Dual-Baseline Distance Measurement for Reliable Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement systems for vehicles face challenges in accurately measuring distances to objects with non-planar characteristics or repetitive patterns due to large disparities between cameras, leading to incorrect detection of corresponding points and erroneous distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring apparatus utilizing multiple monocular cameras with phase-difference detecting pixels, employing a first and second base length for distance measurement, and a processor to generate accurate distance information by combining measurements and considering object characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are installed around the vehicle to acquire position information, then the coverage area is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in regions where fields do not overlap or are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance measurement task into multiple independent units, each using a single camera and light receiver pair. Each segment processes local regions independently, avoiding the need for complex multi-camera coordination and ensuring reliable measurements even in non-overlapping or blocked regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing unit that receives distance measurement results from multiple independent units and generates unified distance information. This intermediary layer synthesizes data from various sources (including single-camera units) to produce comprehensive and accurate distance measurements across the entire coverage area.
2Measurement precision
If a long base length is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision for certain objects is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to incorrect corresponding point detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different base lengths to different local regions based on the characteristics of objects detected in each region. For objects with repetitive patterns or non-planar surfaces, shorter base lengths are used to improve detection reliability. For other objects, longer base lengths provide enhanced precision. This localized adaptation resolves the contradiction between precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the base length parameter based on object characteristics. The processing unit selects appropriate base lengths from multiple available configurations, adjusting this critical parameter according to the detected object's properties (such as whether it has repetitive patterns or non-planar surfaces) to optimize both precision and reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise distance measurement for objects with varying characteristics, reducing errors in detection and improving the reliability of distance data for vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
two light receivers configured to receive light from the object
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring apparatus includes a distance measuring unit configured to perform distance measurement for an object based on a phase difference obtained by receiving light from the object using two light receivers, the distance measuring unit including a first distance measuring unit configured to perform distance measurement with a first base length, and a second distance measuring unit configured to perform distance measurement with a second base length which is longer than the first base length, one or more memories storing instructions, and one or more processors that, upon execution of the instructions, operate to acquire a characteristic of the object, and generate distance information on the object using at least one of distance measurement results obtained respectively by the first distance measuring unit and the second distance measuring unit, in accordance with the characteristic.