Camera Monitor System Image Integration with Depth-Based Alert Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a camera monitor system (CMS), vehicles traveling behind may be obscured by vehicles in front, making it difficult for drivers to recognize approaching vehicles due to the combination of rear and side camera views, leading to potential late detection of second vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An image generating device and method that integrates rear and side camera views and superimposes an alert mark on the integrated image when an object in the side view is positioned farther back than in the rear view, ensuring the driver's attention is quickly drawn to potentially obscured vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple camera views are integrated to provide comprehensive rear visibility, then the coverage area is improved, but objects on the farther side may be hidden by closer objects, reducing detection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated image into multiple depth layers based on distance information from detection devices. Objects are classified into different depth zones (first depth, second depth, third depth), and alert marks are selectively applied to objects in farther depths that may be obscured by closer objects. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage while highlighting potentially hidden objects to improve detection reliability.
2Illumination intensity
If the integrated image displays all visible objects without additional indicators, then the image clarity is maintained, but the driver may not quickly notice obscured vehicles, reducing response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses alert marks with distinct colors (such as yellow or red) superimposed on objects in farther depth layers that may be obscured. These color changes create visual contrast against the background and closer objects, immediately drawing the driver's attention to potentially hidden vehicles without degrading the overall image clarity. This enables rapid detection and response to obscured objects.
3Reliability
If alert marks are added to highlight obscured objects, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs depth classification and alert mark determination in advance during the image processing stage, before displaying the final integrated image to the driver. The processing unit calculates depth information from multiple detection devices, classifies objects into depth layers, and determines which objects require alert marks. This preliminary action ensures that when the integrated image is displayed, obscured objects are already marked, improving detection reliability without adding complex real-time processing requirements during driver interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an image generating device, an image generating method, and a program which are capable of calling attention of a user quickly. An integrating unit integrates a first image and a second image and generates an integrated image. A superimposition executing unit causes an alert mark to be superimposed on the integrated image and generates a superimposed image in a case in which an object shown in the second image is positioned on a farther side than an object shown in the first image. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a Camera Monitor System (CMS) which provides, for example, an image corresponding to an image observed by a side mirror or a rearview mirror or the like.