In-Vehicle Camera Control via Video Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle camera systems face complexity and signal degradation due to the need for separate control lines for controlling camera devices, which complicates connections and affects video transmission quality.
Innovation Solution
The camera device detects current or voltage variations in the video signal line and uses these variations to transmit control signals, allowing external devices to control the camera without additional control lines, thereby simplifying the connection configuration and minimizing interference with video signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate control line is added to connect the camera device and monitor device, then the camera device can be controlled from the monitor device, but the connection configuration becomes complicated and the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control signal transmission function with the existing video signal transmission line. The control signal is superimposed on the video signal and transmitted through the same cable, eliminating the need for a separate control line and simplifying the connection configuration while maintaining camera control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The video signal transmission line is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both video signals and control signals. This allows the single cable to perform multiple functions (video transmission and camera control), reducing the overall system complexity and connector requirements
2Ease of operation
If a separate control line is added for camera control, then control functionality is improved, but the cable needs to be wired extensively along narrow spaces inside the car
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control signal transmission into the existing video cable, the patent eliminates the need for additional cable routing through narrow vehicle spaces. The single video cable already installed for display purposes is reused for control, significantly simplifying installation
3Device complexity
If control code is superimposed on analog video signal, then control can be transmitted through video cable, but the analog video signal is affected and transmitted video signal is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a modulation carrier wave as an intermediary medium. The control signal modulates this carrier wave, which then combines with the video signal for transmission. This intermediary approach allows control signal embedding while maintaining better separation and reducing interference with the video signal compared to direct superposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter by using frequency modulation or amplitude modulation of a carrier wave for control signals, rather than direct voltage superposition. This parameter transformation allows control signals to be transmitted through the video cable with minimal degradation to video quality by operating in different signal domains
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
This approach enables straightforward control of camera devices through existing video signal lines, reducing connection complexity and maintaining video signal quality by avoiding the need for separate control cables, thus enhancing the simplicity and reliability of in-vehicle camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
current variation or voltage variation superimposed on a video signal in a video signal line cable (hereinafter, merely referred to as a cable) outputting the video signal from the camera device is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A camera device includes: an imaging unit taking image light to obtain a video signal; an output unit outputting the video signal obtained in the imaging unit to a connected cable; a detection unit detecting current variation or voltage variation of the video signal to be outputted from the output unit; and a control unit determining a control signal transmitted through the cable based on the signal variation detected by the detection unit and performing operation control corresponding to the determined control signal.