Optically corrective camera shield
By setting specific curvature and refractive index in different areas of the camera shroud, the convergence and divergence of light are adjusted, solving the problem of optical distortion introduced by the camera shroud. This results in clearer and more accurate image capture, making it suitable for a variety of cameras and environments, and providing both protection and sustainability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing camera housings introduce optical distortion while protecting the camera, resulting in a decrease in image quality, especially affecting image capture performance in environments with high precision requirements.
Design a camera shield that adjusts the convergence and divergence of light by setting different radii of curvature and refractive indices in different areas to correct optical distortion and ensure image clarity and accuracy.
It improves the clarity and accuracy of images captured by the camera, reduces image blur, is suitable for various cameras and environments, protects camera lenses from environmental impacts, and supports sustainable recycling.
Smart Images
Figure CN121794618A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Priority requirements
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 514,303, filed July 18, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] In some examples, this application relates to a camera shroud that corrects or at least reduces optical distortion. Background Technology
[0003] Camera systems may require the inclusion of camera housings. For example, when a camera is implemented in a robot, a camera housing or mask may be used to protect the camera or for aesthetic or protective purposes. Such camera housings can be curved and typically have a uniform thickness across the entire field of view of the camera. However, camera housings can cause optical distortion. Therefore, it can be advantageous to provide a camera housing that does not introduce optical corrections to improve the image quality of the camera system. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Some examples in this article involve a camera shroud that, in certain situations, provides protection and correction by being placed in front of the camera lens. Unlike typical camera shrouds with a uniform thickness that can distort images, the example camera shrouds in this article are designed with different zones, each with its own unique curvature. These curvatures are calculated to correct optical distortions such as blur, ensuring the camera captures sharper, more accurate images.
[0005] By adjusting how light enters the camera through different parts of the housing, some examples strive to ensure sharper and more accurate images, regardless of the object's distance from the camera. This is particularly beneficial in environments where accuracy is critical, such as surveillance, high-quality photography, or autonomous vehicle systems.
[0006] The example shields in this article are applicable to various types of cameras and lens sizes, making them suitable for different camera needs and / or environments.
[0007] In addition to improving image quality, some example camera hoods also protect camera lenses from environmental factors such as dust and moisture, which can damage lenses over time.
[0008] Some examples support environmental sustainability by enabling recycling at the end of their life cycle, thereby reducing waste. Example camera housings may include features such as snap-fit mechanisms that facilitate installation and removal, providing convenience for the user.
[0009] In some example camera systems, the camera housing is integrated with the sensor, allowing the camera system to automatically adjust camera settings based on the distance to objects, thereby enhancing camera functionality and user experience.
[0010] Some examples in this document may be a type of camera housing involving optical correction. Some examples are also referred to as "optically corrected" camera housings in this document and in the priority applications. Where the context permits, these terms are used as synonyms. The term "optically corrected" is not intended to mean that the example camera housing is optically "perfect," but rather to indicate that in some examples, the camera housing has been characterized or improved to enhance optical performance or reduce optical defects or damage common to conventional camera housings.
[0011] One aspect relates to an optically corrected camera shroud comprising an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion is configured to have a first focal length, a first inner radius of curvature, and a first outer radius of curvature. The middle portion is configured to have a second focal length, a second inner radius of curvature, and a second outer radius of curvature. The lower portion is configured to have a third focal length, a third inner radius of curvature, and a third outer radius of curvature. The first inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the first focal length, the second inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the second focal length, and the third inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the third focal length.
[0012] A variation of the above is in which the first outer radius of curvature, the second outer radius of curvature, and the third outer radius of curvature are the same.
[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a method of manufacturing an optically correcting camera shroud. The method includes determining a first focal length in an upper field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the upper field of view of the camera shroud has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature. The method further includes determining a second focal length in a middle field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the middle field of view of the camera shroud has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature. The method further includes forming the camera shroud to have a) a first inner radius of curvature at least based on the first focal length, b) a second inner radius of curvature at least based on the second focal length, and c) a third inner radius of curvature at least based on the third focal length.
[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a camera shroud having a generally curved shape for placement in the field of view of a camera. The camera shroud includes a body having an optical correction section disposed in the field of view of the camera, and the body is sized and shaped to adjust the convergence and divergence of light passing through the camera shroud in order to reduce image blur and form an image within the camera's focus range.
[0015] A variation of the above aspect is that the main body includes an outer radius of curvature R1 and an inner radius of curvature R2, wherein R1 <R2。
[0016] One variation of the above is that, The main body has a refractive index And the thickness of the main body R1-R2.
[0017] One variation of the above is that, .
[0018] A variation of the above is, where R2 is , and among them It is the distance from the outer radius of curvature R1 of the camera housing to the object in the camera's field of view. Attached Figure Description
[0019] This disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, and in the drawings:
[0020] Figure 1A The illustration shows a camera shroud with uniform thickness located in the camera's field of view.
[0021] Figure 1B The illustration shows a camera housing according to an example of this disclosure.
[0022] Figure 2 It is shown by Figure 1A A schematic diagram illustrating an example of nominal distortion caused by a camera housing.
[0023] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the process. Figure 1B The camera shroud shows two different angles within the camera's field of view. Detailed Implementation
[0024] Generally, one or more aspects of this disclosure relate to optically correcting (or optically correcting) camera housings. In some examples, the methods and systems disclosed herein relate to molded optically correcting camera housings for use with a camera. In some examples, the camera housing can improve image quality of the camera by altering the convergence or divergence of light passing through the housing. In some examples, the camera housing can be implemented to add or subtract different amounts of convergence or divergence to different areas of the camera housing.
[0025] Figure 1AA camera system is shown with a curved shield 1000 of uniform thickness placed in front of camera 100. When object 110 is sensed by camera 100 through the uniform shield 1000, object 110 will appear closer to camera 100 and at the position of virtual object 120. The curved shield 1000 can produce negative convergence and divergence and cause image blurring. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the distortions that can occur in an image from a camera 100 with a shield 1000, with values up to -250 millidopter (mdpt). The distortion value indicates the amount of optical correction required in the shield. In some examples, depending on the shape of the shield, the distortion value can be as high as 2000 mdpt or higher.
[0026] Figure 1B A camera housing 200 according to an example of this disclosure is illustrated. In some examples, the camera housing 200 includes an optical correction section 202. In some examples, the shape or profile of the optical correction section 202 may be molded as part of the camera housing 200. In some examples, the optical correction section 202 (or its shape and / or profile) may be added to an already formed camera housing. In some examples, the optical correction section 202 is manufactured separately and assembled to the camera housing 200.
[0027] The camera housing 200 can be positioned in front of or within the field of view of the camera 100. In some examples, a portion of the camera housing 200 includes an optical correction unit 202. In some examples, a portion of the camera housing 200 is within the field of view of the camera 100. In some examples, the optical correction unit 202 can tune the convergence and divergence of light passing through a local area to reduce image blur and form an image within the optimal focusing range of the camera 100. For example, as... Figure 1B As shown, Figure 1A The same object 110 can be placed at the same distance D from the camera housing 200. Due to the optical correction unit 202, object 110 can appear at the position of virtual object 121, which is farther away than the actual object 110. In some examples, the camera housing 200 includes more than one optical correction unit 202 or an area of optical correction unit 202.
[0028] In some examples, the optical correction unit 202 can be implemented to change the amount of convergence or divergence of objects located at different positions relative to camera 100. For example, objects appearing in zone 210 (i.e., at or above the same horizontal plane as camera 100) are typically farther from camera housing 200 and camera 100 and require a longer focal length. Objects appearing in zone 220 (i.e., below or at the height of ground plane 230) are typically closer to camera housing 200 and camera 100 and require a shorter focal length (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2Therefore, in some examples, optical corrections, such as convergence, can be implemented in different regions of shield 200, such that a lower convergence is added to the object in region 210 and a higher convergence is added to the object in region 220.
[0029] In some examples, the optical correction unit 202 can be implemented by changing the inner radius of curvature R2 of the shield 200 (see [reference]). Figure 1B In some examples, the optical correction section 202 can be molded from materials having a specific refractive index. The optical correction section 202 is implemented in selective areas of a sheet made of a transparent material. In some examples, the optical correction section 202 can be formed using an outer mold and an inner mold, the outer mold and the inner mold having surfaces that are not parallel to each other when the transparent material is injected or pressed. In some examples, the transparent material can be any material having a desired refractive index, such as, but not limited to, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, glass, or one of such materials colored to have a transmittance between 5% and 100%, and / or having a coating on the inner or outer surface of the material or camera housing. In some examples, the material used to manufacture the example camera housing 200 can have a refractive index in, for example, the range of 1 to 4, 1.1 to 3.5, 1.3 to 3, and 1.4 to 1.7. Other ranges of refractive index are also possible. In some examples, the example camera shroud 200 with optical correction section 202 can have a thickness in, for example, the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, 0.3 mm to 3 mm, and 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm. Other thickness ranges of 20 are also possible.
[0030] like Figure 1B As shown, the camera housing 200 may have an outer radius of curvature R1 and an inner radius of curvature R2. In some examples, the outer and inner curvatures may not share the same center. In some examples, the value of the inner radius of curvature R2 may be based on the estimated distance of common objects that may appear in front of the housing 200 within the zone (e.g., zone 220) and / or one or more properties of the housing 200 (e.g., the refractive index of the housing 200). The thickness of the protective cover is 200. The value of the inner radius of curvature R2 can be determined using the following equation in some examples:
[0031] In some examples, sample values for the inner curvature radius R2 can be determined using the following formula, where This is the target distance between the object and the shield 200: Example
[0032] Some examples in this article may include one or more of the following aspects.
[0033] Example 1 includes an optically corrected camera housing, the camera housing comprising: an upper portion configured to have a first focal length, the upper portion having a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature; a middle portion configured to have a second focal length, the middle portion having a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature; and a lower portion configured to have a third focal length, the lower portion having a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature; wherein the first inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the first focal length, the second inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the second focal length, and the third inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the third focal length.
[0034] Example 2 includes the camera shield of Example 1, wherein the first outer radius of curvature, the second outer radius of curvature, and the third outer radius of curvature are the same.
[0035] Example 3 includes a method for manufacturing an optically correcting camera shroud, the method comprising: determining a first focal length in an upper field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the upper field of view of the camera shroud has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature; determining a second focal length in a middle field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the middle field of view of the camera shroud has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature; determining a third focal length in a lower field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the lower field of view of the camera shroud has a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature; and forming the camera shroud to have a first inner radius of curvature at least based on the first focal length, b) a second inner radius of curvature at least based on the second focal length, and c) a third inner radius of curvature at least based on the third focal length.
[0036] Example 4 includes a camera shroud with a generally curved shape for placement in the field of view of a camera, the camera shroud comprising: a body having an optical correction section disposed in the field of view of the camera, and the body being sized and shaped to adjust the convergence and divergence of light passing through the camera shroud in order to reduce image blur and form an image within the focus range of the camera.
[0037] Example 5 includes the camera housing of Example 4, wherein the main body comprises an outer radius of curvature R1 and an inner radius of curvature R2, wherein R1 <R2。
[0038] Example 6 includes the camera housing of Example 4 or Example 5. The main body has a refractive index And the thickness of the main body R1-R2.
[0039] Example 7 includes a camera housing from any of Examples 4 through 6, wherein .
[0040] Example 8 includes a camera housing from any of Examples 4 through 7, where R2 is
[0041] , and among them It is the distance from the outer radius of curvature R1 of the camera housing to the object in the camera's field of view.
[0042] In some examples, the camera housing material includes materials selected from the group consisting of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, glass, and combinations thereof, each material optionally colored or coated to adjust light transmittance. In some examples, the light transmittance of the camera housing material is between 5% and 100%.
[0043] In some examples, the optical correction section is formed using a molding process with an outer mold and an inner mold having non-parallel surfaces. In some examples, the optical correction section is formed in the camera housing by integrating the molded optical correction section into the body of the camera housing during the manufacturing process.
[0044] In some examples, the optical correction unit is configured to adjust the convergence and divergence of light rays from objects located at different distances from the camera, thereby optimizing focus on objects in both the near and far fields of view. In some examples, convergence and divergence adjustment is achieved by varying the inner radius of curvature in different zones of the camera housing, each zone corresponding to a typical range of object distances from the camera. In some examples, these zones include an upper zone configured for distant objects and a lower zone configured for near objects, each zone having a different inner radius of curvature optimized for its corresponding distance range. In some examples, the inner radius of curvature of each zone is calculated using the formulas provided in the detailed description above, based on the refractive index of the housing material and the typical distance of the object in that zone.
[0045] In some examples, the camera housing includes multiple zones, each with a different optical correction unit configured to adjust the convergence and divergence of light based on the distance of objects within the zone.
[0046] In some examples, the optical correction for each zone is defined by an inner radius of curvature that varies across the entire shield to optimize image sharpness.
[0047] In some examples, the inner radius of curvature of each zone is calculated using a formula that combines the refractive index of the shield material with the expected range of object distances in each zone.
[0048] In some examples, the material of the shield is chosen to minimize optical aberrations and enhance light transmission. In other examples, the material includes an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and improve visibility.
[0049] In some examples, the camera housing includes a thickness gradient across its surface to further customize optical properties and correct spherical aberration. In other examples, the thickness gradient is achieved through a precision molding process that alters the cross-sectional profile of the housing.
[0050] In some examples, a method for manufacturing a camera housing is provided. One example method includes the step of designing a region with a predetermined focal length and a corresponding radius of curvature to produce convergence / divergence adjustments for a specific region.
[0051] In some examples, the radius of curvature is determined based on a computational model that simulates the optical performance at different distances and object placements.
[0052] Some examples also include steps such as applying a coating to the shield to enhance optical performance and durability.
[0053] In some examples, the camera system integrates a camera shroud as described above, wherein the camera system is configured to automatically adjust focus based on the position of the detected object relative to different areas of the shroud.
[0054] In some examples, the camera system includes sensors that detect the object distance and provide feedback to adjust camera settings in real time.
[0055] In some examples, the camera housing can be adapted to different camera types and sizes via a customizable mounting mechanism. In some examples, the mounting mechanism includes snap-fit features that allow for quick installation and removal.
[0056] Some example camera housings also include an external seal to prevent dust and moisture from entering the housing. In some examples, the seal is made of a flexible, weather-resistant material that conforms to the contours of the camera.
[0057] In some examples, the camera housing is also configured to adjust chromatic aberration through selective material composition and structural design.
[0058] In some examples, the camera housing includes embedded sensors to monitor its optical performance and signal when maintenance or replacement is required. In other examples, the sensors are integrated into the housing without affecting its optical correction capabilities.
[0059] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit this disclosure to the precise form or particular field of use disclosed. Therefore, it is conceivable that various alternative examples and / or modifications to this disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein, are possible. Since examples of this disclosure have been so described, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[0060] In the foregoing description, this disclosure has been described with reference to specific examples. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the various examples disclosed herein may be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this description should be considered illustrative and intended to teach those skilled in the art how to manufacture and use the various examples of the disclosed optical corrections in camera housings. It should be understood that the forms of disclosure shown and described herein are to be considered representative examples. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for those representatively shown and described herein. Furthermore, certain features of this disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon benefiting from the description of this disclosure. Expressions such as “comprising,” “including,” “incorporated,” “consisting of,” “having,” and “is” used to describe and claim the contents of this disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, that is, allowing for the presence of items, parts, or elements not explicitly described. References to the singular should also be interpreted as relating to the plural.
[0061] Furthermore, the various examples disclosed herein should be considered illustrative and explanatory, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure. All connecting references (e.g., attachment, pasting, coupling, connection, etc.) are used only to assist the reader in understanding this disclosure and do not create any limitation, particularly regarding the location, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, connecting references should be interpreted broadly, if any. Moreover, such connecting references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other. Furthermore, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first,” “second,” “third,” “primary,” “secondary,” “main,” or any other common and / or numerical terms, should also be considered only as identifiers to assist the reader in understanding the various elements, examples, variations, and / or modifications of this disclosure, and should not create any limitation, particularly regarding the order or priority of any element, example, variation, and / or modification relative to or exceeding another element, example, variation, and / or modification.
[0062] It should also be understood that one or more elements depicted in the accompanying drawings may also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in some cases, which may be useful depending on the specific application.
Claims
1. An optically correcting camera shroud, the camera shroud comprising: The upper portion is configured to have a first focal length, and the upper portion has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature; The middle portion is configured to have a second focal length, and the middle portion has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature; as well as The lower portion is configured to have a third focal length, and the lower portion has a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature; The first inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the first focal length, the second inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the second focal length, and the third inner radius of curvature is determined at least based on the third focal length.
2. The camera shield according to claim 1, wherein the first outer radius of curvature, the second outer radius of curvature, and the third outer radius of curvature are the same.
3. A method for manufacturing an optically correcting camera housing, the method comprising: Determine a first focal length in the upper field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the upper field of view of the camera shroud has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature; Determine a second focal length in the central field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the central field of view of the camera shroud has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature; Determine a third focal length in the lower field of view of the camera shroud, wherein the lower field of view of the camera shroud has a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature; as well as The camera shroud is formed to have a) a first inner radius of curvature at least based on the first focal length, b) a second inner radius of curvature at least based on the second focal length, and c) a third inner radius of curvature at least based on the third focal length.
4. A camera shroud having a generally curved shape for placement in the field of view of a camera, the camera shroud comprising: The main body has an optical correction section disposed in the field of view of the camera, and the main body is sized and shaped to adjust the convergence and divergence of light passing through the camera housing in order to reduce image blur and form an image within the focus range of the camera.
5. The camera housing according to claim 4, wherein the body comprises an outer radius of curvature R1 and an inner radius of curvature R2, and wherein R1 < R2.
6. The camera housing according to claim 5, wherein... The body having a refractive index And the thickness of said body R1 - R2.
7. The camera housing according to claim 6, wherein... 。 8. The camera housing according to claim 7, wherein R2 is: , and among them It is the distance from the outer radius of curvature R1 of the camera housing to the object in the field of view of the camera.
9. The camera housing of claim 8, wherein the material of the body is selected from the group consisting of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, glass, and combinations thereof, each material optionally being colored or coated to adjust light transmittance.
10. The camera housing according to claim 9, wherein the light transmittance of the material is between 5% and 100%.
11. The camera housing according to claim 4, wherein the optical correction part is formed by using a molding process of an outer mold and an inner mold having non-parallel surfaces.
12. The camera housing of claim 11, wherein the optical correction portion is formed in the camera housing by integrating the molded optical correction portion into the body of the camera housing during the manufacturing process.
13. The camera housing of claim 4, wherein the optical correction unit is configured to adjust the convergence and divergence of light from objects located at different distances from the camera, thereby optimizing the focusing of the object in both the near field of view and the far field of view.
14. The camera shroud of claim 13, wherein the convergence / divergence adjustment is achieved by changing the inner radius of curvature in different zones of the camera shroud, each zone corresponding to a typical range of object distances from the camera.
15. The camera housing of claim 14, wherein the region comprises an upper region configured for distant objects and a lower region configured for near objects, wherein each region has a different inner radius of curvature optimized for its respective distance range.