Vehicle Image Processing Device Visibility Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar systems cannot determine visibility distance without a reference target, and in adverse weather conditions like fog, radar systems can fail to detect objects due to blurred images, leading to poor visibility detection.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device for vehicles that uses a radar to detect objects and a camera to acquire images, with an image processing unit that analyzes the images to estimate visibility distance based on object detection and frequency analysis of brightness distribution, even in adverse weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional lidar uses reflected light from a reference target to determine visibility distance, then visibility distance can be determined, but the system cannot determine visibility distance when there is no reference target such as a building around the lidar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing device as an intermediary system that combines radar object detection results with camera image analysis. The radar detects objects regardless of visibility conditions, while the camera captures images that reflect actual visibility conditions. By comparing these two data sources, the system can determine visibility distance without requiring a reference target, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
2Reliability
If a radar system is used to detect objects in adverse weather conditions like fog, then the radar can detect objects using radio waves, but the image acquisition means takes in a blurred image which cannot show the object clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strengths of two different detection systems: radar and camera. The radar provides reliable object detection in adverse weather conditions where radio waves penetrate fog effectively, while the camera provides visual information about actual visibility conditions. By combining these complementary data sources, the system achieves both reliable object detection and visibility assessment, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and information loss in blurred images.
3Ease of operation
If the image processing means processes a blurred image detected by the image acquisition means, then the system attempts to detect objects in the image, but the preceding vehicle detected by the radar may not be detected even after processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radar's object detection results are used to guide and verify the image processing. When the radar detects an object such as a preceding vehicle, this information is fed back to the image processing means, which then attempts to locate and confirm the object in the blurred camera image. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain measurement precision by using radar detection to compensate for the limitations of processing blurred images.
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 accurate detection of visibility and estimation of visibility distance around the vehicle, even in foggy conditions, by utilizing radar and camera data to differentiate clear and blurred images, thereby improving safety features like automatic fog light activation and collision mitigation.
Implementation Method 1
an object detecting means for transmitting a radio wave outside of the vehicle and detecting an object in a first area outside of the vehicle by using a reflected wave of the transmitted radio wave
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device for a vehicle includes a radar for transmitting a radio wave outside of the vehicle and detecting an object in a first area outside of the vehicle by using a reflected wave of the transmitted radio wave; a camera for acquiring an image in a second area including the first area; and an image processing unit for processing the acquired image to detect, in the acquired image, the object detected by the radar. Visibility outside of the vehicle is detected based on result of detection of the radar and result of detection of the camera.