Vehicle Image Processor Flat Curved Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving assistance systems face challenges in providing a clear and accurate wide-field view for drivers due to image distortion when using panoramic composition techniques, making it difficult for drivers to gauge distances and object positions, especially for objects in the vehicle's traveling direction.
Innovation Solution
An image processor that acquires camera images and converts specific regions into both flat surface and curved surface projection images, allowing for a composite display that maintains visibility and provides a wide field of view without distortion, by projecting a first image region onto a flat surface and a second region onto a cylindrical surface, and adjusting the flat surface projection region based on the vehicle's traveling direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If captured images are projected onto a cylindrical surface to achieve wide field of view, then the field of view is expanded without left and right end enlargement, but the image becomes distorted making it difficult to gauge distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing into two distinct segments: cylindrical surface projection for peripheral regions (capturing wide field of view) and flat surface projection for central regions (maintaining distance accuracy). This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different projection methods are applied to different regions of the image based on their specific requirements. The central region, where distance measurement is critical, uses flat surface projection to maintain undistorted geometry. The peripheral regions, where wide coverage is prioritized, use cylindrical projection to expand the field of view.
2Device complexity
If captured images are projected onto a flat surface for composition, then the processing is simpler, but the left and right ends of the image are enlarged making it difficult to check safety in wide field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The image is segmented into central and peripheral regions, with different projection methods applied to each. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing flat surface projection (simpler processing) to handle the central region while cylindrical projection (wider field of view) handles the peripheral regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the image: flat surface projection provides undistorted geometry for the central region where detail is important, while cylindrical projection provides expanded coverage for peripheral regions where field of view is prioritized.
3Area of moving object
If a composite image is generated using panoramic composition techniques, then a wide field of view is achieved, but the image distortion makes it unlike direct human vision reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The composite image is segmented into regions with different projection characteristics. The central region uses flat surface projection to maintain geometry similar to direct human vision, improving interpretability, while peripheral regions use cylindrical projection to expand the overall field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
Different visual qualities are applied locally: the central region maintains natural, undistorted appearance for easy interpretation, while peripheral regions provide expanded coverage. This local differentiation allows the composite image to be both wide-ranging and interpretable.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a camera image captured by a camera provided on a vehicle, a first image converter configured to project the camera image onto a flat surface to convert the camera image into a flat surface projection image, and a second image converter configured to project the camera image onto a curved surface to convert the camera image into a curved surface projection image. The first image converter converts a first image region having a predetermined width within the camera image into the flat surface projection image, and the second image converter converts a second image region outside the first image region in a width direction, within the camera image, into the curved surface projection image.