Vehicular Camera Pixel Region Layout for Bandwidth-Limited Frame Rates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular cameras face challenges in efficiently transferring images to vehicles due to bandwidth limitations in signal transmission, leading to data volume exceeding the predetermined frame rate requirements.
Innovation Solution
The vehicular camera employs a pixel array configuration with a smaller recording pixel region within the effective pixel region, controlled by an imaging sensor and optical system, which selectively outputs image data corresponding to this region, along with storing the position of the distortion center, to optimize image transfer within bandwidth constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the imaging sensor outputs image data from the entire first pixel region, then the image quality and coverage are improved, but the data volume exceeds the bandwidth capacity and frame rate requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel region is divided into a first pixel region (X1×Y1) and a second pixel region (X2×Y2), where the second region is a smaller subset used for actual image output. This segmentation allows the system to process only the necessary portion of pixels, reducing data volume from X1×Y1 to X2×Y2 while maintaining adequate image coverage, thus enabling the frame rate to meet bandwidth constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different functions: the first pixel region provides overall coverage while the second pixel region (a smaller subset) provides the actual image output. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize image quality in the critical second region while reducing total data volume, resolving the contradiction between area and productivity.
2Productivity
If the data volume is reduced by selecting a smaller pixel region, then the bandwidth constraint is satisfied, but the image coverage and quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into a larger first pixel region (X1×Y1) for coverage and a smaller second pixel region (X2×Y2) for actual image output. This segmentation enables the system to achieve adequate image coverage through the first region's larger area while maintaining data transfer efficiency by outputting only from the smaller second region, thus satisfying bandwidth constraints without significantly compromising image quality.
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 ensures efficient image transfer to vehicles by reducing data volume while maintaining image quality, adhering to frame rate specifications, even with limited bandwidth.
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.
Implementation Method 2
The imaging sensor includes a first pixel region. In the first pixel region, X1 pixels are arranged along a first direction and Y1 pixels are arranged along a second direction.
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.