Vehicle Imaging System Auto-Aiming Stability Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle imaging systems require time-consuming factory aiming and re-aiming when windshields are replaced or vehicle loads change, limiting their adaptability and accuracy in dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes an image sensor and controller to automatically aim the sensor by analyzing image data, determining stability through sequential aim point tracking, and generating a control signal with an aim stability indication to adjust equipment control accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If factory aiming is used for image sensor alignment, then initial setup precision is achieved, but time consumption and lack of adaptability to dynamic changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sensor alignment precisionVSAvoidtime for aiming and re-aiming
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-aiming by automatically detecting aim points in images and adjusting the image sensor orientation without requiring manual factory aiming or re-aiming operations. The controller autonomously analyzes image data, determines aim point positions, and controls the mounting structure to achieve proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary aiming adjustments by continuously detecting aim points and making proactive orientation changes before significant misalignment occurs. This prevents the need for time-consuming re-aiming operations after windshield replacement or load changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If factory aiming is used for image sensor alignment, then initial setup is completed, but adaptability to dynamic environments (windshield replacement, load changes) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sensor alignment precisionVSAvoidadaptability to dynamic changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to changing conditions by continuously detecting aim points and automatically adjusting the image sensor orientation in real-time. This allows the system to accommodate windshield replacements, load changes, and other dynamic environmental factors without requiring manual re-aiming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from continuous image analysis to monitor aim point positions and automatically adjusts the image sensor orientation based on detected deviations. This closed-loop control ensures the system adapts to dynamic changes while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual aiming procedures are used, then setup is completed, but system responsiveness and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsystem responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical aiming procedures with automated image analysis and electronic control. The controller automatically detects aim points in images and electronically controls the mounting structure orientation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations and significantly improving system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-aiming by autonomously analyzing image data and adjusting its own orientation without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability dramatically improves productivity and system responsiveness while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2859436B1Vehicle imaging system providing multi-stage aiming stability indication
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 GENTEX CORP
  • EP2859436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2859436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2859436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is provided for controlling equipment of a controlled vehicle, including: an imaging system including an image sensor configured to acquire images of a scene external of the controlled vehicle and to generate image data corresponding to the acquired images; and a controller in communication with the imaging system. The controller is configured to receive and analyze the image data, to generate a control signal that is used to control the equipment, and to automatically aim the image sensor. The controller may analyze the image data to determine a stability state for the aim of the image sensor. The control signal may include an aim stability indication.