Vehicle Camera Luminance Correction for Overhead View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in providing accurate luminance correction for image data from multiple cameras, especially when lens characteristics are unknown, leading to difficulties in presenting a unified and clear image to the driver during parking assistance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control apparatus and method that acquires and compares overlapped image areas from multiple cameras, adjusting the luminance of one area to match the other based on its proximity to the center of the display area, generating an overhead video with suitable luminance correction irrespective of camera lens characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If luminance correction is performed based on lens characteristics, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes inapplicable when lens characteristics are unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining lens characteristics through captured images and flash synchronization timing, eliminating the need for pre-stored lens characteristic data. The ECU calculates luminance distribution patterns and derives correction coefficients autonomously during actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing images with flash activation before normal operation to establish luminance distribution patterns and correction coefficients. This preliminary action stores the necessary lens characteristics in advance, enabling accurate correction during subsequent parking assistance operations without requiring real-time lens data.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to provide comprehensive view, then coverage area is improved, but luminance mismatch problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different luminance correction coefficients to different image regions based on their specific luminance characteristics. Each camera's image is corrected using locally adapted coefficients derived from the luminance distribution pattern, allowing comprehensive multi-camera coverage while maintaining luminance consistency across all regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts luminance correction parameters based on captured image data and flash synchronization timing. By changing correction coefficients according to actual luminance distribution patterns observed during operation, the system maintains consistency across multiple cameras with different characteristics and positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control apparatus includes: an acquiring unit configured to acquire a plurality of items of image information of images photographed by a plurality of image pickup units provided on a vehicle as an outside environment of the vehicle and whose image picked-up areas are partly overlapped with each other; a correcting unit configured to compare a position of a first overlapped area included in one of two items of image information of images whose image picked-up areas are overlapped with each other with a position of a second overlapped area of the other image information, and if the position of the first overlapped area is closer to a center of a display area of the image information, correct the other image information so as to cause the luminance of the second overlapped area to match the luminance of the first overlapped area.