Dual Camera Readout Channels for Flicker Frequency Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in navigating due to the vast volume of data from sensors and traditional mapping technologies, which can limit navigation accuracy and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual sensor readout channel system using cameras with different frame capture rates to detect flickering and non-flickering light sources, enabling efficient image processing and navigation responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional mapping technology and vast sensor data are used for autonomous vehicle navigation, then navigation coverage and data completeness are improved, but navigation accuracy and processing efficiency deteriorate due to data overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging device into multiple independent imaging sections (first imaging section, second imaging section, etc.), each capturing images at different frame rates. This segmentation allows the system to process different types of visual information separately - high-frame-rate sections capture dynamic changes like flickering lights, while lower-frame-rate sections capture static environmental features, thereby improving overall navigation processing efficiency without sacrificing data completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having different imaging sections operate at different frame capture rates. The first imaging section captures images at a first frame rate while the second imaging section captures at a second frame rate (higher than the first). This periodic multi-rate sampling enables the system to detect flickering light sources by comparing images taken at different time intervals, while maintaining efficient processing of non-flickering environmental features
2Device complexity
If single frame rate imaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to detect flickering light sources and environmental features simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional imaging device where different imaging sections serve multiple purposes. The first imaging section operating at a lower frame rate provides stable images for general environmental feature detection, while the second imaging section at higher frame rate detects dynamic elements like flickering lights. By universality, the system can simultaneously perform multiple detection functions (static feature recognition, dynamic flicker detection, navigation) using a single integrated imaging device rather than requiring separate specialized sensors for each function
3Measurement precision
If high frame capture rate is used for all channels, then detection precision for dynamic objects is improved, but energy consumption and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different frame capture rates to different imaging sections based on their specific detection needs. The first imaging section uses a lower frame rate suitable for capturing static or slowly changing environmental features, while the second imaging section uses a higher frame rate specifically for detecting dynamic elements like flickering light sources. This localized optimization of frame rates ensures high detection precision for dynamic objects where needed, while conserving energy by using lower frame rates for static feature detection where high temporal resolution is not required
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to navigation and to systems and methods for using a dual sensor readout channel to allow for frequency detection. In one implementation, at least one processing device may receive a plurality of images acquired by a camera onboard a host vehicle, wherein the plurality of images are received via a first channel and via a second channel, and wherein the first channel is associated with a first frame capture rate, and the second channel is associated with a second frame capture rate different from the first frame capture rate. The processing device may use images received via the first channel to detect flickering and non-flickering light sources in an environment of the host vehicle; and provide, based on images received via the second channel, images for showing on one or more human-viewable displays.