Vehicle Surround-View Imaging for Transparent and Reflective Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques struggle to accurately display light-transmissive objects like glass surfaces or reflective objects in vehicle-periphery images, making it difficult for drivers to recognize them easily.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus that detects the position of light-transmissive or reflective objects in camera images and generates an image with these objects displayed at their accurate positions, using methods such as polarized camera images or far-infrared camera images to enhance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image processing methods are used to generate vehicle-periphery images, then the generation process is simple and fast, but light-transmissive objects like glass surfaces or reflective objects cannot be accurately detected and displayed at their correct positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into multiple specialized stages: initial image acquisition from multiple cameras, detection of light-transmissive objects using polarization information, detection of reflective objects using reflection analysis, three-dimensional position calculation, and separate processing paths for different object types. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving high detection accuracy for difficult objects while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary processing steps including polarization filtering to isolate light-transmissive objects from the scene, reflection analysis as an intermediary to identify reflective surfaces, and three-dimensional space mapping as an intermediary coordinate system. These intermediaries enable the system to handle the complexity of detecting transparent and reflective objects without requiring a complete redesign of the entire image processing system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple camera systems with specialized sensors are deployed to detect light-transmissive and reflective objects, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing multi-camera system multi-functional by implementing software-based polarization analysis and reflection detection algorithms that work with standard camera sensors. The same camera hardware serves both conventional imaging functions and specialized detection of light-transmissive and reflective objects, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters of existing camera systems by analyzing polarization states of light and reflection characteristics in the captured images. By manipulating these optical parameters through image processing algorithms rather than hardware modifications, the system achieves enhanced detection capability using the same physical camera infrastructure, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional stereo vision methods are used for three-dimensional measurement, then calculation is straightforward, but light-transmissive and reflective objects cannot be accurately measured due to their optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and classification of light-transmissive and reflective objects before applying three-dimensional measurement. By first identifying these special objects using polarization and reflection analysis, the system can then apply appropriate measurement techniques tailored to each object type, ensuring accurate position calculation while accounting for their unique optical properties that would interfere with conventional stereo vision methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct two-dimensional image coordinate measurement to three-dimensional space mapping as an intermediate step. By calculating positions in three-dimensional space using multiple camera views and then projecting back to image coordinates, the system overcomes the limitations of conventional stereo vision for transparent and reflective objects. This dimensional transformation provides additional geometric constraints that enable accurate measurement despite the objects' challenging optical characteristics.
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 apparatus effectively displays light-transmissive and reflective objects at their correct positions in the generated image, improving driver recognition and enhancing safe driving assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a position of a light-transmissive object or a reflective object is detected in the camera images
Implementation Method 2
using methods such as polarized camera images or far-infrared camera images to enhance detection
Data Source
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AI summary
An image generating apparatus generates an image to be displayed on a display and includes at least one memory and a control circuit. The control circuit acquires a plurality of camera images captured by a plurality of cameras installed in a vehicle, calculates a distance between one of the cameras and a target to be projected in in the camera images, detects a position of a light-transmissive object or a reflective object in the camera images, and generates an image from a point of view that is different from points of view of the plurality of camera images by using the plurality of camera images and the distance, the generated image including a predetermined image that is displayed at the position of the light-transmissive object or the reflective object.