Surround-View Camera Positioning via Data Stream Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of cameras in surround-view systems are prone to errors and require additional hardware or coding, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage method involving the creation of a linked list of cameras based on data stream analysis and time synchronization, followed by identification of at least one absolute camera position to derive the positions of the remaining cameras, using generic cameras without the need for additional hardware or coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coded cameras are used to determine camera position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the cameras themselves to determine their position by analyzing data streams from other cameras. Each camera acts as both a detector and a reference point, eliminating the need for external coding or additional positioning hardware. The cameras self-identify their positions through mutual observation and data stream analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the camera network by analyzing data streams. Instead of using physical codes or markers on cameras, the system creates a digital representation of camera positions and relationships through image analysis and data stream correlation, allowing position determination without physical modifications.
2Measurement precision
If coded cameras are used to determine camera position, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cameras determine their own positions using their inherent imaging capability and data streams from other cameras. No additional coding, markers, or specialized components are manufactured, allowing the use of standard off-the-shelf cameras and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining position determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The same camera hardware serves multiple functions: capturing images for surround-view display and simultaneously determining its own position through data stream analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized coded cameras or separate positioning systems, reducing overall system cost.
3Measurement precision
If cameras are connected directly to fusion unit with coded ports, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to plugging errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines camera positions through data stream analysis without requiring manual configuration or coded port connections. The cameras self-identify their positions and relationships, eliminating manual intervention and the potential for plugging errors during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from data streams to automatically verify and correct camera position information. By continuously analyzing images and data streams, the system can detect and correct positioning errors, providing automatic verification that eliminates the need for manual coding verification.
4Device complexity
If communication switches are used to aggregate data streams, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because camera position cannot be determined from connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical connection-based position determination with data stream-based optical/electronic analysis. Instead of relying on the mechanical connection topology to indicate camera positions, the system uses image content and data stream characteristics to determine positions, allowing the use of communication switches without losing position information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of camera positions through data stream analysis rather than relying on physical connection mapping. By analyzing the content and relationships in data streams, the system reconstructs camera position information that would otherwise be lost through communication switches.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for locating cameras (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D), in particular cameras of a surround-view system, having the steps of: - activating the cameras (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) (S1), - recording images and/or videos by means of the cameras (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) (S2), - analysing data streams (S3), - creating a concatenated list of the cameras (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) (S4), - identifying at least one absolute camera position and/or at least one camera (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) (S5), - deriving the absolute positions of the remaining cameras (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) (S5). The present invention further relates to a camera system (10) and a vehicle (18).