Movable Camera Blind Spot Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surround view monitor systems fail to capture images of blind spots, such as areas under the vehicle, leading to difficulty for drivers in parking and navigating, especially when obstacles are present in these hidden areas.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device processes images captured at different time points by a vehicle's camera, determines transformation matrices based on vehicle movement and orientation, and updates camera parameters to visualize blind spots, allowing for the rendering of previously obscured areas in a top-view image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a typical SVM uses fixed camera positions to capture surroundings, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but blind spots under the vehicle body cannot be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the camera system movable rather than fixed. The camera is mounted on a movable platform that can change its position and orientation to capture images from multiple locations around the vehicle, including areas under the body that would otherwise be blind spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional fixed camera view to a three-dimensional multi-position capture system. By moving the camera through different spatial positions and angles, the system captures images from multiple dimensions, enabling coverage of previously inaccessible areas under the vehicle.
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras are added to cover blind spots, then blind spot coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple fixed cameras, the patent uses a single movable camera that dynamically repositions itself to capture images from multiple locations. This dynamic approach achieves comprehensive coverage equivalent to multiple cameras while reducing the actual number of camera devices needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable camera platform serves multiple functions: it can capture images from various positions (front, rear, sides, and under the vehicle), replacing what would traditionally require multiple dedicated cameras for each position. One camera performs the work of several through its multi-position capability.
3Loss of information
If images are captured from multiple positions to eliminate blind spots, then blind spot coverage is improved, but the difficulty of processing and synthesizing images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms in the image processing pipeline, where the system continuously adjusts and refines the synthesis of images from multiple positions. The processor analyzes images captured at different positions and iteratively combines them to create a comprehensive view that eliminates blind spots while maintaining image quality.
4Loss of information
If a movable camera system is used to capture blind spots, then blind spot coverage is improved, but the stability of image synthesis decreases due to vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses stability by dynamically compensating for vehicle movement. The system incorporates sensors that detect vehicle motion and uses this information to adjust the image synthesis process, maintaining stable and consistent composite images despite the dynamic operating conditions of a moving vehicle.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes: a processor configured to: based on two images captured at two different time points by a camera of a vehicle that is traveling and traveling information of the vehicle, determine a first transformation matrix of a camera coordinate system comprising a rotation matrix and a translation matrix for a movement of the vehicle between the two time points; transform the first transformation matrix into a second transformation matrix of a vehicle coordinate system; update a parameter of the camera to apply the movement of the vehicle to the parameter of the camera, based on either one or both of roll information and pitch information of the vehicle acquired from the rotation matrix; and visualize a blind spot of the camera based on the either one or both of the roll information and the pitch information, and based on the updated parameter and the second transformation matrix.