3D Interior Camera Redundant Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interior cameras in land vehicles lack improved functional security to ensure reliable operation, particularly in critical safety scenarios like braking, accelerating, or steering, where failures could lead to severe consequences.
Innovation Solution
An imaging sensor system that uses dual distance measurement methods – one based on propagation time and the other on geometric changes of beam patterns – to provide redundant distance information, ensuring continued functionality even if one method fails, and integrates this with color image data to enhance accuracy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single distance measurement method is used in interior cameras, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy against breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement function is segmented into two independent measurement paths: a first distance measurement using propagation time analysis and a second distance measurement using geometric beam pattern analysis. Each path operates independently with its own evaluation logic, providing functional redundancy without requiring a completely duplicated system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs two different measurement parameters for distance determination: propagation time of light signals and geometric changes in beam patterns. This diversification of measurement parameters ensures that a failure in one parameter-based method does not compromise the entire distance measurement functionality.
2Reliability
If dual distance measurement methods are implemented, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device merges the results of two independent distance measurement methods into a unified distance information output. By combining the propagation time-based measurement and the beam pattern-based measurement within a single evaluation unit, the system achieves redundancy while maintaining a compact architectural structure rather than requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both types of distance measurements and their integration. It can process propagation time data, analyze beam pattern geometric changes, and synthesize these into reliable distance information, reducing the need for separate dedicated evaluation units for each measurement method.
3Reliability
If redundant distance measurement is implemented, then the probability of errors is reduced to ASIL B levels, but the loss of processing time increases due to multiple measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by simultaneously acquiring both the first signals (reflected beam pulses) and second signals (reflected beam patterns) during the same measurement cycle. This parallel signal acquisition approach allows both distance measurements to be initiated at the same time, reducing the total processing time compared to sequential measurements while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual measurement system operates continuously with both measurement paths active simultaneously, ensuring that distance information is continuously available from either method. This continuous parallel operation eliminates idle time between measurements and maintains constant functional coverage, reducing overall processing time while preserving error reduction benefits.
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 achieves functional safeguarding against failures, reducing the probability of errors to ASIL B levels, providing a reliable three-dimensional color image with distance information, thus enhancing passenger safety by ensuring the camera's continued operation and accuracy in critical vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
The first distance information is obtained in a first distance measurement depending on first signals which are reflected beam pulses on objects illuminated with beam pulses of a first emitter
Implementation Method 2
The second distance information is obtained in a second distance measurement depending on second signals which are reflected beam patterns on objects illuminated with beam patterns of a second emitter
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for a land vehicle may include an imaging sensor, an evaluation device, and an output interface. The imaging sensor may be configured to acquire first signals and second signals, wherein the first signals are obtained via beam pulses provided by a first emitter and reflected on an object and the second signals are obtained via beam patterns provided by a second emitter and reflected on the objected. The evaluation device may be configured to obtain a first distance measurement based on the first signals and a second distance measurement based on the second signals. The evaluation device may also be configured to obtain a third distance measurement via a comparison of the first distance measurement and the second distance measurement.