Vehicle Camera Alignment Control Using Imaging Accelerometer Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing and maneuvering a vehicle with a trailer is challenging due to limited driver visibility, and existing camera systems require precise optical alignment, which users often fail to achieve, leading to incorrect camera fittings and varying guidance during maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A controller with an imaging device and an imaging accelerometer that identifies alignment artefacts and corrects them by determining the orientation of the imaging device relative to the vehicle, ensuring accurate image data output for the driver, even when the camera is mounted out of alignment or on different vehicles/trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cameras are fitted by users to improve visibility, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to incorrect alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting alignment artefacts in the captured images and calculating correction parameters without requiring manual intervention. The processor identifies misalignment automatically and generates correction data, allowing the system to self-correct the alignment issues that would otherwise require precise manual installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment process (manual physical adjustment of camera position and angle) with an automated image processing and computational correction system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical installation, the system uses software-based alignment artefact detection and digital image correction to achieve proper alignment.
2Measurement precision
If optical alignment is required for accurate image data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates specific alignment artefacts from the captured images, such as distorted guidance lines or incorrect spatial relationships between objects. By identifying and separating these artefacts from the rest of the image data, the system can针对性地 correct only the alignment issues without requiring complete system reconfiguration or complex realignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the captured images through digital processing, applying correction transformations based on detected alignment artefacts. This includes adjusting image geometry, perspective, and spatial coordinates to compensate for misalignment, thereby achieving accurate measurement data without requiring precise physical alignment of the camera.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are made removable for use across multiple vehicles, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to repeated installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
Each time the removable camera is installed on a different vehicle, the system automatically performs self-alignment by detecting alignment artefacts in the captured images and generating vehicle-specific correction parameters. This eliminates the need for manual realignment during each installation, ensuring consistent reliability across multiple vehicles and repeated installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment verification by detecting alignment artefacts immediately upon installation, before the camera is used for actual monitoring. This preliminary detection and correction process ensures that the camera is properly aligned for its specific installation location, preventing future alignment issues and maintaining reliability across multiple vehicles.
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 solution provides correctly aligned image data to the driver, improving visibility and maneuvering safety by quantifying and correcting alignment errors in image data from removable reversing cameras, RADAR, or LIDAR devices, allowing the same imaging device to be used across various vehicles and trailers.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging device further comprising an imaging accelerometer for generating imaging accelerometer data for determining the orientation of the imaging device relative to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A controller (11) for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an imaging device for generating image data and the imaging device further comprising an imaging accelerometer (24) for generating imaging accelerometer data for determining the orientation of the imaging device relative to the vehicle, the controller (11) comprising: an input for receiving a signal indicative of the imaging accelerometer data and the generated image data; a processor arranged to identify alignment artefacts in the received image data in dependence on the received imaging device imaging accelerometer data; and an output for outputting an error signal in dependence on the identified alignment artefacts.