Patent ID: 6021209
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: G01S,G06K,G06T,G08G

Abstract:
A distance detection method comprising:obtaining a pair of image data representing a pattern of images by using a pair of image sensors for receiving optical images via different optical paths;capturing a detection target extracted from each of the image data while sequentially shifting positions of divisions in respective groups of the divisions from window part data corresponding to a visual field to provide combinations, each comprising a pair of the divisions, and calculating, respectively, a correlation value between each pair of the divisions;selecting a best correlation value from the calculated correlation values to determine a best correlation point;obtaining a precision at the best correlation point as an indicator of reliability of the best correlation point, based on a changing condition of the correlation values on both sides of the best correlation value, said precision being obtained by an average of slopes of a plurality of the correlation values before and after the best correlation point; anddetecting a distance to the detection target by determining that the detection target is present in the visual field seen through the window corresponding to the window part data only when the precision exceeds a predetermined level.