Just because it cannot be seen, does not mean it is not there. This fact rings especially true when one is behind the wheel of an automobile. Blind spots and impaired visibility are still serious challenges to road safety. As old as automobiles themselves, these very real limitations can pose a great risk to drivers and their surroundings. The issue becomes exponentially more severe when heavy vehicles and equipment enter the equation. For drivers of large vehicles, like buses, heavy loaders, or excavators, not only are the limitations in situational awareness greater, but also the stakes are higher, as even a minor collision could prove fatal or costly.
In an effort to overcome these hazards, fleet managers are turning to intelligent in-vehicle systems to reduce the risk of accidents to their drivers and assets. With the VIA Mobile360 SVS (Surround View System), drivers gain a leg up in safety with 360° views of their vehicle surroundings, reducing the chance of a mishap, and ultimately saving lives and money. The Multi-Stitch Technology seamlessly combines several camera streams, creating an encompassing real-time spherical view of vehicle surroundings. The situational awareness and intelligence is increased, improving maneuverability, and reducing the possibility of accidents and fatalities.
The flexible and high-performance design allows for a myriad of hardware and software customization options, making it possible to meet the requirements of any use case – from city buses and coaches to heavy vehicles.
In the section below, we will show the easy steps to set up and calibrate the SVS on a VIA Mobile360 M800 Series unit. You can also watch the video below, which follows the same steps highlighted in this article.
Before continuing with the SVS calibration, be sure to complete installation of the four FOV 190° cameras around your vehicle. Camera placement and height will vary depending on the type of vehicle. For detailed information on how and where to install the cameras, please refer to the VIA Mobile360 M800 Series Calibration Guide.
To complete the SVS calibration of your in-vehicle system, you will need the four supplied SVS calibration patterns, a handheld laser rangefinder or tape measurer, tape, marker or chalk, and a Windows PC with the VIA Mobile360 Calibration Tool software installed and connected to your unit.
SVS Calibration Pattern Placement
Once the vehicle is parked in a suitable location (for example, a big parking lot), the first step is to create a rectangular frame around it. Start at the rear of the car and mark a line with tape or chalk on the ground that is parallel with the edge of the rear bumper. From the corner of the right rear bumper, use the 90° laser level to demarcate a line that extends to corner of the front bumper. Repeat the process around the other sides to finish boxing the vehicle.
To begin placing the patterns, start from the rear left corner and measure out 50cm away from the side of the vehicle. From this point measure 50cm behind, away from the rear bumper, and place the corner of the calibration pattern on this point (refer to the figure below). Repeat this process with the remaining three corners.
SVS Calibration
Measure the distance between each of the patterns from edge to edge. Now, establish a remote connection between the VIA Mobile360 M800 Series system and the VIA Mobile360 Calibration Tool. Select ‘SVS’ and ‘New Calibration’ to initiate the process. In the next ‘Vehicle Model Selection’ step, choose from three default vehicle types: car, van, or bus, or alternatively click the upload button to import a custom 3D vehicle model to use. In the ‘Calibration’ tab, each camera stream should be shown in the display. Make sure that in each camera view two calibration patterns are clearly visible. When prompted, input the measured distance between the patterns as well as the pattern grid size.
Now, select the ‘Model’ tab and position the 3D model so that it covers the black area in the middle of the stitched image, resizing it if needed across the X, Y, and Z -axis.
Lastly, select ‘Parking Assist’ and input the required values for wheel base, vehicle track, rear axle to bumper, and maximum average wheel turn angle. Many of these values can be found in your vehicle’s owner manual or measured yourself.
Click ‘Finish’ and select ‘Export Configuration’. The system will reboot and apply the SVS calibration parameters. Congratulations, the SVS is now calibrated on your VIA Mobile360 M800 Series In-Vehicle System.
With SVS functional, drivers now benefit from the enhanced situational awareness achieved with the real-time 360° view of their vehicle surroundings. The system’s Dynamic Multi-Directional Monitoring provides varied panoramic perspectives of the vehicle and surroundings adapted to different driving scenarios.
Seeing is believing, and with VIA Mobile360 SVS drivers gain a new level of confidence in their situational awareness. No matter the application, SVS offers drivers of all kinds of vehicles a new tool to get the job done safely, every time.