Vertical Image Stitching for Distortion-Corrected Vehicle Side Views
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle operators face difficulty in efficiently analyzing images from multiple cameras in camera monitor systems due to overlapping fields of view and optical angles, leading to image distortion and a fragmented view of the vehicle's surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for vertical image stitching in camera monitor systems that involves obtaining images from cameras with different overlapping fields of view and optical angles, applying perspective transformations and distortion corrections, and then stitching these images together to form a combined image, which is displayed in a vehicle's electronic display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras with different overlapping fields of view are used to provide a larger field of view, then the coverage area is improved, but the image analysis difficulty and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple images from different cameras into a single stitched composite image. The image processing system overlays and integrates images from multiple cameras with different fields of view, creating one unified view that provides comprehensive coverage while maintaining ease of analysis, directly resolving the contradiction between coverage area and analysis efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary that receives images from multiple cameras, performs stitching and blending operations, and outputs a unified composite image. This intermediary process transforms multiple fragmented views into a single coherent view, eliminating the need for operators to manually analyze multiple separate images
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras with different optical angles are used to expand coverage, then the visibility is improved, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter transformation through perspective transformation and distortion correction algorithms. The image processing system adjusts geometric parameters of images from cameras with different optical angles, transforming them into a common coordinate system and correcting lens distortions, thereby maintaining image quality across the entire stitched view
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system acts as an intermediary that receives distorted images from multiple cameras and applies correction algorithms. This intermediary process compensates for optical distortions by transforming image parameters, allowing the system to utilize cameras with varied optical angles while maintaining overall image accuracy
3Manufacturing precision
If images from multiple cameras are displayed separately, then the image quality is maintained, but the operator's ability to efficiently analyze the environment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate camera images into a single stitched composite image that preserves the quality characteristics of individual images while providing a unified view. The blending algorithm integrates images in a way that maintains detail and clarity from each camera while presenting them as one continuous scene, improving analysis efficiency without sacrificing image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the presentation dimension from multiple separate displays to a single integrated display. By stitching images together in a composite view that may include panoramic or elevated perspectives, the system provides comprehensive environmental information in one unified interface, enhancing operator productivity while maintaining image fidelity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a camera monitor system (CMS) includes obtaining a first image from a first camera and a second image from a second camera. The first image and second image depict a side of a commercial vehicle and its surrounding environment. The first camera and the second camera have different, overlapping fields of view, and have different respective optical axes that intersect a ground plane at different respective optical angles. The method also includes performing a perspective transformation on at least one of the first image and second image to obtain an updated image set, such that at least one of the first image and second image are updated in the updated image set, and vertically stitching the images of the updated image set together to form a combined image. A camera monitor system (CMS) is also disclosed.