Vehicle Camera Light Shield for Sun Glare Saturation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera systems used in automated vehicles and other vision systems are impaired by bright light sources, leading to excessive light-to-dark contrast that saturates images and reduces the ability to detect critical objects like lane markings, pedestrians, and stop lights due to their limited dynamic range.
Innovation Solution
A camera system equipped with a light-shield comprising an absorber supported by a transparent film, positioned between the camera-lens and bright-spot, which is controlled to block excessive light, reducing the dynamic range of brightness and improving image contrast by minimizing the intensity of light reaching the imager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the camera exposure time is reduced to prevent saturation from bright sunlight, then the brightness saturation is avoided, but the image contrast is reduced and critical image data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is segmented into multiple regions using a light shield with multiple independently controllable segments. Each segment can be selectively positioned to block bright spots in specific regions while leaving other regions unobstructed, allowing different exposure levels for different parts of the image simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield applies local quality by providing selective shading only to regions with bright spots. The shield segments are positioned based on detected bright spot locations, creating localized active shades that reduce brightness in specific areas while maintaining normal exposure and contrast in other areas.
2Illumination intensity
If a fixed light shield is used to block bright spots, then the brightness contrast is reduced, but the field of view is blocked when no bright spots are present
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, movable system. Each segment can be independently positioned along the optical path based on real-time detection of bright spots, allowing the shield to adapt its configuration to the current scene requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the camera's own image data to control the light shield positioning. The controller detects bright spots in the captured image and automatically positions the shield segments to block those specific regions, creating a self-regulating system that adapts without external input.
3Illumination intensity
If a traditional LCD shutter screen is used for casting localized active shades, then the brightness control is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential light-blocking function from complex LCD shutter systems. By using simple movable segments with high light absorption coefficients instead of entire LCD screens, the system achieves localized active shading with reduced complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield segments use simple, inexpensive materials with high light absorption coefficients rather than expensive LCD technology. These segments are simple mechanical components that can be manufactured at low cost and replaced if needed.
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 significantly reduces the light-to-dark contrast, enhancing object detection and recognition capabilities, allowing for the use of less expensive vision systems with improved image quality and reduced saturation.
Implementation Method 1
The light shield includes an absorber supported by a transparent film and the controller is configured to position the absorber at the limits of the field of view when the bright spot is not detected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A camera system (10) suitable for use on an automated vehicle, includes an imager (16) used to detect an image (22) of a field-of-view (14) of the system (10), a light-shield (32) operable to block a portion of the image (22) from being received by the imager (16), and a controller (30) in communication with the imager (16) and the light-shield (32). The controller (30) is configured to position the light-shield (32) in a line-of-sight (20) between a bright-spot (12) and the imager (16).