Vehicular Image Pickup Device Infrared Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular image pickup devices face issues with poor heat dissipation and short service life of infrared illumination modules due to constant activation, leading to overexposed pictures and reduced performance in low-illuminance environments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular image pickup device configuration that includes a control module detecting shutter signals from multiple image capturing units to selectively activate an infrared light-emitting element, optimizing its usage based on image capture events to reduce unnecessary illumination and enhance heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the infrared illumination module is kept on to enable picture taking in low-illuminance environment, then the imaging capability in low light is improved, but the heat dissipation deteriorates and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared illumination module operates periodically rather than continuously. The control module activates the infrared light-emitting element only during specific time periods when image capture is required, as determined by detecting shutter signals from image capturing units. This periodic operation reduces cumulative heat generation while maintaining the ability to provide infrared illumination when needed for low-illuminance imaging.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the infrared illumination module is kept on continuously, then the service life is extended for availability, but the heat dissipation and picture quality deteriorate due to overexposure
Solution Approach 1:
The control module implements feedback control by continuously monitoring shutter signals from image capturing units. When a shutter signal indicating image capture is detected, the control module activates the infrared illumination module. When no capture is needed, the module remains off. This feedback mechanism ensures the infrared illumination is provided only when actually required for image capture, preventing overexposure while maintaining service availability.
3Reliability
If the infrared light-emitting element is activated frequently, then the imaging performance in low light is maintained, but the service life of the illumination module is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic activation of the infrared light-emitting element based on actual imaging needs. The control module detects shutter signals and activates the infrared element only during these periodic intervals when image capture occurs. This reduces the total operating time and stress on the light-emitting element compared to continuous operation, thereby extending its service life while maintaining imaging performance during required periods.
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 extends the service life of the infrared illumination module and improves heat dissipation while capturing clear images in low-illuminance conditions by selectively activating the infrared light-emitting element, reducing overexposure and maintaining device performance.
Implementation Method 1
outputting a driving current to an infrared light-emitting element according to the light-up signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a vehicular image pickup device includes: detecting a first shutter signal of a first image capturing unit and a second shutter signal of a second image capturing unit; outputting a light-up signal according to the first shutter signal and the second shutter signal; and outputting a driving current to an infrared light-emitting element according to the light-up signal.