In-Vehicle Image Processing Unit with Reflector for Speed-Based Area Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle image processing systems require multiple image processing units to handle simultaneous imaging of multiple areas, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially when performing high-degree determination processing for distance calculation and obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle image processing device with a camera and a determination unit that uses a reflector to image multiple areas, where the image processing unit applies appropriate processing only to selected areas based on vehicle speed information, allowing a single image processing unit to handle multiple areas efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple image processing units are used to handle simultaneous imaging of multiple areas, then the image processing capability is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single image processing unit is designed to handle multiple image areas (forward area and peripheral areas) by dynamically selecting and processing only the relevant areas based on vehicle speed. This multi-functional approach allows one unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated units, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive image processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing unit dynamically adjusts its operation based on vehicle speed conditions. At high speeds, it processes forward area images for distance calculation; at low speeds, it processes peripheral area images for obstacle detection. This dynamic adaptation allows a single unit to efficiently handle different processing requirements without being overloaded simultaneously, improving productivity while controlling complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple image processing units are used to handle simultaneous imaging of multiple areas, then the image processing capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit is designed as a universal processor capable of handling multiple image areas and different processing tasks (distance calculation, obstacle detection) through software control rather than hardware multiplication. This reduces the number of physical components needed, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining comprehensive image processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes processing parameters (which image areas to process, what type of processing to apply) based on vehicle speed conditions rather than using separate hardware for each condition. This parameter-based control allows a single unit to adapt to different operational requirements, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while preserving full image processing capability.
3Measurement precision
If image processing is applied to all imaged areas, then the determination accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying uniform image processing to all imaged areas, the system applies processing selectively to specific areas based on vehicle speed. At high speeds, only forward area images undergo distance calculation processing; at low speeds, only peripheral area images undergo obstacle detection processing. This localized processing approach maintains determination accuracy for relevant areas while significantly reducing overall processing time and computational load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial processing by selecting only the necessary image areas and processing types required for current driving conditions. This partial action approach avoids the excessive processing of all image areas regardless of relevance, maintaining sufficient determination accuracy for safety-critical functions while reducing processing time to meet real-time requirements.
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 solution enables optimum image processing for vehicle speed-based determination requirements, reducing the cost and complexity of the device by using a single image processing unit for multiple areas, while maintaining accurate image processing for both forward and peripheral monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector is provided forward of the camera so that the camera can image, for display in a frame, an area forward of the vehicle and another area
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle image processing device capable of appropriately monitoring areas forward of, around, and rearward of a vehicle is provided at low cost. The device is for mounting on a vehicle and includes a camera, an image processing unit, and a determination unit. With a reflector provided in front of the camera, the camera can image, for display in a frame at a time, a first area forward of the vehicle and a second area, e.g. an area around the vehicle. In the image processing unit supplied with such image data from the camera, either the first-area image or the second-area image is appropriately processed whereas image processing is omitted for the other image. Alternatively, both images are subjected to a same image processing. The determination unit supplied with vehicle speed information supplies appropriate control instruction information based on the current vehicle speed to the image processing unit.