Diagonal Corner Camera Layout for Low-Power Bird's-Eye Views

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera monitor systems (CMS) require multiple cameras to capture a bird's-eye view, leading to increased electric power and system control load, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A movable apparatus with two camera units, each having an optical system with low resolution near the optical axis and high resolution outside, installed at diagonal corners to capture images of the ground in front, rear, and sides, allowing for a bird's-eye view without the need for multiple cameras.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple cameras are mounted to capture bird's-eye view images, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the electric power consumption and system control load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidelectric power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Each camera unit is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images in multiple directions (front, rear, left, right) and providing both bird's-eye view imaging and electronic mirror functions. This multi-functionality allows a single camera to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cameras, reducing overall system complexity and power consumption while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple cameras are mounted to capture bird's-eye view images, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the system control load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidsystem control load
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera units are designed to simultaneously perform bird's-eye view imaging and electronic mirror functions, reducing the number of required camera units from four to two. This reduces system control complexity while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage for safety monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the bird's-eye view imaging function with the electronic mirror function into a single camera unit. By merging these functions and strategically positioning two camera units at diagonal corners, the system achieves comprehensive 360-degree coverage with fewer components, thereby reducing system control load

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If two camera units with diagonal corner installation are used, then the power and control load are reduced, but the imaging configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimaging configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of camera units at diagonal corners rather than symmetric placement. This asymmetric configuration allows two cameras to effectively cover all four directions (front, rear, left, right) by leveraging their wide-angle optical systems, reducing power consumption while managing configuration complexity through strategic asymmetric placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This configuration reduces the power and control load while effectively capturing a bird's-eye view, enabling efficient safety monitoring around the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system for forming an optical image having a low resolution region in the vicinity of an optical axis and a high resolution region outside the low resolution region on a light receiving surface of an imaging element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP4431996A1Movable apparatus, image processing apparatus, storage medium, and installation method for imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 CANON KK
  • EP4431996A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4431996A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4431996A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a movable apparatus, a first imaging apparatus and a second imaging apparatus provided with an optical system for forming an optical image having a low resolution region in the vicinity of an optical axis and a high resolution region outside the low resolution region on a light receiving surface of an imaging element are used, the first imaging apparatus is installed at a first installation position in a front corner portion of the movable apparatus so that the ground in front of the movable apparatus and the ground in a first side of the movable apparatus are imaged, and the second imaging apparatus is installed at a second installation position at a rear corner portion of the movable apparatus, which is on a diagonal corner side of the first imaging apparatus so that the ground in the rear of the movable apparatus and the ground in a second side of the movable apparatus are imaged.