Stereo Scanning Cameras for ADAS Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereo camera systems for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) face limitations in providing high-resolution stereo image data over a large field of view, as the camera with the lower resolution restricts depth resolution and the narrow FOV camera limits the availability of stereo image data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stereo camera setup with two scanning Tele cameras, each equipped with an optical path folding element, positioned along a baseline and scanning orthogonally to it, to acquire depth information without translating scanning errors into depth estimation errors, allowing for high-resolution stereo image data over a large field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two cameras with different FOVs are used in a stereo setup, then the system can utilize existing ADAS multi-camera configurations, but the camera with lower resolution limits the depth resolution of the entire stereo camera system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs two telephoto cameras with identical specifications (same FOV, same resolution, same optical components) in the stereo configuration. This homogeneity ensures that both cameras contribute equally to depth resolution, eliminating the limitation imposed by mixed-resolution cameras while maintaining compatibility with ADAS systems that process standardized camera inputs
2Adaptability or versatility
If two cameras with different FOVs are used in a stereo setup, then multi-camera availability is improved, but the narrow FOV camera limits the FOV where stereo image data is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the two identical telephoto cameras vertically separated by a baseline distance, creating a stereo configuration where the vertical separation enables depth perception. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve both high resolution and extended effective FOV by capturing images from slightly different vertical perspectives, thereby expanding the stereo imaging coverage beyond what a single camera plane could provide
3Device complexity
If scanning is performed parallel to the baseline, then the scanning mechanism is simplified, but scanning errors are translated into errors of stereo depth estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional scanning approach by orienting the scanning direction orthogonal to the baseline rather than parallel to it. The telephoto cameras scan the scene in a direction perpendicular to the line connecting the two camera centers, which prevents scanning angular errors from directly affecting the stereo disparity measurements used for depth calculation, thereby maintaining high depth estimation accuracy
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
This configuration enhances depth estimation accuracy and provides high-resolution visual data over a large field of view, significantly improving ADAS operations by minimizing errors and maintaining high accuracy in depth mapping.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising an optical path folding element (OPFE)... scanning is performed by rotating the respective OPFE
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-aperture zoom digital cameras comprising first and second scanning cameras having respective first and second native fields of view (FOV) and operative to scan a scene in respective substantially parallel first and second planes over solid angles larger than the respective native FOV, wherein the first and second cameras have respective centers that lie on an axis that is perpendicular to the first and second planes and are separated by a distance B from each other, and a camera controller operatively coupled to the first and second scanning cameras and configured to control the scanning of each camera.