Super-Sampled Image Frame Synchronization for Vehicle Camera Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multiple vehicle cameras with overlapping light sources cause interference due to destructive wave interactions, affecting the operation of vehicle subsystems that rely on image data.
Innovation Solution
A computer system adjusts the intensity or timing of secondary light sources to synchronize them with primary light sources, mitigating interference by using equations to determine adjusted output intensities and time offsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are activated to illuminate areas captured by multiple cameras, then illumination coverage is improved, but interference between light sources occurs due to destructive wave interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating light sources in alternating time intervals rather than simultaneously. The controller activates a first light source during a first time interval, then activates a second light source during a second time interval that does not overlap with the first interval. This temporal separation eliminates destructive wave interference while ensuring continuous illumination coverage for multiple cameras.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light source activation times are independent for different cameras, then camera operation autonomy is maintained, but image interference occurs in overlapping illuminated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the controller monitors and coordinates the activation times of multiple light sources based on camera operation requirements. The controller receives indications of when each camera needs illumination and adjusts light source activation schedules accordingly, providing feedback-based time coordination that prevents interference while maintaining adaptability to different camera operation modes.
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
Synchronization of light sources enhances the operation of vehicle subsystems by reducing image interference, allowing for accurate and synchronized image data capture.
Implementation Method 1
Areas 134, 136 illuminated by multiple light sources 120, 122 that are overlapping can create interference in images of the area 134, 136 due to interference between light sources 120, 122. The light emitted from the light sources 120, 122 is a wave. When multiple waves overlap they can distort one another through destructive interference.
Data Source
AI summary
Based on a measured intensities of first and second light sources while both the first and second light sources are actuated, and a default secondary illuminator output intensity, a computer may determine an adjusted secondary illuminator output intensity and actuate the secondary light source to output light at the adjusted secondary light source output intensity.