Vehicle Interior Camera Control for Multi-Camera Standardization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior monitoring systems face increased development expenses due to the need for extensive software adaptations to accommodate various camera units and their configurations, leading to inefficiencies in image recording and evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a control device to set adjustable camera parameters using camera-specific and general control commands, convert between these commands, and perform image evaluation and data fusion to standardize operations across different camera units, reducing the need for individual adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If camera units and evaluation algorithms are adapted to each other for optimal operation, then image recording quality and algorithm performance are improved, but development expenses and software complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates camera-specific parameters from evaluation algorithm parameters. Camera units have their own configuration files storing specific parameters (resolution, frame rate, exposure settings), while evaluation algorithms operate with standardized inputs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently without requiring complex inter-adaptation software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration files that copy and store camera-specific parameters in a standardized format. Instead of adapting software to each camera variant, the system creates parameter copies in configuration files, allowing the same evaluation algorithm to work with different camera units by simply loading the appropriate configuration file.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of camera units are used to enhance monitoring capabilities, then system versatility is improved, but development expenses for software adaptations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation algorithms are designed to be universal and can process images from any camera unit that provides standardized parameter information through configuration files. The system achieves multi-functionality by decoupling the algorithm from specific camera hardware, allowing the same algorithm to serve multiple camera variants without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system handles camera unit variants by changing parameters stored in configuration files rather than modifying the evaluation algorithm. Each camera unit's specific parameters (resolution, frame rate, sensor characteristics) are stored as configurable data, allowing the system to adapt to different camera variants through parameter substitution rather than software redevelopment.
3Measurement precision
If evaluation algorithms are adapted to specific camera parameters such as resolution and installation position, then measurement precision is improved, but software adaptation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration files serve as an intermediary between camera units and evaluation algorithms. The files contain camera-specific parameters (resolution, installation position, field of view) that bridge the gap between hardware variability and algorithm requirements. This intermediary allows precise adaptation without direct software modification for each camera variant.
Solution Approach 2:
Camera parameters are pre-configured in configuration files before the evaluation process begins. Installation position, resolution, and other camera-specific parameters are determined and stored in advance, allowing the evaluation algorithm to be properly configured without requiring real-time adaptation or complex runtime adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for operating a vehicle interior monitoring system including at least one camera unit. A control device sets an adjustable camera parameter of the camera unit by a camera-specific control command in the camera unit and receives and evaluates at least one image recorded by the camera unit, and a result of the evaluation is output as a camera-specific result datum. The control device generates a general control command that sets the adjustable camera parameter of the camera unit, the general control command is converted based on a camera configuration of the camera unit saved in the control device into the camera-specific control command, the camera-specific result datum is converted based on the camera configuration of the camera unit saved in the control device into a general result datum, and the general result datum of the camera unit is provided to a data fusion device.