Vehicle Multi-Camera Ground-Plane Alignment Using Light Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems require manual calibration of multiple cameras, which is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, especially in heavy-duty vehicles with complex configurations and varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a computer system to automatically align multiple cameras by projecting a light pattern onto a ground, which aligns cameras by projecting a light pattern onto a ground, which aligns cameras by projecting a light pattern onto the ground, allowing for automatic alignment of cameras using a light projector and processing circuitry to adjust overlay lines based on image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is used to align multiple cameras, then the alignment can be performed without additional equipment, but the process is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
A light projector is introduced as an intermediary tool to project reference patterns onto the ground, which the cameras then capture. This mediator enables automatic alignment by providing a common reference frame that all cameras can use to determine their relative positions and orientations, eliminating the need for manual calibration while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated optical system. Instead of physically moving and adjusting camera mounts by hand, the system uses light projection and image processing to automatically calculate and apply the necessary alignment transformations, significantly reducing time and improving precision.
2Reliability
If manual alignment of overlay distance line is performed, then the driver can verify alignment visually, but the driver must leave the vehicle to perform the alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically capturing images from all cameras, processing the images to detect the light pattern, and calculating alignment parameters without human intervention. The overlay lines are automatically adjusted based on the detected positions, allowing the driver to remain in the vehicle while the system verifies and completes the alignment autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying overlay lines on a screen that show the detected light pattern and alignment status. This allows the driver to verify alignment quality without leaving the vehicle, as the feedback loop provides real-time information about the alignment state through the display interface.
3Measurement precision
If complete calibration process is performed, then accurate camera alignment is achieved, but the process is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential alignment information needed from the complete calibration process. By projecting a simple light pattern and detecting its position in each camera's field of view, the system obtains the critical alignment parameters without requiring full calibration of all camera parameters, thereby simplifying the process while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from calibrating multiple complex camera parameters to focusing on a single key parameter: the position of the light pattern in each camera's image. This parameter change simplifies the calibration process by reducing the number of variables that need to be adjusted and measured, making the system less complex and more cost-effective.
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
Enables efficient, accurate, and cost-effective camera alignment without manual intervention, ensuring stable and secure alignment in various conditions, reducing driver workload and improving vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
projecting, from at least one light projector of a vehicle, a light pattern onto a ground spanning field views of a first camera and a second camera
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system including processing circuitry for aligning at least a first camera and a second camera of a vehicle, the computer system is provided. The system is configured to project, from at least one light projector of the vehicle, a light pattern onto a ground spanning field views of the first camera and the second camera, obtain first image data from the first camera and second image data from the second camera, align a first distance overlay line with a first portion of the emitted light pattern of the first image data, and align a second distance overlay line with a second portion of the emitted light pattern of the second image data wherein the alignment of the first and second distance overlay line aligns the first and second camera in a ground plane.