Driving Support System Using Plural Dimension Processing Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving support systems using vehicle-mounted cameras are limited in providing comprehensive information about the surrounding area, as they cannot detect objects in dead spaces and accurately determine the size of objects near the vehicle, leading to incomplete and inaccurate real-time mapping.
Innovation Solution
The integration of plural dimension processing units (DPUs) with multiple image capturing devices around the vehicle, which produce depth maps and are connected to a controller for indicating the vehicle's surrounding conditions in a vertical view, along with a GPS/GPRS module for providing integrated alarm information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single vehicle-mounted camera is used to capture surrounding area images, then the system structure is simple, but the coverage area is limited and dead spaces cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surrounding area monitoring task into multiple segments by deploying multiple image capturing devices at different positions (front, rear, left, right) of the vehicle. Each device captures images of a specific region, and the DPUs process these segmented images to create comprehensive depth maps of the entire surrounding area, eliminating dead spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional depth mapping by introducing dimension processing units that calculate depth information from multiple image perspectives. The DPUs use stereo vision principles to compute depth maps, adding the depth dimension (Z-axis) to the traditional 2D image data, thereby providing spatial information about objects in the surrounding area.
2Measurement precision
If motion vectors are used to detect moving bodies and calculate distances, then the processing method is simple, but the size of objects near the vehicle cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dimension processing units as intermediary devices between the image capturing devices and the controller. These DPUs act as mediators that perform complex depth calculation operations, using stereo vision algorithms to compute accurate depth maps from multiple image perspectives. This intermediary processing layer enables precise object size detection without requiring the main controller to handle all computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional motion vector-based distance estimation with a depth mapping system based on stereo vision principles. Instead of relying on motion analysis from single-camera images, the system uses multiple synchronized cameras and computational depth algorithms to directly calculate three-dimensional positions and sizes of objects, providing more accurate measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a camera-only system is used for surrounding area monitoring, then the device configuration is simple, but integrated and broad alarm information cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the image capturing devices and dimension processing units serve multiple purposes: capturing images, calculating depth maps, detecting objects, determining positions, and providing alarm information. The controller integrates data from multiple sources to provide comprehensive monitoring and alert functions, making the system versatile for various driving conditions and safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated system: image capturing devices, dimension processing units, GPS/GPRS modules, and controllers work together as a unified architecture. The depth maps from DPUs are merged with GPS location data and alarm functions in the controller, creating a consolidated system that provides comprehensive surrounding area monitoring and safety alerts.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving support system with plural dimension processing units (DPUs) for indicating a condition of a surrounding area is disclosed. The driving support system of a vehicle includes plural image capturing devices disposed around the vehicle; at least a dimension processing unit (DPU) connected with the plural image capturing devices for receiving images from the plural image capturing devices and then producing plural related depth maps; a controller connected with the DPU for receiving the plural related depth maps and then producing an indicating data; and a display device connected with the controller for displaying the indicating data around the vehicle in a vertical view.