Single DSP for Vehicle Camera Data Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver assistance systems require multiple signal processors for processing image data from multiple vehicle cameras, leading to increased costs and size of control devices.

Innovation Solution

A single digital signal processor (DSP) is configured within a control device to selectively process image data from either a front camera or a reversing camera based on the vehicle's operating state, using specific programming codes for each function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple signal processors are arranged in the control device to process image data from multiple vehicle cameras, then the processing capability and reliability are improved, but the cost and size of the control device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidsize of control device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by configuring a single signal processor to perform multiple functions: it can process image data from the front camera for forward driving assistance functions, and also process image data from the reversing camera for reversing assistance functions. The signal processor is programmed with different programming codes that enable it to selectively activate processing for specific cameras based on the vehicle's operating state, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated signal processors for each camera while maintaining full processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the signal processor's functionality dynamic rather than static. The signal processor selectively activates processing of specific camera inputs based on real-time vehicle operating conditions (forward driving vs. reversing). This dynamic reconfiguration allows one processor to adaptively serve multiple purposes, reducing the total number of processors needed while maintaining reliability for each specific function when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple signal processors are arranged in the control device to process image data from multiple vehicle cameras, then the processing capability is improved, but the cost of the control device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidcost of control device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces cost by making the signal processor universal. Instead of purchasing and installing separate signal processors for front camera processing and reversing camera processing, the system uses one programmable signal processor that can be configured via software (programming codes) to handle different camera inputs. This approach significantly reduces hardware costs while maintaining the ability to process image data from multiple cameras for different driver assistance functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by altering the operational parameters of the signal processor through different programming codes. The same physical processor can be programmed with different algorithms and configurations depending on which camera is active (front or reversing camera). This software-based parameter reconfiguration allows the system to maintain high processing capability for different functions without the cost of multiple dedicated hardware processors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single signal processor is configured to process image data from multiple vehicle cameras, then the cost and size are reduced, but the processing load on the single processor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of control deviceVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by having the signal processor activate processing for only one camera at a time based on the vehicle's operating state. When the vehicle is moving forward, the processor periodically processes front camera data; when reversing, it periodically processes reversing camera data. This time-division approach prevents the processor from handling all cameras simultaneously, reducing the instantaneous processing load and energy consumption while still providing comprehensive coverage for different driving conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reduces processing load through dynamic reconfiguration. The signal processor dynamically switches between processing different camera inputs based on real-time vehicle state (forward or reverse). This dynamic behavior ensures that the processor is never overwhelmed by processing multiple camera streams simultaneously, as it selectively activates only the processing needed for the current operating condition, thereby managing energy consumption and processing load efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10745026B2Control device and method for a driver assistance system of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
  • US10745026B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control device and an operating method for a driver assistance system of a vehicle are configured to selectively process image data from only a first vehicle camera or from only a second vehicle camera at any given time, depending on a current operating state of the vehicle, in order for driver assistance functions to be implemented.