Dynamic Viewport Prominence Adjustment for Towing Camera Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems that create composite images by transforming images with fixed horizontal and vertical fields of view often degrade image quality, leading to a lower perceived quality of the resulting images, especially when displaying views from multiple sides and the rear of a towing vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A control system that dynamically adjusts the prominence of image data subsets from multiple cameras based on hitch angle and steering angle data to enhance the visibility of specific viewports, such as sides and rear views, by modifying their size and positioning within a composite image displayed to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If image transformations are applied to create composite images from fixed field of view cameras, then multiple perspective views can be achieved, but image quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the field of view of cameras based on the hitch angle of the towed vehicle. Instead of using fixed field of view cameras with post-processing transformations, the cameras themselves adjust their viewing angles in real-time to capture images at the required orientations, eliminating degradation from image transformation while still providing multiple perspective views
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the field of view parameter of the cameras based on the hitch angle. By adjusting the camera field of view to match the actual orientation needed for each viewport, the system avoids applying image transformations that would degrade quality, while still achieving the adaptability of showing multiple perspective views
2Device complexity
If a fixed portion of the field of view is selected to form composite images, then processing is simplified, but image quality and perceived quality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having cameras capture images at the correct orientations before composite image formation is needed. By pre-adjusting the camera field of view to match the required viewport orientation, the system captures ready-to-use images without needing complex post-processing selection and transformation, thus maintaining image quality while keeping processing relatively simple
3Adaptability or versatility
If image transformations are applied to achieve different perspective views, then versatility of views is improved, but perceived quality of composite images is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic camera field of view adjustment based on hitch angle to capture images at the correct orientations directly. This eliminates the need for image transformations that would compromise perceived quality, while still providing the versatility of multiple perspective views appropriate to the current towing configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control system (1) for providing assistance to an occupant of a vehicle (V1). The control system (1) is configured to receive hitch angle data indicative of a hitch angle (α) of a towed vehicle (V2) coupled to the towing vehicle (V1). The control system (1) selects first and second image data subsets of at least first image data (DIMG1). The first image data subset represents a first viewport (VPL, VPR) on a first side of the towing vehicle (V1) and the second image data subset representing a second viewport (VPL, VPR) on a second side of the towing vehicle (V1). A signal (SOUT1) indicative of the first image data subset and the second image data subset is output to at least one display (5) for displaying the first viewport (VPL, VPR) and the second viewport (VPL, VPR) to the occupant of the towing vehicle (V1). The control system (1) is configured to select the first image data subset and the second image data subset in dependence on the hitch angle data. The first image data subset is selected to increase the prominence of the first viewport (VPL, VPR) relative to the second viewport (VPL, VPR) when the hitch angle data indicates that the towed vehicle (V2) is disposed on the first side of the towing vehicle (V1); and the second image data subset is selected to increase the prominence of the second viewport (VPL, VPR) relative to the first viewport (VPL, VPR) when the hitch angle data indicates that the towed vehicle (V2) is disposed on the second side of the towing vehicle (V1). In a variant, the control system (1) is configured to adjust the prominence of the first viewport (VPL, VPR) relative to the second viewport (VPL, VPR) in dependence on steering angle data indicative of a steering angle (β) (of the vehicle (V1). The present invention relates to a vehicle (V1, V2) incorporating the control system (1); a method of assisting an occupant of a vehicle (V1); computer software; and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium.