On-board Camera Linear HDR Mode Switching Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board camera systems face delays when switching between linear and high dynamic range (HDR) image modes, compromising real-time processing accuracy in driving-related applications.
Innovation Solution
An on-board camera apparatus that captures linear images and generates HDR images based on these linear images, allowing for seamless switching between modes without delay, enabling high accuracy and real-time processing by selectively using linear or HDR images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a non-linear image is generated through grey scale conversion process, then the brightness of recognition target is optimized and process accuracy is improved, but a delay in image generation occurs when switching between linear and non-linear modes
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module continuously captures linear images in real-time before HDR image generation is needed. When HDR processing is required, the system uses the pre-captured linear images as input, eliminating the delay that would otherwise occur during mode switching. This preliminary capture of linear images ensures that the processing can begin immediately without waiting for new image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by always capturing linear images regardless of whether HDR processing is currently needed. This continuous capture ensures that image data is always available for immediate processing, maintaining the continuity of the useful action (image processing) without interruption or delay during mode transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mode switching is performed between linear and non-linear image generation, then adaptability to different processing needs is improved, but real-timeness of the process is impaired due to generation delay
Solution Approach 1:
Linear images are continuously captured in advance, so when HDR processing mode is activated, the system can immediately process the pre-captured images without waiting for new captures. This preliminary action maintains real-timeness while preserving the ability to switch between processing modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts between different processing modes (linear-only mode and HDR mode) without requiring physical reconfiguration or mode switching delays. The camera module continuously operates in a state that supports both modes, allowing seamless transitions based on processing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If HDR image generation is performed based on linear images, then brightness optimization across different luminance regions is improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module serves dual purposes: it continuously captures linear images for real-time processing while also providing these same linear images as input for HDR generation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate hardware components for linear and HDR capture, reducing system complexity while maintaining brightness accuracy across different luminance regions.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board camera apparatus includes a camera module, a control circuit board, a housing, a bracket, and a hood. The housing houses the camera module and the control circuit board. The bracket fixes the housing to a front windshield of the own vehicle. The hood is arranged so as to cover the camera module. The camera module captures an image of an area ahead of an own vehicle. As captured images, the camera module generates a plurality of linear images in which a relationship between luminance and an output pixel value is fixed. Based on the linear images, the camera module further generates high dynamic range images in which a relationship between luminance and an output pixel value differs depending on a luminance region, under a predetermined imaging mode. The control circuit board enables a plurality of types of driving-related processes based on the captured images to be performed.