Stereo Fisheye Camera Switching Field of View for Depth Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental monitoring devices for vehicles, particularly in agricultural and construction machinery, require costly solutions or complex calibration to achieve varying field of view angles, which are necessary for different applications, and stereo technology is highly dependent on geometric calibration quality.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera with two fisheye lenses and an image sensor device having distinct sub-areas for different opening angles, allowing selective processing and output of image data signals based on these sub-areas, with a processing unit that adjusts to process image data according to one sub-area, enabling high accuracy in depth resolution and large image field coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different device variants with varying field of view angles are used to cover all required applications, then application versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single stereo camera device that can perform multiple applications by dynamically adjusting its field of view angle. The camera system can switch between a first field of view angle for high-accuracy depth measurement and a second field of view angle for broader monitoring, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining versatility across different application scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs motorized zoom lenses that can dynamically adjust the field of view angle during operation. The adjustment mechanism allows the camera to transition between different focal lengths and field of view angles based on real-time application requirements, enabling a single device to adapt its characteristics rather than requiring static multiple device variants
2Adaptability or versatility
If motorized zoom lenses are used to achieve varying field of view angles, then application versatility is improved, but calibration effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs geometric calibration of the stereo camera system at the factory before delivery to the customer. All calibration data for different field of view angles and focal lengths are pre-calculated and stored in the camera's memory. This preliminary calibration eliminates the need for complex on-site calibration procedures, reducing both manufacturing effort and field deployment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical calibration adjustment mechanisms with a software-based calibration system. The motorized zoom lenses are pre-calibrated, and the system uses stored calibration data to automatically compensate for geometric variations when adjusting field of view angles, eliminating the need for mechanical calibration adjustments during operation
3Measurement precision
If a narrower field of view is used, then depth accuracy is improved, but image field coverage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a motorized zoom lens system that can dynamically adjust the field of view angle based on application requirements. When high depth accuracy is needed, the system switches to a narrower field of view with longer focal length. When broader coverage is needed, it switches to a wider field of view with shorter focal length, allowing optimal adaptation to different monitoring scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the camera system by adjusting the focal length of the zoom lenses. This parameter change directly affects both the field of view angle and the depth measurement accuracy, allowing the system to optimize its performance characteristics for different application scenarios by selecting appropriate focal length values
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 provides a cost-effective and low-complexity environmental monitoring device capable of switching between different field of view angles during operation, achieving high depth resolution and large image field coverage with efficient image processing and reduced computing power.
Implementation Method 1
a stereo camera which has two fisheye lenses, an image sensor device with at least two sensor areas for detecting optical signals from the fisheye lenses
Implementation Method 2
image sensor device with at least two sensor areas for detecting optical signals from the fisheye lenses and for generating and outputting image data signals based on the respective optical signals
Data Source
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AI summary
An environmental monitoring device for vehicles comprises a stereo camera having two fisheye lenses, an image sensor device having at least two sensor regions for detecting optical signals from the fisheye lenses in one of the sensor regions each and for generating and outputting image data signals based on the respective optical signals, wherein the sensor regions each have at least a first partial region corresponding to a first aperture angle within the maximum aperture angle of the respective fisheye lens, and a second partial region corresponding to a second aperture angle within the maximum aperture angle of the respective fisheye lens, a processing unit for processing the image data signals output by the image sensor device and for providing the processed image data signals, wherein the processing unit is adjustable in order to, in particular at a respective time,to process the image data signals selectively according to only one of the partial areas, and a control unit for adjusting the processing unit.,