{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854185","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854185","title":"Stereo assist with rolling shutters","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-12-09T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G06V","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"An imaging system for a vehicle may include a first image capture device having a first field of view and configured to acquire a first image relative to a scene associated with the vehicle, the first image being acquired as a first series of image scan lines captured using a rolling shutter. The imaging system may also include a second image capture device having a second field of view different from the first field of view and that at least partially overlaps the first field of view, the second image capture device being configured to acquire a second image relative to the scene associated with the vehicle, the second image being acquired as a second series of image scan lines captured using a rolling shutter. As a result of overlap between the first field of view and the second field of view, a first overlap portion of the first image corresponds with a second overlap portion of the second image. The first image capture device has a first scan rate associated with acquisition of the first series of image scan lines that is different from a second scan rate associated with acquisition of the second series of image scan lines, such that the first image capture device acquires the first overlap portion of the first image over a period of time during which the second overlap portion of the second image is acquired."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Stereo Assist with Rolling Shutters patent addresses the problem of image distortion caused by rolling shutter cameras in stereo vision systems. The core innovation lies in using two image capture devices with overlapping fields of view, each employing a rolling shutter but with different scan rates. This configuration allows the system to compensate for the artifacts introduced by the rolling shutters, resulting in a more accurate and complete image. The key technical approach involves synchronizing the two cameras, aligning and fusing the images, and implementing algorithms robust to varying lighting conditions. The business value of this technology lies in its potential to improve the performance of ADAS and autonomous vehicles, leading to safer and more reliable navigation and obstacle avoidance. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for robust and accurate imaging systems in the automotive industry continues to grow. This innovation offers a cost-effective solution to enhance depth perception and reduce computational burden, making it a valuable asset for both ADAS and fully autonomous vehicles.","layman_explanation":"The Stereo Assist with Rolling Shutters patent addresses a significant challenge in the field of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS): the distortion of images captured by rolling shutter cameras. These cameras, while cost-effective, capture images line by line, leading to distortions when the camera or the scene is in motion. This can compromise the accuracy of computer vision algorithms, which are crucial for safe navigation and obstacle avoidance.\n\nThis technology solves this problem by using two cameras with overlapping fields of view, each equipped with a rolling shutter but operating at different scan rates. Think of it like having two artists painting the same scene, but one is slightly faster than the other. By comparing the two paintings, you can correct any distortions caused by the speed of the brushstrokes. Similarly, by comparing the images from the two cameras, the system can compensate for the distortions introduced by the rolling shutters.\n\nThis innovation matters because it enhances the reliability and accuracy of stereo vision, which is essential for autonomous vehicles to perceive depth and navigate complex environments. It also reduces the computational burden on image processing algorithms, leading to faster and more efficient processing. The market impact is substantial, as it paves the way for safer and more reliable autonomous driving. The competitive advantages include improved accuracy, reduced computational burden, and cost-effectiveness.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be further refined to incorporate advanced image processing techniques and machine learning algorithms. The adoption timeline will depend on the pace of innovation in the automotive industry and the regulatory landscape. The investment implications are significant, as this technology has the potential to generate substantial returns for companies involved in autonomous driving and ADAS.","technical_analysis":"The Stereo Assist with Rolling Shutters system employs a dual-camera setup, each utilizing a rolling shutter but operating at distinct scan rates. This disparity in scan rates is the cornerstone of the system's ability to mitigate rolling shutter artifacts. The overlapping fields of view ensure that both cameras capture the same scene, albeit with different temporal distortions. The captured images are then fed into an image processing unit, where sophisticated algorithms align and fuse the images. The alignment process involves compensating for the geometric distortions introduced by the rolling shutters, while the fusion process combines the information from both cameras to create a more accurate and complete image. The algorithms must be robust to variations in lighting conditions, camera calibration errors, and other environmental factors. The performance characteristics of the system are heavily dependent on the accuracy of the camera calibration and the efficiency of the image processing algorithms. Code-level implications include the need for optimized implementations of the alignment and fusion algorithms, as well as careful management of memory and computational resources. The integration of this system into existing ADAS or autonomous vehicle platforms requires careful consideration of the system's power consumption, latency, and overall system complexity.","business_analysis":"The Stereo Assist with Rolling Shutters patent presents a significant market opportunity within the automotive industry, particularly in the rapidly growing sectors of ADAS and autonomous vehicles. The market for ADAS is projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for safety features and convenience. Similarly, the market for autonomous vehicles is expected to experience exponential growth, as the technology matures and becomes more widely adopted. The competitive advantages of this technology lie in its ability to enhance the accuracy of stereo vision while reducing the computational burden on image processing algorithms. This can lead to improved performance, lower costs, and faster time-to-market. The revenue potential of this technology is substantial, as it can be licensed to automotive manufacturers, ADAS suppliers, and autonomous vehicle developers. The business models for this technology could include licensing fees, royalties, and service agreements. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a critical need in the automotive industry and offers a unique solution to a challenging problem. ROI projections for this technology are highly favorable, as the potential cost savings and revenue gains far outweigh the initial investment.","faqs":null,"topics":["stereo vision","rolling shutter","ADAS","autonomous vehicles","image processing","technical","stereo","assist"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Stereo Assist with Rolling Shutters - Patent US-9854185","description":"Explore the Stereo Assist with Rolling Shutters patent for enhanced stereo vision using dual rolling shutter cameras. Improved ADAS and autonomous vehicle tech.","keywords":["stereo vision","rolling shutter","ADAS","autonomous vehicles","image processing","patent","patent US-9854185"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854185","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854185","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Stereo assist with rolling shutters\" (US-9854185). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854185","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854185","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854185","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T09:20:48.525Z"}