Multi-Camera Auto Exposure Using Map-Based Region Priorities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing systems face challenges with overexposure and underexposure issues, particularly when the point of focus or light conditions change, leading to an inability to view critical regions of interest due to uniform exposure adjustments across the entire image.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for adjusting exposure settings in autonomous vehicles, which determines a region of interest based on localization parameters, such as geographic position and sensor data, to dynamically adjust camera exposure settings, prioritizing critical areas like pedestrians or traffic signs over less important regions like the sky.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If uniform exposure adjustment is applied across the entire image, then the overall image quality is improved, but the region of interest becomes unviewable due to overexposure or underexposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different exposure settings to different regions of the image. Specifically, it identifies a region of interest (such as a pedestrian or traffic sign) and applies a first exposure setting to that region while applying a second, different exposure setting to the remainder of the image. This allows the region of interest to be properly exposed even when the overall scene requires different exposure compensation, thereby preventing information loss in critical areas.
2Speed
If the point of focus changes or light conditions change suddenly, then the camera must rapidly adjust exposure, but this causes overexposure or underexposure in certain areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the region of interest before final exposure adjustment. By detecting and segmenting the region of interest (such as identifying a pedestrian in the scene) in advance, the system can prepare appropriate exposure settings for that specific region. This preliminary action allows the system to rapidly adjust exposure when light conditions change, while maintaining reliability by ensuring the region of interest receives appropriate exposure compensation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional exposure algorithms minimize contrast across the entire image, then overall image balance is improved, but the region of interest becomes unviewable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into distinct regions: a region of interest (such as a pedestrian, cyclist, or traffic sign) and the remainder of the image. By segmenting the image in this way, the system can apply different exposure algorithms to each segment. The region of interest receives exposure adjustment focused on preserving detail and minimizing contrast, while the remainder of the image receives exposure adjustment focused on overall balance, thereby preventing information loss in the region of interest.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to techniques for adjusting an exposure setting. A process of the disclosed technology can include steps for determining a localization parameter of an autonomous vehicle, the localization parameter including a geographic position of the autonomous vehicle, determining a region of interest based on the localization parameter of the autonomous vehicle, receiving a first image including the region of interest based on the localization parameter of the autonomous vehicle, determining an exposure setting for the region of interest in the first image, and adjusting an exposure setting of the first image to the exposure setting for the region of interest in the first image. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.