In-Vehicle Camera Optical Axis Adjustment Using Static Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the optical axis of in-vehicle cameras require extensive space and precise control, making it difficult to perform adjustments outside of a factory or repair shop, such as on the vehicle itself.
Innovation Solution
An optical axis ascertaining method and device that uses a static object like a wheel stopper to calculate the optical axis direction, allowing for automatic or manual adjustment of the camera's angle of view and display image correction, enabling accurate alignment without the need for extensive space or precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a screen is disposed at a distance away from the vehicle to adjust the optical axis, then the optical axis can be adjusted, but extensive space is required and precise control of screen position is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a static object (wheel stopper) as an intermediary reference marker placed on the ground near the vehicle. This mediator enables optical axis measurement without requiring a distant screen, thus reducing the space needed while maintaining measurement precision through image processing of the reference marker's position in captured images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical screen-and-projection system with an image-based measurement system. Instead of physically projecting marks onto a distant screen and measuring their positions mechanically, the system captures images of the static object and calculates optical axis deviation through image processing, eliminating the need for extensive physical space and precise mechanical positioning
2Measurement precision
If a screen is disposed at a distance away from the vehicle to adjust the optical axis, then the optical axis can be adjusted, but it is difficult to perform adjusting at a place other than a factory or a repair shop
Solution Approach 1:
The static object (wheel stopper) serves as a portable intermediary reference that can be easily placed on the ground near the vehicle at various locations. This enables optical axis measurement and adjustment to be performed at different places including dealerships and repair shops, not just in factories, while maintaining measurement precision through image-based calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical screen positioning system with an image-based measurement approach using a simple static object reference. This substitution makes the adjustment process accessible at various locations without requiring factory-grade equipment or controlled environments, significantly improving ease of operation and accessibility
3Measurement precision
If the optical axis direction is ascertained using a distant screen, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but complex control of screen and projection portion positions is required
Solution Approach 1:
The static object (wheel stopper) acts as a simplified intermediary reference marker that eliminates the need for complex screen and projection portion positioning systems. The measurement precision is maintained through image processing techniques that calculate optical axis deviation based on the known position of the static object in captured images, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
4Reliability
If the camera captures an obstacle within the image capturable region, then the obstacle can be detected, but the obstacle may go out of the image frame when the vehicle moves toward it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the ascertained optical axis direction to determine whether the camera's angle of view is appropriately set. By calculating the optical axis deviation and providing this information back to the adjustment system, the method enables reliable obstacle detection by ensuring the optical axis is correctly aligned, which prevents obstacles from going out of the image frame during vehicle movement
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention aims to provide an optical axis ascertaining device for an in-vehicle camera which can simply adjust and correct the optical axis of the camera. This device comprises image processing device 2 (image recognition portion 20 and tracking portion 21) detecting a static obstacle (for example, wheel stopper disposed on ground surface) from an image acquired by rear camera 1 through image recognition and tracking the static obstacle and rear wheel rotation sensor 3 as a sensor detecting a movement distance of a vehicle, for example; and ascertains the optical axis direction of the camera, based on an attachment position of the camera and the movement distance of the vehicle from where a static object being tracked is out of an image capturable region of the rear camera 1 due to an approach of the vehicle to where the vehicle comes into contact with the static object.