Camera Arrangement Behind Inclined Pane Using Light-Guiding Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera arrangements face a blind region issue due to space constraints, where they cannot detect light rays incident at angles nearly parallel to the pane, limiting their ability to image objects near the surface.
Innovation Solution
A camera arrangement with a light-guiding element, such as a prism, positioned between the camera lens and the pane, which guides light rays from glancing angles of incidence to the camera, reducing the blind angle by canceling refraction effects and allowing detection of objects near the pane surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is positioned behind the pane for protection, then the camera is protected from the outside region, but the camera creates a blind region and cannot detect light rays incident at glancing angles
Solution Approach 1:
A light-guiding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the camera and the pane. This element redirects light rays that would otherwise miss the camera due to the protective positioning, channeling them into the camera's detection region without compromising the camera's protected location behind the pane.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-guiding element utilizes optical dimensionality by redirecting light paths through refraction and total internal reflection. It transforms the spatial relationship between incident light rays and the camera, allowing glancing angle rays to be redirected into the camera's field of view while the camera remains in its protected position.
2Volume of moving object
If the camera is positioned close to the pane for compact space, then space requirements are minimized, but the camera cannot detect objects near the pane surface due to blind region
Solution Approach 1:
The light-guiding element serves as a mediator that enables the camera to detect objects near the pane surface without requiring the camera to be positioned far from the pane. It redirects light from the pane surface area into the camera, maintaining compact spacing while eliminating the blind region.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the camera is oriented to detect glancing angle light rays, then detection capability is improved, but the camera requires more space and creates larger blind regions in other directions
Solution Approach 1:
The light-guiding element uses optical dimensionality to redirect light paths, allowing the camera to maintain a compact orientation while still detecting glancing angle rays. The element performs the angular transformation optically rather than requiring physical camera repositioning.
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 camera to detect objects at shallow angles relative to the pane surface, reducing the blind region and enhancing imaging capabilities while minimizing space requirements and preventing reflections.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the refractive properties of the transmitting medium (e.g., air on the outer region of the pane, the pane, the light-guiding element), light rays incident onto the pane at shallow angles (i.e., at angles between the normal angle of incidence and glancing angles of incidence) are deflected in the direction of the camera.
Implementation Method 2
The light-guiding element guides at least light which is incident on the pane in a grazing manner from a direction of incidence to the camera.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera arrangement includes a camera having a lens pointed at a pane and being separated from the pane. A light-guiding element is between the camera lens and the pane. The light-guiding element guides at least light which is incident on the pane in a grazing manner from a direction of incidence to the camera.