Stereo Camera Optical Axis Alignment Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stereo cameras used in vehicles face challenges in maintaining accurate distance measurement due to fluctuations in optical axis alignment caused by temperature changes, vibrations, and mechanical tolerances, leading to inaccurate distance calculations in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera device with cameras and a distance sensor held by a holder to maintain optical axis alignment, combined with an electronic circuit for image processing and calibration, ensuring stable positional and postural relations between components, and using a holder to fix the cameras and distance sensor independently within a housing case.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a stereo camera uses geometric correction with polynomial approximation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient distortion correction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A calibration target with known three-dimensional position information is introduced as an intermediary element. The calibration target includes multiple marks with predetermined spatial coordinates, which serve as reference points to establish the relationship between the camera's coordinate system and the real-world coordinate system, enabling accurate distortion correction without complex processing
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration is performed in advance by capturing images of the calibration target and calculating the transformation matrix before actual measurement. This preliminary calibration stores the relationship parameters in the storage unit, allowing rapid and accurate distance measurement without repeating complex correction calculations during operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera operates in harsh environments with temperature changes and vibrations, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to fluctuation in optical axis alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the calibration target and compares the detected mark positions with their predetermined values. The transformation matrix is updated based on the deviation between expected and actual positions, providing feedback to correct alignment fluctuations caused by temperature changes and vibrations, thereby maintaining measurement precision in harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration method dynamically adjusts the transformation matrix parameters based on environmental conditions. By capturing images at different positions and orientations of the calibration target, the system calculates updated transformation parameters that compensate for changes in optical axis alignment due to thermal expansion, vibration, or mechanical stress
3Manufacturing precision
If the holder integrally couples multiple cameras and distance sensors, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to stricter alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into separate coupling components: a camera coupling portion for mounting multiple cameras and a distance sensor coupling portion for mounting the distance sensor. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each coupling mechanism while maintaining overall alignment, reducing the complexity of achieving precise integration compared to a single monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a mounting structure for cameras, a positioning reference for optical axis alignment, and a protective housing. By integrating these multiple functions into a single component with standardized coupling interfaces, the design achieves high manufacturing precision without proportionally increasing structural complexity
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 solution ensures accurate distance measurement and improved detection capabilities in harsh environments, reducing the frequency of false alarms and maintaining performance even in outdoor conditions with temperature variations and dust exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A stereo camera determines a distance using parallax information of the images acquired by two cameras
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo camera device includes a plurality of cameras, a distance sensor configured to detect a distance to an object, a holder configured to hold the plurality of cameras and the distance sensor so that the optical axis of the distance sensor and the optical axes of the plurality of cameras are in the same direction, an electronic circuit, and a case in which the plurality of cameras and the distance sensor held by the holder, and the electronic circuit are provided.