Parallel Data Lines as GPIO in Vehicle Camera SerDes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limited number of General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins in existing LVDS camera-ECU systems restricts design flexibility and functionality, particularly in vehicle camera systems, where advanced features require more I/O monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves repurposing unused digital parallel video pins on the Serializer-Deserializer (SerDes) chip set as additional GPIOs, allowing for increased I/O monitoring by using data contacts for control data transmission between the camera and ECU, thereby expanding design variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated GPIO pins are used for control functions, then control capability is provided, but the number of available GPIOs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling parallel data lines (D[0] to D[x]) to serve dual purposes: transmitting video data during normal operation and functioning as GPIO pins for control functions when needed. This allows the same physical infrastructure to support both video transmission and control operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated GPIO pins and thereby increasing adaptability without adding device complexity.
2Productivity
If parallel data lines are used for video data transmission, then video data are transmitted, but the lines cannot be used for control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the parallel data lines to dynamically switch between two functional modes: video data transmission mode and GPIO control mode. The system can adaptively allocate these lines based on operational requirements, allowing the same physical lines to serve different purposes at different times, thereby increasing versatility without compromising video transmission capability.
3Speed
If SerDes chip set is used with limited GPIOs, then serial communication is achieved, but design flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality within the SerDes chip set context by configuring the parallel data lines (D[0] to D[x]) to perform dual roles: maintaining serial communication functionality through the SerDes interface while simultaneously providing GPIO capabilities for control functions. This approach preserves the high-speed serial communication advantage while eliminating the GPIO limitation, thereby restoring design flexibility.
4Volume of moving object
If camera size is reduced for simple mounting, then mounting simplicity is achieved, but fewer GPIOs are available for feature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the parallel data lines within the compact camera's SerDes interface to serve dual purposes: maintaining video data transmission while providing additional GPIO capabilities for feature control. This allows small, simple-to-mount cameras to retain comprehensive control capabilities over advanced features without requiring larger form factors or additional dedicated GPIO pins.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system for a vehicle that includes a camera unit having a serializer and a control unit having a deserializer connected to the serializer is provided. The deserializer includes a plurality of data contacts for parallel data output. One or more of the data contacts are data contact general purpose inputs/outputs (GPIO) pins that communicates with GPIO pins of a data processing unit of the control unit.