In-Vehicle Camera Mounting Angle Detection Using Ground Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for calibrating the mounting angle of in-vehicle cameras are limited, as they require cameras to be mounted on all four sides of a vehicle, and there is no method to detect or adjust the angle when cameras are missing from certain positions.
Innovation Solution
A device that captures images of a target marking with parallel and equal-width straight lines, converts them into a bird's-eye view, and adjusts the mounting angle to ensure the lines are parallel and equal in width, allowing for calibration even if cameras are not mounted on every side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are mounted on all four sides of the vehicle for calibration, then mounting angle calibration can be performed, but the system becomes complex and requires more hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential calibration requirement from the conventional four-camera system. By using only one or two cameras to capture images of a target marking on the ground, the system achieves mounting angle calibration without requiring cameras on all four sides of the vehicle. This reduces hardware complexity while maintaining calibration functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the camera system universal by enabling calibration functionality with fewer cameras. The same camera used for normal driving assistance can also perform mounting angle calibration by capturing images of a ground target marking, eliminating the need for dedicated calibration cameras on all vehicle sides.
2Device complexity
If cameras are not mounted on all sides of the vehicle, then the system is simpler, but mounting angle calibration cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground target marking as an intermediary object for calibration. This marking, placed on the ground and captured by the camera, serves as a mediator that enables mounting angle detection even when cameras are not positioned on all vehicle sides. The target marking provides reference features that allow the system to calculate mounting angles from limited camera perspectives.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting angle is not calibrated, then the system operates without adjustment, but position offsets occur in the displayed images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the camera system to perform self-calibration by capturing images of a ground target marking and automatically calculating mounting angles. This self-service calibration process allows the system to correct position offsets in displayed images without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual adjustment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting angle detection device converts, into a bird's-eye view image, an image captured of the ground on which a target marking having two straight line parts parallel to each other and equal in width is marked, and searches for a mounting angle at which the two straight line parts in the bird's-eye view image are parallel to each other and equal in width. Even with a vehicle including an in-vehicle camera on the front or back, the mounting angle detection device detects an actual mounting angle of the camera and calibrates the mounting angle of the camera. The mounting angle detection device detects the mounting angle using, as the target marking, even a parking space that lacks a transverse line crossing the two straight line parts parallel to each other and equal in width, and calibrates the mounting angle to a correct mounting angle of the camera.