Geographic Triggered Vehicle Camera Recording

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle devices for recording the surroundings of a motor vehicle either require continuous manual input for recording or lack targeted recording capabilities, leading to inefficient data collection and increased driver distraction, which can result in accidents and higher computing and storage requirements.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle device equipped with a camera unit and a trigger device that outputs a recording start signal based on geographic matching with a predetermined location-based area of interest, allowing for temporary and targeted image recording, reducing driver distraction and optimizing data collection by focusing on relevant areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous manual input for recording is required, then recording coverage is comprehensive, but driver distraction increases and accidents may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecording coverageVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines when to start and stop recording based on geographic position matching with predetermined areas of interest, eliminating the need for manual driver input. The trigger device autonomously compares current position data with stored area definitions and activates recording without driver intervention, thus maintaining comprehensive recording coverage while preventing driver distraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (driver pressing buttons or switches) with an automated electronic triggering system. The trigger device uses electronic position data comparison and automatic signal generation to control recording, substituting the mechanical driver action with an automated electronic control system that eliminates distraction while maintaining recording reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If continuous recording is performed, then all areas are captured, but computing and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecording completenessVSAvoiddata volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different recording qualities or activation states to different geographic areas. By defining specific areas of interest with precise geographic boundaries, the system records only when the vehicle enters these designated zones, rather than continuously recording all areas. This localizes the recording function to only where it is needed, maintaining completeness for relevant areas while reducing overall data volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and isolates only the relevant portions of the driving route for recording by using geographic area definitions. Instead of recording continuously along the entire route, the system identifies and extracts specific areas of interest (such as construction zones, accident sites, or inspection points) and records only when passing through these extracted regions, thereby maintaining recording completeness for critical areas while minimizing unnecessary data storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If targeted recording based on geographic position is implemented, then driver distraction is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver distractionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger device serves multiple functions: it determines current geographic position, compares position with predetermined areas, generates trigger signals for recording, and can provide feedback to the driver. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated trigger device, the system achieves targeted recording to reduce driver distraction while managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate components for each function

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

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

Enables efficient and targeted recording of relevant areas, reducing driver stress, minimizing computing and storage needs, and allowing for later review of infrastructure and weather conditions, while supporting driver assistance systems with relevant image data.

Implementation Method 1

the camera unit has at least one optics for projecting light and at least one image sensor such as a CMOS sensor for detecting the light projected by the optics

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3151213B1Vehicular apparatus and method of recording an area in the vicinity of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 CONTINENTAL AUTONOMOUS MOBILITY GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3151213B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle device 1 for recording the surrounding area of ​​a motor vehicle 2, comprising a camera unit 3 for recording at least one image of the surrounding area, comprising a trigger device 4 for outputting a recording start signal to trigger the recording of at least one recorded image by the camera unit 3, wherein the trigger device 4 is configured to link the output of the recording start signal with a geographical position of a predetermined, location-specific area of ​​interest, wherein the trigger device 4 is configured to output the recording start signal when a determined geographical match is found between the positions of the motor vehicle 2 and the predetermined, location-specific area of ​​interest.