Vehicle Stereo Camera Alignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The relative alignment of stereo cameras on vehicles can be affected by aerodynamic flexure, body twist, vibration, and thermal effects, leading to decreased precision or accuracy of three-dimensional data generated by these cameras, which is critical for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising two stereo cameras, sensors (such as lasers, interferometers, and inertial measurement units) to detect relative alignment, and a computer that continuously applies compensating adjustments to one camera based on detected alignment changes, allowing for increased precision and accuracy of data generation, even when cameras are mounted farther apart, and reducing the need for stiffening structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stereo cameras are mounted on a vehicle structure, then the cameras can capture data for autonomous driving, but the relative alignment between cameras deteriorates due to aerodynamic flexure, body twist, vibration, and thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors) to continuously monitor alignment parameters and feeds this information back to actuators that adjust camera positions in real-time, compensating for aerodynamic flexure, body twist, vibration, and thermal effects that would otherwise deteriorate alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical mounting structures with active control systems using sensors and actuators to maintain alignment. Instead of relying solely on stiffening structures to resist aerodynamic flexure and body twist, the system uses electronic sensing and actuation to dynamically compensate for these harmful factors
2Reliability
If stiffening structures are added to maintain camera alignment, then alignment stability improves, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces heavy mechanical stiffening structures with lightweight sensor-actuator assemblies. Instead of adding substantial structural reinforcement to prevent aerodynamic flexure and body twist, the patent uses electronic alignment compensation through accelerometers, gyroscopes, and small actuators that actively maintain camera alignment without significantly increasing vehicle weight
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from passive structural rigidity to active parameter control. By monitoring alignment parameters (position, orientation, temperature, vibration) and dynamically adjusting camera positions, the system achieves alignment stability without relying on heavy stiffening structures
3Measurement precision
If sensors and actuators are added for alignment compensation, then measurement precision and data accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensor units that combine accelerometers, gyroscopes, and temperature sensors in integrated packages. These universal sensor modules serve multiple purposes: detecting vibration, measuring orientation changes, monitoring thermal effects, and providing feedback for actuator control, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing 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
This system enhances the precision and accuracy of three-dimensional data provided by stereo cameras, enabling more reliable autonomous driving algorithms while potentially reducing vehicle weight by minimizing the need for stiffening structures to maintain camera alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include a laser and a receptor each fixed relative to a first of the stereo cameras and a reflector fixed relative to a second of the stereo cameras
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor may include a laser and a receptor each fixed relative to a first of the stereo cameras
Implementation Method 3
The at least one sensor may include two inertial measurement units each fixed relative to a respective one of the stereo cameras
Implementation Method 4
The at least one sensor may include at least three deflectometers fixed relative to the first stereo camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes two stereo cameras mounted on a vehicle, at least one sensor arranged to detect a relative alignment of the stereo cameras, and a computer communicatively coupled to the stereo cameras and the at least one sensor. The computer is programmed to continuously apply a compensating adjustment to one of the stereo cameras based on the relative alignment.