Brightness Adjustment for Surround View Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surround view systems in vehicles face sub-optimal image quality due to significant brightness differences between images captured by multiple cameras, especially when sunlight and vehicle shadows interact, leading to abrupt brightness changes in stitched images.
Innovation Solution
A brightness adjustment system that uses adjustable exposure times for image sensors to match brightness parameters across adjacent cameras, employing exposure time control units and intensity modulation to ensure consistent brightness values in overlapping image regions, thereby facilitating seamless image stitching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple image sensors with wide-angle lenses are used to expand field of view, then the coverage area is improved, but brightness uniformity deteriorates due to shadows and sunlight variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the exposure time parameter for each image sensor based on the brightness characteristics of captured images. When an image sensor captures a region with shadows or strong sunlight, the exposure time is automatically modified to compensate for brightness variations, ensuring uniform brightness across all stitched images while maintaining the expanded field of view coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing unit analyzes the brightness parameters of images from multiple sensors and uses this information to adjust exposure times. This closed-loop control ensures that brightness uniformity is continuously improved while maintaining the wide-angle coverage capability
2Illumination intensity
If exposure time is adjusted for each image sensor to match brightness parameters, then brightness uniformity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit performs multiple functions: it processes image data from all sensors, determines brightness parameters, calculates appropriate exposure times, and coordinates exposure adjustments across all image sensors. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single processing unit rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines brightness parameters and calculates exposure time adjustments in advance before final image stitching occurs. By pre-adjusting exposure times based on predicted brightness characteristics, the system reduces real-time processing complexity and achieves smoother brightness transitions in the final stitched image
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 generates high-quality, seamless surround view images by ensuring uniform brightness across the field of view, reducing visible transitions and enhancing the overall image quality, even in varying lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least two image sensors (e.g., two cameras) providing images covering different fields of view
Implementation Method 2
Each image sensor may be configured to capture images using an adjustable exposure time. An exposure time control unit may be provided that may be configured to determine, for each image sensor, one or more brightness parameters from image data provided by one of the image sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
A brightness adjustment system of a surround view system may include at least two adjacent image sensors providing images covering different fields of view of a user's surroundings. A first image sensor and a second image sensor of the at least two image sensors may be configured to capture images using an adjustable exposure time. An exposure time control unit may be provided that may be configured to determine, for the at least two adjacent image sensors, one or more brightness parameters from image data provided by the image sensors. The exposure time control unit may be further configured to control the exposure times of the image sensors such that the brightness parameter(s) determined for the first image sensor at least approximately matches one or more corresponding brightness parameters determined for the second image sensor.