Embedding Camera Parameters in Analog Video Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-cost video camera systems in driver assistance applications face challenges due to the inability to embed metadata in analog video streams, requiring separate bus connections for each camera, which increases costs and complexity, and existing solutions do not efficiently transmit camera parameters and self-monitoring data.
Innovation Solution
Embedding camera-based parameters, such as calibration and self-monitoring data, directly into the active video stream using NTSC or PAL analog signals, allowing these parameters to be encoded and decoded at the electronic control unit without the need for dedicated back channels, thereby reducing hardware and wiring costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera parameters are transmitted via dedicated bus connections, then functional safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and wiring costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines camera parameter transmission with the existing video signal transmission by embedding parameters in the vertical blanking interval. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated bus connections while maintaining reliable parameter delivery to the ECU, thus reducing wiring complexity without compromising functional safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The video signal transmission system is given multiple functions: it simultaneously transmits both video images and camera parameters. By making the video channel universal, the system eliminates the need for separate parameter transmission channels, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through the established video signal path.
2Reliability
If separate bus connections are used for each camera, then parameter transmission reliability is improved, but component costs and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges parameter transmission with video signal transmission by utilizing the vertical blanking interval of the existing video channel. This eliminates the need for separate bus connections and associated ECUs for each camera, reducing component costs while maintaining reliable parameter transmission through the consolidated video signal path.
3Loss of information
If metadata is embedded in digital video streams, then information transmission efficiency is improved, but compatibility with analog NTSC/PAL formats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission medium from digital to analog by embedding parameters in the vertical blanking interval of analog NTSC or PAL video signals. This parameter change allows metadata transmission to work with legacy analog formats, maintaining format compatibility while achieving efficient information transmission through the analog video channel.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle system and method for transmitting camera-based parameters and video data includes a video camera disposed on a vehicle for viewing an exterior region. The video camera includes an image sensor for generating a video data stream from an exterior region of the vehicle, a controller for providing camera-based parameters, and an image signal processor. The image signal processor is configured to receive the video stream from the image sensor, receive camera-based parameters from the controller, transfer the camera-based parameters onto the video stream, and output an analog signal that includes the video stream and the camera-based parameters. An electronic control unit receives the analog signal, retrieves the camera-based parameters from the analog signal. A vehicle display receives and displays the video stream.