Tow Vehicle Composite Imaging with Speed-Based Camera Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for generating composite images from cameras on towing and towed vehicles face issues with objects appearing at different sizes due to camera displacement, leading to perspective imaging effects and distortion, especially when combining images from physically displaced cameras or virtual camera viewports.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that applies dynamic scaling factors to image data based on vehicle parameters, such as reference speed and camera offset distances, to ensure objects appear at consistent sizes in the composite image, using formulas like ScalingFactor=y(x+y) to adjust image scales and positions, thereby reducing distortion and maintaining a clear view behind the vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cameras are physically displaced from one another to capture images from different positions, then the field of view and coverage are improved, but objects appear at different sizes due to perspective imaging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a scaling factor to the first image data that is determined in dependence on the offset distance between the first imaging device and the display screen. This parameter change compensates for the perspective distortion caused by camera displacement, ensuring objects appear at consistent sizes in the composite image while maintaining the expanded field of view from multiple camera positions.
2Device complexity
If a constant scaling factor is applied to the complete image, then the processing complexity is reduced, but objects at different distances do not appear at their correct relative sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different scaling factors to different regions of the image based on distance. The processor identifies objects at various distances and applies appropriate scaling factors to each, ensuring that objects at different distances appear at their correct relative sizes. This local differentiation of scaling quality achieves accurate object size representation without requiring overly complex global processing.
3Area of stationary object
If the field of view is expanded to show more of the region behind the vehicles, then the coverage area is improved, but objects appear smaller and may lose detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the scaling factor based on the offset distance between the imaging device and display screen, and on identified objects at different distances. This dynamic scaling maintains object detail and appropriate size representation while allowing the system to expand or contract the effective field of view as needed, preventing objects from appearing too small when coverage area is increased.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to an imaging system (1) for a towing vehicle (V1). The imaging system (1) includes a processor configured to determine a reference speed (Vref) of the towing vehicle (V1). First image data (D1) is received from a first imaging device (C1); and second image data (D2) is received from a second imaging device (C2). The first imaging device (C1) may be disposed on the towing vehicle (V1); and the second imaging device (C2) may be disposed on a towed vehicle (V2). A first scaling factor (SF1, SF2) is applied to the second image data (D2) to generate scaled second image data (D2). The first scaling factor (SF1, SF2) is determined in dependence on the determined reference speed (Vref) of the towing vehicle (V1). Composite image data (D3) is generated by combining at least a part of the scaled second image data (D2) with at least a part of the first image data (D1). The composite image data (D3) is output for display on a display screen (10). Aspects of the present invention also relate a vehicle (V1) having an image system (1); a method of generating a composite image (IMG3); and a non-transitory computer-readable medium.