Stereo Camera Ranging Correction for Lens Individual Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for improving ranging accuracy in stereo cameras do not adequately address individual differences in optical systems and changes in imaging environments, leading to varying ranging errors.
Innovation Solution
An external environment recognition device and method that include a parallax calculation unit, a ranging unit, a storage unit for recording lens response and luminance characteristics, and a ranging correction unit to adjust distances based on these characteristics, thereby reducing ranging errors caused by temporal changes in the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform correction techniques are applied to all captured images, then the parallax calculation is uniformly improved, but individual differences in optical systems and environmental changes cannot be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating individual correction values for each lens based on its specific characteristics. Instead of uniform correction, each lens receives tailored correction parameters that account for its unique optical properties. The system also adapts correction based on local environmental conditions such as temperature and luminance, making the correction localized to specific lens-environment combinations rather than applying a global correction to all images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making correction values adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts correction parameters based on real-time environmental conditions (temperature, luminance) and individual lens characteristics. This allows the ranging correction to evolve and adapt to changing conditions, transforming a static uniform correction approach into a dynamic, condition-specific correction system.
2Measurement precision
If correction processing is performed for all images regardless of conditions, then ranging errors are reduced, but unnecessary processing increases device complexity and computation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively performing correction processing only when necessary. Instead of correcting all images unconditionally, the system evaluates specific conditions (temperature changes, luminance variations, object type) and applies correction only when these conditions indicate potential ranging errors. This partial correction approach reduces unnecessary processing while maintaining accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, luminance) and object characteristics to determine whether correction should be applied. The correction process is governed by feedback from sensors that detect changes in imaging conditions, allowing the system to adaptively enable or disable correction based on actual needs rather than applying it uniformly to all images.
3Measurement precision
If detailed individual correction values are stored for each lens, then ranging accuracy under varying conditions is improved, but storage requirements and data processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing correction data into distinct components: base correction values for each lens and adjustment values for different environmental conditions. This segmented structure allows the system to store correction data in an organized manner, reducing redundancy while maintaining comprehensive correction capabilities for various conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by storing correction values as adjustable parameters that can be modified based on environmental conditions rather than storing completely separate correction sets for every condition. This parameter-based approach reduces storage requirements by representing variations efficiently through parameter adjustments rather than full data duplication.
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
The proposed solution effectively reduces the influence of ranging errors caused by individual differences in the optical system and changes in the imaging environment, improving the accuracy and reliability of distance measurements in stereo cameras.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element, and image processing
Implementation Method 2
characteristics of an optical system/imaging system (a lens, an imaging element, and image processing)
Implementation Method 3
a distance to any object can be measured based on triangulation
Data Source
AI summary
An EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT RECOGNITION DEVICE that reduces an influence on a ranging error caused by a temporal change of an optical system/imaging system is provided by focusing on characteristics (individual difference) of the optical system/imaging system of an in-vehicle stereo camera device. Thus, the EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT RECOGNITION DEVICE includes a parallax calculation unit that calculates parallax by images captured by an in-vehicle camera device including a plurality of cameras, a ranging unit that obtains a distance to an object outside a vehicle by the parallax, a storage unit in which response characteristics and luminance characteristics of each lens of the plurality of cameras are recorded, a ranging correction necessity determination unit that determines whether the distance to the object is necessary to be corrected using the response characteristics and the luminance characteristics of the lens; and a ranging correction unit that corrects the distance to the object based on the response characteristics and the luminance characteristics of the lens when it is determined that the correction is necessary.