Panorama view - multiple cameras

**iss407** · 08-20-2009, 02:12 PM

The cameras will be in different locations with different angles. Objects moving from camera to camera will change abruptly switching from one to another. Finding a "map" of each camera's view in the real world will allow a computer to build a translation that "warps" the different views into something closer to what the real view is. The more cameras the more natural the view. I don't need anything super realistic but it would be nice for a car to move smoothly from camera to camera. Since the cameras will be seperated by a big distance objects close to the car will be tricky.

The ultimate would be 8 cameras: one for each side and one for each corner. Overkill for sure, but it would be cool.

**Dluvr22** · 08-20-2009, 11:37 PM

Thought I'd steer you in the right directio to start.
this is a multi view rearview mirror that allows 1,2, or 3 video sources on a rearview mirror monitor. 200 buck plus free shipping and you cannot beat that

http://www.eonon.com/Mirror-Monitor/E1072.html

**theBeachBoy** · 08-20-2009, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by 84RegalRider

ah Hypermiling. taking all the fun out of driving, but to each there own.

I would start removing everything in the interior.

Also take out as much electrical as you can. (more electricity u need the more draw on the engine). So radio out, inner lights, airbags(might be illegal but they will never know), change the brake lights to leds if they not already.

When you fill your tires fill them with Nitrogen instead. Its lighter meaning less rolling mass.

Lose some weight if you can.

Do all that and i say you can get a good 5-15 mpg more

get super ridiculously tow friction tires (that are also super dangerous IMO), fill them at very high pressure. make them flat with ultra lightweight wheels (i.e. no branches, only a flat disc)

make your complete underbody flat

these 3 will yield more than anything else

oh and of course if you drive 0-60 in like 5 minutes and coast for 3 miles before arriving at a stop to annoy the hell out of everyone.

**theBeachBoy** · 08-20-2009, 11:58 PM

oh and to help on your initial question: [media]http://vimeo.com/1328512[/media]

not sure if that could work

**84RegalRider** · 08-21-2009, 03:44 AM

Its kinda funny to see someone asking a question who is only worried about getting from point A to point B as cheaply as possible on a forum where its about having more fun getting from point A to point B and enjoying the wait at point B.

If you really want to Hypermile go make an electric car for daily driving and then use your fit for longer distances.

**dandydanny** · 08-21-2009, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by iss407

Is this possible? PCs have plenty of computing power today. I'd love to be able to use low-cost USB webcams.

This reminds me of the video demonstration for Nissan's Around View parking camera system. Different goal, but same principle of performing real-time video geometric transform to obtain a desired image (in your case, a wide view of the front; in Nissan / Infinity's case, a bird's eye view of what's around the car)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBGJjNr6vAE

Using multiple cameras also gives the machine stereo vision and depth of view. This aids the computer to do object-avoidance if you're into robotic cars and such (check out DARPA Grand Challenge).

Originally Posted by 84RegalRider

Its kinda funny to see someone asking a question who is only worried about getting from point A to point B as cheaply as possible on a forum where its about having more fun getting from point A to point B and enjoying the wait at point B.

Car computers aren't all about entertainment. For some, achieving higher efficiency is not unlike overclocking a CPU to get the most out of the chip, getting somewhere in the shortest amount of time, or simply, getting the best bang for your buck. It's quite fun.

Remember, a car computer enables us to do things that would otherwise be difficult / expensive to do without; whatever things that the user wishes to accomplish. I think this is the reason that we're all here.

**iss407** · 08-21-2009, 06:34 AM

Re: 3-input display

Thanks for the info on that display with 3 inputs. That would be just the ticket. It would make for a good start and I can work on integrating a computer later.

Re: hypermiling

I do plan to look into a body pan at some point, at least for the front. Rear wheel skirts may get a try at some point too. I'm not going to go to extremes though. I'll boost the tire pressure up, but not to unsafe levels; less than the max rating on the tire. From what I understand it is all about reducing the sidewall flex. I'll sacrifice a little comfort, but not safety. I know some guys go all-out with the hypermiling. I only want to do some basic things. I have boosted my MPG from 36 to 43 with the most basic technique; adjusting my driving habits. I to try not to annoy other drivers too much and do unsafe stuff like running red lights. Of course just going the speed limit is enough to annoy a lot of drivers. :-)

Re: electric car

Funny you should mention that. I am nearing the end of a conversion of a '94 Saturn SC2 to an electric car. I'm mating the engine and the transmission which is the most difficult part. It'll be downhill from there. My commute is 45 miles though. I will be able to charge at work but I need a 60+ mile range to be safe and I'd need 1200+ lbs of Lead Acid batteries to get that. I'm starting with a smaller range so I can get some experience and performance data. I hope to switch to LiFePO batteries later which will give me the range without the weight. Lots of $ there though. The price does keep falling...

Thanks,

-- Paul

**hakkow** · 08-21-2009, 08:38 AM

Look here:
http://www.worldserver.com/turk/quic...QTVRlinks.html

Near the bottom of the page you see 'How to make Panoramas' down there there a lot of software mentioned..
(I could be be wrong, didn't click the links!)

Also check this out: He's got DIY panorama video working
http://www.vrhotwires.com/Inexpensiv...amicVideo.html

**84RegalRider** · 08-21-2009, 01:41 PM

OK since you got an elec in the works ill stop the hate. haha

Instead of panaram why not just have 2 cameras (one where each mirror was) and 1 screen for each that you can place on the inside on each front pillar and just have them switch on when you turn your signal on or always on.

2 each

http://cgi.ebay.com/7-LCD-Color-Scre...d=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.com/Backup-Rearview-...d=p3286.c0.m14

**iss407** · 08-23-2009, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by 84RegalRider

OK since you got an elec in the works ill stop the hate. haha

Instead of panaram why not just have 2 cameras (one where each mirror was) and 1 screen for each that you can place on the inside on each front pillar and just have them switch on when you turn your signal on or always on.

That was my first thought and it probably will be what I do at the start. Rearview camera/display kits are cheap. I just can't help thinking about the next step and what it possible; I am the unreasonable man Shaw was talking about. :-)