Reverse Vehicle Position Estimation Using Near-Infrared Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle position estimation techniques struggle to accurately detect feature points in low-illumination environments, such as at night, leading to decreased accuracy in vehicle position estimation during reverse operations.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation device that includes a reverse operation detection unit, an illumination instruction unit, an image obtaining unit, and a position estimation unit. When a reverse operation is detected, the device instructs a light source to illuminate the rear area with near-infrared light, enhancing luminance and allowing for accurate feature point detection using algorithms like FAST.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If feature point detection is performed using ambient light in low-illumination environments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of vehicle position estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces near-infrared light as an intermediary illumination source to improve feature point detection in low-illumination environments. The near-infrared light illuminates the rear area without significantly increasing visible light, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from visible light to near-infrared light, exploiting the different spectral characteristics. This parameter change allows the imaging device to capture images with sufficient luminance contrast for feature point detection in low-illumination conditions while avoiding the need for complex high-power visible light illumination systems.
2Measurement precision
If near-infrared illumination is used to improve luminance in low-illumination environments, then the measurement precision of feature point detection is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies near-infrared illumination locally to the rear area of the vehicle during reverse operations, rather than illuminating the entire vehicle or environment. This localized application of energy improves measurement precision in the critical detection area while minimizing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The near-infrared illumination is activated periodically or on-demand during reverse operations rather than continuously. The illumination instruction unit controls the light source to operate only when reverse operation is detected, reducing energy usage while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
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
The use of near-infrared illumination significantly increases the luminance difference between ambient light and noise, enabling high-accuracy detection of feature points even in low-illumination environments, thus improving the accuracy of vehicle position estimation during reverse operations.
Implementation Method 1
instruct a light source device having a near-infrared light source to illuminate a rear area of the vehicle with near-infrared light
Implementation Method 2
obtain an image of the rear area of the vehicle, the image captured by an imaging device of the vehicle while the rear area is being illuminated with the near-infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation device estimates a position of a vehicle during a reverse operation. The position estimation device includes a reverse operation detection unit, an illumination instruction unit, an image obtaining unit, and position estimation unit. The reverse operation detection unit detects the reverse operation of the vehicle. The illumination instruction unit instructs a light source device to illuminate a rear area of the vehicle with near-infrared light when the reverse operation is detected. The image obtaining unit obtains an image of the rear area of the vehicle, and the image is captured by an imaging device of the vehicle while the rear area is being illuminated with the near-infrared light. The position estimation unit detects a feature point of the image using a feature point extraction device or algorithm based on luminance information of the image, and estimates the vehicle position using the detected feature point.