SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIDE VISION DETECTION OF OBSTACLES FOR VEHICLES
First Claim
1. A system for detecting objects and vehicles comprising:
- a pair of cameras mounted on a host vehicle, and arranged with respect to each other in a narrow-baseline orientation and directed rearwardly from a front section of the host vehicle so as to view an area along a side of the host vehicle and beyond a back end of the host vehicle;
a processor that detects an object or vehicle and that derives an approximate range based upon an input image from each of the pair of cameras; and
an output device that reports detection of the object or vehicle within a predetermined range of the host vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention provides a system and method for object detection and collision avoidance for objects and vehicles located behind the cab or front section of an elongated, and possibly tandem, vehicle. Through the use of narrow-baseline stereo vision that can be vertically oriented relative to the ground/road surface, the system and method can employ relatively inexpensive cameras, in a stereo relationship, on a low-profile mounting, to perform reliable detection with good range discrimination. The field of detection is sufficiently behind and aside the rear area to assure an adequate safety zone in most instances. Moreover, this system and method allows all equipment to be maintained on the cab of a tandem vehicle, rather than the interchangeable, and more-prone-to-damage cargo section and/or trailer. One or more cameras can be mounted on, or within, the mirror on each side, on aerodynamic fairings or other exposed locations of the vehicle. Image signals received from each camera can be conditioned before they are matched and compared for disparities viewed above the ground surface, and according to predetermined disparity criteria.
86 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for detecting objects and vehicles comprising:
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a pair of cameras mounted on a host vehicle, and arranged with respect to each other in a narrow-baseline orientation and directed rearwardly from a front section of the host vehicle so as to view an area along a side of the host vehicle and beyond a back end of the host vehicle; a processor that detects an object or vehicle and that derives an approximate range based upon an input image from each of the pair of cameras; and an output device that reports detection of the object or vehicle within a predetermined range of the host vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for detecting objects and vehicles with respect to a host vehicle comprising the steps of:
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mounting each of a pair of cameras on the host vehicle so as to be arranged with respect to each other in a narrow-baseline orientation and directed rearwardly from a front section of the host vehicle so as to view an area along a side of the host vehicle and beyond a back end of the host vehicle; detecting an object or vehicle and deriving an approximate range based upon an input image from each of the pair of cameras; and reporting detection of the object or vehicle within a predetermined range of the host vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for detecting objects and vehicles comprising:
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a pair of cameras mounted on a host vehicle, and arranged with respect to each other in a narrow-baseline orientation and directed so as to view an predetermined area with respect to the host vehicle; a processor that detects an object or vehicle and that derives an approximate range based upon an input image from each of the pair of cameras; and an output device that reports detection of the object or vehicle within a predetermined range of the host vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification