Automotive Camera Focal Switching Across Different Regions of Interest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive camera systems compromise on focal settings for different regions of interest, impairing the performance of various vehicle functions.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method for focal adjustment that uses distinct focal settings for different subsets of regions of interest during alternating frame periods, adjusting focal parameters between these periods to optimize image capture for each subset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single focal setting is used for all regions of interest, then the device complexity is reduced, but the performance of functions using different ROIs is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focal adjustment by switching between different focal settings (first focal setting and second focal setting) based on which subset of ROIs is currently active. The control unit dynamically selects the appropriate focal setting for each frame period, allowing the camera to adapt its focal state to the current operational requirements rather than being fixed at a single compromise setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ROIs into different subsets (first subset and second subset), each associated with different focal requirements. By dividing the ROIs into groups that can be handled with different focal settings, the system can optimize for each subset individually during different time periods, resolving the conflict between maintaining simple device configuration and achieving high function performance.
2Reliability
If different focal settings are used for different ROIs simultaneously, then the performance of individual functions is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between different focal settings in different frame periods. The control unit switches from the first focal setting in one frame period to the second focal setting in the next frame period, depending on which subset of ROIs needs to be optimized. This temporal multiplexing allows the system to achieve optimized performance for different ROIs at different times without requiring complex simultaneous multi-focal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the focal setting based on real-time requirements of different ROI subsets. Rather than maintaining multiple fixed focal mechanisms, the camera dynamically switches between two focal settings, reducing device complexity while still achieving optimized performance for different functions at appropriate times.
3Manufacturing precision
If focal adjustment is performed during frame period, then the image quality for different ROIs is improved, but the productivity of image capture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic focal adjustment synchronized with the frame period. The focal setting is changed between frame periods rather than during exposure, allowing the system to maintain high image quality for the active ROI subset while preserving the frame capture rate. The periodic switching occurs at natural transition points between frames, minimizing disruption to the imaging workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The focal adjustment is performed in advance before the frame capture begins, ensuring that the correct focal setting is already in place when image capture starts. This preliminary action prevents any loss of productivity during the actual exposure period, as the focal switching occurs during the transition between frames rather than during the critical image capture moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for focal adjustment of an automotive camera is disclosed. The method includes providing a target focal setting for the camera for predefined regions of interest, determining a first and second focal setting for each subset of regions of interest depending on the respective target focal settings of the regions, capturing a first and second image during the first frame period respectively. The first and second focal settings are used during at least part of the first and second frame periods respectively. Between the capturing of the first and second images, the first focal setting is changed to the second focal setting.