Dual-Camera Pupil Tracking Layout for Compact Driver Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver monitoring systems face challenges in efficiently tracking pupils using cameras due to issues with vehicle compartment styling, eye position capture, and cost, particularly in implementing multiple cameras and illumination devices.
Innovation Solution
A dual-camera and dual-illumination system with synchronized infrared sources, arranged to intersect at specific angles and distances, is integrated within the vehicle dashboard to capture redundant pupil images, minimizing space and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and illumination devices are implemented for pupil tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines camera devices and illumination devices into integrated assemblies where each camera is paired with an illumination device positioned at specific angles. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining the capability for precise pupil tracking through multiple viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
Each camera-illumination assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: capturing images from specific angles, providing targeted illumination, and contributing to redundant tracking capability. The assemblies can be selectively activated based on driving conditions, making the system adaptable and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple cameras and illumination devices are implemented for pupil tracking, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic activation of different camera-illumination assemblies based on driving conditions and pupil tracking requirements. Not all cameras and illumination devices operate simultaneously in all conditions, which reduces overall system cost while maintaining reliability through selective redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selectively activating specific camera-illumination assemblies based on lighting conditions, driver position, and tracking requirements. This parameter-based activation allows the system to maintain high reliability only when needed, reducing unnecessary costs during normal operating conditions.
3Device complexity
If camera and illumination device are positioned close together, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions illumination devices at asymmetric angles relative to their paired cameras, with specific angle ranges defined to optimize both compactness and measurement precision. This asymmetric arrangement allows close positioning while maintaining the geometric relationships necessary for accurate pupil tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system resolves the positioning conflict by utilizing angular dimension rather than just linear distance. Cameras and illumination devices are positioned close in linear distance but separated by specific angular relationships, allowing compact assembly while maintaining measurement precision through angular geometry.
4Measurement precision
If illumination angle is increased for dark pupil tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination devices are positioned to provide localized illumination at specific angles targeting only the pupil region, rather than broad-area illumination. This localized approach achieves the necessary illumination for dark pupil tracking while minimizing overall energy consumption by concentrating light only where needed.
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
Provides reliable and efficient dark pupil tracking with reduced space requirements and cost, enhancing driver monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first illumination device and the second illumination device may comprise each at least one infra-red light source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A driver monitoring system (10) for a motor vehicle configured to track pupil of a driver (12) of the motor vehicle comprises a first camera device (14) including a first main optical axis (O1), said first camera device (14) being configured to capture a first set of images of the pupils of the driver (12); a first illumination device (16) including a first main light axis (L1), said first illumination device (16) being configured to illuminate the pupils of the driver (12) during a capture operation of the first set of images; a second camera device (18) including a second main optical axis (O2), said second camera device (18) being configured to capture a second set of images of the pupil of the driver (12); a second illumination device (20) including a second main light axis (L2), said second illumination device (20) being configured to illuminate the pupil of the driver (12) during a capture operation of the second set of images; a first camera assembly (22) comprising the first camera device (14) and the second illumination device (20); and a second camera assembly (24) comprising the second camera device (18) and the first illumination device (16).