CN214507274U - Device for testing vehicle-mounted image processing module - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a device for testing on-vehicle image processing module, on-vehicle image processing module configure to handle the image information who comes from one or more on-vehicle camera for the device of testing on-vehicle image processing module includes: a cassette defining a photographing space; a pattern providing unit fixed to one side of the cassette to provide a test pattern; the device comprises a bracket positioned in the shooting space and a device camera clamped by the bracket; a lens unit connected to the cradle to be located between the cradle and the test pattern, the device camera being configured to capture the test pattern magnified by the lens unit and to transfer image information resulting therefrom to the on-vehicle image processing module under test; and an adjustment assembly connected to the cassette and the bracket, respectively, to adjust a pitch and/or an angle of the device camera with respect to the test pattern. The utility model provides a device for testing on-vehicle image processing module is miniature, easily forms totally black environment, simple flexibility and modularization.

Description

Device for testing vehicle-mounted image processing module

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a product testing technical field, more specifically, the utility model relates to a device for testing on-vehicle image processing module.

Background

The vehicle-mounted image processing module is combined with one or more vehicle-mounted cameras to be widely applied to 360-degree look around of vehicles, reversing images, blind area monitoring, pedestrian identification and the like. For example, an on-board camera device for 360 ° panoramic vision includes two or more, e.g., four, on-board cameras mounted to different portions of a vehicle at specific angles relative to the vehicle, and then an on-board image processing module, either alone or incorporated in the in-vehicle machine, may stitch together a plurality of image (or video) information captured via the on-board cameras through a stitching algorithm or otherwise to form a panoramic image of the 360 ° surrounding vehicle. In the vehicle vision-related test, it is possible to test whether the image processing function of the in-vehicle image processing module (for example, for 360 ° panoramic and/or reverse vision) is normal by means of the device for testing the in-vehicle image processing module. Currently, due to the wide angle characteristic of vehicle-mounted cameras, it is necessary to provide a large space structure and a large-sized scene or picture located in the large space structure for a device for testing a vehicle-mounted image processing module. However, large space structures are costly and more difficult to isolate from ambient light to create a completely dark environment that facilitates automated testing.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An object of the utility model is to provide a small-size, easily form the complete dark environment, simple nimble and modular device for testing on-vehicle image processing module.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for testing an on-vehicle image processing module configured to process image information from one or more on-vehicle cameras, characterized in that the apparatus for testing an on-vehicle image processing module includes: a cassette defining a photographing space; a pattern providing unit fixed to one side of the cassette to provide a test pattern; the device comprises a bracket positioned in the shooting space and a device camera clamped by the bracket; a lens unit connected to the stand so as to be located between the stand and the test pattern, the device camera being configured to photograph the test pattern magnified by the lens unit and to transfer image information resulting therefrom to the on-vehicle image processing module under test; and an adjusting assembly respectively connected to the cassette and the bracket to adjust a pitch and/or an angle of the device camera with respect to the test pattern.

Optionally, the adjustment assembly comprises: a first adjustment intermediate piece fixed to the bracket, the first adjustment intermediate piece being provided with at least one opening; a slide rail fixed to the cassette, the slide rail including a groove provided with an opening; and at least one second adjustment intermediate, a portion of the at least one second adjustment intermediate passing through the at least one aperture to thereby be inserted into the groove via the opening such that the portion of the at least one second adjustment intermediate is slidable within the groove.

Optionally, the first adjustment intermediate piece is movable relative to the at least one second adjustment intermediate piece.

Optionally, the at least one opening includes a circular first opening, and the at least one second adjustment intermediate includes a first bolt passing through the first opening and a first nut located within the recess to mate with the first bolt.

Optionally, the at least one opening further comprises a second waist-shaped opening, and the at least one second adjustment intermediate piece further comprises a second bolt passing through the second opening and a second nut located in the groove to cooperate with the second bolt.

Optionally, the first bolt and the second bolt have the same specification.

Optionally, the pattern providing unit includes a light source and at least one light-transmitting plane illuminated by the light source, and the test pattern is drawn on the at least one light-transmitting plane or the test picture with the test pattern drawn thereon is attached to the at least one light-transmitting plane.

Alternatively, the cassette is configured such that the photographing space forms a completely black environment when the light source is turned off.

Alternatively, the lens unit includes a single lens or a group of lenses having a magnifying function.

Optionally, the device camera includes one or more sections and the cradle includes one or more cleats configured to grip the one or more sections of the device camera.

The utility model provides a device for testing on-vehicle image processing module enlargies the test pattern with the help of the lens unit to reduce and shoot the space, so both had been favorable to shooting the space and formed totally black environment, reduce cost again. Moreover, the pitch and angle of the camera held by the holder with respect to the test pattern can be simply and flexibly adjusted by the adjustment assembly, contributing to the camera included in the apparatus for testing an in-vehicle image processing module more accurately simulating the pitch and angle with respect to the target subject when the actual in-vehicle camera is mounted to the corresponding portion of the vehicle. Furthermore, the means for testing the onboard image processing module may comprise a plurality of modular cassettes arranged in line, thereby providing relatively independent shooting spaces for the respective cameras.

Other features of the present invention and advantages thereof will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an apparatus for testing an on-board image processing module according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a top cover of a chassis and a top cover of a cassette removed for clarity of illustration.

Fig. 2 is a detailed view of a portion of the apparatus for testing an in-vehicle image processing module of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that: unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of the components and steps, the numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Techniques and apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but are intended to be considered a part of the specification where appropriate.

In all examples shown and discussed herein, any particular value should be construed as merely illustrative, and not limiting. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

It should be noted that: like reference numbers and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and thus, once an item is defined in one figure, further discussion thereof is not required in subsequent figures.

In general, a vehicle camera includes a lens made up of a set of lenses through which a scene is transmitted to generate an optical image, which is in turn projected onto an image sensor of the camera to be converted into an electrical signal, which is in turn converted into a digital signal via an analog-to-digital converter of the camera, which is in turn transmitted to a digital processing chip (DSP) for further processing. It will be appreciated that different cameras may include different electrical components based on different imaging principles. The electrical components of the camera head are enclosed by a molded housing of the camera head that supports and protects the electrical components. The processed digital signals may be transmitted via the I/O interface and cable to an onboard image processing module, either alone or incorporated in the in-vehicle machine. Subsequently, the on-board image processing module may further process (e.g., stitch) the image information captured via the plurality of cameras of the on-board camera device and transmit the further processed image information to a center control screen of the vehicle to reproduce the scenery around the vehicle on the center control screen.

Referring to fig. 1, the apparatus 10 for testing an on-board image processing module is configured to simulate a process of photographing a target scene by one or more on-board cameras and provide a plurality of image information generated thereby to the on-board image processing module under test for processing, so that it is possible to determine whether the on-board image processing module under test can operate normally by comparing an image displayed on a center screen with a theoretical image. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus 10 for testing an on-board image processing module includes a cassette 12, a pattern providing unit 14, a holder and a camera 20 held by the holder, a lens unit 18, and an adjustment assembly. The cassette 12 defines a photographing space, and after the clamping and positioning of the camera 20 in the cassette 12 is completed, a top cover of the cassette 12 may cover the photographing space to provide a photographing space substantially shielded from ambient light. Alternatively, the respective components associated with the photographing space may be subjected to the all-black processing in the apparatus 10 for testing the in-vehicle image processing module. Meanwhile, a pattern providing unit 14 is disposed at one side of the cassette 12 to provide a test pattern containing directional characteristics to represent target scenes to be photographed by different in-vehicle cameras. The pattern providing unit 14 includes a light source and at least one light-transmitting plane illuminated by the light source, on which a test pattern may be drawn, or a test picture (the test picture itself is also light-transmitting or semi-light-transmitting) on which the test pattern is drawn may be mounted or attached, so that the test picture is replaceable.

Optionally, the light source may be configured as one or more LEDs or other types of lighting devices. For example, the light source may be switched on or off via a switch button. When the light source is turned off, the test pattern is not illuminated, and the photographing space in the cassette 12 forms a completely black environment. When the light source is turned on, the test pattern can be uniformly illuminated by the light source, and the photographing space in the cassette 12 forms a bright environment. Alternatively, the light source controller may be arranged to adjust the brightness of the light source via the light source controller stepwise or steplessly, simulating a bright environment of different brightness, depending on the specific application.

The holder and the camera 20 held by the holder are located in the shooting space. For example, the holder is arranged in the cassette 12 opposite the pattern providing unit 14 such that the camera 20 held by the holder opposes the test pattern provided by the pattern providing unit 14. Referring to fig. 2, the shape of the molded housing of the exemplary camera 20 includes one section or a plurality of sections connected in series, for example, a first section and a second section different in cross section. Optionally, the stand comprises one or more clamping plates, e.g. a first clamping plate 22 and a second clamping plate 24, configured to clamp one or more sections of the camera head 20, the first clamping plate 22 comprising a first socket in the centre, the inner periphery of the first socket matching and being adapted to engage to the outer periphery of the first section. Similarly, the second clamping plate 24 centrally includes a second socket having an inner periphery that mates with and is adapted to engage the outer periphery of the second section. When the camera 20 is held by the stand, a first section of the camera 20 is inserted into the first socket of the first clamping plate 22 and a second section of the camera 20 is inserted into the second socket of the second clamping plate 24. The bracket also includes a first screw 25 that connects the first clamping plate 22 to the second clamping plate 24 such that the first clamping plate 22 and the second clamping plate 24 maintain the first spacing. For example, when the shape of the molded housing of the exemplary camera head 20 also includes a third section of larger cross-section located between the first and second sections, the first and second clamping plates 22, 24 may also firmly clamp the camera head 20 by abutting against the third section. It will be appreciated that the shape of the molded housing of the exemplary camera head 20 may also be continuous, and the holder may be configured to securely hold the camera head 20 via other known clamping designs.

The lens unit 18 is attached to the holder to be positioned between the holder and the test pattern so that the camera 20 held by the holder is photographed in a photographing space while being aligned with the test pattern greatly enlarged by the lens unit 18 to realize implementation of the camera 20 particularly having a wide-angle characteristic in a small space structure. Alternatively, the lens unit 18 may include a single lens or a lens group having a magnifying function. For example, the lens unit 18 is mounted to the front of the first clamping plate 22 via the second screw 27 (herein, "front" refers to a direction toward the test pattern) such that the first clamping plate 22 and the lens unit 18 maintain the second pitch. When the second pitch is shortened by screwing the second screw 27, the lens of the camera 20 held by the first clamp plate 22 will be closer to the lens unit 18. Thus, the spacing between the lens unit 18 and the camera 20 is adjustable. Alternatively, the first pitch may also be shortened by screwing the first screw 25 so that the lens of the camera 20 held by the first clamp plate 22 further passes through the first insertion opening of the first clamp plate 22 to be closer to the lens unit 18.

The adjusting assembly is connected to the cassette 12 and the holder, respectively, to adjust the pitch and/or angle of the camera 20 held by the holder with respect to the test pattern, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the pitch and angle of the lens of the camera 20 with respect to the test pattern. Herein, "longitudinal" refers to a direction in which the center of the field of view of the camera 20 held by the holder is directed toward the test pattern, and "lateral" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, the adjustment assembly includes: first adjusting intermediate members respectively fixed to both lateral sides of the bracket, each of the first adjusting intermediate members being provided with at least one opening; and slide rails 28 fixed to two opposite longitudinal side walls of the cassette 12 in the photographing space, respectively, each of the slide rails 28 including a longitudinally extending groove, for example, a groove having a C-shaped cross section. For example, the recess is provided with an opening extending longitudinally therethrough and two opposing surfaces defining a height within the recess, wherein the height of the opening is less than the height within the recess and the at least one aperture is aligned with the opening.

The adjustment assembly further includes at least one second adjustment intermediate, a portion of the at least one second adjustment intermediate passing through the at least one aperture to thereby be inserted into the groove via the opening such that the portion of the at least one second adjustment intermediate is slidable within the groove. Thus, in order for the camera 20 to be able to simulate the spacing relative to the target scenery when the vehicle-mounted camera corresponding thereto is mounted to the corresponding portion of the vehicle, it is possible, after adjusting the spacing of the stand and thus the camera 20 clamped by the stand relative to the test pattern, to secure the camera 20 by means of the second adjustment intermediate piece, again fastening the first adjustment intermediate piece to the slide rail 28.

For example, the first adjustment intermediate is configured as an intermediate plate 26 having an L-shaped cross-section, and thus, the intermediate plate 26 includes a first segment and a second segment perpendicular to the first segment. The first section is connected to the first clamping plate 22 and the second section is provided with at least one opening. The second adjustment intermediate is configured to include a bolt passing through the at least one aperture and a nut positioned within the recess to mate with the bolt. For example, the nut may be configured as a hex nut, with opposing sides of the hex nut being spaced less than the height of the recess, and opposing corners of the hex nut being spaced greater than the height of the recess. Therefore, it is possible to previously place the hexagonal nut into the recess from the longitudinal end thereof in such a manner that the opposite side edges of the hexagonal nut are aligned with the cross section of the recess, and then to screw-engage the screw of the bolt passing through the opening of the recess with the hexagonal nut. When the head of the bolt is not abutting the intermediate plate 26, as shown in figure 2, the bolt and nut can be made to slide together within the groove to carry the intermediate plate 26 and hence the carriage in longitudinal movement. While the intermediate plate 26 and thus the bracket is fastened to said slide rail 28 when the bolt is screwed further with respect to the nut so that the head of the bolt abuts against the intermediate plate 26.

Referring to fig. 2, each of the first adjusting intermediate members is optionally provided with two openings, i.e., a circular first opening 32 and a kidney-shaped second opening 34. Accordingly, the second adjustment intermediate is configured to include a first bolt 36 passing through the first aperture 32 and a first nut (not shown) positioned within the recess to mate with the first bolt 36, and a second bolt 38 passing through the second aperture 34 and a second nut (not shown) positioned within the recess to mate with the second bolt 38. For example, the first bolt 36 and the second bolt 38 have the same specification.

The second, kidney-shaped aperture 34 has a length such that, without the first adjustment intermediate (e.g., the intermediate plate 26) being fastened to the slide rail 28 by the second adjustment intermediate (e.g., the first bolt 36 and first nut, and the second bolt 38 and second nut), the intermediate plate 26 is able to rotate about the first bolt 36, at which time the second bolt 38 moves relative to the second aperture 34 and the slide rail 28 until contacting either end of the second aperture 34. Thus, in order to enable the camera 20 to simulate the angle relative to the target scenery when the vehicle-mounted camera corresponding thereto is mounted to the corresponding part of the vehicle, the first adjustment intermediate may be fastened to the slide rail 28 by means of the second adjustment intermediate after adjusting the angle of the stand and thus the camera 20 clamped by the stand relative to the test pattern.

Alternatively, the first adjustment intermediate part can also be moved or rotated relative to the second adjustment intermediate part by means of another design.

It will be appreciated that the adjustment assembly may also include a first adjustment intermediate attached to only one lateral side of the bracket and a slide rail 28 mounted to only one longitudinal side wall of the cassette 12 without affecting the stability of the adjusted clamped camera 20.

Referring again to fig. 1, because of the use of lens unit 18, the capture space defined by cassettes 12 is significantly reduced, apparatus 10 for testing onboard image processing modules may include a chassis, e.g., a standard 19-inch chassis, in which a plurality (e.g., four) of modular cassettes 12 and components associated with each cassette 12 (e.g., a pattern providing unit, a bracket and a camera 20 held by the bracket, a lens unit, and an adjustment assembly) are arranged in alignment to test the onboard image processing modules via a plurality of cameras 20 corresponding to the number of one or more onboard cameras. In this case, a light source controller or other related devices may also be arranged in the chassis to integrate the various devices of the apparatus 10 for testing an on-board image processing module and to reduce the complexity of the wiring between the various devices.

Although some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of illustration, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above illustration is only for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus for testing an onboard image processing module configured to process image information from one or more onboard cameras, characterized in that the apparatus (10) for testing the onboard image processing module comprises:

a cassette (12) defining a photographing space;

a pattern providing unit (14), the pattern providing unit (14) being fixed to one side of the cassette (12) to provide a test pattern;

a bracket positioned in the shooting space and a device camera (20) clamped by the bracket;

a lens unit (18), the lens unit (18) being connected to the cradle so as to be located between the cradle and the test pattern, the device camera (20) being configured to take the test pattern magnified by the lens unit (18) and to transfer image information resulting therefrom to the on-board image processing module under test; and

an adjustment assembly connected to the cassette (12) and the bracket, respectively, to adjust a pitch and/or an angle of the device camera (20) with respect to the test pattern.

2. The apparatus for testing the onboard image processing module according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly includes:

a first adjustment intermediate piece fixed to the bracket, the first adjustment intermediate piece being provided with at least one opening;

a slide rail (28) fixed to the cassette (12), the slide rail (28) including a groove provided with an opening; and

at least one second adjustment intermediate, a portion of the at least one second adjustment intermediate passing through the at least one aperture to thereby be inserted into the groove via the opening such that the portion of the at least one second adjustment intermediate is slidable within the groove.

3. The apparatus for testing on-board image processing modules of claim 2, wherein the first adjustment intermediate is movable relative to the at least one second adjustment intermediate.

4. The apparatus for testing vehicle-mounted image processing modules according to claim 2, wherein the at least one opening comprises a first opening (32) having a circular shape, and the at least one second adjustment intermediate member comprises a first bolt (36) passing through the first opening (32) and a first nut located in the recess to cooperate with the first bolt (36).

5. The apparatus for testing vehicle-mounted image processing modules according to claim 4, wherein the at least one opening further comprises a second waist-shaped opening (34), and the at least one second adjustment intermediate further comprises a second bolt (38) passing through the second opening (34) and a second nut located in the groove to cooperate with the second bolt (38).

6. The apparatus for testing on-board image processing modules according to claim 5, characterized in that the first bolt (36) and the second bolt (38) have the same specifications.

7. The apparatus for testing an onboard image processing module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pattern providing unit (14) comprises a light source and at least one light transmission plane illuminated by the light source, on which a test pattern is drawn or to which a test picture with the test pattern drawn is attached.

8. The apparatus for testing an in-vehicle image processing module according to claim 7, wherein the cassette (12) is configured such that the photographing space forms a completely black environment when the light source is turned off.

9. The device for testing on-board image processing modules according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lens unit (18) comprises a single lens or a group of lenses with magnifying function.

10. The device for testing on-board image processing modules according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the device camera (20) comprises one or more sections and the stand comprises one or more clamping plates configured to clamp said one or more sections of the device camera (20).

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