Unified Image Processing for Machine Operator Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems for machines present multiple camera views simultaneously, making it difficult for operators to steer the machine safely due to the overwhelming amount of information, which can lead to collisions with objects in the environment.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system that combines image data from multiple cameras using processor-accessible parameters and state data to generate a unified image, allowing the system to select and render only the relevant portions on the display, thereby enhancing operator awareness and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple camera views are presented simultaneously on display, then visibility of the environment is improved, but operator attention and safety are worsened due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complete surround view into multiple regions corresponding to different camera views (front, rear, left, right). Instead of displaying all views simultaneously, the system divides the display into separate regions that can be independently controlled and selected based on machine state, allowing the operator to focus on specific areas without information overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The display configuration is made dynamic by automatically adjusting which camera views are displayed and their positions based on real-time machine state data. The system can transition between different display modes (e.g., showing only front view when moving forward, or displaying multiple views when stationary) to optimize operator awareness according to current operating conditions.
2Illumination intensity
If entire surround view is displayed on simulated predetermined shape, then visibility is increased, but safety is not necessarily increased due to lack of focus on critical areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by enhancing specific regions of the display based on machine state and detected objects. When the machine is moving forward, the front view region is enhanced with higher detail and priority. When objects are detected in particular areas, those regions are highlighted or enlarged. This selective enhancement ensures that critical areas receive more attention than uniform full-surface display would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor machine state data and object detection results to dynamically adjust the display configuration. When the machine changes state (e.g., reversing, turning, or detecting obstacles), the system receives feedback and automatically reconfigures which camera views are displayed and their prominence, ensuring the operator always sees the most relevant information for current safety-critical situations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system has a plurality of cameras and a display that are mounted on a machine. The plurality of cameras are configured to generate image data for an environment of the machine. The image processing system also has a processor connected to the plurality of cameras and the display. The processor is configured to access the image data from the plurality of cameras, access parameters associated with the plurality of cameras, generate a unified image by combining the image data from the plurality of cameras based at least in part on the parameters, access state data associated with the machine, select a portion of the unified image based at least in part on the state data, and render the portion of the unified image on the display.