Vehicle Surroundings Image Converter Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle driving support systems experience significant image presentation delays due to synchronization issues between camera data transmission and processing, leading to discrepancies between actual vehicle movement and displayed images, which can compromise safety, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes cameras, an output memory, pattern memories, and an image converter to synchronize image data transfer and address conversion, reducing input/output delays by using a synchronizing signal to manage pixel-level data transfer and storage, thereby minimizing the discrepancy between actual and displayed vehicle movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image data is stored in input frame buffer and output memory with bank switching synchronization, then data transmission and processing are coordinated, but a delay of two frames (66 ms) occurs in image presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing destination addresses in pattern memory before image data arrives. The CPU prepares the address mapping in advance, so when image data is transferred from the input frame buffer to the output memory, the addressing is already ready, eliminating the need to wait for bank switching completion and reducing the presentation delay from two frames to one frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern memory serves as a beforehand cushioning mechanism by pre-storing the destination address information. This pre-prepared address buffer allows the system to handle image data transfer without waiting for the output memory bank switching to complete, effectively cushioning against the timing mismatch between data transmission and processing speeds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to provide multidirectional images, then driver visibility is improved, but the image processing complexity and data transmission load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single output memory structure that can handle images from multiple cameras through a unified address mapping mechanism. The pattern memory stores destination addresses for multiple camera inputs, allowing the same output memory and processing pipeline to serve multiple camera sources, thereby reducing the need for separate processing paths for each camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern memory acts as an intermediary between the input frame buffers of multiple cameras and the output memory. It provides a centralized address mapping function that mediates the data flow from multiple camera sources, simplifying the overall system architecture by consolidating the address management function in a single component rather than requiring separate address management for each camera.
3Adaptability or versatility
If image data is thinned during read process to fit display resolution, then display compatibility is improved, but processing delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the thinning pattern and storing the corresponding destination addresses in the pattern memory before image data arrives. The address mapping that accounts for thinning is prepared in advance, allowing the image data to be directly transferred to the correct locations in the output memory without real-time calculation delays during the data transfer process.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for converting images of vehicle surroundings that includes, at least one camera configured to start, upon receiving a synchronizing signal, photographing the surroundings of a vehicle and outputting image data representative of the photographs, an output memory configured to store image data to be displayed on a display installed in the vehicle, a pattern memory configured to store destination addresses of the output memory, and an image converter configured to generate the synchronizing signal, obtain the image data from the camera, and transfer part or the whole of the image data to the output memory according to the destination addresses stored in the pattern memory.