Dual Purpose Signal Lines for Vehicle Camera Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems require multiple general purpose input/output (GPIO) lines for camera control and programming, leading to increased size, cost, and complexity of printed circuit boards and connectors.
Innovation Solution
The system employs shared lines for both control and programming signals, where the supply voltage determines whether the lines are used for GPIO operations or programming, reducing the number of physical lines needed and simplifying the circuit design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple GPIO lines are used for camera control and programming, then camera functionality is maintained, but the size and complexity of printed circuit boards and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same physical lines to serve dual purposes: general purpose I/O operations during normal camera control and programming operations during camera initialization. The camera controller dynamically switches between these modes based on operational context, allowing a single line to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated lines for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate control and programming signal lines into shared lines. By combining multiple functions into fewer physical lines, the patent reduces the overall number of connections required between the camera controller and camera sensor, thereby simplifying the printed circuit board design and reducing connector complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple GPIO lines are used for camera control and programming, then camera functionality is maintained, but the size of printed circuit boards and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same physical lines to serve dual purposes: general purpose I/O operations during normal camera control and programming operations during camera initialization. The camera controller dynamically switches between these modes based on operational context, allowing a single line to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated lines for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate control and programming signal lines into shared lines. By combining multiple functions into fewer physical lines, the patent reduces the overall number of connections required between the camera controller and camera sensor, thereby simplifying the printed circuit board design and reducing connector complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. The camera includes a circuit board and an imager disposed at the circuit board. An image processor is disposed at the circuit board, which has circuitry disposed thereat. The image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. Signals to and from the image processor are provided on at least one shared line connected between an electrical connector of the camera and a vehicle control of the vehicle. The at least one shared line includes at least one combined camera control and camera programming line. Signals carried on the combined camera control and camera programming line (i) control operation of the camera and (ii) program the camera.