Stereo Camera Device Vertical Field of View Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereo cameras with a wide field of view in the vertical direction face challenges in accurately detecting road white lines, traffic signs, and traffic signals, especially under adverse weather conditions or when obstructed by large vehicles, due to the trade-off between field of view and accuracy of distance measurement and object detection.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera apparatus comprising a first imaging unit capturing color images and a second imaging unit capturing monochrome images, both with overlapping fields of view shifted in the vertical direction, utilizing a brighter optical system for the color unit to adjust light differences and a controller for precise object detection and distance calculation across the images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the field of view is widened in the vertical direction to detect road white lines, traffic signs, and traffic signals, then the detection range is improved, but the accuracy of distance measurement and object detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate imaging units: a first imaging unit with a wide field of view for detecting road white lines, traffic signs, and traffic signals, and a second imaging unit with a narrow field of view for accurate distance measurement. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between wide detection range and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where the first imaging unit captures color images for object recognition and the second imaging unit captures monochrome images for precise distance measurement. By combining these different imaging functions in one system, the patent achieves both wide detection coverage and high measurement accuracy simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the field of view is widened in the vertical direction to detect objects in adverse weather or when obstructed by large vehicles, then the detection capability in challenging conditions is improved, but the accuracy of stereo parallax calculation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging responsibilities by assigning the first imaging unit to capture color images for detecting objects in challenging conditions (adverse weather, obstructions), while the second imaging unit captures monochrome images specifically for accurate stereo parallax calculation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high adaptability without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by using color imaging in the first unit for enhanced object detection in difficult conditions, and monochrome imaging in the second unit for precise distance measurement. Each imaging unit has specialized qualities suited to its specific function, improving overall system performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stereo camera apparatus, and a vehicle provided with a stereo camera apparatus, can detect an object targeted for detection in a wider spatial range, calculate the distance to a subject with high accuracy, and perform object detection with high accuracy. The stereo camera apparatus (1) includes a first imaging unit (2), a second imaging unit (3) that images an area partially shifted from an area imaged by the first imaging unit (2) in a direction differing from a direction along the baseline length, and a controller (4) that calculates the distance to a subject using an overlapping region between a first image captured by the first imaging unit (2) and a second image captured by the second imaging unit (3).