Vehicle Camera Malfunction Detection via Periodic Test Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle camera systems lack a reliable method for drivers to quickly detect malfunctions, especially when the vehicle is stationary or moving at high speeds, as a single malfunctioning component can cause the entire system to fail, making it difficult for drivers to determine if the issue is with the camera system or the vehicle's state.
Innovation Solution
A control unit is implemented to display a graphical indicator that changes sequentially, allowing drivers to visually detect malfunctions by varying intensity, shape, color, or motion, independent of the captured images, ensuring the indicator changes even when the vehicle is stationary, and can be synchronized or delayed relative to a light source's changes, enabling prompt detection of frozen or delayed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle is stationary or moving at high speed, then the driver has limited time to inspect the display, but the driver needs to detect malfunctions quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic test signal that is superimposed on the camera image at regular intervals. This test signal causes a corresponding periodic change in the test object's appearance in the camera field of view. By using periodic action, the system enables the driver to quickly detect malfunctions through rhythmic visual cues that are easy to perceive even during brief glances at the display, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable malfunction detection and limited driver inspection time.
2Reliability
If the camera system is malfunctioning, then the display may show a frozen image, but the driver cannot determine whether this is due to system failure or vehicle standstill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test signal as an intermediary element that is superimposed on the camera image. This test signal serves as a mediator between the camera system and the driver, providing a clear indication of system operation status. When the test signal appears and changes periodically in the display, it confirms the camera system is functioning correctly. This intermediary approach allows simple verification of system operation without adding complex monitoring equipment, resolving the contradiction between reliable system verification and device complexity.
3Reliability
If a graphical indicator is added to indicate system status, then malfunction detection is improved, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test signal with the existing camera image display by superimposing the test signal directly onto the captured image. Instead of adding a separate graphical indicator element, the test signal is integrated into the image itself, causing objects in the camera field of view to appear to change periodically. This merging approach provides clear malfunction indication while avoiding additional display complexity, as the same display hardware shows both the camera image and the test signal without requiring separate indicator mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring a vehicle camera system. The vehicle camera system includes at least one camera to capture images of a field of view at a side of the vehicle and a display unit for visualizing the captured images to a driver of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a control unit adapted to control the display unit to display a graphical indicator, the displayed graphical indicator changes sequentially in a default way to allow the driver to visually detect a malfunctioning of the vehicle camera system based on a deviation from the default way of the sequentially changing graphical indicator.