Virtual Viewpoint Image Generation for Drive Recorder Bird's-Eye Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive recorders cannot easily select a desired viewpoint position for bird's-eye view images, limiting user flexibility when reproducing data.
Innovation Solution
An image reproducing device that acquires images from vehicle-mounted cameras, converts them into projection images on a virtual projection plane, and allows users to select virtual viewpoints through a display control system, enabling the generation and display of virtual viewpoint images based on user-selected indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an image selecting means is simply applied to reproduce data saved in the drive recorder, then the basic image reproduction function is achieved, but it is impossible to select a viewpoint position for bird's-eye view images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a map image displaying the imaging location as a reference point, and overlays index marks arranged in a circular pattern around this reference point. These indexes represent different virtual viewpoint directions (e.g., front, rear, left, right, and intermediate directions), allowing users to select viewpoints in a two-dimensional directional space rather than being limited to simple image playback. This dimensional enhancement enables intuitive selection of bird's-eye view images from various angles.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to image the surroundings of the vehicle, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the complexity of selecting and processing images from multiple locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a map image as an intermediary visual element that displays the imaging location (vehicle position) and overlays index marks representing different viewpoint directions. This map serves as a mediator between the multiple camera inputs and the user, providing an intuitive interface where users can select desired viewpoints by choosing from the displayed indexes. The converting unit then processes the selected index to generate the corresponding bird's-eye view image, simplifying the complexity of handling multiple camera inputs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bird's-eye view images are generated from multiple imaging locations, then comprehensive surveillance is achieved, but the difficulty of selecting images according to user's desired viewpoint position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circular area around the imaging location into multiple discrete index marks, each representing a specific virtual viewpoint direction. These indexes are arranged in a circular pattern and may be divided into sectors (e.g., front, rear, left, right, and intermediate directions). By segmenting the viewpoint selection into discrete, visually distinct indexes, the system makes it easy for users to select their desired viewpoint without being overwhelmed by the continuous range of possible angles. The converting unit processes the selected index to generate the corresponding segmented bird's-eye view image.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image reproducing device having an acquiring unit, a converting unit, a generating unit, and a display control unit. If an index is selected by a user's operation, the generating unit generates a virtual viewpoint image according to a virtual viewpoint direction corresponding to the selected index, as a reproduction image.