Coaxial Camera Control Timing for Stable Power and Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular type cameras using coaxial cables for power and data transmission face issues with power consumption variations causing signal interference and communication errors, particularly when multiple sensor units are connected, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that prioritizes power management by controlling the infrared illumination and infrared cut filter operations in sensor units, reducing peak power consumption and minimizing voltage fluctuations, thereby reducing communication errors through adaptive timing and exclusive execution of control commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If power is supplied to sensor units through coaxial cable for compact installation, then installation space is reduced, but signal transmission quality deteriorates due to power leakage and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor unit into separate modules: image sensor, infrared illumination, and filter units that can be independently controlled. This allows selective activation of power-consuming components to minimize peak power draw and reduce electrical interference on the coaxial cable during data transmission periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic operation of infrared illumination and filter switching, activating these components only when needed for specific imaging conditions rather than continuously. This periodic activation reduces average and peak power consumption, minimizing voltage fluctuations and electrical interference on the shared coaxial cable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving devices are operated simultaneously in sensor units, then functional versatility is improved, but power consumption variations increase causing voltage fluctuations and communication errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple driving devices where the activation of infrared illumination, filter switching, and other power-consuming components is adjusted in real-time based on imaging conditions and power availability. This dynamic management allows functional versatility while preventing excessive simultaneous power draw that would cause voltage fluctuations and communication errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared illumination and filter operations are controlled simultaneously, then imaging functionality is improved, but peak power consumption increases causing voltage variations and data transmission errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-planning and sequencing the activation of power-consuming components. Before activating infrared illumination or switching filters, the system checks current power consumption levels and schedules these operations during periods of lower overall power demand, preventing peak power surges that would cause voltage variations and transmission errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements skipping by rapidly switching between different imaging modes and components, activating infrared illumination or filter changes only for the minimum necessary duration to capture required imaging data. This reduces the time period during which peak power consumption occurs, minimizing the impact of voltage variations on data transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus (1001) communicates with an external apparatus (2000) via a coaxial cable (2001) and receives supply of power via the coaxial cable. The apparatus comprising: first functional means (A107); second functional means (A106); power supply means (A105) configured to supply power to the first and the second functional means by using power supplied via the coaxial cable; and control means (A101) configured to control the first and the second functional means in accordance with a control instruction received from the external apparatus. The control means controls execution timings of a first control operation and a second control operation based on (i) operation contents of the first control operation to be executed, (ii) operation contents of the second control operation to be executed, (iii) an operation state of the first functional means, and (iv) an operation state of the second functional means.