Dual Camera Vehicle Vision System Night Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems lack effective night vision capabilities without relying on thermal sensors, and existing imaging systems struggle to provide enhanced color imaging in low lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system utilizing two cameras, one with a wider field of view for machine vision and another with a narrower field of view and spectral band filtering for enhanced color imaging in low lighting, along with optional near-infrared illumination, to provide color video images for the driver and process data for object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a narrow field of view camera with spectral band filter is used for night vision, then color imaging capability in low lighting conditions is improved, but the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into two separate cameras: one camera with a narrow field of view optimized for night vision with color imaging, and another camera with a wide field of view for general machine vision functions. This segmentation allows each camera to specialize in its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-camera system provides multi-functionality by enabling the narrow FOV camera to capture color images for night vision display while the wide FOV camera simultaneously performs machine vision object detection, creating a versatile system that handles both nighttime driving assistance and general safety monitoring.
2Illumination intensity
If thermal sensors are used for night vision, then night vision capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces thermal sensors with a modified visible light camera system. By using a narrow FOV camera with spectral band filtering and optional infrared illumination, the system achieves night vision functionality using optical photography principles rather than thermal detection, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectral band filter acts as an intermediary that selectively transmits specific wavelength ranges (including near-infrared) to the camera sensor, enabling enhanced night vision capability without requiring direct thermal sensing. This intermediate filtering approach simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Area of stationary object
If a wide field of view camera is used for machine vision, then object detection coverage is improved, but image quality in low lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging tasks by assigning the wide FOV camera specifically for machine vision object detection during daytime or well-lit conditions, while the narrow FOV camera with spectral filtering handles low-light color imaging. This division allows each camera to operate in its optimal performance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by having the wide FOV camera focus exclusively on machine vision functions where broad coverage is critical, while relying on the narrow FOV camera for the specific task of low-light imaging. This specialized division of labor optimizes overall system performance.
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
The system offers enhanced night vision to the driver through color video images and supports machine vision functions without thermal sensors, improving object detection and visibility in low lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral band filter that passes selected spectral bands of light while attenuating other spectral bands of light
Implementation Method 2
an infrared or near infrared illumination source may also be provided to illuminate the area at least partially encompassed by the narrow field of view of the night vision camera
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera module configured to be disposed at and behind a vehicle windshield, with the camera module including a first camera and a second camera. The first camera includes a first imager and a first lens having a wide angle field of view greater than 100 degrees. The first camera is operable to capture image data for processing by an image processor. The second camera includes a second imager and a second lens having a narrow angle field of view less than 40 degrees. The second camera is operable to capture image data for displaying color images at a display screen. Image data captured by the first camera is processed to detect objects, and image data captured by the first camera is not video procesed for display of video images. The vision system switches between daytime mode and nighttime mode responsive to ambient light.