Single-Camera Distance Sensing for Moving Objects Around Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require multiple cameras for three-dimensional capture and are limited to stationary objects, failing to effectively determine the distance of moving objects in a vehicle's surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a single camera to capture two surroundings images at different times, identifying a moving object and a stationary object with a distinguished geometric relationship, determining an image size ratio, and calculating distances based on the stationary object's known distances and vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera is used for distance determination, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement capability is limited to two-dimensional images only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional single-image measurement to three-dimensional distance determination by capturing images at two different time points. The vehicle's movement between captures provides the additional dimensional information needed to calculate distances of objects from the camera, enabling accurate depth perception with a single camera rather than requiring multiple cameras for stereoscopic vision.
2Device complexity
If existing single-camera methods are applied to moving objects, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to object motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and tracking of the moving object in the first image, then uses this information to guide the measurement process in the second image. By establishing the object's presence and characteristics beforehand, the system can accurately track and measure the moving object's distance changes even as it moves between captures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the moving object's identified characteristics from the first image as feedback to improve measurement accuracy in the second image. The known geometric relationship and initial position information are fed back into the calculation process to compensate for motion effects and maintain precise distance determination.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used for three-dimensional capture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves three-dimensional measurement capability using a single camera by exploiting the time dimension. Instead of using multiple cameras simultaneously for spatial stereoscopy, the system captures images at two different time points and uses the vehicle's movement through space to generate the depth information, effectively trading temporal separation for spatial measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for camera-based determination of distance of a moving object in the surroundings of a vehicle, wherein surroundings images of the surroundings are captured using a camera, wherein the moving object and at least one stationary object are identified in the surroundings images and a stationary object is selected using a distinguished geometric relationship, wherein an image size ratio between the moving object and the stationary object is determined, wherein an image size of the stationary object in the second surroundings image is determined, wherein distances of the stationary object and an object size of the stationary object are determined on the basis of the determined image sizes of the stationary object and a vehicle speed, and wherein distances of the moving object are determined on the basis of the determined image size ratio, the determined distances and the determined object size of the stationary object.