Vehicular Camera Pixel Region Output Under Bandwidth Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular cameras face challenges in efficiently transferring images to vehicles due to bandwidth limitations in signal transmission, leading to large data volumes that cannot meet predetermined frame rates.
Innovation Solution
The vehicular camera employs a pixel array configuration with a smaller recording pixel region within the effective pixel region, controlled by a peripheral circuit to selectively output signals within the bandwidth limits, and includes an optical system with an optical axis intersecting both regions, along with a memory to store the position of the recording pixel region for distortion correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the entire first pixel region is used for image output, then the image coverage and resolution are maximized, but the data volume increases beyond bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary second pixel region from the larger first pixel region for image output. The control circuit identifies and outputs signals only from the second pixel region that corresponds to the effective imaging area, separating useful data from unnecessary data to reduce bandwidth requirements while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the entire first pixel region, the patent applies partial action by utilizing only the necessary portion (second pixel region) for actual imaging. This reduces the data volume to match bandwidth constraints while still capturing the required field of view and image quality.
2Quantity of substance
If a smaller second pixel region is used for output, then the data volume is reduced to meet bandwidth limits, but the image coverage area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating imaging resources on the second pixel region that corresponds to the effective imaging area. Rather than uniformly reducing resolution across the entire sensor, the system optimizes the specific region that matters for actual imaging, maintaining high quality where needed while reducing data elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of active pixel region from the full first pixel region to the smaller second pixel region. This parameter change reduces data volume while the optical system and control circuit ensure that the effective imaging coverage is maintained within this reduced region.
3Device complexity
If the second pixel region position is not stored and corrected, then the system complexity is reduced, but optical distortion cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing the position information of the second pixel region in advance in the memory circuit. This pre-stored position data enables the control circuit to correctly map and correct optical distortion without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while controlling system complexity.
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
This approach allows efficient image transfer within bandwidth constraints, maintaining frame rates and image quality by reducing data volume and correcting for optical distortion.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system includes at least one lens. The optical system has an optical axis. The optical axis intersects the first pixel region of the imaging sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera includes: an imaging sensor including a first pixel region having X1 pixels arranged in a first direction and Y1 pixels arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an optical system including at least one lens and having an optical axis intersecting the first pixel region; and a memory configured to store a position of a second pixel region inside the first pixel region and having X2 pixels arranged in the first direction and Y2 pixels arranged in the second direction, the X2 being smaller than the X1, the Y2 being smaller than the Y1. The vehicular camera is configured to: read the position of the second pixel region from the memory in response to start-up of the imaging sensor; and output an output image corresponding to the second pixel region while outputting the position of the second pixel region.