Vehicle Image Processing Switching for Redundancy and Power Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arithmetic processing devices for on-vehicle external recognition systems face challenges in balancing high external recognition performance with cost and power consumption, particularly when switching between stereo and monocular image processing.
Innovation Solution
The proposed arithmetic processing device includes a microcomputer with a program switching unit that dynamically selects between a first arithmetic processing program without redundancy and a second program with redundancy, based on the travel environment and vehicle control state, thereby optimizing image processing settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundancy configuration with two imaging units and two image processing units is adopted, then reliability is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image processing configuration switchable between redundant and non-redundant modes based on travel environment. The system dynamically adjusts its architecture: using full redundancy only when necessary (e.g., automated driving mode or critical environments), and switching to non-redundant mode during normal conditions, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the image processing system by switching between different processing modes (stereo/monocular, redundant/non-redundant) based on environmental parameters. This allows the system to adapt its resource consumption level to the actual operational requirements, avoiding constant high power consumption associated with fixed redundancy configurations.
2Measurement precision
If stereo image processing is performed by images from two imaging units, then external recognition performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between stereo image processing (using both imaging units for high precision) and monocular image processing (using single unit for lower power consumption) based on the travel environment. This allows the system to achieve high external recognition performance only when necessary, rather than continuously consuming the power required for stereo processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the image processing mode parameter based on environmental conditions, switching between stereo and monocular processing. This parameter change allows the system to balance measurement precision and power consumption by using high-precision stereo processing only when the travel environment requires it, and using lower-power monocular processing during normal conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-performance microcomputer is used to perform both stereo and monocular image processing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the microcomputer to perform multiple functions: it can execute both stereo image processing and monocular image processing algorithms, and can operate in both redundant and non-redundant configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single microcomputer design to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate hardware for each mode, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an arithmetic processing device capable of switching a setting of an image processing unit according to a situation while suppressing an increase in cost and power consumption. An arithmetic processing device connected to a plurality of sensing devices mounted on a vehicle includes: a microcomputer which performs an arithmetic operation to control the plurality of sensing devices; and a memory in which a first arithmetic processing program and a second arithmetic processing program are stored, wherein the first arithmetic processing program does not adopt redundancy for a failure of the sensing devices and the microcomputer, the second arithmetic processing program adopts redundancy for a failure of the sensing devices or the microcomputer, and the microcomputer includes a program switching unit which switches an arithmetic processing program to be executed on the microcomputer, among the first arithmetic processing program and the second arithmetic processing program, according to a travel environment or a control state of the vehicle.