Windshield Camera Module Stray Light Shield for Clear Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imaging systems struggle with stray light interference, particularly from within the vehicle cabin, which can lead to glare and distortion in images captured by forward-facing cameras.
Innovation Solution
A stray light shield with a tapered or wedge-shaped pocket is integrated into the camera module or attached as a separate component, positioned in front of the lens/image sensor to block extraneous light from the cabin and limit reflections from the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a forward-facing camera is mounted on the windshield to capture external images, then the camera can acquire road and environment information, but extraneous light from the vehicle cabin causes glare and distortion in the captured images
Solution Approach 1:
A light shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the camera lens and the vehicle cabin. The light shield includes a light blocking portion that selectively blocks extraneous light from the cabin while allowing desired external light to reach the lens, thereby resolving the contradiction between capturing external images and preventing cabin light interference
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking portion is strategically positioned and shaped to provide selective light blocking. It blocks light from specific directions (cabin interior) while allowing light from other directions (external environment) to pass through, creating local quality differentiation in light transmission across different spatial zones
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module is attached directly to the windshield, then the installation is simple, but the camera cannot be easily adapted to different windshield angles in various vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different windshield angles. The bracket can be positioned at various angles and secured to the windshield, enabling the same camera module to be used across different vehicle models with varying windshield geometries without requiring custom-designed modules for each angle
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the camera module, enables angular adjustment to match different windshield slopes, and facilitates secure attachment to the windshield. This multi-functionality allows a single bracket design to accommodate various windshield configurations across different vehicle types
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 stray light shield effectively reduces extraneous light interference, ensuring that only light from external objects is imaged, thereby enhancing the clarity and accuracy of images captured by the forward-facing camera.
Implementation Method 1
A stray light shield with a tapered or wedge-shaped pocket is integrated into the camera module or attached as a separate component, positioned in front of the lens/image sensor to block extraneous light from the cabin
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board and an imager circuit board having an imager disposed thereat. A lens barrel accommodating a lens is at least partially disposed in a passageway of a lens holder. The vehicular camera module includes a housing having an upper cover and a lower cover that are joined together. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board includes an image processor. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via a flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main printed circuit board of the main circuit board. The imager is disposed within a rear portion of the housing and is not accommodated within a front portion of the housing.