Vehicle Camera Module With Rotary Backup Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitoring systems for vehicles lack efficient redundancy mechanisms to maintain continuous monitoring when one camera fails, disrupting the driver's field of view and requiring manual intervention for camera replacement.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with two cameras and a rotary mechanism, controlled by a processor, that automatically switches the imaging direction of a second camera to cover the failed camera's range, ensuring continuous monitoring and minimizing disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single camera is used for monitoring, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability decreases when the camera fails
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is segmented into a first camera and a second camera, each capable of independent operation. The first camera captures images in a first imaging range, while the second camera captures images in a second imaging range that overlaps with the first. This segmentation allows the system to maintain monitoring functionality even when one camera fails, as the other camera can continue to provide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The second camera is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it monitors a specific area when the first camera is operational, and it automatically switches to cover the first imaging range when the first camera fails. The controller enables this universal functionality by detecting failures and automatically adjusting the imaging direction of the second camera to maintain continuous monitoring coverage.
2Loss of time
If manual camera replacement is implemented, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of time increases during camera failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning a second camera with its imaging range overlapping with the first camera's imaging range. The controller is pre-configured to detect camera failures and automatically switch the second camera's imaging direction to cover the first camera's range. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual intervention during camera failures, reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module implements self-service through automatic failure detection and switching. The controller continuously monitors the operational status of the first camera and automatically adjusts the second camera's imaging direction when a failure is detected. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual camera replacement or reconfiguration, reducing downtime while maintaining system simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging direction of the second camera is fixed, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability decreases when camera failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The second camera is equipped with a rotary mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of its imaging direction. The controller receives images from the second camera and automatically changes its imaging direction by rotating it to cover the first imaging range when the first camera fails. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to failures while the rotary mechanism provides the necessary flexibility without excessive complexity.
4Reliability
If overlapping imaging ranges are used, then the reliability is improved for redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into two distinct camera units with overlapping imaging ranges. The first camera is positioned to capture a first imaging range, while the second camera is positioned to capture a second imaging range that overlaps with the first. This segmentation provides redundancy for reliable monitoring while keeping each camera unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second camera is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: monitoring its designated area during normal operation and automatically switching to cover the first camera's imaging range during failures. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the overlapping imaging ranges, providing redundancy without requiring additional cameras or complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A camera module includes a first camera and a second camera capable of switching between a first imaging direction and a second imaging direction. The first camera captures images in a first imaging range when the second camera is facing the first imaging direction. The second camera captures images in a second imaging range when facing the first imaging direction and captures images in a third imaging range when facing the second imaging direction. The overlapping range between the first imaging range and the third imaging range is greater than the overlapping range between the first imaging range and the second imaging range.