based on driving conditions. By adjusting the orientation angle according to vehicle speed, steering angle, and light conditions, the system optimizes both coverage area and detection precision for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a movable platform is added to adjust the camera field of view, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable platform is designed to serve multiple sensor types (cameras, LIDAR, radar) with a single mechanical structure. This universal mounting system allows different sensors to share the same adjustment mechanism, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate adjustment mechanisms for each sensor.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The camera is integrated with the movable platform that also supports other sensors, combining multiple sensing functions into a single adaptable assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanical systems needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the camera orientation is fixed to match the headlight beam during bends, then dazzling risk is reduced, but the field of view cannot be optimized for other detection functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedazzling riskVSAvoidfield of view adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera orientation is dynamically adjusted based on real-time driving conditions including vehicle speed, steering angle, and ambient light levels. During bends at low speed, the camera orients to reduce dazzling. During straight-line high-speed driving, it focuses on the road ahead. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for different functions at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the camera orientation parameter based on multiple input parameters including speed, steering angle, and light conditions. By continuously adjusting this parameter according to the dominant operational context, the system balances dazzling reduction with detection optimization without being permanently fixed to one orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2347933B1Method and apparatus for road lighting and camera detection for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2347933B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~4
  • EP2347933B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a detection method for a motor vehicle (V1), this method using at least one camera having a predetermined field of view, this method comprising the following steps: - receiving information representative of a driving state associated with the vehicle, - modifying the field of view of the camera, in particular its orientation, according to said information.