Cone-textured glare shield for enhanced camera vision

Abstract

To provide a glare shield designed to enhance the performance of vehicle camera systems, particularly those used in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles.SOLUTION: A glare shield features a textured surface composed of an array of micro-cones, or cone-shaped formations, which serve to scatter incident light in various directions, thereby reducing glare and improving camera vision. The micro-cones are optimized in size, angle and orientation to minimize Total Hemispherical Reflectance (THR) and reflection penalty, enhancing the camera's ability to accurately interpret visual data. Additionally, the glare shield may include an electromechanical system for dynamic orientation adjustment in response to the position of external light sources, such as the sun. A manufacturing process of the glare shield utilizes a sintered tool steel insert, facilitating venting during molding and ensuring the precision of the cone-shaped texture.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates generally to automotive safety systems, and more particularly, in some embodiments, to a textured glare shield for improving the functionality of vehicle autopilot camera systems by reducing glare and light reflections. [Background technology]

[0002] Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles rely heavily on camera systems to navigate and interact with their environment. These camera systems are often part of the autopilot (AP) function and require a clear, unobstructed view of the vehicle's surroundings to function properly. The performance of these systems is critical to the safety and reliability of autonomous driving functions.

[0003] One persistent challenge in the operation of such camera systems is interference caused by glare. Glare can significantly degrade the quality of images captured by the camera and can lead to misinterpretation of visual data. This is particularly problematic during low-light conditions, such as dawn, dusk, or night, when the camera is exposed to direct or reflected sunlight or the headlights of oncoming vehicles.

[0004] Conventional glare shields in vehicles are designed to shield camera lenses from excess light. These glare shields are typically flat or slightly contoured surfaces that can be treated with various coatings to reduce reflectivity. However, these conventional treatments are limited in their ability to effectively scatter light, which can still result in significant glare and reflections on the camera lens.

[0005] The effectiveness of a glare shield is often characterized by its Total Hemispherical Reflectance (THR), a measure of the light reflected from a surface when illuminated from all directions. Lower THR values ​​indicate better glare-reducing performance. Existing glare shield designs and coatings do not achieve the low THR values ​​desired for optimal camera performance.

[0006] Additionally, the manufacturing process for creating these glare shields can be complex and may involve multiple steps, including the application of special paints and coatings, which can increase manufacturing time and costs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a glare shield that reduces glare and light reflections on the lenses of autopilot (AP) cameras used in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. The glare shield includes a cone-shaped texture that improves light diffusion and, in some embodiments, minimizes total hemispherical reflectance (THR), thereby improving the clarity and reliability of the camera's view.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cone-shaped texture comprises an array of micro-cones, also referred to herein as cone-shaped formations or cones, molded into the surface of the glare shield. These micro-cones scatter incident light in multiple directions, reducing the likelihood of direct reflection back into the camera lens. In some embodiments, the surface of the glare shield is further treated with a coating, such as an ultra-black coating with low reflectivity and high light absorption properties. This dual approach of textured geometry and specialized coating can, in some embodiments, synergistically reduce glare and improve camera performance.

[0009] Additionally, some embodiments include an electromechanical system that allows the glare shield to dynamically adjust its orientation. In some embodiments, stepper motors are integrated to move the glare shield along multiple axes, allowing real-time adjustments based on the position of the sun or other light source. In some embodiments, this dynamic functionality attempts to ensure the glare shield maintains an optimal orientation to provide the best possible light diffusion throughout various times of day and under different driving conditions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the glare shield is manufactured using sintered tool steel inserts that allow for ventilation during the molding process, which can simplify the manufacturing process and ensure precision and consistency of the cone-shaped texture.

[0011] Thus, in summary, some embodiments provide a glare shield with improved light scattering capabilities, a dynamic direction system, and a streamlined manufacturing process. In some embodiments, these features can significantly improve upon existing glare shield technology and improve the performance of AP camera systems, and ultimately the safety and functionality of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate examples of the subject matter described herein and not to limit its scope.

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glare shield showing a close-up of a conical textured surface for scattering incident light, according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glare shield installed behind a vehicle windshield, according to some embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a glare shield adjacent to a rearview mirror 302 showing a converging tray structure with a textured surface, according to some embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 3B] 1 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a glare shield having an oval or dish-shaped profile mounted to a vehicle structure such as a B-pillar, according to some embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 4A] 1 is a close-up view of a portion of a glare shield showing an exemplary cone-shaped formation of a textured surface, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4B] 1 is a close-up view of a portion of a glare shield showing an exemplary cone-shaped formation of a textured surface, according to some embodiments.

[0018] [Figure 5A] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of cone-shaped formations illustrating exemplary dimensions and angles that may contribute to minimizing light reflections, according to some embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 5B] 10A-10C are cross-sectional views of cone-shaped formations illustrating exemplary dimensions and angles that may contribute to minimizing light reflections, according to some embodiments.

[0020] [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary orientation of the cone shape formation relative to a horizontal plane when a glare shield is installed on a vehicle, according to some embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 7A] 10 is a graph illustrating exemplary results of a simulation analysis of reflection penalty versus normalized cone semi-axis angle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7B]10 is a graph illustrating exemplary results of a simulation analysis of reflection penalty versus normalized cone semi-axis angle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7C] 10 is a graph illustrating exemplary results of a simulation analysis of reflection penalty versus normalized cone semi-axis angle, according to some embodiments.

[0022] [Figure 7D] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary glare shield for a vehicle camera system component, according to some embodiments.

[0023] [Figure 7E] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating exemplary reflection penalty values ​​for normalized cone semi-axis angles over a range of evaluated cone direction angles, showing minimum penalty zones, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] [Figure 8A] 10A-10C are various graphs of exemplary reflection penalty and cone direction values ​​over a range of evaluated cone half angle axis angles used to determine exemplary optimal cone shape forming configurations for different glare shield embodiments, according to some examples. [Figure 8B] 10A-10C are various graphs of exemplary reflection penalty and cone direction values ​​over a range of evaluated cone half angle axis angles used to determine exemplary optimal cone shape forming configurations for different glare shield embodiments, according to some examples. [Figure 8C] 10A-10C are various graphs of exemplary reflection penalty and cone direction values ​​over a range of evaluated cone half angle axis angles used to determine exemplary optimal cone shape forming configurations for different glare shield embodiments, according to some examples. [Figure 8D] 10A-10C are various graphs of exemplary reflection penalty and cone direction values ​​over a range of evaluated cone half angle axis angles used to determine exemplary optimal cone shape forming configurations for different glare shield embodiments, according to some examples. [Figure 8E] 10A-10C are various graphs of exemplary reflection penalty and cone direction values ​​over a range of evaluated cone half angle axis angles used to determine exemplary optimal cone shape forming configurations for different glare shield embodiments, according to some examples.

[0025] [Figure 9A] 1 is a table of exemplary specifications for different embodiments of a glare shield, according to some examples.

[0026] [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram of a color sphere used to verify the specifications listed in FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments.

[0027] [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is an illustration of a color compass that may also be used to verify the specifications listed in FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sintered tool steel insert used in an exemplary manufacturing process for a glare shield, showing an exemplary ventilation pattern, according to some embodiments.

[0029] [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating operations in an exemplary method of manufacturing a glare shield, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present disclosure relates to a glare shield for improving camera visibility, and in some embodiments, the performance of a vehicle's autopilot camera system, by reducing glare from sunlight and other external light sources. In some embodiments, the glare shield includes a tray-like or dish-like structure positioned in front of the camera lens within the camera's field of view and configured to prevent reflected light from entering the lens and causing glare.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-reflective or low-reflective textured surface of the glare shield is characterized by a large number of micro-cones, each designed to scatter incident light. The cones are arranged in a uniform pattern and optimized with respect to cone half-axis angle and cone direction angle to minimize the reflection penalty, which can be a measure of unwanted reflections from the glare shield surface. Some optimal cone direction angles have been determined to range between 55 and 90 degrees, with the most effective cone half-axis angle being between 5 and 10 degrees.

[0032] In manufacturing the exemplary glare shield, a sintered steel mold is employed, which is created using a laser etching process to form a detailed conical pattern. The sintered nature of the steel allows air to escape during the injection molding process, ensuring that the cones are formed without air traps and maintain their pointed shape. This pointed shape can help reduce the surface area available for light reflection, thereby improving the light scattering effect.

[0033] In some embodiments, the textured design of the glare shield eliminates the need for additional coatings or paints traditionally used to reduce glare. Eliminating this step makes the manufacturing process efficient and cost-effective. Furthermore, the glare shield material and texture are inherently low reflective, which may obviate the need for post-molding processing.

[0034] However, in some embodiments, the textured surface is coated with a non-reflective or low-reflective coating, such as an ultra-black coating that has low reflectivity and high light absorption properties. This dual approach of textured geometry and specialized coating can synergistically reduce glare and improve camera performance in some embodiments.

[0035] An additional aspect of the present subject matter is the incorporation of an electromechanical adjustment system that allows the glareshield to dynamically change its orientation in response to the position of the sun or other light source. This system includes miniature actuators that provide the glareshield with the ability to tilt and maintain the optimal angle for light diffusion, ensuring consistent camera performance across a variety of lighting conditions.

[0036] A glareshield 202 according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 shows a pictorial diagram of an exemplary glareshield 202. FIG. 2 shows the glareshield 202 installed behind a vehicle windshield 204 adjacent to a rearview mirror 302. The glareshield 202 may be positioned adjacent to or in association with a vehicle camera system 220. The vehicle camera system 220 may include one or more cameras 208 and other components. The vehicle camera system 220 may be used in conjunction with an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle guidance system. Other components of the vehicle camera system 220 may include a control system and environmental sensors, which are described further below. In some embodiments, the glareshield 202 includes one or more alignment or mounting formations 108. Additional and other components are possible.

[0037] Glare shield 202 generally includes a body 206 of molded material. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 1, 2, and 3A, body 206 includes a convergent tray structure 210 (or convergent light directing arrangement) that, when installed in a vehicle, has a direction of convergence 104 directed toward at least one of cameras 208 of vehicle camera system 220. In some embodiments, a distal region 212 (relative to camera 208) of convergent tray structure 210 is shallower than a proximal region 114 of convergent tray structure 210.

[0038] 3B, an exemplary glare shield 202 is shown mounted to a vehicle structure 304, such as a B-pillar, and includes an oval or dished profile 306. Whether converging or dished, the glare shield 202 is generally configured to reduce glare and light reflections onto the camera 208 lens or array of cameras 208.

[0039] 1 and 3B, the glare shield 202 may include one or more slots or openings 216 to accommodate or provide an open field of view for one or more cameras 208 of the vehicle camera system 220. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the one or more slots or openings 216 are provided or defined in the rear wall 214 of the convergence tray structure 210. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the slots or openings 216 for the cameras 208 are provided within an oval or dish-shaped contour 306.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 1 , the convergence tray structure 210 of the main body 206 includes one or more interior surfaces defined by one or more structural elements of the main body 206, such as the rear wall 214, the side panels 106, and the lower floor 222. An exploded view of a portion of the lower floor 222 is shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower floor 222 appears to include a textured surface 218. Other interior surfaces are absent the textured surface 218. In FIG. 2 , all of the interior surfaces of the glare shield 202 include the textured surface 218. Other arrangements and combinations are possible.

[0041] 1 , the textured surface 218 includes a plurality of cone-shaped formations 402, also referred to herein as micro-cones. Exemplary cone-shaped formations 602 that form a field of the plurality of cone-shaped formations 402 within a zone of the glare shield 202 are described in detail below. Generally speaking, the cone-shaped formations 602 are configured to scatter incident light in multiple directions to reduce glare on the camera 208 of the vehicle camera system 220. In some embodiments, the cone-shaped formations 602 are arranged in a uniform pattern or arrangement 102 across the textured surface 218, as shown.

[0042] In some embodiments, the textured surface 218 is coated with a low-reflectivity coating 110, such as an ultra-black coating that has low reflectivity and high light absorption properties. This dual approach of textured geometry and specialized coating can synergistically reduce glare and improve camera performance in some embodiments.

[0043] 4A and 4B show a portion of an example glare shield 202 including a textured surface 218 with a plurality of cone-shaped formations 402. The plurality of cone-shaped formations 402 may be provided in a subject field 406 or zone of the glare shield 202, for example as shown. The subject field 406 may be at least partially surrounded by a cone-free zone 404.

[0044] 5A, 5B, and 6, in some embodiments, the cones in the field or plurality of cone-shaped formations 402 are configured with respect to their size, cone angle, and orientation to minimize reflections. In some embodiments, the reflection penalty can be used as a measure of unwanted reflections from the glareshield surface.

[0045] In some embodiments, at least some of the cone shape formations are configured to reduce or optimize a total hemispherical reflectance (THR) value of the vehicle camera system. To this end, some configured dimensions 502 and features of the cone shape formations 602 can include, for example, a cone apex 510, a cone base diameter 506, a cone height 508, a longitudinal cone semi-axis 606, a cone semi-axis angle 504, and a cone direction angle 604 relative to a horizontal plane 608 (with reference to FIG. 6 ) when the glare shield 202 is installed behind the windshield 204 or a structure 304 (e.g., an A, B, C, or D pillar).

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, an exemplary cone height 508 may be in the range of 0.65 to 2 millimeters (mm). An exemplary cone semi-axis angle 504 may be in the range of 7 to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the cone base diameter 506 of the cone-shaped formation 602 is in the range of 0.16 to 0.71 mm. In some embodiments, the cone base diameter 506 of the cone-shaped formation 602 is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, the base diameters of the cone-shaped formations 602 in a field or plurality of cone-shaped formations 402 are contiguous (i.e., continuous) to minimize the presence of flat, reflective, potentially glare-generating surfaces within the textured surface 218 of the glare shield 202. Other cone spacing arrangements are also possible. The cone apex 510 may be sharp, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, or may be rounded, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In some embodiments, the cone-shaped formation has a cone semi-axis angle in the range of 5 to 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the cone semi-axis angle is in the range of 7 to 10 degrees.

[0047] In a further aspect, the surface of the glare shield is characterized by a uniform pattern of cone-shaped formations rather than simply being textured. This uniformity can help ensure consistent light scattering properties across the surface of the glare shield. In some embodiments, the precise placement of the cones is such that the base diameters of adjacent cones are adjacent, minimizing the presence of flat reflective surfaces that may contribute to glare.

[0048] 7A-7E, a simulation analysis was performed to evaluate the reflection penalty of a cone shape formation 602 having a normalized cone semi-axis angle 504 of 10 degrees, as shown adjacent to the diagram in FIG. 7C. FIG. 7A shows in graphical form the captured evaluation data for a ray trace, FIG. 7B shows in graphical form the captured evaluation data for a surface normal showing several forbidden normal values, and FIG. 7C shows in graphical form the captured evaluation data for a cone direction angle showing several forbidden cone direction angles.

[0049] In Figure 7D, a range of cone direction angles 604 were evaluated, and the results of these cone direction angles 604 can be seen in the reflection penalty graph of Figure 7E. The reduced reflection penalty values ​​within the minimum penalty zone 702 of Figure 7E indicate that the optimal cone direction angle 604 is in the range of 55 to 90 degrees, and in some embodiments, the most effective cone half axis angle is between 5 and 10 degrees. Other ranges of cone direction angles 604 may be possible for cone shape formations 602 with different cone half axis angles, for example, as shown in Figures 8A-8E.

[0050] 7D also shows a cross-sectional view of components of an example vehicle camera system 220. The components may include one or more cameras 208, a control system 704, and vehicle environment sensors 706, for example, to detect ambient weather conditions or the position of an external light source 708 (such as the sun).

[0051] Vehicle camera system 220 may also include a stepper motor 710 as part of an electromechanical system that allows glareshield 202 to dynamically change its orientation in response to the position of the sun or other light source. This system includes a small actuator (not shown) that provides glareshield 202 with the ability to tilt and maintain the optimal angle for light diffusion, ensuring consistent camera performance across a variety of lighting conditions.

[0052] In some embodiments, the electromechanical system is coupled to a control system 704 that receives input from vehicle environment sensors 706 to determine the position of the external light source 708. The electromechanical system is configured to move the glareshield 202 along or about one or more axes based on data received by the vehicle environment sensors 706. The electromechanical system, in some embodiments, is further configured to store a plurality of predetermined glareshield orientations that correspond to the time of day or the position of the external light source 708. Referring again to FIGS. 8A-8E , it can be seen that in some embodiments, particularly with respect to cone shape formations 602 having relatively high cone orientation angles, the vehicle camera system 220 (and more specifically the electromechanical system) has less ability or range to orient or adjust the glareshield 202 to tilt and maintain an optimal angle for light diffusion.

[0053] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the cone shape formation is designed with specific dimensions to optimize the total hemispherical reflectance (THR) of the vehicle camera system. The base diameter of the cone ranges between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, while the height of the cone is optimized to be within a range that maximizes light diffusion without obstructing the camera's field of view.

[0054] 9A-9C include a table 902 of example specifications for an example glareshield 202. The specifications in column 904 may apply, for example, to the windshield glareshield 202 of FIG. 1, while the specifications in column 906 may apply, for example, to the B-pillar glareshield 202 of FIG. 3B. Values ​​of some of the specifications in table 902 may be verified with reference to the color sphere of FIG. 9B and / or the color compass of FIG. 9C.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the glare shield 202 is manufactured using a sintered tool steel insert 1002 that allows for ventilation during the molding process. This can simplify the manufacturing process and ensure precision and consistency of the cone-shaped texture. In some embodiments, a sintered steel mold is employed that includes the sintered tool steel insert 1002. The sintered tool steel insert 1002 is created using a laser etching process to form a detailed ventilation pattern 1004. The ventilation pattern 1004 matches the layout 102 of the cone-shaped mold 602. The sintered nature of the steel allows air to escape during the injection molding process, ensuring that the cones are formed without air traps and maintain their pointed shape. This pointed shape can help reduce the surface area available for light reflection, thereby improving the light scattering effect.

[0056] In some embodiments, the glare shield manufacturing process utilizes laser etching technology to create detailed conical patterns in sintered steel forms. This process allows for the creation of highly accurate and intricate patterns that are difficult to achieve with traditional machining methods, providing excellent texture for light scattering.

[0057] Some embodiments herein include methods. Referring now to FIG. 11 , operations in a method 1100 for manufacturing a glare shield for a vehicle camera system will be described. While the flow diagrams described below may depict operations as sequential processes, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process terminates upon completion of that operation. A process may correspond to a method, a procedure, an algorithm, or the like. The operations of a method may be performed in whole or in part, in conjunction with some or all of the operations of other methods, or by any number of different systems, such as those described herein, or any portion thereof, such as a processor included in any of the systems.

[0058] At operation 1102, method 1100 shapes a body of a glare shield to form a textured surface including a plurality of cone-shaped formations. At operation 1104, method 1100 configures the plurality of cone-shaped formations to scatter incident light in multiple directions to minimize glare on a camera of a vehicle camera system.

[0059] In some embodiments, method 1100 further includes coating the textured surface with a low-reflectivity coating. In some embodiments, method 1100 further includes selecting one or more dimensions for the conical formation to optimize a total hemispherical reflectance (THR) value of the vehicle camera system. In some embodiments, the one or more dimensions of the conical formation are determined based on a simulation of light scattering and reflection patterns. In some embodiments, method 1100 further includes integrating an electromechanical system with the glare shield to adjust the orientation of the glare shield in real time based on the position of an external light source. In some embodiments, integrating the electromechanical system includes programming the electromechanical system with a plurality of predetermined glare shield orientations. In some embodiments, method 1100 further includes manufacturing the body using sintered tool steel inserts to facilitate ventilation during the body molding process. In some embodiments, the sintered tool steel inserts include ventilation patterns corresponding to the arrangement of the conical formations.

[0060] The glare shield's design is versatile and can be adapted for use in a variety of locations on the vehicle, such as the windshield and B-pillar, wherever a camera is installed. This adaptability allows the glare shield to be utilized to improve autopilot system performance by reducing glare in all camera-equipped areas of the vehicle.

[0061] Example

[0062] Thus, some embodiments may include one or more of the following examples.

[0063] Example 1. A glare shield for a vehicle camera system, the glare shield comprising: a body having a textured surface, the textured surface including a plurality of cone-shaped formations, the cone-shaped formations configured to scatter incident light in multiple directions to reduce glare on a camera of the vehicle camera system.

[0064] Example 2. The glare shield of Example 1, where the cone-shaped formations are arranged in a uniform pattern across the textured surface.

[0065] Example 3. The glare shield of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the textured surface is coated with a low-reflectivity coating.

[0066] Example 4. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the body of the glare shield includes an oval or dish-shaped profile.

[0067] Example 5. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the cone-shaped formations are arranged in a uniform pattern in which the base diameter of adjacent cones is continuous.

[0068] Example 6. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the main body of the glare shield includes a convergence tray structure mountable within the windshield or on a structure of the vehicle, and the direction of convergence of the convergence tray structure is directed toward the camera of the vehicle camera system.

[0069] Example 7. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of cone-shaped formations are provided on at least one inner surface of the converging tray structure.

[0070] Example 8. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the rear wall of the convergence tray structure includes a slot or opening to accommodate a camera of a vehicle camera system.

[0071] Example 9. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the distal region of the converging tray structure is shallower relative to the camera than the proximal region of the converging tray structure.

[0072] Example 10. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the converging tray structure is manufactured using a sintered tool steel insert to facilitate ventilation during the converging tray structure molding process.

[0073] Example 11. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the sintered tool steel insert includes a ventilation pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the cone-shaped formations.

[0074] Example 12. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein at least some of the cone-shaped formations are configured to reduce or optimize a total hemispherical reflectance (THR) value of the vehicle camera system.

[0075] Example 13. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the base diameter of the cone-shaped formation is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0076] Example 14. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the cone-shaped formation has a cone half axis angle in the range of 5 to 20 degrees.

[0077] Example 15. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the cone semi-axis angle is in the range of 7 to 10 degrees.

[0078] Example 16. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the cone direction angle of the cone shape formation within the installed glare shield relative to the horizontal plane is within the range of 55 to 105 degrees.

[0079] Example 17. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 16, further comprising an electromechanical system configured to adjust the orientation of the glare shield in real time based on the position of an external light source.

[0080] Example 18. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the electromechanical system is coupled to a control system that receives input from a vehicle environmental sensor to determine the position of an external light source.

[0081] Example 19. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the electromechanical system is configured to move the glare shield along or about one or more axes based on data received by the vehicle environmental sensors.

[0082] Example 20. The glare shield of any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the electromechanical system is further configured to store a plurality of predetermined glare shield orientations corresponding to a time of day or a position of an external light source.

[0083] Example 21. A method of manufacturing a glare shield for a vehicle camera system, the method comprising: molding a body of the glare shield to form a textured surface including a plurality of cone-shaped formations; and configuring the plurality of cone-shaped formations to scatter incident light in a plurality of directions to minimize glare on a camera of the vehicle camera system.

[0084] Example 22 The method of Example 21, further comprising coating the textured surface with a low-reflective coating.

[0085] Example 23. The method of example 21 or 22, further comprising selecting one or more dimensions of the plurality of cone-shaped formations to optimize a total hemispherical reflectance (THR) value of the vehicle camera system.

[0086] Example 24 The method of any one of Examples 21 to 23, wherein one or more dimensions of the plurality of cone-shaped formations are determined based on simulation of light scattering and reflectance patterns.

[0087] Example 25. The method of any one of Examples 21 to 24, further comprising integrating an electromechanical system with the glare shield to adjust the orientation of the glare shield in real time based on the position of an external light source.

[0088] Example 26. The method of any one of Examples 21 to 25, wherein integrating the electromechanical system includes programming the electromechanical system with a plurality of predetermined glare shield orientations.

[0089] Example 27. The method of any one of Examples 21 to 26, further comprising manufacturing the body using a sintered tool steel insert to facilitate ventilation during the body molding process.

[0090] Example 28 The method of any one of Examples 21 to 27, wherein the sintered tool steel insert comprises a vent pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of cone-shaped formations.

[0091] Other technical features may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, the description of this specification, and the following: While the above is a detailed description of several embodiments of the inventive subject matter, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventive subject matter, which is defined by the appended claims.

[0092] It should be noted that the above description and figures, together with the examples described herein, merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter and should not be construed as limiting the present subject matter. Thus, it will be understood that various arrangements embodying the principles of the present subject matter, although not explicitly described or shown herein, can be devised. Furthermore, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and implementations of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0093] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages will be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that some embodiments may be manipulated to achieve or optimize one advantage or advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages that may be taught or suggested herein.

[0094] All of the processes described herein may be embodied in software code modules executed by a computer system including multiple computers or processors, and may be fully automated via the software code modules. The code modules may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or all of the methods may be embodied in dedicated computer hardware.

[0095] Many other variations beyond those described herein will be apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the embodiment, the operations, events, or functions of any of the algorithms described herein may be performed in a different order, added, merged, or omitted entirely (e.g., not all described operations or events may be necessary to implement an algorithm). Furthermore, in some embodiments, operations or events may be performed simultaneously rather than sequentially, for example, through multithreading, interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores, or on other parallel architectures. Furthermore, various tasks or processes may be performed by different machines and / or computer systems that may function together.

[0096] The various illustrative logic blocks and modules stored in association with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processing unit or processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative examples, a processor may be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations thereof, etc. A processor may include electrical circuitry that processes computer-executable instructions. In some embodiments, a processor includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logical operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, a microprocessor in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0097] Although described herein primarily in terms of digital technology, a processor may include primarily analog components. The computing environment may include any type of computing system, including, but not limited to, a computing system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few. Elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor device such that the processor device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integral to the processor device. The processor device and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor device and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0098] The processes described herein or illustrated in the figures of this disclosure may be initiated in response to an event, such as a predetermined or dynamically determined schedule, on demand when initiated by a user or system administrator, or in response to some other event. When such processes begin, a set of executable program instructions stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., hard drives, flash memory, removable media, etc.) may be loaded into memory (e.g., RAM) of a server or other computing device. The executable instructions may then be executed by a hardware-based computer processor of the computing device. In some embodiments, such processes, or portions thereof, may be implemented across multiple computing devices and / or multiple processors, either serially or in parallel.

[0099] While the flow diagrams described herein may depict operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Further, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process terminates when its operations are completed. A process may correspond to a method, a procedure, an algorithm, etc. The operations of a method may be performed in whole or in part, may be performed in conjunction with some or all of the operations of other methods, and may be performed by any number of different systems, such as the systems described herein, or any portion thereof, such as a processor included in any of the systems.

[0100] In particular, "can" and "could" Conditional language such as "may," "might," or "may," unless otherwise specified, is typically understood within the context in which it is generally used to convey that some embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are somehow methodological for an embodiment, or that an embodiment necessarily includes logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps should be included or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0101] Disjunctive language, such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z," is typically understood in the context in which it is commonly used to indicate that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z), unless otherwise specified. Thus, such disjunctive language generally does not imply, and should not be intended to imply, that some embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z, respectively, to be present.

[0102] Any process descriptions, elements, or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code, including executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, alternative embodiments in which elements or functions may be omitted, performed, or described in a different order than that shown or described, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0103] It is emphasized that many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments, and that the elements thereof are to be understood as being within the scope of other acceptable embodiments, and all such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.

[0104] Any process descriptions, elements, or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions of code, including executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, depending on the functionality involved, alternative implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein, in which elements or functions may be omitted, performed substantially simultaneously, or in the order shown or described, including in reverse order.

[0105] Unless otherwise specified, articles such as "a" or "an" should generally be construed to include one or more listed items. Thus, phrases such as "a device configured to" are intended to include one or more listed devices. Such one or more listed devices may also be collectively configured to perform the stated enumeration. For example, "a processor configured to perform enumerations A, B, and C" may include a first processor configured to perform enumeration A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to perform enumerations B and C.

[0106] It will also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may also be implemented in a separate or integrated manner, or may be removed or discarded as inoperative in certain cases, as may be useful depending on the particular application.

Claims

1. 1. A glare shield for a vehicle camera system, the glare shield comprising:

1. A glare shield comprising: a body having a textured surface, the textured surface including a plurality of cone-shaped formations configured to scatter incident light in a plurality of directions to reduce glare on a camera of the vehicle camera system.

2. The glare shield of claim 1 , wherein the cone-shaped formations are arranged in a uniform pattern across the textured surface.

3. The glare shield of claim 1 , wherein the textured surface is coated with a low-reflectivity coating.

4. The glare shield of claim 1 , wherein the body of the glare shield includes an oval or dish-shaped profile.

5. 10. The glare shield of claim 1, wherein the cone-shaped formations are arranged in a uniform pattern in which the base diameter of adjacent cones is continuous.

6. 10. The glare shield of claim 1, wherein the glare shield body includes a convergence tray structure mountable within a windshield or on a structure of a vehicle, the convergence direction of the convergence tray structure being directed toward a camera of the vehicle camera system.

7. The glare shield of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of cone-shaped formations are provided on at least one interior surface of the converging tray structure.

8. 7. The glare shield of claim 6, wherein the rear wall of the convergence tray structure includes a slot or opening for accommodating a camera of the vehicle camera system.

9. The glare shield of claim 6 , wherein a distal region of the converging tray structure is shallower than a proximal region of the converging tray structure relative to the camera.

10. 7. The glare shield of claim 6, wherein the converging tray structure is manufactured using sintered tool steel inserts to facilitate ventilation during the converging tray structure molding process.

11. The glare shield of claim 10 , wherein the sintered tool steel insert includes a ventilation pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the cone-shaped formations.

12. The glare shield of claim 1 , wherein at least some of the cone-shaped formations are configured to reduce or optimize a total hemispherical reflectance (THR) value of the vehicle camera system.

13. 2. The glare shield of claim 1, wherein the base diameter of the cone-shaped formation is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

14. 10. The glare shield of claim 1, wherein the cone-shaped formation has a cone half axis angle in the range of 5 to 20 degrees.

15. 15. The glare shield of claim 14, wherein the cone half axis angle is in the range of 7 to 10 degrees.

16. 10. The glare shield of claim 1, wherein the cone direction angle of the cone-shaped formation in the installed glare shield relative to a horizontal plane is in the range of 55 to 105 degrees.

17. The glare shield of claim 1 , further comprising an electromechanical system configured to adjust the orientation of the glare shield in real time based on the position of an external light source.

18. 20. The glare shield of claim 17, wherein the electromechanical system is coupled to a control system that receives input from a vehicle environment sensor to determine the position of the external light source.

19. 20. The glare shield of claim 18, wherein the electromechanical system is configured to move the glare shield along or about one or more axes based on data received by the vehicle environment sensors.

20. The glareshield of claim 17 , wherein the electromechanical system is further configured to store a plurality of predetermined glareshield orientations corresponding to time of day or position of the external light source.

21. 1. A method of manufacturing a glare shield for a vehicle camera system, comprising: molding the body of the glare shield to form a textured surface including a plurality of cone-shaped formations; configuring the plurality of cone-shaped formations to scatter incident light in multiple directions to minimize glare on a camera of the vehicle camera system; A method comprising:

22. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising coating the textured surface with a low-reflective coating.

23. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising selecting one or more dimensions of the plurality of cone-shaped formations to optimize a total hemispherical reflectance (THR) value of the vehicle camera system.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein one or more dimensions of the plurality of cone-shaped formations are determined based on simulation of light scattering and reflection patterns.

25. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising integrating an electromechanical system with the glare shield to adjust the orientation of the glare shield in real time based on the position of an external light source.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein integrating the electromechanical system includes programming the electromechanical system with a plurality of predetermined glareshield orientations.

27. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising manufacturing the body using sintered tool steel inserts to facilitate ventilation during the body forming process.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the sintered tool steel insert includes a vent pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of cone-shaped formations.

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