Multi-Camera Measurement Apparatus for Vehicle Imaging Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement apparatuses mounted on movable vehicles face interference issues that reduce the imaging range and precision when capturing images of objects, such as road surfaces, due to the overlap of camera ranges and vehicle interference.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus comprising multiple imaging devices, including at least three stereo cameras, are strategically positioned and angled to overlap their imaging ranges and capture directions, with specific inclination angles relative to the vehicle's width dimension, ensuring a wider and more precise imaging range without interference from the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single camera or limited number of cameras are mounted on the vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging range becomes smaller due to interference from the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using multiple imaging devices (cameras) positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each camera captures images of different portions of the measurement target, and the image synthesis unit combines these segmented views into a complete measurement image, thereby overcoming the limited imaging range caused by vehicle body interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point imaging approach to a multi-dimensional imaging arrangement by positioning cameras at different spatial locations and angles on the vehicle. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture images that would otherwise be blocked by the vehicle body, effectively increasing the total imaging range without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging devices are used to expand imaging range, then the imaging range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple individual camera views into a single synthesized measurement image through the image synthesis unit. This combining process integrates the imaging capabilities of multiple devices while presenting a unified output, effectively managing the complexity by consolidating the multiple data streams into a single coherent measurement result.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement apparatus is designed with multi-functionality where the same imaging system serves multiple purposes: capturing images from different angles, measuring distances to multiple portions of the target, and generating comprehensive measurement data. This universal design allows the system to achieve expanded imaging range while maintaining reasonable complexity by avoiding dedicated separate systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If imaging devices are positioned closer to the vehicle body, then the device complexity is reduced, but image blurring occurs due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an image synthesis unit as an intermediary that processes and combines images from multiple cameras. This intermediary component corrects for distortions and blurring by integrating data from multiple angles and positions, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring each individual camera to be positioned at an optimal distance from the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the imaging setup by positioning cameras at various distances and angles from the vehicle body rather than maintaining a fixed optimal position. The image synthesis unit then processes these variable parameter inputs to produce accurate measurements, allowing the system to achieve high precision while maintaining reduced device complexity through flexible positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement apparatus mountable on a movable apparatus includes a first imaging device to capture an image in a first image capture direction, the first image capture direction having a first angle with respect to a direction of travel of the movable apparatus, and a second imaging device disposed next to the first imaging device to capture an image in a second image capture direction, the second image capture direction having a second angle with respect to the direction of travel of the movable apparatus. The first and second imaging devices are disposed to overlap at least partially a first imaging range of the first imaging device and a second imaging range of the second imaging device. At least one of the first image capture direction of the first imaging device and the second image capture direction of the second imaging device is set at a given angle with respect to a width dimension of the movable apparatus.