Indirect Vision System Independent Dual-Axis Mechanical Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle vision systems face challenges in precise alignment, especially with larger manufacturing tolerances, requiring costly digital calibration and larger image sensors, which can introduce distortion and safety issues, and ball cameras are insufficient for compliance with viewing guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A vision system with an image recording unit holder allowing independent mechanical adjustment of two angles, where the first angle does not affect the second, enabling flexible and precise alignment within a large adjustment range, using a dual-axis system with axes at angles like 45° to 135° to each other, and adjustment components like levers and worm gears for precise mechanical adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If digital calibration is used to adjust the camera system, then adjustment cost is reduced, but adjustment precision is insufficient when manufacturing tolerances are large
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into two independent parts: digital calibration for fine adjustment and mechanical adjustment means for coarse adjustment. This segmentation allows each part to specialize - digital calibration handles precise pixel-level adjustments while mechanical means handle larger alignment corrections, resolving the contradiction between cost and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical adjustment means acts as an intermediary between the camera system and the vehicle body, providing an additional adjustment layer that compensates for manufacturing tolerances before digital calibration is applied. This intermediary mechanical adjustment bridge allows the system to achieve both low cost and high precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger image sensors or lenses are used to increase adjustment range, then adjustment range is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using larger static sensors or lenses to increase adjustment range, the patent implements dynamic mechanical adjustment means that can physically reposition the camera system. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides extended adjustment range without requiring larger hardware components, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital shift of readout area is increased to compensate for misalignment, then adjustment range is improved, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adjustment means performs preliminary alignment action before digital calibration is applied. By pre-aligning the camera system mechanically within acceptable tolerances, the subsequent digital shift required is minimized, thereby maintaining image quality and avoiding excessive distortion while still providing sufficient adjustment range.
4Ease of operation
If ball camera is used for mechanical adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision is insufficient for compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into mechanical adjustment means for easy operation and digital calibration for precision. The mechanical means (which could include ball camera mechanisms) provide ease of operation for coarse adjustment, while the subsequent digital calibration step ensures the required precision for compliance, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an indirect vision system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an image acquisition unit (2) and an image acquisition unit holder (5) for attaching the image acquisition unit (2) to the motor vehicle, wherein the image acquisition unit holder (5) has a carrier plate (6), a holder (7) and a support structure (8) connecting the carrier plate (6) and the holder (7), wherein the carrier plate (6) and the support structure (8) are rotatably connected to each other about a first axis (9) and the support structure (8) and the holder (7) are rotatably connected to each other about a second axis (10), such that a first angle (11) about the first axis (9) and a second angle (12) about the second axis (10) is mechanically adjustable, wherein the image acquisition unit holder (5) is designed such that a mechanical adjustment of the first angle (11) is independent of a mechanical adjustment of the second angle (12).