Exterior Camera Assembly With Light Deflection for Wider Vehicle View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera-based exterior view assemblies for vehicles, particularly heavy goods vehicles, require separate systems for non-overlapping view areas, leading to distorted images due to 'fisheye effects' and high data processing loads, which can cause delays and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based exterior view assembly with a light deflection device, such as a mirror, is integrated to capture and deflect optical radiation from multiple non-overlapping view areas, allowing for combined image data processing and correction to eliminate distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If separate camera systems are used for non-overlapping view areas, then complete 360° coverage is achieved, but image distortion and data processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 360° surrounding area into multiple non-overlapping view areas, each captured by a separate camera system with its own optical path. This segmentation allows each camera to capture a specific portion of the environment without overlapping fields of view, reducing the need for complex image stitching and distortion correction while achieving complete coverage.
2Device complexity
If a single camera system captures all view areas, then device complexity is reduced, but image distortion increases due to fisheye effects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single camera with wide-angle or fisheye lens that causes distortion, the patent segments the viewing area into multiple narrower fields of view, each captured by a separate camera. This allows each camera to use standard lenses with minimal distortion, achieving 360° coverage without significant image distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-camera approach (one optical path) to multiple cameras with separate optical paths. This dimensional change in the optical system architecture allows each camera to capture a portion of the surround with minimal distortion, avoiding the fisheye effects inherent in single-camera 360° systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate camera systems are used, then image distortion is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple camera systems that can be integrated into a single exterior view assembly, where each camera serves a specific view area but all work together as a unified system. This multi-functional approach allows the assembly to provide comprehensive surround coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design and centralized processing.
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
The solution provides clear, undistorted 360° view coverage with reduced image processing load, enhancing driver safety by minimizing delays and improving situational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a light deflection device, mounted to the camera-based exterior view assembly and/or to the road vehicle, and configured such that said light deflection device is arranged within the first field of view of the image capturing system or within the plurality of first fields of view of the image capturing systems, and such that said light deflection device is capturing optical radiation from a second part of the surrounding area of the road vehicle within a second field of view different from the first field of view or different from the plurality of first fields of view
Data Source
AI summary
A method of, an arrangement for and a data processing program product for a camera-based exterior view assembly for road vehicles, in particular for a camera-based exterior rear view assembly are provided. An image capturing system includes an optical lens arrangement and an image capturing sensor arrangement and having a first field of view is adapted to capture optical radiation along a first optical path from a first part of the surrounding area of the road vehicle and a light deflection device is arranged such that the light deflection device is arranged within the first field of view of the image capturing system and such that the light deflection device is capturing optical radiation from a second part of the surrounding area of the road vehicle within a second field of view different from the first field of view.