On-board Camera Exposure Control for Stereo Vision Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board camera systems struggle to acquire clear images at high speeds, leading to inaccurate object recognition and potential failures in vehicle control systems like ACC, AEBS, and LKAS.
Innovation Solution
An on-board camera system that uses multiple cameras with stereo vision capabilities, switching between exposure controls for distance measurement and object recognition in a time division manner, to acquire accurate three-dimensional information and object recognition information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If exposure time is uniformly changed according to vehicle speed to display images in real time, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but image clarity deteriorates at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two distinct modes: first exposure condition for acquiring three-dimensional information (short exposure time) and second exposure condition for acquiring object recognition information (long exposure time). This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between real-time imaging and image clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different exposure conditions based on the current driving situation and processing requirements. The exposure control unit selects between short exposure time (for distance measurement) and long exposure time (for object recognition) depending on whether three-dimensional information or object recognition is the priority, making the system adaptable to different operational contexts.
2Speed
If short exposure time is used for real-time imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but three-dimensional information accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns the short exposure time condition specifically to three-dimensional information acquisition while assigning long exposure time to object recognition. This functional segmentation ensures that each type of information is acquired under optimal exposure conditions, with three-dimensional information using short exposure for speed and object recognition using long exposure for clarity.
3Measurement precision
If long exposure time is used for clear imaging, then image clarity is improved, but real-time processing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging tasks into two segments handled by different exposure conditions: three-dimensional information acquisition uses short exposure time for speed, while object recognition uses long exposure time for clarity. This segmentation allows the system to maintain real-time processing capability for distance measurement while achieving clear images for object recognition when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using long exposure time only for the specific task of object recognition rather than for all imaging operations. This selective application of long exposure time ensures clear object recognition information is obtained while maintaining overall real-time processing capability through short exposure time for three-dimensional information acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an on-board camera system capable of acquiring accurate three-dimensional information and object recognition information without being affected by a vehicle speed. An on-board camera system including a plurality of cameras arranged on an own vehicle so as to have a stereo vision area in which at least a part of a visual field area is overlapped; a movement amount calculation unit that obtains a movement amount of a feature point of the stereo vision area imaged by the plurality of cameras based on a behavior of the own vehicle; a first exposure condition determination unit that determines a first exposure condition of the plurality of cameras such that the movement amount becomes less than or equal to a threshold value; a second exposure condition determination unit that determines a second exposure condition of the plurality of cameras based on an external light condition of a vehicle exterior; a three-dimensional information acquisition unit that acquires three-dimensional information of the stereo vision area using an image imaged under the first exposure condition; an object recognition unit that recognizes an object around the own vehicle using an image imaged under the second exposure condition; and an exposure control unit that switches an exposure condition of each of the plurality of cameras to the first exposure condition or the second exposure condition.