Vehicle Camera System Dynamic Viewing Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear view camera systems with wide-angle lenses suffer from image distortion, making it difficult for drivers to gauge depth and distance, and require complex mechanical components and additional hardware, increasing costs and installation space.
Innovation Solution
A camera system that includes a camera unit, an image processing unit, and a display unit connected to a control unit, which adjusts the viewing angle based on vehicle speed and steering information, transitioning between wide-angle and top-angle views to reduce distortion and enhance perspective, while using image processing to correct for wide-angle lens distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a wide-angle lens is used to increase the viewable area behind the vehicle, then the peripheral vision is increased, but image distortion is introduced which makes it difficult to gauge depth and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the camera system adaptable through electronic image processing that dynamically adjusts the field of view. The system processes images to generate multiple perspectives (wide-angle for overview, top-angle for depth perception) without requiring physical camera movement or mechanical components, thus resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters through image processing techniques that alter the perceived viewing angle and perspective. By processing the wide-angle lens output to create top-angle views and adjusting distortion parameters, the system maintains the benefit of wide coverage while correcting depth perception issues, eliminating the need for physical lens changes or mechanical adjustments.
2Area of moving object
If a pivoting device is used to pivot the video camera to cover the entire space behind the vehicle, then the viewing coverage is improved, but mechanical components require additional installation space and increase costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pivoting system with an electronic image processing system. Instead of physically moving the camera to change viewing angles, the system processes the static wide-angle camera output to generate multiple perspectives including top-angle views. This substitution eliminates mechanical components, reduces installation space requirements, and lowers system complexity while maintaining comprehensive viewing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of different camera perspectives through image processing. Rather than using multiple physical cameras or a pivoting mechanism, the system processes the single wide-angle camera's output to generate multiple virtual viewpoints (wide-angle view, top-angle view, and intermediate perspectives), achieving comprehensive coverage without mechanical complexity.
3Length of moving object
If a drive mechanism with motor and gear is used to move the video camera forwards and backwards, then the viewing distance is adjustable, but the drive mechanism is mechanically complex and requires substantial installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive mechanism with electronic image processing techniques. Instead of physically moving the camera forward or backward to adjust viewing distance, the system processes the captured images to create virtual perspectives at different distances and angles. This eliminates motors, gears, and associated mechanical components, significantly reducing installation space and system complexity while maintaining adjustable viewing distance capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system for a vehicle includes a camera unit mounted on the vehicle for viewing an area outside the vehicle. A image processing unit receives image data from the camera unit. A control unit receives vehicle operation data including vehicle speed data. A display unit is configured to transition between a screen image defined by a first viewing angle and a screen image defined by a second viewing angle. The first viewing angle and the second viewing angle extend substantially in a vertical plane, and the first viewing angle is greater than the second viewing angle. The display unit further displays supplemental information based on the vehicle operation data, the supplemental information includes vehicle speed information and information indicating a transition behavior of the display unit configured to transition between the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle. A method for controlling a camera system is also provided.