In-Vehicle Video Hub Architecture for Scalable Multi-Recorder Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional in-vehicle audiovisual systems face limitations in the number of supported video recorders, real-time video processing, and scalability due to processor capabilities and input/output port constraints, leading to issues with video and audio synchronization and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A scalable in-vehicle video system with a separable signal control apparatus that separates video processing, signal integration, and connection functions, using a hub device with multiple interfaces to connect sensors, external circuits, and video recorders, without processing audiovisual data, thus improving scalability and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the in-vehicle audiovisual system integrates audio and video processing and communication function, then the system functionality is improved, but power consumption increases and heat dissipation problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: audio processing unit, video processing unit, and communication unit. Each module operates independently with its own processor, allowing the system to activate only the necessary components based on operational requirements, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts power consumption by activating or deactivating specific processing modules based on real-time operational needs. When communication functions are not required, the communication processor can enter low-power mode or shut down, similarly for audio/video processing modules when their respective functions are not active, thus optimizing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the processor processes audiovisual data and data transmission, then the system integrates multiple functions, but the load on the processor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidprocessor load
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing workload is segmented across multiple specialized processors: an audio processor dedicated to audio data, a video processor for video data, and a communication processor for data transmission. This segmentation distributes the computational load, preventing any single processor from becoming overwhelmed while maintaining integrated system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hub device acts as an intermediary between the various processing modules and external systems. The hub manages data flow and communication protocols, offloading complex coordination tasks from the individual processors and reducing their computational burden while maintaining system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the in-vehicle audiovisual system supports multiple video recorders, then the system capability is improved, but the quantity is limited by processor capability and I/O port constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capabilityVSAvoidprocessor capability limitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hub device provides multiple universal I/O ports that can interface with various types of video recorders and peripheral devices. Each port can independently connect to a video recorder, and the system can dynamically allocate processing resources to support multiple simultaneous connections, thereby expanding system capability beyond traditional processor and port limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hub device serves as an intermediary that manages connections between multiple video recorders and the central processing system. It handles data routing, protocol conversion, and resource allocation, allowing the system to support multiple video recorders without overwhelming the main processor, thus overcoming processor capability and I/O port constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If the system processes video and audio synchronization, then the processing quality is improved, but the system encounters synchronization problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing qualityVSAvoidvideo and audio synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the video processor and audio processor continuously monitor each other's processing status and timing information. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts processing rates and buffering to maintain precise synchronization between video and audio streams, thereby improving both processing quality and synchronization reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated synchronization module acts as an intermediary between the video and audio processing paths. This module coordinates timing signals, manages buffer synchronization, and ensures that video and audio frames are properly aligned, thereby resolving synchronization problems while maintaining high processing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4494945A1Scalable in-vehicle video system and signal control apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 GETAC TECH CORP
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AI summary

A scalable in-vehicle video system and a signal control apparatus (300) are provided. The signal control apparatus (300) of the scalable in-vehicle video system can be a standalone device that is used to connect with various peripheral devices for transmitting signals. The signal control apparatus (300) can implement an audiovisual hub device, and can be disposed in a vehicle. The signal control apparatus (300) includes a control unit (301), multiple interfaces (304a, 304b, 304c), at least one communication port (305), and multiple wireless or wired connection ports (306a, 306b). The signal control apparatus (300) connects with a sensor and an external circuit (313) via the multiple interfaces (304a, 304b, 304c), connects with an external system (317) via the communication port (305), and connects with multiple video recorders (315, 316) via the connection ports (306a, 306b). Audiovisual files generated by the video recorders (315, 316) can be stored to a memory module of the signal control apparatus (300), or can be transmitted to the external system (317) through the signal control apparatus (300).