Optical devices for motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical device for a motor vehicle. The optical device (100) comprises: a housing (200) comprising first and second surfaces (210, 220) having first and second openings (215, 225), respectively; a first optical subassembly (300) comprising a first lens (310) and a first image sensor (315) housed in the first opening (215) of the housing; and a second optical subassembly (400) arranged at an angle (α) relative to a first optical axis (x) and comprising a second lens (410) and a second image sensor (415) housed in the second opening (225) of the housing (200). The first and / or second openings (215, 225) of the housing (200) are larger than the corresponding first or second image sensors (315, 415) so that a gap exists therebetween, which gap positions the optical subassemblies (300, 400) with their respective optical axes (x, y) in a given orientation before the optical subassemblies (300, 400) are attached to the housing (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exterior rearview mirror for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to such a rearview mirror comprising a camera housing and a subassembly having a lens and an image sensor or a light sensor housed in the camera housing. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, the exterior rearview mirrors of motor vehicles include one or more cameras to help the driver view the rear and side areas of the motor vehicle outside the driver's peripheral field of view. Such cameras can be located in different positions and in different orientations in the exterior rearview mirror.

[0003] In applications involving camera monitoring systems (CMS), a camera is arranged in a motor vehicle to point substantially toward the rear. On the other hand, in top-view applications, also known as panoramic vision or peripheral vision, the camera is arranged to point substantially toward the ground.

[0004] As used herein, the term essentially refers to a camera that is not oriented perfectly vertically in overhead applications, or that is not oriented perfectly parallel to the ground in CMS applications. The final design (i.e., the final position and orientation of the camera) ultimately depends on the design of the motor vehicle, such as the length of the motor vehicle, the height of the exterior rearview mirrors, the overall shape of the vehicle, and in particular the design of the exterior surface on which the camera is to be mounted (such as, for example, the exterior surface of a motor vehicle door, which is usually not perfectly flat).

[0005] Digital cameras are also known in the art, in which a lens is attached (e.g., bonded) to a camera housing. The camera housing has a front portion and a rear portion, which are welded together, for example, by ultrasonic welding when made of plastic or by laser welding when made of aluminum, or joined together by fasteners (e.g., screws and rubber washers). This prior art digital camera also includes an image sensor or light sensor and an adapter. The light sensor is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) that performs image processing.

[0006] The position and orientation of a camera relative to a motor vehicle is crucial. As motor vehicles become increasingly autonomous, cameras are required not only to detect the environment but also to make decisions based on the captured images. Some of these decisions might include lane detection, side collision warning (WSC), blind spot detection (BSD), and more. If the camera is incorrectly positioned, errors can occur. For example, the increase in vehicle height due to new tires or a new suspension can be significant enough to cause significant errors in the already mentioned lane detection (LD), WSC, and BSD.

[0007] A simple and well-known solution might be to rotate the exterior rearview mirror system, where the camera is located, to a new, non-error-prone position. This solution might be suitable when the optical arrangement in a top-down or CMS system consists of only a single camera. In that case, proper focus can be achieved by appropriately rotating the camera carrier (i.e., the exterior rearview mirror or winglet). However, when the exterior rearview mirror or winglet has more than one camera with different orientations or focal points, correcting the orientation simply by rotating the exterior rearview mirror or winglet is less straightforward, as this involves rotating both cameras simultaneously.

[0008] An exterior rearview mirror comprising two cameras includes a first rear-facing camera and a second camera that faces substantially toward the ground. The first rear-facing camera provides an image for a camera monitoring system (CMS), which can also be used for any type of display, such as an interior or center rearview mirror that can be used, for example, for parking. The second camera faces substantially toward the ground at a generally outward angle. Additional features may optionally be provided, such as guidance showing the parking process for the motor vehicle or indicating where the wheels will roll based on a turn of the steering wheel.

[0009] US20090091651 A1 discloses a dual-camera device comprising a display, two viewfinders and a fixed handle. A rotatable lens carrier is provided with two lens mounting bases so as to switch between the two lenses by rotating between the two lens mounting bases.

[0010] EP1511312 A1 teaches a camera lens assembly for a portable wireless terminal, which includes: a first lens housing, which is rotatably attached to the portable wireless terminal so that the first lens housing can rotate around a first rotation axis; and a second lens housing, in which a camera lens is mounted, which is rotatably attached to the first lens housing so that the second lens housing can rotate around a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis.

[0011] In practice, it has been found that the arrangement of a first camera and a second camera takes up a lot of space and is therefore not practical. Furthermore, each car model has different dimensions in terms of height and length and therefore requires different mirror or winglet sizes to facilitate a specific positioning and orientation of the cameras. For example, a first car model may require a top-down camera to be oriented at a given angle (e.g. 4°) from vertical to the direction of the car and a CMS camera to be oriented at a given angle (e.g. 9°) outwards and towards the ground. However, a second car model may require a top-down camera to be oriented at 5° from vertical to the direction of the car and a CMS camera to be oriented at 8° outwards and towards the ground. As a result, different camera housings will be needed for the different car models. This involves different moulds for making the camera housings for each car model, as the camera housings are typically manufactured in an injection moulding process.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a single device in a motor vehicle (eg in a winglet) configured to output both a top view image and a rear view image, with which single device the above-mentioned disadvantages can at least be alleviated.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a flexible design for an optical device that can be adjusted relative to the vehicle to which the device is mounted prior to attachment to the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Disclosed herein is an optical device for a motor vehicle. The optical device may be disposed, for example, on a motor vehicle rearview mirror or a motor vehicle winglet. The optical device may be part of an exterior rearview mirror within a mounting assembly and configured to capture an image of a field of view outside the motor vehicle. The field of view may extend at least laterally and rearwardly of the vehicle exterior and include a portion of the vehicle exterior.

[0015] In particular, the optical device comprises a housing comprising at least a first surface; a first optical subassembly having a first optical axis and comprising a first lens, a first image sensor, the first image sensor being responsible for a top-down application (i.e., panoramic vision or peripheral vision), such as a camera arranged to be substantially pointed toward the ground. The first image sensor of the first optical subassembly is aligned with the first lens. A bracket is also provided, which is adapted to hold the lens and to support the first image sensor. The bracket may hold an electronic device carrier or a substrate such as a PCB. The image sensor is mounted in the PCB. Thus, the bracket directly or indirectly fixes the electronic device carrier.

[0016] An attachment device is also provided which: brings the first optical subassembly into a first state in which the first optical subassembly is movable relative to the first surface of the housing; and brings the first optical subassembly into a second state in which the interface, which is at least partially mounted on the first surface of the housing, is fixedly attached to the first surface of the housing. The attachment device may be located between and in contact with the interface and the first surface of the housing. The attachment device may be a glue or adhesive, such as a sticker. Of course, other attachment devices are also possible. The attachment device may include a sealing device. The attachment device may be capable of curing, for example, by ultraviolet light and high temperature. The interface may be arranged to extend outwardly relative to the first optical axis.

[0017] A second optical subassembly may be provided, comprising a second image sensor for a camera surveillance application. In this case, the camera is arranged to point substantially rearward. Furthermore, in this case, the bracket may be provided in at least one of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly.

[0018] Thus, the first optical arrangement may be positioned such that the first optical subassembly is arranged to capture an overhead image of an area to the right of the motor vehicle and the second optical subassembly is arranged to capture an image of the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0019] The first optical subassembly may be adapted to move with three degrees of freedom relative to the first surface of the housing with respect to movement in a vertical plane in a first state of the attachment means. That is, the first state of the attachment means may relate to a first dimension, a second dimension and a third dimension, the third dimension being rotation. The first state may correspond to a state before a curing treatment is applied to the attachment means, and the second state may correspond to a state after the curing treatment is applied. In one embodiment, the attachment means is a curable adhesive adapted to bond the optical subassembly to the first surface of the housing. The adhesive may be initially cured in an initial curing process, which may include exposing the optical subassembly to ultraviolet light after placing it in a given orientation. The initially cured adhesive is then further cured in a secondary curing process to a further cured strength that is sufficient to hold the optical subassembly relative to a bracket to be described further below for use in a motor vehicle.

[0020] The first surface of the housing may further include a first opening designed to at least partially accommodate the first optical subassembly. The first surface may be flat and the interface may be curved. However, it may be preferred that the first surface of the housing is curved and the interface comprises a curved surface or a non-curved surface. More specifically, the first surface may be concave or convex in at least one direction, and more particularly, the first surface may be concave or convex (spherical) in two (perpendicular) directions. One side of the housing may be concave and the other side of the housing may be convex.

[0021] Within the meaning of the present disclosure, convex applies to the surface of the interface that curves outward toward the bracket, while concave applies to the surface of the interface that curves inward toward the interior of the housing. In any case, the radius of curvature of the curved surface of the interface can be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the corresponding first surface of the housing. Furthermore, the center of curvature of the curved surface of the interface and the center of curvature of at least one of the corresponding first surface of the housing can fall at the same point.

[0022] The optical device may further include: a second surface having a second opening; and a second optical subassembly having a second optical axis arranged at a certain angle relative to the first optical axis and including a second lens. The second image sensor may be arranged to be accommodated in the second opening of the housing. The second surface may be convex or concave. In other words, where the optical device includes a first surface and a second surface with corresponding optical subassemblies, at least one of the first surface or the second surface is planar, or at least one of the first surface or the second surface is non-planar, such as curved (e.g., cylindrical or partially hemispherical or completely spherical). Any configuration allows the optical subassembly to enter the first state or the second state.

[0023] At least one of the first opening or the second opening of the housing can be larger than the corresponding first image sensor or the second image sensor. As a result, there can be a gap between a given image sensor and the corresponding opening. This gap is suitable for the optical subassembly to move (e.g., shift, rotate, slide, etc.) to position (i.e., orient) the optical subassembly with its corresponding optical axis arranged in a given orientation before at least one of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly is fixedly attached to the housing as described above. That is, the gap between the first opening or the second opening and the corresponding optical subassembly enables the corresponding optical axis of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly to be arranged in different suitable positions or orientations before at least one of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly is fixedly attached to the housing. The orientation is caused only by geometric interference at the point where the bracket and the optical subassembly contact each other, and can be, for example, in the range of from +5° to -5° or from +8° to -8°. Other values ​​are also possible. Therefore, more generally speaking, before at least one of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly is fixedly attached to the housing, the first opening or the second opening is movable relative to the respective optical subassembly such that the respective optical axis of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly is movable to be arranged in different orientations within an angle range of +45° to -45°. In particular, it may be preferred that the first opening or the second opening is movable relative to the respective optical subassembly such that the respective optical axis of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly is movable to be arranged in different orientations within an angle range of +30° to -30°.

[0024] A diameter of at least one of the first opening and the second opening may correspond to an outer diameter of a cable from the optical subassembly to the serializer for passage of the cable.

[0025] In short, the optical device can be constructed as follows:

[0026] - There are no openings, so that the entire optical subassembly is mounted outside the housing and the captured image data is transmitted wirelessly;

[0027] - having at least one opening sized to allow a data line or a power line to pass through;

[0028] - having at least one opening sized such that when the image sensor is arranged within the housing (ie when the optical subassembly is partially inserted into the housing), the at least one opening has a dimension greater than a corresponding dimension of the image sensor.

[0029] The above configuration provides a single camera housing and subassembly for use with a wide variety of vehicle models by simply positioning the subassemblies as needed. This configuration has been shown to be advantageous when at least one of the first or second optical subassembly is a monitoring system for providing an image from behind the vehicle, and at least the other of the first or second optical subassembly is a camera for providing an overhead image of the ground in the vehicle's surroundings.

[0030] The image sensor or light sensor may be arranged inside the first subassembly and the second subassembly. However, the first subassembly and the second subassembly may be part of the same structure of the camera housing (for example, once they are welded), or they may be connected by a fastening, fixing, or attachment means such as glue or double-tape tape. Thus, the subassemblies may be separate modules to be attached to the camera housing.

[0031] The bracket can also be configured to support at least one electronic device carrier or substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In some cases, the bracket can be configured to support a primary PCB and a secondary PCB. In that case, the secondary PCB can be configured as an electronic control unit (ECU), preferably an image signal processor (ISP). The image sensor and the PCB can be located within the housing. Both the primary PCB and the secondary PCB can be supported by the bracket.

[0032] The bracket may have an interface for attaching to at least one of the first surface or the second surface of the shell in a given orientation. The bracket interface may have a non-planar surface such as a curved surface, for example a convex surface or a concave surface. In this case, the radius of curvature of the curved surface of the bracket interface is substantially the same as the radius of curvature of at least one of the corresponding first surface or the second surface of the shell. It is also preferred in this case that the center of curvature of the curved surface of the bracket interface falls on the same point as the center of curvature of at least one of the corresponding first surface or the second surface of the shell. In particular, the radius of curvature of the curved surface of the bracket interface may be in the range of 100 to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 50 to 10 mm, and in one embodiment, may be 15 mm.

[0033] In the present optical device, at least one of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly can be a camera monitoring system (CMS) video camera. The CMS camera is adapted to provide images from the side or rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the present optical device, at least the other of the first optical subassembly or the second optical subassembly can be a video camera adapted to provide an overhead image of the ground surrounding the vehicle.

[0034] The first lens and the first image sensor of the first optical subassembly are both aligned along a first optical axis.In turn, the second lens and the second image sensor of the second optical subassembly are both aligned along a second optical axis.

[0035] Also disclosed herein is an optical system for providing image information from a surrounding area of ​​a motor vehicle.

[0036] The present optical system comprises: at least a first optical arrangement as described above, positioned such that the first optical subassembly is arranged to capture a top-view image of a left-hand area of ​​a motor vehicle; and at least a second optical arrangement as described above, positioned to capture an image from the rear of the side of the motor vehicle, with the first optical subassembly being arranged to capture a top-view image of a right-hand area of ​​the motor vehicle, and the second optical subassembly being arranged to capture an image from the rear of the motor vehicle. However, the optical arrangement can be positioned at various other locations on the motor vehicle, such as at the front of the motor vehicle (e.g., at the front bumper) or at the rear of the motor vehicle (e.g., in place of a parking camera), for example, for top-view, front-view, and rear-view / parking view applications and backup camera applications. The optical arrangement can also be positioned in the roof of a vehicle, such as in a van, etc. (e.g., in a shark fin arrangement).

[0037] A controller is provided and is configured to provide image data originating from the optical device to at least one display. The controller is configured to provide image data originating from the optical device to at least one display.

[0038] Based on the above, a unitary housing can be provided that is configured to accommodate one or more optical subassemblies arranged in a plurality of orientations within an opening. In this manner, for a given camera housing and corresponding subassembly, the relative angle between the two subassemblies (effectively, a first angle and a second angle perpendicular to the first angle) can be different. As described above, both the first optical subassembly and the second optical subassembly have three degrees of freedom, namely two degrees of freedom and rotation about the optical axis, wherein the second degree of freedom is defined relative to the second angle perpendicular to the first angle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the present optical device. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the optical device taken along line 2-2; and

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the optical device in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Generally speaking, Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the optical device 100 is shown. It includes: a housing 200 having a first opening 215; and a first optical subassembly 300. The first optical subassembly 300 is partially inserted into the housing 200, but embodiments in which the first optical subassembly 300 is external to the housing 200 are also possible. The first optical subassembly 300 is allowed to move, shift, rotate, slide, etc. relative to the housing 200 with the aid of an actuator, such as a rearview mirror. The optical device 100 can be fixed to a surface of a motor vehicle (e.g., the exterior surface of a door), thereby enabling multiple viewing angles.

[0043] The housing 200 of the present optical device 100 includes at least a first surface 210 having a first opening 215 for accommodating a first camera lens 310 and a first image sensor 315. The first camera lens 310 and the first image sensor 315 are part of a first optical subassembly 300 having a first optical axis x associated therewith. The first optical subassembly 300 is capable of rotating about the axis x. This is important given that the first image sensor 315 is rectangular in shape.

[0044] These figures show a first optical subassembly 300 having a first camera lens 310, but multiple camera lenses may be included as desired. A bracket 500 having a cylindrical barrel is also provided. The barrel has a base member, preferably flat and circular in shape, that contains or is part of an electronic device carrier or substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB) 600 having a first flat surface and a second flat surface). A first image sensor 315 is disposed on a first surface of the PCB 600. The first surface of the PCB 600 is connected to the bracket barrel. The bracket has an outwardly projecting protrusion disposed in the upper portion of the bracket barrel. However, the protrusion may be located in the middle of the bracket barrel. In one embodiment, the protrusion is non-flat or curved in at least one direction, for example, curved in two perpendicular directions, i.e., partially spherical. The camera lens 310 is at least partially inserted into the bracket 500. The upper surface of the bracket interface 550 is attached (e.g., bonded) to the camera lens 310.

[0045] An attachment means 800 is provided to attach the bracket 500 with the corresponding first optical subassembly 300 to the housing 200. In one specific non-limiting embodiment shown, the attachment means 800 may include glue or an adhesive sheet to attach the bracket 500 with the corresponding first optical subassembly 300 to the housing 200. Of course, other attachment means 800, such as a threaded coupling, may also be used.

[0046] The inner surface of the bracket interface 550 is attached (e.g., bonded) to the surface of the housing 200 by means of the attachment means 800. The image sensor 315 is surrounded at the top by the lens 310, at the sides by the bracket 500, and at the bottom by the aforementioned PCB 600. Once the proper or desired positioning or orientation of the camera lens 310 in the optical device 100 has been achieved, the glue, for example, is cured, for example, by UV exposure, so that the optical subassembly 300 remains in place and does not move.

[0047] As shown, the first camera lens 310 and the first image sensor 315 in the first optical subassembly 300 are both aligned along the aforementioned first optical axis x. This alignment of the image sensor 315 and the lens 310 is achieved by appropriately swinging or sliding the bracket 500. The housing 200 is configured to house the optical subassembly 300, which in turn is configured to house the camera lens 310.

[0048] First opening 215 is larger than corresponding first image sensor 315 and second image sensor 415. Thus, there is a gap between opening 215 and image sensor 315. Such a gap is suitable for properly positioning optical subassembly 300 with their aforementioned corresponding optical axes arranged in a given orientation before first optical subassembly 300 is fixedly attached (e.g., bonded) to housing 200.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the optical subassembly 300 is larger than the first opening 215. The outermost points of the bracket 500 are spaced apart a greater distance than the first opening 215.

[0050] The first surface 210 of the present optical device 100 may be non-planar, such as curved, more specifically convex or concave. In this regard, the subassembly 300 may be housed in the same camera housing 200 and oriented to a given orientation or focus.

[0051] Disclosed herein is an optical device 100 for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing 200 defining an interior space for housing optical device components and electronics. The housing 200 comprises a first portion (not shown), such as a main housing or front housing portion, and a second portion (not shown), such as a cover or rear housing portion. As shown, the housing 200 includes at least a first surface 210. The first surface 210 of the housing 200 has a first opening 215 for housing a first camera lens 310 and a first image sensor 315. The first lens 310 and the first image sensor 315 are part of a first optical subassembly 300 having a first optical axis x associated therewith.

[0052] As described above and as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the optical device 100 includes brackets 500 associated with the first optical subassembly 300 and the second optical subassembly 400, respectively. These brackets 500 are configured to support the first image sensor 315 of the first optical subassembly 300 and the second image sensor 415 of the second optical subassembly 400. Each bracket 500 is adapted to hold the first camera lens 310 and to support the first image sensor 315 directly or through the PCB 600.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 500 has a bracket interface 550 that is defined to attach to the first surface 210 or the second surface 220 of the housing 200 in a given orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 210 and the second surface 220 are curved. The radius of curvature of the curved surface can be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of at least one of the corresponding first surface 210 or the second surface 220 of the housing 200 (15 mm in this embodiment). Furthermore, in this case, the center of curvature of the curved surface of the bracket interface 550 and the center of curvature of at least one of the corresponding first surface 210 or the second surface 220 of the housing 200 fall at the same point, so that the bracket interface 550 is concentrically arranged to the corresponding surface. The radius of curvature of the bracket interface 550 is substantially greater than the radius of curvature of the first surface 210 or the second surface 220 because the bracket 500 is higher than or further away from the center of curvature.

[0054] Thus, the first camera lens 310 and the second camera lens 410 can be held in a proper orientation with the curved surfaces 210, 220 of the housing 200 properly attached to the curved surface of the bracket interface 550. This is because the bracket 500 is allowed to slide on the surfaces 210, 220 of the housing 200 via its bracket interface 550 before the bracket 500 is fixedly attached (e.g., bonded) to the housing 20 when the proper positioning or orientation of the camera lenses 310, 410 in the optical device 100 is achieved.

[0055] Before the glue is cured, when the first surface 210 of the housing 200 and the bracket interface 550 are curved to have the same radius of curvature, at least one of the first camera lens 310 and the second camera lens 410 is allowed to move, shift, rotate, slide, tilt, swing, etc. In other embodiments, before the glue is cured, when at least one of the first surface 210 of the housing 200 and the bracket interface 550 is curved and the other of the first surface 210 of the housing 200 and the bracket interface 550 is uncurved, at least one of the first camera lens 310 and the second camera lens 410 is allowed to move, shift, rotate, slide, tilt, swing, etc.

[0056] In general, when both the first surface 210 and the bracket interface 550 are curved and have the same radius of curvature, the bracket 500 is allowed to slide before the glue cures, and when at least one of the first surface 210 and the bracket interface 550 is curved and the other of the first surface 210 or the bracket interface 550 is non-curved, the bracket 500 is allowed to tilt and / or swing before the glue cures.

[0057] Embodiments where both the first surface 210 and the bracket interface 550 are curved and have the same radius of curvature are preferred because a larger contact surface is obtained, resulting in an enhanced seal, while the thickness of the glue or tape remains constant, for example, about 0.5 mm.

[0058] The glue or tape may be located in a bottom surface of the bracket interface 550, or may be located in a top surface of the first surface 210 of the housing 200. Curing the adhesive may, for example, include applying UV light for about 5 to 20 seconds (although this may vary depending on a number of factors) and then placing it in an oven at 100°C (not exceeding the maximum temperature allowed for the electronics, typically 120°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes.

[0059] A non-limiting example of the orientation of the camera lens 310 in the optical device 100 is approximately 8 degrees in each direction, ie, a total of 16 degrees. The optical subassembly 300 can be rotated about two axes, one of which is perpendicular to the drawing.

[0060] As shown in the figure, the optical device 100 for a motor vehicle has two subassemblies: a first subassembly 300 and a second subassembly 400. The first subassembly is mounted on the first surface 210 of the housing 200, and the second subassembly is mounted on the second surface 220 of the housing 200. In particular, the two subassemblies 300 and 400 are partially located outside the housing 200.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the first camera lens 310 and the first image sensor 315 in the first optical subassembly 300 are both aligned along the first optical axis x. Similarly, the second camera lens 410 and the second image sensor 415 in the second optical subassembly 400 are both aligned along the second optical axis y.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second openings 215, 225 of the housing 200 are larger than the corresponding first and second image sensors 315, 415. A gap exists between the openings 215, 225 and the image sensors 315, 415. Such a gap is suitable for properly positioning the optical subassemblies 300, 400 with their respective optical axes x, y arranged in a given orientation before at least one of the first optical subassembly 300 or the second optical subassembly 400 is fixedly attached (e.g., bonded) to the housing 200. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, a gap is formed between the barrel of the bracket 500 and the openings 215, 225.

[0063] It may be preferred that the gap between the first opening 215 or the second opening 225 and the corresponding optical subassembly 300, 400 allows the corresponding optical axes x, y of the first optical subassembly 300 or the second optical subassembly 400 to be arranged in different orientations according to an angle α in the range of +8° to -8° from a given orientation before at least one of the first optical subassembly 300 or the second optical subassembly 400 is fixedly attached (e.g., bonded) to the housing 200.

[0064] As the angle α changes, the subassemblies 300 and 400 slide, moving them closer to each other until they come into contact with each other. In the embodiment shown, the angle α is 8°, but other values ​​are possible.

[0065] At least one of the first surface 210 or the second surface 220 of the present optical device 100 can be non-planar, for example, curved, more specifically, convex or concave. The non-planar geometry of the surface of the housing 200 and the first optical subassembly 300 and / or the second optical subassembly 400 is of paramount importance, particularly when two or more cameras are provided. In this regard, two or more subassemblies 300, 400 can be housed in the same camera housing 200, with each subassembly facing a given orientation or focal point.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the optical device 100 includes brackets 500 associated with the first and second optical subassemblies 300 and 400, respectively. These brackets 500 are configured to support the first image sensor 315 of the first and second optical subassemblies 300 and 415 of the second optical subassembly 400.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 500 has a bracket interface 550 that is defined to attach to the first surface 210 or the second surface 220 of the housing 200 in a given orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 210 and the second surface 220 are curved. The radius of curvature of the curved surface can be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of at least one of the corresponding first surface 210 or second surface 220 of the housing 200 (e.g., 15 mm). Furthermore, in this case, the center of curvature of the curved surface of the bracket interface 550 and the center of curvature of at least one of the corresponding first surface 210 or second surface 220 of the housing 200 fall at the same point. Therefore, when the curved surfaces 210, 220 of the housing 200 are properly attached to the curved surface of the bracket interface 550, the first camera lens 310 and the second camera lens 410 can be held in the proper orientation. This is because the bracket 500 is allowed to slide on the surfaces 210, 220 of the housing 200 via its bracket interface 550 before the bracket 500 is fixedly attached (e.g., bonded) to the housing 200 when the proper positioning or orientation of the camera lenses 310, 410 in the optical device 100 is achieved.

[0068] In the specific non-limiting embodiment shown, the bracket 500 with the corresponding first and second optical subassemblies 300, 400 is attached to the housing 200 using glue or adhesive sheets. Of course, other attachment means 800, such as threaded couplings, can be used. Once the positioning or orientation of the camera lenses 310, 410 in the optical device 100 has been achieved, the glue is cured, for example by ultraviolet radiation, so that the optical subassemblies 300, 400 remain in place and do not move. A non-limiting example of the orientation of the camera lenses 310, 410 in the optical device 100 is approximately 8 degrees in each direction, i.e., a total of 16 degrees. The optical subassemblies 300, 400 are each capable of rotating about two axes.

[0069] In the present optical device 100, the first optical subassembly 300 and the second optical subassembly 400 include respective printed circuit boards 600, 700 carried by a bracket 500. The main printed circuit board 600, carried by the bracket 500 in the first optical subassembly 300, is configured as a main electronic control unit (ECU), specifically an image signal processor (ISP), for processing the top-view image from the optical device 100. The ISP may or may not be located on the same PCB as the image sensor 315, 415. It is possible that each optical subassembly 300, 400 has two PCBs 600, 700, for example, the two PCBs 600, 700 are arranged in parallel, spaced apart by a gap of 2 to 20 mm, one above the other, with one PCB associated with one image sensor 315, 415 and the other associated with the ISP.

[0070] Images such as overhead images can be displayed via a dashboard display unit or a display (which may be a touch display) mounted in an interior rearview mirror. A second PCB (ISP) 700 is carried by a bracket 500 in the second optical subassembly 400. A third PCB configured as a serializer with a power supply is also provided. The third PCB is arranged outside of at least one of the first optical subassembly 300 and the second optical subassembly 400 within the optical device 100. The third PCB is connected to both the main printed circuit board 600 and a connector such as a coaxial cable or a flexible cable.

[0071] The first optical subassembly 300 or the second optical subassembly 400, or both the first optical subassembly 300 and the second optical subassembly 400, can be part of a camera monitoring system (CMS) video camera. The CMS video camera is configured to provide images from the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first optical subassembly 300 or the second optical subassembly 400, or both the first optical subassembly 300 and the second optical subassembly 400, can be video cameras for providing an overhead image of the ground in the vehicle's surroundings.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame rate of the CMS video camera is greater than 30 frames per second, preferably 60 frames per second, while the frame rate of the top-down camera is lower than that of the CMS, for example 15 frames per second.

[0073] The optical device 100 described above can advantageously be incorporated into an optical system for providing image information from an area surrounding a motor vehicle. Such an optical system can include the optical device 100 described above, arranged such that the first optical subassembly 300 is positioned to capture an overhead image of an area to the left of the motor vehicle, and the second optical subassembly 400 is positioned to capture an image of the rear of the motor vehicle. The optical system can further include another optical device 100 as described above, positioned such that the first optical subassembly 300 is positioned to capture an overhead image of an area to the right of the motor vehicle, and the second optical subassembly 400 is positioned to capture an image of the rear of the motor vehicle. The optical system can further include a controller configured to provide image data obtained from the optical device 100 to at least one display.

[0074] The optical system described above can be implemented as winglets, preferably two winglets, in a motor vehicle, each winglet including the optical device 100 described above. Thus, an image from a camera monitoring system (CMS) video camera at the rear of the vehicle can be displayed on a display (preferably a touch display) located on the inside of a vehicle door. A user can pan the image displayed on the display using a touch-and-drag motion or with the aid of a joystick. When panning the image, the winglet moves, or the mask or image display portion is smaller than the image captured by the CMS camera of the optical device, such that the mask is movable within the captured image.

[0075] The vehicle's vision system includes: (i) a front-view camera having a field of view in front of the vehicle; (ii) a rear-view camera having a field of view behind the vehicle; (iii) a driver-side observation camera (driver's top-down camera) directed generally toward the ground; (iv) a passenger-side side-view camera (passenger's top-down camera) directed generally toward the ground. The vision system also includes: (v) a driver-side observation camera having a side field of view (CMS driver's field of view) including a portion of the vehicle's lateral side of the driver's side field of view; and (vi) a passenger-side side-view camera having a side field of view (CMS passenger's field of view) including a portion of the vehicle's lateral side of the passenger's side field of view.

[0076] The image processing system is operable to process the image data captured by (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) to synthesize a composite image derived from the captured image data. Furthermore, the second image processing system is operable to process the image data captured by (v) to display the image on a display, preferably located in the vehicle, more preferably on the driver's door. Furthermore, the third image processing system is operable to process the image data captured by (vi) to display the image on a display, preferably located in the vehicle, more preferably on the passenger's door.

[0077] Although only a few embodiments are disclosed herein, other alternatives, variations, uses and / or equivalents are possible. For example, the camera housing is not limited to a specific shape and can be, for example, a prism with six substantially flat surfaces, but other different geometric shapes are possible. In addition, all possible combinations of the described embodiments are covered. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by the specific embodiments, but should only be determined by a fair reading of the appended claims. If reference numerals relating to the drawings are placed in parentheses in the claims, they are only used to attempt to increase the intelligibility of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0078] Also disclosed herein is a method for mounting the above-mentioned optical subassembly. The method comprises: providing an image sensor on a printed circuit board (PCB); mounting the PCB on a bracket; attaching the lens to the bracket, for example, by using glue applied to the upper surface of the bracket interface or to the lens or to both the upper surface of the bracket interface and the lens. The lens can be attached to the bracket by other means (e.g., by screwing). The lens is placed in an appropriate position or a desired position (i.e., oriented) and focused with the image sensor to be optically centered with the optical sensor. Thus, the lens and the image sensor are aligned. In the case where the attachment means includes glue, the glue is cured, for example, by UV or thermal radiation. The optical subassembly is then mounted to the housing. Sealant is applied to the outer surface of the exterior of the housing and / or to the lower surface of the bracket interface. The optical subassembly is then positioned in a given position and the glue is finally cured, for example, by UV or thermal radiation.

Claims

1. An optical device (100) for a motor vehicle, the optical device (100) comprising: a first optical subassembly (300) having a first optical axis x and comprising a first lens (310), a first image sensor (315), and a first bracket adapted to hold the first lens (310) and to support the first image sensor (315), wherein the first bracket comprises a first bracket interface; a housing (200), the housing (200) comprising at least a first surface (210), the first surface (210) further comprising a first opening (215), the first opening (215) being designed to at least partially accommodate the first optical subassembly (300), wherein the first image sensor (315) is disposed within the housing (200); and a first attachment device adapted to: bring the first optical subassembly (300) into a first state in which the first optical subassembly is movable relative to the first surface (210); and bring the first optical subassembly (300) into a second state in which the first bracket interface is fixedly attached to the first surface (210), wherein the first bracket interface is arranged to extend outwardly relative to the first optical axis x, and wherein the first optical subassembly (300) is a separate module for attachment to the housing (200), and the first bracket interface is at least partially mounted on the first surface (210) of the housing (200) via the first attachment device, thereby attaching the first bracket to the first surface (210) of the housing (200) via the first attachment device, and wherein the first image sensor (315) is aligned with the first lens (310), and wherein the first attachment device is in contact with the first bracket interface and the first surface (210), and wherein at least one of the first surface (210) and the first bracket interface is a non-planar surface, so that the first optical subassembly (300) enters the second state from the first state.

2. The optical device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The first optical subassembly (300) is adapted to move with three degrees of freedom relative to the first surface (210) of the housing (200) in the first state of the first attachment arrangement.

3. The optical device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The inner surface of the first bracket interface is attached to the first surface (210) by the first attachment means, the first surface being the outer surface of the housing (200).

4. The optical device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first surface (210) is curved and the first bracket interface comprises a non-curved surface, or wherein the first surface (210) is flat and the first bracket interface is curved.

5. The optical device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first surface (210) is curved, and the first bracket interface includes a curved surface.

6. The optical device (100) according to claim 5, wherein The radius of curvature of the curved surface of the first bracket interface is the same as the radius of curvature of the corresponding first surface (210) of the housing (200).

7. The optical device (100) according to claim 5, wherein The center of curvature of the curved surface of the first bracket interface and the center of curvature of the corresponding first surface (210) of the housing (200) fall on the same point.

8. The optical device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first attachment means is located between the first bracket interface and the first surface (210).

9. The optical device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The optical device further comprises: The housing (200) further comprises a second surface (220); a second optical subassembly (400) having a second optical axis y and comprising a second lens (410), a second image sensor (415), and a second bracket adapted to hold the second lens (410) and to support the second image sensor (415); a second attachment device adapted to: cause the second optical subassembly (400) to enter a first state in which the second optical subassembly is movable relative to the second surface (220); and cause the second optical subassembly (400) to enter a second state in which the second bracket interface of the second bracket is fixedly attached to the second surface (220); and wherein the second bracket interface is at least partially mounted on the second surface (220) of the housing (200), and wherein the second image sensor (415) is aligned with the second lens (410), and wherein the second attachment device is in contact with the second bracket interface and the second surface (220), and wherein at least one of the second surface (220) and the second bracket interface is a non-planar surface to enable the second optical subassembly (400) to enter the first state or to enter the second state, and wherein the second optical axis y is arranged at an angle relative to the first optical axis x.

10. The optical device (100) according to claim 9, wherein The second optical subassembly (400) is adapted to move with three degrees of freedom relative to the second surface (220) of the housing (200) in the first state of the second attachment device, so that the first optical subassembly (300) and the second optical subassembly (400) can move relative to each other, thereby arranging the optical axis x of the first optical subassembly (300) or the optical axis y of the second optical subassembly (400) in different orientations according to an angle (α) in the range of +45° to -45° before at least one of the first optical subassembly (300) and the second optical subassembly (400) is fixedly attached to the housing (200).

11. The optical device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The second bracket interface is arranged to extend outwardly relative to the second optical axis y, and wherein the second surface (220) is curved and the second bracket interface includes a non-curved surface, or wherein the second surface (220) is flat and the second bracket interface is curved.

12. The optical device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The second surface (220) is curved and the second bracket interface includes a curved surface, wherein the radius of curvature of the curved surface of the second bracket interface is the same as the radius of curvature of the second surface (220), and wherein the center of curvature of the curved surface of the second bracket interface and the center of curvature of the corresponding second surface (220) of the shell (200) fall on the same point.

13. The optical device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: At least one of the first optical subassembly (300) and the second optical subassembly (400) is a camera monitoring system video camera that provides an image from the rear of the vehicle, and at least the other of the first optical subassembly (300) and the second optical subassembly (400) is a video camera for providing an overhead image of the ground in the surrounding environment of the vehicle.

14. An optical system for providing image information from the surrounding area of ​​a motor vehicle, the optical system comprising: at least a first optical device, the first optical device being an optical device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and being positioned such that the first optical subassembly (300) is arranged to capture a top-down image of an area to the left of the motor vehicle; at least a second optical device, the second optical device being an optical device (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 13 and being arranged to capture an image from the rear of a motor vehicle side, and such that the first optical subassembly (300) is arranged to capture an overhead image of an area to the right of the motor vehicle, and such that the second optical subassembly (400) is arranged to capture an image from the rear of the motor vehicle; as well as A controller is configured to provide image data obtained from the first optical device and the second optical device to at least one display.

Images