Road Surface Region Detection Using Stereo Camera and Laser Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems struggle to accurately detect road surface regions, especially when the road is slanted, leading to inaccurate object recognition and potential unnecessary or missed driving support.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that combines stereo camera and laser radar technology to detect road surface regions by approximating the road surface with multiple lines based on parallax values and slope information from the laser radar, improving accuracy and alignment with the actual road shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If image analysis alone is used to detect road surface region, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines image analysis results with laser radar range finding results to detect the road surface region. By merging the visual information from the camera with the distance information from the laser radar, the system achieves accurate road surface detection even on slanted roads, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If laser radar is used to detect road surface region, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates laser radar range finding capability with the existing camera system. The laser radar provides accurate distance measurements that, when combined with image analysis, enable precise road surface region detection. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision while managing device complexity through coordinated use of multiple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If road surface detection is inaccurate on slanted roads, then object recognition accuracy deteriorates, but driving support reliability improves due to false alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines image analysis with laser radar range finding to accurately detect the road surface region on slanted roads. This accurate road surface detection provides a reliable reference for determining whether detected objects are actual obstacles or road surface features, thereby improving object recognition accuracy while maintaining driving support reliability through reduced false alerts.
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 precise detection of road surface regions even on slanted roads, enhancing object recognition accuracy and ensuring appropriate driving support by correctly identifying objects and avoiding unnecessary alerts.
Implementation Method 1
laser radar range finding unit 28
Implementation Method 2
laser light emitted in directions A, B and C are reflected on the road surface and received by the light reception unit 920
Implementation Method 3
parallax image calculation unit 23 calculates a parallax image
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An image processing apparatus (100) for detecting an image region in an image picked up by an imaging unit (99), includes a distance acquisition unit (29) configured to acquire plural distances between the imaging unit and positions at which electromagnetic waves, emitted in directions around an imaging direction of the imaging unit, are reflected; and an image region determination unit (25) configured to determine the image region in the image picked up by the imaging unit based on the distances. The image processing apparatus can detect the road surface region even if the road surface is slanted.