Camera Serial Interface Link Merging Image Data and Management Commands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems require separate unidirectional links for transmitting image data and bidirectional camera management commands, leading to increased complexity, cost, and vulnerability to malicious attacks, particularly in applications like IoT, Automotive, and Industrial settings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a single bidirectional serial interface link for transmitting both image data and camera management commands, allowing for secure transactions and reducing the need for additional hardware and cables by using camera serial interface links during natural blanking intervals or idle cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate unidirectional links are used for image data and bidirectional links for camera management commands, then reliable transmission of both data types is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidlink complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate unidirectional image data links and bidirectional camera management command links into a single bidirectional serial interface link. This merging eliminates the need for separate physical connections while maintaining the ability to transmit both image data and management commands reliably through protocol-based multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single serial interface link is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting image data in forward mode, transmitting camera management commands in reverse mode, and supporting firmware updates. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple dedicated links with one versatile communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate unidirectional links are used for image data and bidirectional links for camera management commands, then reliable transmission is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging separate communication links into a single serial interface, the patent reduces the number of physical components, connectors, and cables required in the system. This directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining transmission reliability through protocol-level separation of data types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate unidirectional links are used for image data and bidirectional links for camera management commands, then reliable transmission is achieved, but vulnerability to malicious attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges command and data transmission into a single secured interface, eliminating separate attack vectors that existed with multiple independent links. The unified interface allows for consistent security protocol implementation across all communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential security risk of a bidirectional interface into a benefit by implementing comprehensive authentication and authorization protocols. The same bidirectional capability that could allow malicious commands is now secured through encrypted authentication, turning a potential vulnerability into a robust security feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Device complexity

If a single bidirectional link is used for both image data and camera management commands, then hardware requirements are reduced, but transmission reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware complexityVSAvoidtransmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission protocol into distinct modes: forward mode for image data transmission and reverse mode for camera management commands. This logical segmentation within the single physical interface ensures that data types are properly separated and handled according to their specific reliability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The serial interface dynamically switches between forward and reverse modes based on the type of transmission required. This dynamic mode switching allows the single link to adapt its behavior to match the reliability needs of different data types, maintaining high reliability while using shared hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10033916B2Transmission of image data and camera management commands

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In one example, a system for modifying transmission of image data includes a processor to detect a camera management command to transmit to an image sensor via a camera serial interface link. The processor can also transmit the camera management command to the image sensor via the camera serial interface link, and receive image data from the image sensor via the camera serial interface link.