Camera Module Housing Integrated Signal Light Control Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera modules with integrated signaling lamps require additional wiring and bus system connections to control multiple lighting devices independently, increasing complexity and cost, while lacking versatility in light indications and improved visibility for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a control circuit that uses a single input voltage to control multiple LEDs of different colors, eliminating the need for additional wiring and bus system connections, allowing for independent control of lighting devices based on input voltage information, such as threshold levels or duty cycle rates, to convey various information through flashing patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting devices with different colors are used in the camera module housing, then the versatility of light indications is improved, but additional wiring and bus system connections are required, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting devices (turn signal lamp, hazard warning lamp, blind spot assistance lamp) into a single integrated housing structure, sharing common power supply connections and control circuitry. This merging approach allows multiple lighting functions to be achieved without proportionally increasing wiring complexity, as the lighting devices share common electrical connections and are controlled through a unified control unit that receives signals via a single bus system interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module housing is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple lighting functions simultaneously or independently. The housing structure and control system are configured to support various lighting modes (turn signals, hazard warnings, blind spot assistance) using a single integrated system that shares power supply and control resources, eliminating the need for separate dedicated wiring for each lighting function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting devices are controlled independently, then the ability to convey various information through color and pattern changes is improved, but additional wiring and control interfaces are needed, increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry for multiple lighting devices is merged into a single integrated control unit within the camera module housing. This unified control approach allows independent control of different lighting functions (turn signals, hazard warnings, blind spot assistance) while sharing common power supply connections and control resources, thereby reducing the number of separate control interfaces and wiring harnesses required, which directly lowers manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple lighting control scenarios through a single interface. The control unit can independently manage different lighting devices and patterns (flashing, steady state, color variations) using shared hardware resources, eliminating the need for duplicate control circuits and reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing expense.
3Device complexity
If a single input voltage is used to control multiple lighting devices, then the wiring complexity is reduced, but the ability to control lighting devices independently may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the single input voltage source and the multiple lighting devices. This control unit receives control signals through a bus system interface and uses the single input voltage to independently regulate power delivery to each lighting device (turn signal, hazard warning, blind spot assistance lamps). The control unit acts as a mediator that translates single-voltage input into independent control of multiple outputs, maintaining both wiring simplicity and independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system utilizes parameter changes in the single input voltage (such as voltage level variations, pulse width modulation, or frequency modulation) to independently control different lighting devices. By varying electrical parameters of the single voltage source over time, the system can selectively activate and control multiple lighting functions without requiring separate voltage lines, thereby maintaining independent control capability while using simplified single-voltage wiring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and versatile control of lighting devices without additional wiring or bus system connections, providing improved visibility and information conveyance through color and pattern changes, such as amber for turn signals and blue for hazardous situations, reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the housing is at least partially light-conducting and that at least one lighting means is positioned in such a way that light can be coupled into the light-conducting part and can be coupled out in the direction of the partial region of the camera environment to be illuminated
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6A~7C
Figure 8~10B
AI summary
A camera module housing (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710A - 710C, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210) of a vehicle includes at least a first light source (640) adapted to radiate light having a first color, a second light source adapted to radiate light having a second color, wherein the first color is different from the second color, at least a first opening in the aperture of the camera module housing (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710A - 710C, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210) adapted to allow for light passing through from the first light source (640), at least a second opening in the aperture of the camera housing adapted to allow for light passing through from the second light source, where the first and second opening are arranged around a lens (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930, 1030, 1130, 1230) of the camera. A control circuit (1) for controlling a lighting application in a vehicle includes at least a voltage input channel (3) for receiving an input voltage (Uin); and at least a first output channel (5), a first lighting device, a second output channel (7), and a second lighting device.