Vehicle Camera Filter Slide Mechanism for Lighting Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cameras often struggle to capture clear images in varying lighting environments, such as foggy conditions, due to fixed filters that are optimized for one specific lighting condition.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle camera system with a slide mechanism containing multiple filters, actuated by an electromagnet, allows for dynamic filter adjustment based on detected light conditions, positioning different filters between the lens and image sensors to optimize image quality across different lighting scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed filter is used in the vehicle camera, then the camera can capture clear images in one specific lighting condition, but the camera cannot capture clear images in varying lighting environments such as foggy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the filter selection dynamic rather than fixed. The camera system automatically switches between different filters (clear filter, yellow filter, red filter) based on real-time detection of lighting conditions such as fog, clear air, or twilight. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the camera to maintain high image quality across varying lighting environments rather than being optimized for only one condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the optical properties of the camera system through filter selection. Different filters change the wavelength transmission characteristics of the optical path - the clear filter transmits all visible light, the yellow filter transmits longer wavelengths, and the red filter transmits even longer wavelengths. This parameter change in optical transmission properties allows the camera to adapt to different atmospheric conditions and maintain measurement precision across diverse lighting environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are added to the vehicle camera system, then the camera can capture clear images in diverse lighting conditions, but the device complexity increases due to the slide mechanism and electromagnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the filtering function into separate, discrete filter elements (clear filter, yellow filter, red filter) that can be independently selected. Rather than using a single complex variable filter, the system segments the solution into multiple simple fixed filters, each optimized for specific lighting conditions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high adaptability while keeping each individual filter element simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through the slide mechanism that can position multiple different filters in the same optical path. The single slide assembly serves multiple functions: it can hold the clear filter for normal conditions, the yellow filter for foggy conditions, and the red filter for twilight conditions. This multi-functional design allows one mechanical component to provide adaptability across diverse lighting environments without requiring separate camera systems for each condition, thereby managing device complexity efficiently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the vehicle camera to capture clear images in diverse lighting conditions by automatically selecting the appropriate filter configuration, enhancing image quality and functionality for both driver assistance and autonomous driving applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet to position the slide at a first position at which the first filter is between the image sensors and the lens
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for filter adjustment of vehicle cameras. An example vehicle camera includes sensors, a lens to direct light to the sensors, a slide including a first filter and a second filter, and an electromagnet to actuate the slide between a first position and a second position. The first filter is between the sensors and the lens at the first position. The second filter is between the sensors and the lens at the first position.