Vehicle Infrared Camera Calibration Timing Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared camera systems for vehicle monitoring lack proper calibration timing, leading to suboptimal operation and potential hindrance of monitoring surrounding areas.
Innovation Solution
A surrounding area monitoring apparatus that includes an infrared camera with a controller to estimate stable camera temperature and driver distraction, performing calibration when the camera is stable and the driver is unlikely to be looking, using image data, radar for target object location, and navigation information to determine optimal calibration timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain camera output accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to interruption of monitoring operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of calibration necessity by evaluating temperature stability and driver attention state before executing calibration. This preliminary action allows calibration to be performed only when conditions are favorable, avoiding unnecessary interruptions to monitoring operations while still maintaining camera output accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors camera temperature and driver attention state, using this feedback to dynamically determine optimal calibration timing. The feedback mechanism ensures calibration is triggered only when temperature is stable and driver attention is low, resolving the contradiction between maintaining accuracy and preserving monitoring continuity.
2Ease of operation
If calibration is performed when driver attention is low to avoid distraction, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate if calibration is delayed too long
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous feedback from temperature sensors and driver attention detectors to identify the optimal window for calibration. When the driver's attention is low and temperature is stable, the system triggers calibration immediately, ensuring both driver safety and camera accuracy are maintained without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of driver attention and temperature conditions to identify suitable calibration opportunities. This preliminary assessment ensures calibration is executed at the most appropriate moment, balancing driver safety with the need for accurate camera output.
3Device complexity
If calibration timing is controlled based on simple conditions like vehicle speed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient calibration condition assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional control approach where the same control unit handles both simple vehicle parameter monitoring and complex calibration decision-making. By integrating temperature monitoring, driver attention detection, and calibration control in one system, the patent achieves accurate calibration timing without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
Ensures precise and efficient calibration of the infrared camera without interfering with vehicle operations, maintaining stable monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared camera (10) mounted on a vehicle, for capturing images of surrounding area around the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A surrounding area monitoring apparatus for vehicle includes an infrared camera mounted on a vehicle for capturing images of surrounding area around the vehicle, a unit for generating and displaying images based on image data captured by the camera, and a controller for calibrating output of the camera with respect to a relation between pixels, based on image data produced by imaging a surface of a shutter that opens and closes an aperture introducing a light to the camera, The controller estimates whether a temperature of the camera is stable, based on an operation state of the vehicle, and determines a possibility that a driver is looking at the unit, based on a behavior of the vehicle. When the temperature of the camera is estimated stable and the possibility that the driver is looking at the unit is determined to be low, the means for calibrating executes the calibration.