Virtual Under-Vehicle View via Camera Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing around view monitoring systems for vehicles are vulnerable to dirt, rubble, and water splashes when using under-vehicle cameras, which are costly and require multiple cameras for a full view, making them unreliable and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The method provides a bird's eye view and under-vehicle view without the need for under-vehicle cameras by using a combination of live streams from front, rear, and side cameras, stitching images to create a virtual under-vehicle view, which is updated based on vehicle speed and movement, allowing the driver to position the vehicle relative to ground objects like charge stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If under-vehicle cameras are used to provide an under-vehicle view, then the driver can see the ground underneath the vehicle, but the cameras are vulnerable to dirt, rubble, and water splashes, making the system unreliable and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the under-vehicle view by stitching together images from existing cameras positioned on the vehicle body. Instead of using physical cameras underneath the vehicle that are vulnerable to damage, the system generates a synthetic under-vehicle image by combining data from multiple safe-positioned cameras, thereby eliminating the harmful exposure while maintaining the functional benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing and stitching algorithms as an intermediary between the physical cameras and the final under-vehicle view. This intermediary process transforms images from cameras positioned away from harmful elements into a composite view that appears to come from under the vehicle, protecting the physical cameras from dirt, rubble, and water splashes
2Area of stationary object
If multiple under-vehicle cameras are installed to get a full view of the underside, then the under-vehicle visibility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing cameras multi-functional by using them for both their primary viewing function and for generating the under-vehicle view through image stitching. The same cameras that monitor the vehicle's surroundings are also used to create the virtual under-vehicle image, eliminating the need for separate dedicated under-vehicle cameras and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple cameras into a single composite under-vehicle view by stitching together images from different camera positions. This combining process creates a comprehensive under-vehicle coverage area using existing cameras, avoiding the need to install additional cameras and thereby reducing device complexity and cost
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for illustrating the ground underneath a vehicle (10) using an around view monitoring system (20). The around view monitoring system (20) comprises at least one camera (21, 22, 23, 24), a processing unit (100) and a display unit (140). The method comprises: Taking at least one image on the ground (21 ", 22", 23", 24") using at least one camera (21, 22, 23, 24), tracking the position of the ground with respect to the vehicle (10) and visualizing the ground as an under vehicle view and as a function of the vehicle speed, if the vehicle (10) is moved over at least a portion of the ground (21 ", 22", 23", 24"). An around monitoring system is also provided.