Image acquisition system

Abstract

Image Acquisition System The present invention relates to an image acquisition system (20) comprising an image acquisition module (22) configured to acquire images of the interior of a vehicle, and a protective layer (26) extending between an internal surface (28) facing the image acquisition module (22) and an external surface (30) facing the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The acquisition system further comprises a decorative layer (35) disposed between the protective layer (26) and the image acquisition module (20), the decorative layer (35) being arranged to block the image acquisition module (22) from the interior of the vehicle and to allow the acquisition of one or more images of the vehicle's interior by the image acquisition module (22) through the decorative layer (35) and the protective layer (26). Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Image acquisition system

[0001] The present invention relates to an image acquisition system of the type comprising an image acquisition module configured to acquire one or more images of the interior of a vehicle cabin, and a transparent and / or translucent protective layer extending between an internal surface facing the image acquisition module and an external surface facing the interior of the vehicle cabin, the external surface being opposite the internal surface in a stacking direction.

[0002] Many vehicles feature an Interior Monitoring System (IMS). Such monitoring systems include, for example, an image acquisition module and an electronic control unit and are used to improve the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers of the vehicle.

[0003] In particular, such systems make it possible, for example, to monitor the vehicle's interior, to detect vital signs of the vehicle's occupants, to locate the vehicle's occupants, or to detect the posture of passengers for the management of airbags and seat belts.

[0004] However, such an image acquisition module is visible in the vehicle, which may cause discomfort to the vehicle's occupants who may feel observed. Furthermore, it detracts from the aesthetics of the vehicle's interior.

[0005] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose an image acquisition system whose image acquisition module is invisible to the occupants of the vehicle and which integrates aesthetically into a trim element of the vehicle.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to an image acquisition system further comprising a decorative layer disposed between the protective layer and the image acquisition module in the stacking direction, the decorative layer being arranged to block the image acquisition module from the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment and to allow the acquisition of one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment by the image acquisition module through the decorative layer and the protective layer.

[0007] The decorative layer being arranged to obscure the image acquisition module from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, it makes the image acquisition module totally invisible to the vehicle's occupants.

[0008] Furthermore, the decorative layer allows the image acquisition module to acquire images through the decorative layer. Thus, it does not interfere with the monitoring functions of the image acquisition system.

[0009] In addition, the decorative layer allows the image acquisition system to be aesthetically integrated into a trim element of the vehicle.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the image acquisition system may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0011] - the decorative layer comprises a plurality of through holes along the direction stacking, the plurality of through-holes being arranged at least opposite the image acquisition module;

[0012] - the decorative layer is opaque and / or translucent;

[0013] - each of the orifices has a transverse dimension perpendicular to the direction stacking time approximately between 20 pm and 200 pm, and preferably between 30 pm and 150 pm;

[0014] - at least one of the orifices has a circular cross-section and / or rectangular and / or diamond-shaped;

[0015] - at least one of the orifices is a straight or curved slit;

[0016] - the protective layer is a transparent and / or translucent pane made of glass and / or in methyl polymetacrylathe;

[0017] - the image acquisition module is configured to acquire one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment at least in a range of wavelengths within the visible and / or infrared spectrum;

[0018] - the decorative layer is laminated onto the internal surface of the protective layer;

[0019] - the image acquisition system includes at least one processing layer optical coating applied to the outer surface of the protective layer, each optical treatment layer being, for example, an anti-glare, anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, anti-scratch and / or easy-cleaning treatment layer; and

[0020] - the image acquisition module is fixed in contact with an internal surface of the decorative layer.

[0021] The invention also relates to a vehicle trim element comprising an image acquisition system as described above, the image acquisition system being integrated into the trim element.

[0022] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation of the interior of a vehicle comprising a trim element according to the invention, and

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an acquisition system according to the invention.

[0025] A trim element 10 according to the invention is illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0026] The packing element 10 extends between an external surface 13 and an internal surface 15, opposite the external surface 13 along a stacking direction E.

[0027] The trim element 10 forms, for example, a dashboard, a center console, a roof console, a seat, a door panel or other, installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0028] In the example shown in [Fig.1], the trim element 10 is intended to extend into a vehicle, for example to form part of a dashboard of the vehicle.

[0029] In all that follows, the terms "internal" and "interior" refer to what is facing the part of the passenger compartment on which the trim element is to be installed, as opposed to the terms "external" and "exterior" which refer to what is facing the outside of the trim element, i.e. towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0030] The external surface 13 of the trim element 10 forms the surface visible from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment by the vehicle's passengers.

[0031] The trim element 10 includes an image acquisition system 20 integrated into the trim element 10.

[0032] By "integrated" it is meant that the image acquisition system 20 is harmoniously included in the trim element 10.

[0033] The image acquisition system 20 is for example an Interior Monitoring System (IMS).

[0034] As shown in [Fig.2], the image acquisition system 20 includes an image acquisition module 22 configured to acquire one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0035] The image acquisition module 22 includes, for example, at least one optical sensor 24 and a light source, not shown.

[0036] Optical sensor 24 is, for example, a camera.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the image acquisition module 22 is configured to acquire one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment at least in a range of wavelengths within the visible domain.

[0038] In other words, the optical sensor 24 is a sensor operating at least in the visible range, that is to say for wavelengths between 300 nm and 800 nm.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the optical sensor 24 operates in the visible range but can also operate in the infrared range.

[0040] The light source is configured to illuminate at least a part of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment, for example using visible or infrared light.

[0041] The image acquisition system 20 includes a transparent and / or translucent protective layer 26 extending between an internal surface 28 facing the image acquisition module 22 and an external surface 30 facing the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0042] The external surface 30 is opposite the internal surface 28 along the stacking direction E.

[0043] The external surface 30 forms, for example, at least a part of the visible external surface 13 of the trim element 10.

[0044] The protective layer 26 is for example a transparent and / or translucent window made of glass and / or methyl polymethacrylate.

[0045] By "transparent and / or translucent" it is meant that the protective layer 26 allows light to pass through, in particular visible light and / or infrared light. For example, the protective layer 26 has a transmittance, corresponding to the ratio of the transmitted light intensity to the incident light intensity, greater than 60%, preferably greater than 70%, and even more preferably greater than 80%.

[0046] The protective layer 26 has, for example, a thickness, taken along the stacking direction E, of between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0047] The protective layer 26 protects the image acquisition module 22 from the vehicle environment, for example from dust and shocks and / or mechanical damage.

[0048] According to the invention, the image acquisition system 20 further comprises a decorative layer 35 disposed between the protective layer 26 and the image acquisition module 22, along the stacking direction E.

[0049] The decorative layer 35 gives a decorative and aesthetic appearance to at least a portion of the external surface 13 of the trim element 10 through the protective layer 26. For example, the decorative layer 35 gives its color, patterns, etc., to at least a portion of the external surface 13 of the trim element 10. The decorative layer 35 allows the trim element 10 to be harmoniously integrated into the vehicle and offers the vehicle occupant a pleasant visual experience. In a particular embodiment, the decorative layer 35 is arranged without contacting the protective layer 26 and the image acquisition module 22, along the stacking direction E.

[0050] In another particular embodiment, the decorative layer 35 is disposed between and in contact with the protective layer 26 and the acquisition module image 22, for example, via an optical glue, according to the stacking direction E.

[0051] In other words, the image acquisition system 20 does not include any additional element, other than the decorative layer 35, and possibly the optical glue layer or adhesive described below, between the protective layer 26 and the image acquisition module 22.

[0052] The protective layer 26 then also protects the decorative layer 35 from the vehicle environment, for example from dust and mechanical shocks.

[0053] The decorative layer 35 extends between an internal surface 37 facing the image acquisition module 22 and an external surface 39 facing the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the decorative layer 35 is laminated onto the inner surface 28 of the protective layer 26. By "laminated onto", it is meant that the outer surface 39 of the decorative layer 35 extends into contact with the inner surface 28 of the protective layer 26. In other words, the outer surface 39 of the decorative layer 35 is applied against the inner surface 28 of the protective layer 26.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the image acquisition module 22 is fixed in contact with the internal surface 37 of the decorative layer 35.

[0056] For example, the image acquisition module 22 is glued to the internal surface 37 by a liquid optical bonding method using a LOCA optical resin (from the English "Liquid optically-clear adhesive"), or by a double-sided adhesive.

[0057] By "optically clear" it is understood that the choice of liquid adhesive is such that it does not disrupt the transmission of light, for example from the light source of the image acquisition module 22.

[0058] Alternatively, the image acquisition module 22 is fixed to the internal surface 37 by snap-fit, mechanical clipping or any other fixing means implementing a cooperation of geometric shapes between the image acquisition module 22 and the internal surface 37 of the decorative layer 35.

[0059] Thus, the decorative layer 35 is arranged at least opposite, according to the stacking direction E, the acquisition module 22 as shown in [Fig.2].

[0060] The decorative layer 35 has, for example, a thickness, taken along the stacking direction E, of between 50 pm and 500 pm.

[0061] The decorative layer 35 is, for example, a solid color or defines a pattern, such as, for example, a wood-effect pattern or a brushed metal-effect pattern. Preferably, the decorative layer 35 has the same decorative appearance as the rest of the external surface 13 of the trim element 10.

[0062] In particular, the decorative layer 35 defines the decorative appearance of at least a part of the external surface 13 of the trim element 10 through the protective layer 26.

[0063] The decorative layer 35 is for example a fabric, a natural or synthetic skin, such as leather, imitation leather, or is made of plastic.

[0064] According to the invention, the decorative layer 35 is arranged to block the image acquisition module 22 from the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment and to allow the acquisition of one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment by the image acquisition module 22 through the decorative layer 35 and the protective layer 26.

[0065] In other words, a passenger in the vehicle located in the passenger compartment cannot distinguish the image acquisition module 22 through the decorative layer 35 and the protective layer 26.

[0066] On the other hand, the image acquisition module 22, and in particular the optical sensor 24, can acquire one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment, through the decorative layer 35 and the protective layer 26. In particular, the image acquisition module 22, and in particular the optical sensor 24, can acquire, in a range of wavelengths at least within the visible and / or infrared range, one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment, through the decorative layer 35 and the protective layer 26.

[0067] In addition, the decorative layer 35 and the protective layer 26 allow light rays from the light source of the image acquisition module 22 to pass into the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment to illuminate at least a part of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the decorative layer 35 is opaque and / or translucent. For example, the decorative layer 35 is an opaque and / or translucent plastic film.

[0069] By "opaque", it is understood that the decorative layer 35 prevents visible light from passing from the inner surface 37 to the outer surface 39 in the opaque parts of the decorative layer 35. For example, the decorative layer 35 has a transmittance, corresponding to the ratio of the transmitted light intensity to the incident light intensity, of less than 40%, and preferably less than 30%.

[0070] By "opaque and / or translucent", it is understood that the decorative layer 35 is either opaque, or translucent, or has, for example, at least one first opaque zone and at least one second translucent zone, the first and second zones being distinct zones.

[0071] The decorative layer 35 comprises, for example, a plurality of through holes 42, along the stacking direction E. By "through holes" it is understood that each hole 42 extends from the internal surface 37 and opens into the external surface 39 of the decorative layer 35.

[0072] Thus, the opaque parts of the decorative layer 35, as defined above, correspond to the decorative layer 35 outside the through holes 42.

[0073] The plurality of through orifices 42 is arranged at least opposite the image acquisition module 22.

[0074] For example, the plurality of through orifices 42 is arranged only opposite the image acquisition module 22 along the stacking direction E, or is arranged opposite the image acquisition module 22 along the stacking direction E, and also on either side of the image acquisition module 22, along a transverse direction T, substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction E.

[0075] As can be seen in [Fig.2], each orifice 42 extends in a straight line along the stacking direction E over the entire thickness of the decorative layer 35.

[0076] Preferably, each orifice 42 is a micro-perforation not visible to the naked eye to a passenger of the vehicle observing the image acquisition system 20 from the passenger compartment of the vehicle in which the image acquisition system 20 is installed.

[0077] Such orifices 42, not visible to the naked eye, therefore do not alter the aesthetics of the decorative layer 35 and nevertheless allow the passage of light through the decorative layer 35, including when the decorative layer 35 is opaque.

[0078] In a particular example, each of the orifices 42 has a transverse dimension, taken along the transverse direction T, substantially between 20 pm and 200 pm, and preferably between 30 pm and 150 pm.

[0079] Each orifice 42 has, for example, a circular cross-section.

[0080] Alternatively, each orifice 42 has a cross-section of the shape rectangular or diamond-shaped.

[0081] In an alternative, not shown, each orifice 42 is a straight slit or a curved slit, for example of semi-circular shape such as an arc of a circle.

[0082] In this case, the transverse dimension of the orifice 42 corresponds to the length of the slot and / or the perimeter of the slot.

[0083] Advantageously, the plurality of orifices 42 is configured to allow light emitted by the light source to pass through when it is switched on, so that the image acquisition module 22, and in particular the optical sensor 24, can acquire one or more images of the interior of the vehicle with satisfactory brightness.

[0084] Preferably, the orifices 42 are distributed regularly in relation to the image acquisition module 22.

[0085] For example, the orifices 42 are distributed according to a constant pitch, for example between 20 pm and 200 pm, and preferably between 30 pm and 100 pm. The pitch corresponds to the distance between two adjacent orifices 42 along the transverse direction T.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], the image acquisition system 20 includes at least one optical treatment layer 50 applied to the external surface 30 of the protective layer 26.

[0087] At least one optical treatment layer 50 is advantageously transparent, and in particular has a transmittance, corresponding to the ratio of the transmitted light intensity to the incident light intensity, greater than 60%, preferably greater than 70%, and even more preferably greater than 80%.

[0088] Each of the optical treatment layers 50 is for example a film comprising a specific optical treatment or is formed by deposition of a coating comprising a specific optical treatment.

[0089] For example, the optical treatment layer 50 is an anti-glare, anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, anti-scratch and / or easy-cleaning treatment layer, several layers each having one or more of these treatments being able to be stacked on top of each other.

[0090] It is understood that a single optical treatment layer 50 may have two or more of the optical treatments described above.

[0091] The image acquisition system 20 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0092] The decorative layer 35 obscures the image acquisition module 22 from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, and thus makes the image acquisition module 22 completely invisible to the vehicle's occupants, increasing their comfort in the vehicle.

[0093] Furthermore, the decorative layer 35, particularly because it includes micro-perforations, allows image acquisition by the image acquisition module 22 through the decorative layer 35, while also providing an opaque decorative layer 35 that effectively blocks the image acquisition module from the vehicle's interior. Thus, the essential functions of the image acquisition system 20 are ensured.

[0094] In addition, the decorative layer 35 and the protective layer 26 allow the image acquisition system 20 to be aesthetically integrated into the trim element 10 of the vehicle.

[0095] The protective layer 26 effectively protects, without altering the functions of the image acquisition system 20, both the decorative layer 35 and the image acquisition module 22.

Claims

Demands

1. Image acquisition system (20) for a vehicle comprising an image acquisition module (22) configured to acquire one or more images of the interior of a vehicle passenger compartment, and a transparent and / or translucent protective layer (26) extending between an internal surface (28) facing the image acquisition module (22) and an external surface (30) facing the interior of the vehicle passenger compartment, the external surface (30) being opposite the internal surface (28) in a stacking direction (E), characterized in that the acquisition system (20) further comprises a decorative layer (35) disposed between the protective layer (26) and the image acquisition module (20) in the stacking direction (E),the decorative layer (35) being arranged to obscure the image acquisition module (22) from inside the vehicle's passenger compartment and to allow the acquisition of one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment by the image acquisition module (22) through the decorative layer (35) and the protective layer (26).

2. Image acquisition system (20) according to claim 1, wherein the decorative layer (35) comprises a plurality of through holes (42) along the stacking direction (E), the plurality of through holes (42) being arranged at least opposite the image acquisition module (22).

3. Image acquisition system (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the decorative layer (35) is opaque and / or translucent.

4. Image acquisition system (20) according to claim 2, wherein each of the orifices (42) has a transverse dimension perpendicular to the stacking direction (E) substantially between 20 pm and 200 pm, and preferably between 30 pm and 150 pm.

5. Image acquisition system (20) according to claim 2 or 4, wherein at least one of the orifices (42) has a cross-section of circular, rectangular, or diamond shape.

6. Image acquisition system (20) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one of the orifices (42) is a straight or curved slit.

7. Image acquisition system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective layer (26) is a transparent and / or translucent window made of glass and / or methyl polymethacrylate.

8. Image acquisition system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition module (22) is configured to acquire one or more images of the interior of the vehicle's passenger compartment at least in a range of wavelengths within the visible and / or infrared domain.

9. Image acquisition system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative layer (35) is laminated onto the inner surface (28) of the protective layer (26).

10. Image acquisition system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one optical coating layer (50) applied to the external surface (30) of the protective layer (26), each optical coating layer (50) being, for example, an anti-glare, anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, anti-scratch and / or easy-clean coating.

11. Image acquisition system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition module (22) is fixed in contact with an internal surface (37) of the decorative layer (35).

12. Vehicle trim element (10) comprising an image acquisition system (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, the image acquisition system (20) being integrated into the trim element (10).

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