What is an around view monitor?
An around view monitor, also known as a 360-degree camera system, is a technology used in vehicles to provide the driver with a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. It uses multiple cameras positioned around the vehicle to capture images of the surroundings and then combines them to create a single composite image.
The composite image is typically displayed on the vehicle's infotainment screen or dashboard, allowing the driver to see a complete view of the vehicle from a top-down perspective. This can be extremely helpful for parking, maneuvering in tight spaces, or navigating through crowded areas.
How does around view monitor work?
An around view monitor system typically consists of multiple cameras strategically placed around the vehicle. The number and positioning of the cameras may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the vehicle. Common configurations include four cameras placed on the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.
Knowing how around view monitor works can help technicians calibrate cameras.
Here's how around view monitors generally work:
1. Camera Capture： Each camera typically covers a range of 180 to 190 degrees, capturing a wide-angle view of its designated area. The cameras continuously feed the captured information to the central processing unit.
2. Image Processing: The central processing unit receives video signals from the cameras and processes them in real-time.
3. Image Stitching: The processed images from the cameras are stitched together to create a seamless composite image.
4. Display: The composite image is then displayed on the vehicle's infotainment screen or dashboard. The image provides a top-down or bird's-eye view of the vehicle, simulating the perspective of viewing the vehicle from above.
Additional Features: Many around view monitor systems offer additional features to enhance safety and usability. These can include object detection, which uses image analysis to identify and highlight obstacles or pedestrians on the display. Some systems also provide virtual guidelines or grids overlaid on the image to assist with parking and maneuvering.
The exact implementation and functionality of an around view monitor can vary between vehicle manufacturers and models. Some systems may have more advanced features or use additional sensors to augment the camera information, such as ultrasonic sensors or radar systems.
What are the benefits of intelligent around view monitor?
With the advancement of technology, the surround view monitor has developed into intelligent surround view monitor. Intelligent Surround View Monitors (AVM) build on the basic capabilities of traditional AVM systems by combining advanced features and technologies.
Here are some advantages of intelligent surround view monitors:
1. Virtual 3D View: While traditional AVM systems provide a top-down or bird's-eye view, intelligent AVMs can go a step further by generating a virtual 3D view of the vehicle and its surroundings. This gives the driver a more realistic and immersive representation of the environment, making it easier to understand the spatial relationships between the vehicle and obstacles.
2. Adaptive Perspective: Intelligent AVM systems may allow the driver to select different viewing perspectives based on their preferences or specific situations. For example, the driver can switch to a front or rear camera view to get a closer look at the area directly in front or behind the vehicle.
3. Integration with other Safety Systems: Intelligent AVMs can integrate with other safety systems present in the vehicle, such as blind spot detection or lane departure warning systems. By combining data from multiple sensors and cameras, the AVM can provide a more comprehensive view of the surroundings and enhance the effectiveness of these safety features.
4. Real-time Monitoring and Recording: Some intelligent AVM systems allow for real-time monitoring and recording of the camera feeds. This can be useful in various situations, such as monitoring the vehicle while parked or reviewing the footage in case of accidents or incidents.
5. Automated Parking Assistance: Some intelligent AVM systems offer automated parking assistance. They can use the camera feeds and sensor data to guide the vehicle into a parking spot with minimal driver input. The system may provide visual cues, such as virtual guidelines or grids overlaid on the display, to assist the driver in parking accurately.
6. Enhanced Safety: Intelligent AVM systems often include advanced object detection and collision warning capabilities. They can analyze the camera feeds in real-time and alert the driver if there are pedestrians, vehicles, or obstacles in close proximity to the vehicle. This helps prevent accidents and enhances overall safety.
Intelligent AVM systems leverage advanced algorithms, sensor integration, and computer vision technologies to provide an improved and more intelligent driving experience. These features contribute to increased safety, convenience, and overall situational awareness for the driver.
When do you need to calibrate your around view monitor?
Around view monitors are critical to improving driving safety. There are several situations in which you may need to calibrate your around view monitor:
1. System Malfunction or Error Messages: If the AVM system displays error messages or malfunctions, it may indicate a need for calibration. In such cases, it is recommended to have the system diagnosed and calibrated by a qualified technician.
2. After Sensor or Component Replacement: In some cases, calibration may be necessary if other related sensors or components of the AVM system are replaced or repaired. This ensures proper communication and integration between the various system elements.
3. After Camera Replacement: If any of the AVM cameras are replaced due to damage or malfunction, calibration is typically required. The new camera needs to be properly aligned and synchronized with the other cameras in the system to ensure accurate and seamless image stitching.
4. After Suspension or Wheel Alignment Changes: Any significant changes to the vehicle's suspension, such as repairs or adjustments, or changes in wheel alignment can affect the alignment and positioning of the AVM cameras.
5. Periodic Maintenance: Some vehicle manufacturers may recommend periodic calibration of the AVM system as part of routine maintenance. This ensures that the system remains accurate and properly calibrated over time.
Calibrating around view monitor (AVM) usually requires the cooperation of ADAS equipment and diagnostic software, which are readily available in the market. Here are some recommendations from SmartSafe for
calibrating around view monitor (AVM) tools:
ADAS equipments: X-431 ADAS LITE, X-431 ADAS PRO PLUS, X-431 ADAS Mobile.
Car diagnostic tools: iSmartLink D01, iSmartIMMO 801, iSmartLink 801.
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