Optically corrected camera shield

Abstract

An optically appropriate camera shield for placement in front of a camera is disclosed. When a curved shield with uniform thickness is placed in front of the camera, the shield may generate optical distortion. Optical correction can be performed on the shield by adding a certain amount of vergence to a specific region of the shield. The amount of vergence can be added by changing the radius of curvature on the inside of the shield so that the thickness of the shield is not uniform.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 514,303, filed on Jul. 18, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] In some examples, this application relates to a camera shield that is optically corrected or at least reduces optical distortion.

Background Art

[0003] A camera shield may desirably be included in a camera system. For example, when a camera is implemented in a robot, a camera shield or face shield can protect the camera or can be for aesthetic or protective reasons. Such a camera shield may be curved and typically has a uniform thickness across the entire field of view of the camera. However, a camera shield can cause optical distortion. Thus, it may be advantageous to provide a camera shield that does not introduce optical correction to improve the image quality of a camera system.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some examples herein relate to a camera shield that can provide a protective correction cover, optionally placed in front of a camera lens. Unlike typical camera shields that have a uniform thickness and can distort images, the exemplary camera shields herein are designed to have different zones, and each zone has its own unique curvature. These curvatures are calculated to correct optical distortions such as blurring, ensuring that the camera captures clearer and more accurate images.

[0005] By adjusting the path of light entering the camera through different parts of the shield, some examples attempt to ensure that images are sharper and more accurate, regardless of the distance of objects from the camera. This can be particularly beneficial in environments where accuracy is critical, such as surveillance, high-quality photography, or autonomous driving systems.

[0006] The exemplary shields described herein can be adapted to fit various types of cameras and lens sizes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications to meet different camera needs and / or environments.

[0007] In addition to improving image quality, some camera shields also protect the camera lens from environmental factors such as dust and moisture that can damage the lens over time.

[0008] Some examples support environmental sustainability by enabling recycling at the end of their lifecycle and reducing waste. Exemplary camera shields may include features such as a snap-fit ​​mechanism, making installation and removal easy and providing convenience to the user.

[0009] In some exemplary camera systems, the camera shield is integrated with sensors that allow the camera system to automatically adjust camera settings based on the distance to objects, improving camera functionality and user experience.

[0010] Some examples herein may relate to optically corrected camera shields. Some examples are also referred to herein and in the priority application as “optically correct” camera shields. These terms are used synonymously where context allows. The term “optically correct” (or “corrected”) is not intended to indicate that the exemplary camera shield is optically “perfect” as is, but rather, in some examples, means that the camera shield has been characterized or improved in order to improve optical performance or to reduce optical defects or defects of conventional camera shields.

[0011] One embodiment relates to an optically corrected camera shield, the camera shield comprising an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion is configured to have a first focal length, wherein the upper portion has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature. The intermediate portion is configured to have a second focal length, wherein the intermediate portion has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature. The lower portion is configured to have a third focal length, wherein 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 based on at least a first focal length, the second inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least a second focal length, and the third inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least a third focal length.

[0012] In the modified form of the above-described embodiment, 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 the present disclosure includes a method for manufacturing an optically corrected camera shield. The method includes determining a first focal length in the upper field of view of the camera shield such that the upper field of view of the camera shield has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature. The method further includes determining a second focal length in the middle field of view of the camera shield such that the middle field of view of the camera shield has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature. The method also includes determining a third focal length in the lower field of view of the camera shield such that the lower field of view of the camera shield has a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature. The method also includes forming the camera shield such that it has a) a first inner radius of curvature based on at least a first focal length, b) a second inner radius of curvature based on at least a second focal length, and c) a third inner radius of curvature based on at least a third focal length.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a camera shield having a substantially curved shape for placement within the field of view of a camera. The camera shield has an optical correction positioned within the field of view of the camera and comprises a body having a size and shape such that it adjusts the vergence of light passing through the camera shield to reduce image blur and form an image within the focal range of the camera.

[0015] A modified form of the above-described embodiment is one in which the main body includes an outer radius of curvature R1 and an inner radius of curvature R2, and R1 <R2である。

[0016] A modified form of the above-described embodiment is:

number

[0017] A modified form of the above-described embodiment is:

number

[0018] The camera shield of claim 7, where R2 is [Number] and where d is the distance from the outer radius of curvature R1 of the camera shield to an object within the field of view of the camera.

[0019] [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0020]

[0021] This disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0022] [Figure 1A] FIG. showing a camera shield having a uniform thickness located within the field of view of the camera.

[0023] [Figure 1B] FIG. showing a camera shield according to an exemplary example of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 2] FIG. showing an exemplary nominal distortion caused by the camera shield of FIG. 1A.

[0025] [Figure 3] FIG. showing two different angles within the field of view of the camera through the camera shield of FIG. 1B. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0026] Generally speaking, one or more aspects of this disclosure relate to optically appropriate (or optically corrected) camera shields. In some examples, the methods and systems disclosed herein relate to molded optically appropriate camera shields for use with cameras. In some examples, the camera shield can improve the image quality of the camera by changing the vergence of light passing through the shield. In some examples, the camera shield can be implemented to add or subtract different amounts of vergence to different areas of the camera shield.

[0027] Figure 1A shows a camera system with a curved shield 1000 of uniform thickness placed in front of the camera 100. When object 110 is detected by the camera 100 through the uniform shield 1000, it appears closer to the camera 100 and at the location of the virtual object 120. The curved shield 1000 can generate negative vergence and induce image blurring. Figure 3 shows the distortion that can occur in the image of camera 100 with the shield 1000, reaching values ​​up to -250 millidoptri (mdpt). The distortion value indicates the amount of optical correction required in the shield. In some examples, the distortion value can be up to 2000 mdpt or more, depending on the shape of the shield.

[0028] Figure 1B shows a camera shield 200 according to an exemplary example of the present disclosure. In certain examples, the camera shield 200 includes an optical compensator 202. In some examples, the shape or profile of the optical compensator 202 can be molded as part of the camera shield 200. In some examples, the optical compensator 202 (or shape and / or profile) can be added to an already formed camera shield. In certain examples, the optical compensator 202 is manufactured separately and assembled into the camera shield 200.

[0029] The camera shield 200 can be positioned in front of or within the field of view of the camera 100. In certain examples, a portion of the camera shield 200 includes optical correction 202. In certain examples, a portion of the camera shield 200 is within the field of view of the camera 100. In certain examples, the optical correction 202 can reduce image blur by adjusting the vergence of light passing through a local area, thereby forming an image within the optimal focal range of the camera 100. For example, as shown in Figure 1B, the same object 110 in Figure 1A can be positioned at the same distance D from the camera shield 200. The optical correction 202 allows object 110 to appear at the location of a virtual object 121 that is further away than the actual object 110. In certain examples, the camera shield 200 includes multiple optical corrections 202 or optical correction 202 regions.

[0030] In some examples, optical correction 202 can be implemented to vary the amount of vergence of objects positioned at different locations relative to camera 100. For example, objects appearing in zone 210, which is on the same horizontal plane as camera 100 or above it, are typically further away from the camera shield 200 and camera 100 and require a longer focal length. Objects appearing in zone 220, which is below or at ground level 230, are typically closer to the camera shield 200 and camera 100 and require a shorter focal length (see Figure 2). Therefore, in some examples, optical correction, such as vergence, can be implemented in different areas of the shield 200 so that lower vergence is added to objects in zone 210 and higher vergence is added to objects in zone 220.

[0031] In some examples, optical correction 202 can be implemented by varying the inner radius of curvature R2 of the shield 200 (see Figure 1B). In some examples, optical correction 202 can be implemented by molding a selective area of ​​a sheet made of a transparent material having a specific refractive index n. In some examples, optical correction 202 can be formed by using an outer mold and an 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 with a desired refractive index, including, but not limited to, one of the following: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, glass, or a material 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 shield. In some examples, the material used to make an exemplary camera shield 200 can have a refractive index n in the range of, for example, 1 to 4, 1.1 to 3.5, 1.3 to 3, and 1.4 to 1.7. Other ranges of refractive index are possible. In some examples, an exemplary camera shield 200 with optical correction 202 may have a thickness t in the range of, for example, 0.5–2 mm, 0.3–3 mm, and 0.8–1.5 mm. Other ranges of thickness are possible.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1B, the camera shield 200 may have an outer radius of curvature R1 and an inner radius of curvature R2. In some examples, the outer and inner curvatures do not have to share the same center. In some examples, the value of the inner radius of curvature R2 can be determined based on the estimated distance of common objects that may appear in front of the shield 200 within a zone, such as zone 220, and / or one or more properties of the shield 200 (e.g., refractive index n of the shield 200, thickness t of the shield 200). In some examples, the range of values ​​for the inner radius of curvature R2 can be determined using the following formula.

number

[0033] In some examples, an exemplary value of the inner radius of curvature R2 can be determined using the following formula, where d is the target distance between the object and the shield 200.

number

[0034] Some examples in this specification may include one or more of the following embodiments:

[0035] Embodiment 1 is an optically corrected camera shield comprising: an upper portion configured to have a first focal length, wherein the upper portion has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature; an intermediate portion configured to have a second focal length, wherein the intermediate portion has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature; and a lower portion configured to have a third focal length, wherein the lower portion has a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature, wherein the first inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least the first focal length, the second inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least the second focal length, and the third inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least the third focal length.

[0036] Example 2 includes the camera shield described in 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.

[0037] Example 3 is a method for manufacturing an optically corrected camera shield, the method comprising determining a first focal length within an upper field of view of the camera shield, the upper field of view of the camera shield having a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature; determining a second focal length within an intermediate field of view of the camera shield, the intermediate field of view of the camera shield having a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature; determining a third focal length within a lower field of view of the camera shield, the lower field of view of the camera shield having a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature; and forming the camera shield to have a) a first inner radius of curvature based at least on the first focal length, b) a second inner radius of curvature based at least on the second focal length, and c) a third inner radius of curvature based at least on the third focal length.

[0038] Example 4 is a camera shield having a generally curved shape for placement within a field of view of a camera, the camera shield having optical correction for placement within the field of view of the camera and being sized and shaped to reduce image blur and adjust the divergence of light passing through the camera shield to form an image within the focal range of the camera.

[0039] Example 5 includes the camera shield according to Example 4, wherein the body includes an outer radius of curvature R1 and an inner radius of curvature R2, and R1 < R2.

[0040] Example 6

Number

[0041] Example 7

Number

[0042] Example 8 includes one camera shield from any of Examples 4-7, where R2 is

[0043]

number

[0044] In some examples, the camera shield material includes materials selected from a group of materials including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, glass, and combinations thereof, each of which is optionally colored or coated to adjust light transmittance. In some examples, the camera shield material has a light transmittance of 5% to 100%.

[0045] In some cases, the optical correction is formed by a molding process using outer and inner molds with non-parallel surfaces. In some cases, the optical correction is formed on the camera shield by incorporating the molded optical correction into the body of the camera shield during the manufacturing process.

[0046] In some examples, optical correction is configured to adjust the vergence of light for objects located at various distances from the camera, thereby optimizing the focus for objects in both near and far fields of view. In some examples, vergence adjustment is achieved by varying the inner radius of curvature in different zones of the camera shield, each zone corresponding to a typical distance range of objects from the camera. In some examples, the zones include an upper zone configured for distant objects and a lower zone configured for closer objects, each zone having a different inner radius of curvature optimized for its respective distance range. In some examples, the inner radius of curvature of each zone is calculated based on the refractive index of the shielding material and the typical distance of objects within that zone, using the formula provided in the detailed description above.

[0047] In some examples, the camera shield has multiple zones, each with a separate optical correction configured to adjust the light vergence based on the distance to objects within the zone.

[0048] In some examples, the optical correction for each zone is defined by an inner radius of curvature that varies across the shield to optimize image clarity.

[0049] In some examples, the inner radius of curvature of each zone is calculated using a formula that incorporates the refractive index of the shielding material and the expected range of object distances within each zone.

[0050] In some cases, the shield material is selected to minimize optical aberrations and enhance light transmission. In other cases, the material includes an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and improve visibility.

[0051] In some cases, camera shields include a thickness gradient across their surface to further refine their optical properties and correct spherical aberration. In some cases, the thickness gradient is achieved by a precision molding process that alters the cross-sectional profile of the shield.

[0052] In some examples, methods for manufacturing camera shields are provided. An exemplary method includes the step of designing zones having a predetermined focal length and corresponding radius of curvature in order to create zone-specific vergence adjustments.

[0053] In some examples, the radius of curvature is determined based on a computational model that simulates optical performance over various distances and object placements.

[0054] Some examples further include the step of applying a coating to the shield to enhance optical performance and durability.

[0055] In some examples, the camera system incorporates a camera shield as summarized above, and the camera system is configured to automatically adjust its focus based on the detected position of an object relative to the shield's zone.

[0056] In some examples, the camera system includes sensors that detect object distances and provide feedback for adjusting camera settings in real time.

[0057] In some cases, the camera shield can be adapted to different camera types and sizes through a customizable mounting mechanism. In some cases, the mounting mechanism includes a snap-fit ​​feature that allows for quick installation and removal.

[0058] Some exemplary camera shields further include peripheral seals to prevent dust and moisture from entering the camera to which the shield is attached. In some examples, the seals are made from a flexible, weather-resistant material that conforms to the camera's contours.

[0059] In some cases, the camera shield is further configured to adjust for chromatic aberration through selective material composition and structural design.

[0060] In some examples, the camera shield includes embedded sensors to monitor its optical performance and signal when maintenance or replacement is needed. In some examples, the sensors are integrated into the shield without affecting its optical correction capabilities.

[0061] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the exact form or specific field of use disclosed. Therefore, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having described embodiments of the disclosure in this manner, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0062] The above specification describes the present disclosure with reference to specific embodiments. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, this description should be considered illustrative and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use various embodiments of the optical correction of the disclosed camera shield. It should be understood that the forms of disclosure shown and described herein should be interpreted as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted with those shown and described herein as representative. Furthermore, all particular features of the present disclosure can be utilized independently of the use of other features, so as will become apparent to those skilled in the art after benefiting from this description of the present disclosure. Expressions such as “including,” “comprising,” “incorporating,” “consisting of,” “have,” and “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, that is, to allow for the existence of items, components, or elements not expressly described. References to the singular form should also be interpreted as relating to the plural form.

[0063] Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be interpreted in an illustrative and descriptive sense and not in any way as limiting the disclosure. All references to connections (e.g., mounting, fixing, joining, connecting, etc.) are used solely to aid the reader's understanding of the disclosure and do not imply any limitation with respect to the location, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein. Accordingly, where there is a reference to a connection, it should be interpreted broadly. Furthermore, such references to connections do not necessarily mean that the two elements are directly connected to each other. Furthermore, without limitation, all numerical terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “primary,” “secondary,” “main,” or any other ordinary and / or numerical terms should also be interpreted solely as identifiers to aid the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications of the disclosure and, in particular, do not impose any limitation on the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification to or beyond another element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification.

[0064] It will also be understood that, depending on the specific application, one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may also be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or in certain cases may be removed as non-functional, or even rendered non-functional.

Claims

1. An optically appropriate camera shield, An upper portion configured to have a first focal length, wherein the upper portion has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature, An intermediate portion configured to have a second focal length, wherein the intermediate portion has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature, A lower portion configured to have a third focal length, wherein the lower portion has a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature, Equipped with, A camera shield in which the first inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least the first focal length, the second inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least the second focal length, and the third inner radius of curvature is determined based on at least 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 appropriate camera shield, A step of determining a first focal length within the upper field of view of the camera shield, wherein the upper field of view of the camera shield has a first inner radius of curvature and a first outer radius of curvature. A step of determining a second focal length within the intermediate field of view of the camera shield, wherein the intermediate field of view of the camera shield has a second inner radius of curvature and a second outer radius of curvature. A step of determining a third focal length in the lower field of view of the camera shield, wherein the lower field of view of the camera shield has a third inner radius of curvature and a third outer radius of curvature. The steps include forming the camera shield such that it has a) a first inner radius of curvature based on at least the first focal length, b) a second inner radius of curvature based on at least the second focal length, and c) a third inner radius of curvature based on at least the third focal length, Methods that include...

4. A camera shield having a substantially curved shape for placement within the field of view of a camera, wherein the camera shield is A camera shield comprising a body having optical correction positioned within the field of view of the camera, and having a size and shape that reduces image blur and adjusts the vergence of light passing through the camera shield so as to form an image within the focal range of the camera.

5. The main body has an outer radius of curvature R １ and the inner radius of curvature R ２ Includes R １ <R ２ The camera shield according to claim 4. [Request Item 6] [Number 1] The main body has a refractive index of n, and the thickness t of the main body is R １ -R ２ The camera shield according to claim 5. [Request Item 7] [Number 2] The camera shield according to claim 6.

8. R ２ but, [Math 3] In the formula, d is the outer radius of curvature R of the camera shield. １ The camera shield according to claim 7, the distance from the camera to an object within the camera's field of view.

9. The camera shield according to claim 8, wherein the material of the main body is selected from the group including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, glass, and combinations thereof, and each is optionally colored or coated to adjust the light transmittance.

10. The camera shield according to claim 9, wherein the material has a light transmittance of 5% to 100%.

11. The camera shield according to claim 4, wherein the optical correction is formed by a molding process using an outer mold and an inner mold having non-parallel surfaces.

12. The camera shield according to claim 11, wherein the optical correction is formed on the camera shield by incorporating the molded optical correction into the main body of the camera shield during the manufacturing process.

13. The camera shield according to claim 4, wherein the optical correction is configured to adjust the vergence of light with respect to objects located at various distances from the camera, thereby optimizing the focus with respect to objects in both near and far fields of view.

14. The camera shield according to claim 13, wherein the vergence adjustment is achieved by changing the inner radius of curvature in different zones of the camera shield, each zone corresponding to a typical distance range of objects from the camera.

15. The camera shield according to claim 14, wherein the zone includes an upper zone configured for distant objects and a lower zone configured for closer objects, and each zone has a different inner radius of curvature optimized for its respective distance range.

Images