Steering Wheel Camera Positioning via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based systems in vehicles face challenges in accurately determining the position of cameras and other moveable elements relative to the vehicle coordinate system, especially when the steering wheel column is adjusted, leading to uncertainties in eye gaze and head localization.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that acquires position-related information from multiple sensors, selects relevant data sets based on predetermined rules, and determines the position of moveable elements, such as cameras, by fusing data from various sensors to achieve precise and accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel column is adjusted to fit different driver sizes and preferences, then the camera can be positioned to view different drivers, but the absolute position of the camera becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual position of the steering wheel column and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then calculates the corresponding camera position based on this feedback, allowing the system to maintain accurate knowledge of camera position despite manual adjustments by the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between the steering wheel column and camera mounting with an electronic positioning system. Instead of relying on fixed mechanical relationships that break when the column is adjusted, the system uses sensors and computational algorithms to determine camera position, substituting mechanical precision with electronic measurement and calculation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to determine camera position, then position accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple sensors (steering wheel column position sensors, camera intrinsic parameters, and extrinsic calibration data) into a unified positioning system. The control unit merges these different data sources to calculate the final camera position, achieving higher accuracy through combination while managing complexity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors, performs camera calibration, calculates camera position, and provides this information to other vehicle systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each task, thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method for determining a position of a moveable element in a vehicle comprises the following steps carried out by computer hardware components: acquiring a plurality of position related information data sets from at least one sensor; selecting at least one of the plurality of position related information data sets based on a pre-determined rule; and determining the position of the moveable element based on the at least one selected position related information data sets.