Stereoscopic Camera System for Vehicle Distance Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driving assistance systems in vehicles face limitations with radar and lidar sensors due to narrow field of vision and lack of environmental information, while camera-based systems face trade-offs between detection range and distance estimation precision, particularly in distinguishing rear lights and managing cut-in scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A stereoscopic image capture system comprising a grayscale camera with a wide field of view and a color camera with a narrower field of view, allowing for multifunctionality and improved distance estimation through stereovision, reducing costs and complexity by combining the advantages of both.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a color camera with a Bayer filter is used to improve rear light detection, then color discrimination is improved, but spatial resolution and distance estimation precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor informationVSAvoiddistance estimation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging system into two separate cameras: a color camera for detecting rear lights and a grayscale camera for precise distance estimation. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific function without compromise - the color camera captures color information while the grayscale camera maintains full spatial resolution for accurate stereoscopic depth measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system where two cameras work together to provide both color information and precise depth estimation. The system universally handles both color-based obstacle classification and stereoscopic distance measurement, eliminating the need to choose between color and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If radar or lidar sensors are used to improve distance measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but field of vision and environmental information capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidfield of vision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radar/lidar sensing with a stereoscopic vision system using grayscale cameras. This substitution allows the system to achieve sufficient distance measurement precision through optical triangulation while maintaining a wide field of vision and the ability to capture comprehensive environmental information including road infrastructure and obstacle classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a single camera system is used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but multifunctionality and detection capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera system complexityVSAvoiddriving assistance functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dual-camera system where each camera type (color and grayscale) serves specific driving assistance functions. The grayscale camera handles distance-critical tasks like BeamAtic and obstacle detection, while the color camera handles classification tasks. This multi-functional architecture enables comprehensive driving assistance capabilities without requiring multiple specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the driving assistance system into distinct functional modules handled by different camera types. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for specific tasks, improving overall system efficiency and detection accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If grayscale cameras are used to improve distance estimation precision, then measurement precision is improved, but color discrimination and detection range deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance estimation precisionVSAvoidcolor information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns specific functional responsibilities to different camera types. Grayscale cameras are dedicated to distance estimation and stereoscopic vision tasks where precision is critical, while color cameras are dedicated to obstacle classification and rear light detection. This functional segmentation ensures each camera operates at its optimal capability without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enhances driving assistance functions by providing precise distance estimation and improved rear light detection, enabling more accurate obstacle detection and beam switching, while reducing costs and space requirements through multifunctionality and enhanced image processing.

Implementation Method 1

A stereoscopic image capture system comprising a grayscale camera with a wide field of view

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrayscale imaging:

Implementation Method 2

a color camera with a narrower field of view, allowing for multifunctionality and improved distance estimation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor imaging:

Implementation Method 3

triangulation in stereovision. This last category is the most satisfactory in terms of the quality of the results obtained, because it provides fairly precise information on the distance from an obstacle.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStereovision triangulation:

Data Source

PatentEP2036796B1Automobile driving assistance device comprising a stereoscopic image capturing system
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP2036796B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a driving assistance device for a motor vehicle (100) comprising in particular an image capture system, characterized in that the image capture system comprises a stereoscopic image capture system comprising at least a first camera and a second camera, said first camera having a field of view (101) greater than the field of view (102) of said second camera, said stereoscopic system thus conferring multifunctionality to said driving assistance device.