Vehicle Camera Exposure Control via Region Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle camera systems face difficulties in accurately determining exposure values, leading to overly bright or dark images, especially when trying to grasp specific areas around the vehicle, such as the right side, due to uniform exposure methods that do not consider important areas for image processing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes cameras, a display, and a controller to determine exposure values based on user commands and brightness information of specific areas, allowing for adjustable exposure settings in different display modes and applying exposure values from one camera to others to optimize image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If exposure value is determined based on entire image, then exposure control is simple, but image clarity in specific areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) such as front, rear, left, and right areas around the vehicle. Each ROI is independently analyzed for brightness, and exposure values are determined separately for each region. This segmentation allows the system to optimize image clarity in specific areas without requiring complex global exposure control, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different exposure values to different regions of the image based on local brightness conditions. Instead of using a single uniform exposure value for the entire image, the system adjusts exposure locally for each ROI to ensure optimal clarity in areas of interest. This local quality approach maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving image clarity in specific regions.
2Ease of operation
If uniform exposure method is used, then exposure control is straightforward, but visibility of specific areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging area into multiple ROIs corresponding to different directions (front, rear, left, right) around the vehicle. Each ROI is evaluated independently for visibility requirements, and appropriate exposure values are assigned to ensure all areas are adequately visible. This segmentation maintains operational ease by using a systematic approach while preventing information loss in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts exposure values for different ROIs based on real-time brightness conditions and vehicle state information. The system can adaptively change exposure settings for specific areas of interest, such as when the vehicle is turning or when certain areas require enhanced visibility. This dynamic adjustment preserves ease of operation through automated control while ensuring comprehensive area visibility.
3Productivity
If exposure value is determined for entire image, then processing is simple, but accuracy in important areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing task into multiple ROIs, each processed independently for brightness measurement and exposure determination. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different areas, maintaining high productivity while achieving precise brightness measurements in each specific region. The system processes front, rear, left, and right areas simultaneously, ensuring both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of ROIs before exposure determination. By pre-defining areas of interest and their importance levels, the system can efficiently allocate processing resources and apply appropriate exposure strategies to each region. This preliminary action maintains processing speed while ensuring accurate brightness measurement in critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes at least one camera configured to obtain images around the vehicle, a display configured to display an output image based on the images around the vehicle, an inputter configured to receive a user's command, and a controller configured to determine a display mode of the output image based on the user's command and change an exposure value of the camera based on brightness information of a predetermined area corresponding to the display mode.