Surround View Camera Reconstruction Using One Camera and Vehicle Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surround view camera systems for vehicles require multiple cameras and extensive hardware integration, leading to high costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a single imaging device and vehicle sensors to generate a surround view image by processing image data to account for vehicle movement, allowing for a composite image to be displayed on a screen, reducing hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to generate surround view image, then the coverage and accuracy of vehicle surroundings is improved, but the hardware cost and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surround view into multiple sequential images captured at different times, rather than using multiple simultaneous cameras. The processing system segments the vehicle movement into discrete time intervals, capturing a first image at time T1 and a second image at time T2, then processes these segmented temporal data with sensor information to reconstruct the complete surround view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single imaging device to capture multiple images that represent different spatial perspectives of the vehicle surroundings. By capturing images at different times and using sensor data to determine vehicle movement, the system creates temporal copies of the scene that are then processed to generate a composite surround view, replacing the need for multiple physical cameras.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are mounted at different vehicle locations, then the surround view coverage is improved, but the integration and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single imaging device perform the function of multiple cameras by capturing images at different time points and processing them with sensor data. The imaging device is used universally to capture all necessary visual information, while the processor combines this with sensor data from various vehicle systems to generate the complete surround view, eliminating the need for multiple specialized camera installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor data as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between a single imaging device and multiple spatial perspectives. The sensor information about vehicle movement acts as a mediator that allows the processing system to reconstruct the positions and orientations of captured images, effectively creating a surround view without physically mounting cameras at multiple locations.
3Reliability
If images are captured at different times, then the ability to track vehicle movement is improved, but the processing complexity to align images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensor data about vehicle movement as feedback to guide the image processing. The processor continuously receives feedback from sensors about the vehicle's position, orientation, and movement between image captures, and uses this feedback information to accurately align and composite the sequentially captured images, maintaining reliability even as processing complexity increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a surround view camera system for a vehicle includes generating first image data at a first time using an imaging device, the first image data corresponding to a first image of a surroundings of the vehicle, and receiving first vehicle data generated by at least one sensor of the vehicle with a processor, the first vehicle data generated at the first time. The method further includes generating second image data at a second time after the first time using the imaging device, the second image data corresponding to a second image of the surroundings of the vehicle, and receiving second vehicle data generated by the at least one sensor with the processor, the second vehicle data generated from the first time to the second time. The method also includes processing the first vehicle data and the second vehicle data using the processor to determine change data.