Vehicle Camera Unit Layout for Wide-Angle Rear Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple cameras with different viewing angles for electronic rearview mirrors and rear confirmation systems in vehicles leads to complex onboard image processing systems, and the use of super-wide-angle lenses results in significant distortion and difficulty in adjusting installation positions, increasing processing loads.
Innovation Solution
A method for installing camera units with optical systems that include different-angle-of-view lenses, providing high-resolution areas with low distortion and low-resolution areas with high distortion, allowing for efficient image processing and reduced distortion correction loads, using a configuration that optimizes the viewing angle and minimizes the number of cameras needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras with different viewing angles are installed for electronic rearview mirrors and rear confirmation systems, then high-resolution imaging and broad coverage are achieved, but the onboard image processing system becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single camera unit that can perform both electronic rearview mirror imaging and rear confirmation system imaging by utilizing different regions of the captured image. The camera captures a broad viewing angle image, and the processing unit selectively uses different portions of this image for different functions, eliminating the need for separate cameras and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cameras into a single camera unit. By combining the electronic rearview mirror camera and rear confirmation camera into one device, the system reduces the number of components while maintaining both imaging functions through strategic image processing and region selection.
2Area of stationary object
If a super-wide-angle lens is used to reduce the number of cameras, then a wide viewing angle is obtained, but distortion of the peripheral part is large and adjustment of installation positions or postures is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a fisheye lens with specific projection characteristics (orthographic or equidistant projection) that provide wide viewing angles while maintaining manageable distortion characteristics. The processing unit then applies distortion correction based on the known lens characteristics, enabling precise image processing without requiring precise manual adjustment of installation positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment of camera installation positions and postures with computational image processing. Instead of physically adjusting the camera to achieve the desired viewing angle and minimize distortion, the system uses software-based distortion correction and image processing to achieve the desired results, thereby eliminating the need for precise mechanical adjustment.
3Device complexity
If a super-wide-angle lens is used to reduce the number of cameras, then the number of cameras is reduced, but the processing load for distortion correction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing distortion correction parameters based on the known fisheye lens characteristics. The processing unit applies these pre-computed correction parameters to the captured images, which significantly reduces the real-time processing load compared to performing complex distortion correction calculations from scratch for each image.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of installing a camera unit (22) including an imaging device (22d) and an optical system (22c) that projects an optical image on an imaging plane including a light receiving surface (140) of the imaging device, wherein the optical system (22c) has a projection characteristic configured to form an image at the imaging plane having an increase in an image height (y) with respect to a unit half angle of view in a first area (10a) that is larger than an increase in an image height with respect to a unit half angle of view in a second area (10b) on a peripheral side of the first area (10a), wherein at least a portion of the first area (10a) and at least a portion of the second area (10b) are projected on the light receiving surface (140), wherein the optical system (22c) and the imaging device (22d) are disposed such that a gravity center of the first area (10a) is offset in a first direction (F) from a center of the light receiving surface (140), and wherein the method includes installing the camera unit such that the first direction is directed towards an area other than a predetermined targeted area.