Vehicle Camera Location Determination via TPMS RF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems face issues with determining camera installation locations without interrupting image transmission and require complex cable management, especially when multiple cameras are installed, leading to delays and inefficiencies in stabilization and shared location information.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle camera system that uses RF signals from TPMS sensors to determine its own installation location by measuring signal strengths and providing this information to an image display device via CAN, LVDS, or Ethernet, eliminating the need for manual cable pin mapping and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ethernet cameras are connected through an Ethernet switch to determine camera location, then camera image transmission can be controlled, but transmission interruption occurs during switching process and delay for stabilization occurs when power is switched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/Ethernet switching system with a wireless RF signal-based location determination system. The camera determines its location by receiving RF signals from TPMS sensors without needing to interrupt image transmission or switch circuits, thus eliminating transmission interruption and stabilization delays while maintaining reliable location determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF signals from TPMS sensors as an intermediary medium for location determination. Instead of using Ethernet switching that interrupts transmission, the camera receives wireless RF signals that carry location information, allowing continuous image transmission while determining location through the RF signal intermediary
2Reliability
If manual cable pin mapping is used for camera installation, then camera can be connected to ECU, but complex cable management is required and assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless RF communication system. The camera determines location and communicates with the ECU wirelessly through RF signals from TPMS sensors, eliminating complex cable pin mapping and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable camera connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the location determination function from the cable connection system. Instead of determining location through physical cable routing and pin mapping, the camera independently determines its location by receiving RF signals from TPMS sensors, separating the location determination function from the physical connection complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras share the same camera image resource on one network, then network resource utilization is improved, but location information of the camera cannot be shared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each camera independently determines its location by receiving RF signals from TPMS sensors and communicates this location information back to the ECU. This allows multiple cameras to share image resources while each camera maintains its own location information through autonomous determination and feedback communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables cameras to self-determine their location information autonomously by receiving RF signals from TPMS sensors. Each camera independently performs location determination without relying on centralized location assignment, allowing multiple cameras to share resources while maintaining individual location information through self-service determination
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 autonomously determines its installation location, reduces the number of components required for signal recognition, simplifies manufacturing and assembly, and provides accurate location information without interrupting image transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving unit for receiving a plurality of RF signals which is transmitted from a TPMS sensor unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera for a vehicle and a control method for the same and an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a camera for a vehicle which is provided in any one of a plurality of designated installation positions of the vehicle, including: an image sensor which generates a driving image; a receiving unit which receives a plurality of RF signals which are transmitted from a TPMS sensor unit which detects states of a plurality of tires included in the vehicle; and a position determining unit which determines which position among the plurality of installation positions is a position where the camera is installed, based on the plurality of RF signals which is received by the receiving unit.