Vehicle Surround Camera Layout for Accurate Stereo Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems face issues with stereo matching accuracy due to wide optical axis differences, lens distortion, and increased shielding, particularly when ultra-wide-angle and wide-angle stereo cameras are used, leading to decreased accuracy and increased cost.
Innovation Solution
A camera system comprising a first and second camera group with overlapping imaging visual fields and a stereo matching processing unit to form multiple stereo-vision camera pairs, ensuring continuous imaging around the vehicle without gaps and reducing optical axis differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If ultra-wide-angle cameras are used for stereo vision, then the imaging coverage is expanded, but stereo matching accuracy degrades due to wide optical axis difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surround-view imaging task into multiple camera groups (first camera group and second camera group) with overlapping fields of view. Each group forms stereo-vision camera pairs with controlled optical axis differences, segmenting the overall imaging coverage into manageable zones that maintain stereo matching accuracy while collectively providing comprehensive surround-view coverage.
2Area of moving object
If wide-angle stereo cameras are attached to four sides of the vehicle, then the imaging coverage is expanded, but lens distortion increases at the visual field end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different camera configurations to different regions. The first and second camera groups are positioned to create overlapping fields of view, allowing the system to use narrower angle cameras in overlapping regions (reducing lens distortion) while maintaining comprehensive coverage through the strategic arrangement of multiple cameras. This local differentiation of camera characteristics optimizes both coverage and distortion control.
3Area of moving object
If ultra-wide-angle cameras are used, then the imaging coverage is expanded, but shielding (blind spot) increases due to vehicle reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using multiple camera groups with overlapping fields of view. The overlap regions act as intermediary zones where stereo-vision camera pairs can be formed, allowing the system to bypass the vehicle body reflection problem by capturing images from multiple angles simultaneously, thereby eliminating blind spots caused by vehicle reflection.
4Area of moving object
If wide-angle stereo cameras are disposed on the four sides of the vehicle, then the imaging coverage is expanded, but designability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal camera configuration where the first and second camera groups can be arranged in multiple orientations (e.g., front-rear, left-right) depending on the vehicle model and mounting requirements. This multi-functional arrangement provides design flexibility while maintaining the core benefit of overlapping fields of view for accurate stereo vision, making the system adaptable to various vehicle configurations.
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 system enables accurate distance measurement across the entire vehicle periphery with reduced shielding and cost, maintaining high stereo matching accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a stereo matching processing unit that performs stereo matching processing to obtain parallax information using images captured by the first camera group and images captured by the second camera group
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera system includes a first camera group that includes a plurality of cameras disposed to be capable of imaging an outside of an entire periphery continuous in at least one direction around a host vehicle, a second camera group that includes the plurality of cameras disposed to be capable of imaging the outside of the entire periphery continuous in at least one direction around the host vehicle, and disposed so as to have a stereo region that is an imaging visual field that overlaps at least an imaging visual field of the first camera group, and a stereo matching processing unit that performs stereo matching processing to obtain parallax information using images captured by the first camera group and images captured by the second camera group.