Multi-Camera Vehicle Control System for Lane Change Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems lack the ability to efficiently and autonomously manage lane changes by effectively utilizing multiple camera views to detect surrounding vehicles and objects, limiting their capability for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera system installed in the vehicle, with cameras of different focal lengths, adjusts its orientation to view forward through the windshield, side rearview mirrors, and blind spots, processing image data to determine lane changes and control vehicle maneuvers through communication with steering, braking, and powertrain systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera is used for vehicle vision, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and object detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vision system into multiple cameras with different fields of view (forward-facing, side-facing, rear-facing cameras) to cover different spatial zones. Each camera is optimized for specific detection tasks, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-camera viewpoint to multi-dimensional spatial coverage by positioning cameras at different locations (front, sides, rear) and orientations. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive object detection from multiple perspectives simultaneously, enhancing detection precision without linearly increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras with different focal lengths are used, then the object detection capability and image quality improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different cameras in the array are equipped with different focal lengths optimized for their specific viewing zones. Forward-facing cameras use focal lengths suited for distant object detection, while side and rear cameras use focal lengths optimized for closer proximity detection. This local optimization improves pixel density and detection quality in each specific zone without requiring all cameras to be equally complex.
3Productivity
If the camera system focuses on forward view only, then the productivity for straight-line driving is high, but the adaptability for lane changing and maneuvering is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system dynamically adjusts its active configuration based on detected driving intentions. During straight-line driving, the system prioritizes forward-facing cameras for efficient monitoring. When lane changes or turns are detected, the system activates side and rear cameras to provide necessary peripheral visibility, thus adapting to different maneuvering requirements while maintaining overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-camera system serves multiple functions: forward motion detection, lane change monitoring, blind spot detection, and rear vehicle monitoring. This universal capability allows the system to handle various driving scenarios (straight driving, lane changes, turns, reversing) with a single integrated system, improving adaptability without sacrificing the efficiency needed for common straight-line driving.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a vehicle includes a camera module having a plurality of cameras. A control is operable to adjust a field of view of the cameras responsive to an input. When the vehicle is traveling in and along a traffic lane, the control sets the field of view of at least some of the cameras forward through the vehicle windshield. Responsive to an input indicative of an intended lane change, the control adjusts at least one camera to set the field of view of the camera toward an exterior rearview mirror at the side of the vehicle at which the target lane is located. Responsive to determination, via processing of captured image data when the camera views the exterior rearview mirror of the vehicle, that the target lane is clear, the control controls the at least one vehicle control system to maneuver the vehicle into the target lane.