Multi-Zone Motion Blur Correction Using Rotating Collimators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for analyzing motion blur in autonomous vehicle cameras are limited by requiring specific distances and allowing only horizontal field of view analysis, making them inefficient for assessing image degradation in autonomous navigation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multi-zone motion blur correction system using two collimators aligned with the camera's field of view, rotated at specific speeds based on collimator rotation radius and target object parameters, to compute a modulation transfer function and determine image degradation, allowing for quick acceptance or rejection of images for navigation decisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems use fixed-distance analysis for motion blur, then measurement can be performed, but the system requires specific distances and only allows horizontal field of view analysis, reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the field of view into multiple zones (central zone and peripheral zones) and uses multiple collimators positioned at different locations to analyze motion blur in each zone independently. This segmentation allows the system to evaluate different regions of the image with appropriate collimators, enhancing versatility without requiring complex reconfiguration for different analysis scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a single collimator assembly that can be positioned at multiple locations (central and peripheral zones) to perform motion blur analysis across different field of view regions. The collimator assembly serves multiple functions by analyzing both central and peripheral zones, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each zone and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional systems analyze motion blur at fixed distances, then measurement is possible, but the system is inefficient for assessing image degradation across multiple zones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage degradation assessment efficiencyVSAvoidmulti-zone analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions multiple collimators at predetermined locations corresponding to different field of view zones before image capture. This preliminary arrangement allows simultaneous or sequential analysis of multiple zones without requiring post-capture repositioning or complex calculations, significantly improving assessment efficiency while maintaining multi-zone adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends motion blur analysis from a single horizontal dimension to multiple spatial dimensions by incorporating central and peripheral zones at different angular positions. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive assessment of image degradation across the entire field of view, improving both productivity and versatility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the system uses multiple collimators rotated at specific speeds, then modulation transfer function can be computed accurately, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation transfer function accuracyVSAvoidcollimator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple collimators into a single integrated collimator assembly that can be positioned at different locations. By merging the collimators into one assembly rather than using separate independent systems, the design achieves accurate modulation transfer function computation across multiple zones while reducing overall device complexity and simplifying the control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach enables efficient determination of acceptable motion blur independent of target object characteristics, improving image processing for autonomous vehicle maneuvers by adjusting optical settings to prevent degradation and ensuring accurate object detection.

Implementation Method 1

Execution of the alignment of the image capturing device positioned on the vehicle with at least one collimating device in a plurality of collimating devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollimation:

Implementation Method 2

compute a modulation transfer function and determine image degradation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectModulation Transfer Function:

Data Source

PatentUS20230236432A1Correcting multi-zone motion blur

Publication Date: 2023.07.27 MOTIONAL AD LLC

AI summary

Provided are methods for correcting multi-zone motion blur, which include executing, using at least one processor, an alignment of at least one image capturing device with at least one collimating device in a plurality of collimating devices, causing a rotation of at least one collimating device, receiving at least one image of at least one target object captured by the image capturing device for processing by at least one rotating collimating device, and determining, based on the at least one processed image, a degradation of the received image of the target object.