Stereo Camera Dynamic Range Adjustment for Tracking Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo cameras with multiple cameras have limited frame rates and high misrecognition rates due to fixed exposure settings, resulting in low tracking performance and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A stereo image processing apparatus and method that adjusts the dynamic ranges of cameras to capture images with improved visibility by setting different recognition ranges for dark and bright areas, using a mapper to determine mapping areas and perform linear conversions on High Dynamic Range (HDR) graphs, and a tracker to calculate reference line segments for generating stereo images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed exposure settings are used in stereo cameras, then device complexity is reduced, but image visibility and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic exposure control where the stereo camera system adjusts exposure settings adaptively based on scene conditions. The system dynamically selects between different exposure modes (normal, dark area emphasis, bright area emphasis) and adjusts exposure time and gain parameters in real-time, transforming the static exposure control into a dynamic system that responds to environmental conditions, thereby improving tracking accuracy without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key exposure parameters (exposure time, gain, offset) based on scene analysis. The processor analyzes the captured image to determine scene brightness characteristics and accordingly adjusts exposure parameters for subsequent frames, enabling the camera to adapt to varying lighting conditions and improve image quality for tracking applications
2Illumination intensity
If dynamic range recognition boundaries are set differently for dark and bright areas, then image visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different dynamic range settings to different regions of the image. The system identifies dark areas and bright areas separately and applies optimized exposure parameters specifically to these regions. This local quality approach allows the system to enhance visibility in both dark and bright areas simultaneously without requiring a complete redesign of the exposure control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multiple exposure modes that capture more information than a single standard exposure would provide. By capturing images with different exposure settings (normal, dark-area-emphasized, bright-area-emphasized) and selectively using them, the system obtains partial views of the scene under different lighting conditions, thereby improving overall visibility
3Measurement precision
If frame rate is reduced to 15 fps for exposure control, then exposure accuracy is improved, but tracking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the scene brightness characteristics before capturing images for tracking. By pre-determining the appropriate exposure mode based on scene conditions, the system avoids the need for continuous exposure adjustments during tracking, thereby maintaining both accurate exposure control and high frame rates for real-time tracking applications
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo image processing apparatus includes an image acquirer acquiring images captured by a stereo camera including cameras having recognition ranges of their dynamic ranges differently set, and a mapper mapping the images with reference to the determined mapping areas of the images determined from the features extracted from the images. The stereo image processing apparatus further includes tracker tracking linear components from the mapping images by the mapper to determine a reference line segment, and a stereo image processor creating a stereo image for the images based on the determined reference line segments determined on the mapping areas.