Vehicular Vision Architecture With Centralized Camera Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imaging systems face challenges in efficiently processing and transferring image data from cameras to display devices, leading to high development costs, complexity, and outdated driver assistance systems due to the integration of sophisticated image processing hardware in cameras.
Innovation Solution
The system transfers the graphic engine and image processing functions from the camera to the head unit or display device, utilizing a simplified data transfer interface, such as LVDS or Ethernet, and establishes a bidirectional control channel for camera control, reducing camera electronics to basic image capture and power supply functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sophisticated image processing hardware is integrated in cameras, then image processing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the graphic engine and image processing functions from the camera hardware and relocates them to software running on the head unit or mobile device. This extraction eliminates complex electronics from the camera, reducing device complexity while maintaining advanced image processing capabilities through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified data transfer interface (LVDS or Ethernet) as an intermediary between the camera and the processing unit. This intermediary enables efficient communication while allowing the camera to remain simple, as all complex processing occurs through this standardized interface on the head unit side.
2Extent of automation
If sophisticated image processing hardware is integrated in cameras, then image processing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting image processing functions from hardware to software, the patent eliminates expensive specialized electronics from the camera assembly. This reduces bill of materials costs and simplifies manufacturing processes, while the processing capability is maintained through software licensed or developed for the head unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard, readily available components for the camera (sensor, lens, basic electronics) rather than expensive customized processing hardware. The camera can be manufactured using conventional processes, while advanced features are provided through software updates rather than hardware changes.
3Device complexity
If camera electronics are simplified to basic functions, then device complexity is reduced, but image processing capability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the image processing function to a different dimension - from the camera hardware domain to the software/domain of the head unit or mobile device. This dimensional shift allows the camera to remain simple while the processing capability is enhanced through software algorithms running on more powerful computing platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The head unit or mobile device serves multiple functions including media playback, navigation, and now image processing. By leveraging the existing processing power of these universal devices, the system avoids adding dedicated processing hardware to the camera while maintaining comprehensive image processing capability.
4Device complexity
If image processing is transferred to head unit, then camera complexity is reduced, but data transfer requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LVDS or Ethernet as an intermediary data transfer interface that is optimized for high-bandwidth communication. These standardized interfaces efficiently handle the data transfer from the camera sensor to the head unit, managing the data volume requirements through protocol optimization and physical layer design.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a central video/image processor configured to connect via a plurality of bidirectional mono-coaxial cables of a vehicle with a plurality of vehicular cameras of the vehicle. The central video/image processor includes an image processor. Each respective bidirectional mono-coaxial cable connecting the central video/image processor with a respective vehicular camera (i) carries control data from the central video/image processor to the respective vehicular camera and (ii) carries image data captured by the respective vehicular camera from the respective vehicular camera to the central video/image processor. Image data captured by at least a forward-viewing camera carried to the central video/image processor via a respective bidirectional mono-coaxial cable may be processed at the image processor of the central video/image processor to detect an object present exterior of the vehicle or may be processed for a plurality of driver assistance systems of the vehicle.