Rear View Camera Auto-Calibration via Mirror Head Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external rear view systems for motor vehicles require manual or electronic adjustment of multiple mirrors and cameras to achieve different field of views, which is time-consuming and often compromises on meeting homologation requirements and driver preferences.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit automatically adjusts a camera module to capture a second field-of-view and updates a display unit, based on the position of a manually rotated mirror head, using an actuator and electric motor to ensure efficient and easy calibration of multiple cameras or mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual or electronic adjustment of multiple mirrors and cameras is performed to achieve different field of views, then the driver can obtain desired field of views, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining the field of view of the first image capturing device and using this information to automatically adjust the second image capturing device, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit changes the operational parameters of the second image capturing device based on the determined field of view parameters of the first device, automatically configuring the system to meet both driver preferences and homologation requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirror heads with various classes are incorporated to meet homologation requirements, then different field of views are available, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single first image capturing device that can determine multiple field of views, making it universal enough to replace multiple specialized mirror heads while maintaining homologation compliance through software-based configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical mirror heads with different configurations with an electronic/software-based system that dynamically configures field of views through image processing and electronic control
3Ease of operation
If the driver manually changes the angle of the mirror or camera, then the desired field of view can be obtained, but operator effort increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the adjustment task that would otherwise require manual intervention by the driver, using the determined field of view information to self-calibrate the second image capturing device without driver involvement
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first image capturing device's field of view determination to automatically adjust the second device, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates manual operation while maintaining ease of use
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to an apparatus for updating an image section, comprising a head with at least one first image capturing device, in particular in form of a mirror head, configure to rotate between a plurality of positions in order to obtain a first field-of-view (FOV); at least one second image capturing device, in particular comprising a camera module, configured to capture a second field-of-view (FOV) different than the first FOV; and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to adjust the second image capturing device to capture the second FOV and update a display unit to exhibit the image section with the second FOV. It also refers to a rear view device with such an apparatus and a method for updating an image section.