Gated Camera Dynamic Mode Switching for Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gated cameras used as active sensors for vehicle object identification systems have high power consumption due to the operation of both image sensors and illumination devices, which is a limitation for extended use in driving assistance or autonomous driving applications.
Innovation Solution
A gated camera system that divides the field of view into multiple ranges in the depth direction, generating slice images for each range, and includes a camera controller to manage light emission timing and exposure timing. The system can switch between high-performance and low-power modes based on vehicle signals and captured slice images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the gated camera operates in high-performance mode with both illumination device and image sensor active, then object identification accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching between high-performance and low-power imaging modes based on real-time driving conditions. The controller adjusts the operating state of the gated camera to match the actual needs of object identification, transitioning from continuous high-performance operation to conditional operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining measurement precision and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (illumination intensity, exposure timing, gating window) based on driving conditions such as ambient light levels, vehicle speed, and detected object characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains adequate object identification accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption during low-demand periods.
2Measurement precision
If the gated camera uses pulse illumination and gated imaging to capture slice images at multiple depth ranges, then depth resolution is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple depth ranges (near field, mid field, far field) captured at different timing gates. By dividing the field of view into discrete depth slices and only activating illumination and sensing for specific ranges when needed, the system achieves high depth resolution while avoiding continuous full-range operation, thus reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulse illumination with synchronized gating windows to capture reflections from different depth ranges sequentially. This periodic action allows the system to obtain multi-depth information over time rather than simultaneously, reducing peak power requirements and enabling lower average power consumption while maintaining depth resolution.
3Reliability
If the gated camera operates continuously to maintain object identification capability, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors driving conditions, ambient light levels, and detection quality to dynamically adjust the operating state of the gated camera. When detection reliability is sufficient under current conditions, the system transitions to low-power mode; when reliability drops below thresholds, the system activates high-performance mode, thus maintaining reliable detection while minimizing power consumption through adaptive control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces power consumption by dynamically switching between high-performance and low-power imaging modes, optimizing power use based on the traveling environment and maintaining effective object identification capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device configured to irradiate the field of view with pulse illumination light
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor, and a camera controller configured to control a light emission timing of the illumination device and an exposure timing of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A gated camera for dividing a field of view into a plurality of ranges in a depth direction and generating a plurality of slice images corresponding to the plurality of ranges, the gated camera includes: an illumination device configured to irradiate the field of view with pulse illumination light; an image sensor; and a camera controller configured to control a light emission timing of the illumination device and an exposure timing of the image sensor. The camera controller is configured to switch between a first imaging mode in which performance is relatively high and power consumption is relatively high, and a second imaging mode in which performance is relatively low and power consumption is relatively low.