Vehicle Travel Amount Estimation Using Image-Sensor Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle travel amount estimation and obstacle detection systems face errors due to low sensor sensitivity at low speeds and reduced accuracy in tracking feature points at high speeds, as well as synchronization issues between image-based and sensor-based travel calculations, leading to reduced obstacle detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device that includes an imaging unit for capturing vehicle periphery images, an image storing unit, a travel amount calculation unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit to compare image-based and sensor-based travel calculations, using the more accurate method based on predetermined differences, and a local image conversion unit to enhance correlation analysis for precise travel estimation and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle speed sensors are used to measure travel amount at low speed, then measurement is possible, but sensor sensitivity is low causing increased error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from sensor-based speed detection to image-based feature point tracking. By using the imaging unit to capture sequential images and calculate travel distance based on feature point displacement in the image plane, the system achieves accurate low-speed measurement without relying on low-sensitivity speed sensors.
2Measurement precision
If image feature point tracking is used to measure travel amount at high speed, then measurement is possible, but image changes drastically causing reduced tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that adapts the measurement method based on vehicle speed. The determination unit monitors speed conditions and dynamically selects between image-based measurement (for low speed) and sensor-based measurement (for high speed), ensuring optimal accuracy across the entire speed range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image-based travel calculation and sensor-based travel detection are performed at different timings, then both methods can be used, but timing mismatch causes error in obstacle detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the determination unit pre-process and compare travel amounts from both imaging and sensing units before obstacle detection. The system calculates travel amounts from both sources, determines their correspondence, and selects the appropriate value in advance, ensuring timing synchronization and accuracy for subsequent obstacle detection operations.
4Device complexity
If a simple switch between image-based and sensor-based measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but timing synchronization error cannot be solved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the determination unit continuously monitor and compare travel amounts from both imaging and sensing units. The system provides feedback on timing correspondence and selects the appropriate measurement source based on this comparison, ensuring accurate travel amount determination without requiring complex synchronization hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle travel amount estimation device includes a camera, a taken image storing unit, a compensated image storing unit, a travel amount calculation unit, a vehicle speed and gyro sensor, and a travel amount determination unit. The taken image storing unit and the compensated image storing unit store images taken by the camera. The travel amount calculation unit calculates the amount of travel based on two stored images. The sensors detect the amount of travel of the vehicle. The travel amount determination unit is configured to compare a first amount of travel calculated by the travel amount calculation unit with a second amount of travel detected by the vehicle speed sensor or the like in order to determine the first amount of travel to be the amount of travel of the vehicle when the difference between the first amount and the second amount is smaller than a predetermined value.