Self-Centering Camera Mount for Fast Lane-Centering Benchmark Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LCA system assessments require significant time and assistance to set up and calibrate camera mounts, as design specifications of competitors are not readily available, leading to inefficiencies in developing superior LCA systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering camera mount system with guide rails, deflectors, distance sensors, and a processor that adjusts the camera mounting plate automatically to equalize distances and tilt, reducing setup time and calibration efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup and calibration of camera mounts is used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but significant time and assistance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses distance sensors to automatically measure distances between the camera mounting plate and reference points on the vehicle, and uses actuators to self-adjust the plate position without manual intervention, achieving both accuracy and time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures distances using sensors, compares them to target values, and adjusts the camera mounting plate position accordingly until the distances match, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precise positioning automatically
2Ease of operation
If manual calibration is performed, then camera positioning can be adjusted, but assistance from multiple people is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration automatically using onboard sensors and actuators, eliminating the need for external assistance while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electromechanical systems including distance sensors for measurement and actuators for positioning, reducing the need for human assistance
3Productivity
If fixed camera mounting is used, then installation is simple, but assessment accuracy of LCA systems is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed mounting to a dynamic adjustable mounting where the camera plate can be automatically repositioned along guide rails to achieve precise positioning required for accurate LCA system assessment
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
Facilitates rapid and accurate assessment of LCA systems by automating the positioning and leveling of cameras, thereby enhancing the efficiency of LCA system development.
Implementation Method 1
first and second distance sensors mounted on the camera mounting plate to respectively face the first and second deflectors. The first distance sensor measures a first distance between the first distance sensor and the first deflector. The second distance sensor measures a second distance between the second distance sensor and the second deflector.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject technology relate to a self-centering camera mount. The self-centering camera mount includes a camera mounting plate, first and second deflectors respectively arranged on a first side and a second side of the vehicle, first and second distance sensors mounted on the camera mounting plate to respectively a first distance between the first distance sensor and the first deflector and a second distance between the second distance sensor and the second deflector, and a processor that, when determining that the first distance and the second distance do not match each other, controls, based on the received first and second distances, a camera mounting plate actuator to slide the camera mounting plate until the first and second distances become equal to each other.