Vehicular Electronic Control Unit Camera Interface Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imaging systems lack integrated data transfer interfaces within the camera's imager, limiting efficient communication of image data to remote processing devices.
Innovation Solution
The proposed vision system integrates physical layer components within the automotive camera, utilizing MIPI D-PHY or M-PHY for image data transfer over differential data lines, enabling bidirectional communication for control purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional imaging systems without integrated data transfer interfaces are used, then device complexity is reduced, but image data transfer efficiency and communication reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the data transfer interface directly into the camera imager, merging previously separate components (imager and data transfer interface) into a unified structure. This integration enables efficient image data transfer to remote processing devices while maintaining compact device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated data transfer interface provides multiple functions within a single component: it handles image data transfer, supports bidirectional communication for control purposes, and interfaces with remote processing devices. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating multiple roles into one integrated element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unidirectional data transfer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for control communication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer interface is designed to dynamically switch between unidirectional and bidirectional modes depending on operational requirements. The system can operate in unidirectional mode for simple data transfer or transition to bidirectional mode when control communication is needed, providing adaptability without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to handle multiple communication directions and functions through a single integrated structure, enabling both image data transfer and control communication capabilities without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control channel interface is added, then adaptability for control communication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control channel interface is merged with the data transfer interface, combining control communication functionality into the existing data transfer infrastructure. This integration enables bidirectional communication for control purposes without adding separate physical interface components, thereby avoiding additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular electronic control unit includes a plurality of coaxial connectors that connect via respective single core coaxial cables of a plurality of single core coaxial cables with respective individual vehicular cameras of the plurality of vehicular cameras. Each single core coaxial cable that carries DC power from the vehicular electronic control unit to its respective vehicular camera. Each single core coaxial cable carries to the vehicular electronic control unit image data captured by an imager of the respective vehicular camera. Each single core coaxial cable carries control data from the vehicular electronic control unit to its respective vehicular camera. Image data carried at least by the single core coaxial cable connecting a forward-viewing vehicular camera of the plurality of vehicular cameras with the vehicular electronic control unit is processed at the vehicular electronic control unit for at least one driver assist system of the vehicle.