Dual-Lens Optical Assembly for Wide Vehicle Camera Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for vehicles require multiple cameras and imagers to cover different viewing angles, leading to high hardware and installation costs, increased bandwidth requirements, and limitations in providing high-resolution displays, especially for blind spots and distant areas.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a single optical assembly combining two lenses projecting different fields of view onto a common imager, using UV adhesive for precise alignment, and incorporating heat elements for lens protection, allowing efficient data stream processing and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and imagers are used to cover different viewing angles, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lenses (first lens and second lens) into a single optical assembly that projects different fields of view onto a common imager. This merging approach allows the system to capture both close-range and far-range areas simultaneously using one camera unit instead of multiple separate cameras, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating lenses with different optical characteristics - one lens for close-range viewing and another for far-range viewing. This multi-functional design enables one camera system to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized cameras, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility in monitoring different areas
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to provide high-resolution displays for different areas, then the image quality is improved, but the bandwidth requirements and data processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple lens systems into a single optical assembly that feeds one imager, the patent reduces the number of separate data streams that need to be transmitted and processed. The single imager captures all field of view information simultaneously, consolidating data bandwidth requirements while maintaining high-resolution imaging capability across different viewing areas
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate camera systems are installed, then the viewing coverage is improved, but the assembly time and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple lenses and their support structures into a single unified optical assembly that functions as one camera system. This consolidation means that during installation, only one camera unit needs to be mounted, aligned, and connected rather than installing multiple separate camera systems, significantly reducing assembly time and installation effort while maintaining comprehensive viewing coverage
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
This configuration optimizes data stream efficiency, reduces costs and assembly time, and enhances safety by providing high-resolution, frame-rate output for multiple viewing angles without the need for duplicate hardware, while enabling predictive driving assistance through artificial intelligence.
Implementation Method 1
The first and/or the second lens tube is/are connected to the lens holder by means of a UV adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The camera system may further comprise at least one heating element arranged to surround the at least one lens
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical assembly for camera system for a vehicle, in particular a truck, comprising at least one first lens adapted to project at least one first field of view, at least one second lens adapted to project at least one second field of view, at least one lens holder, at least one first lens tube adapted to support the first lens, and at least one second lens tube adapted to support the second lens, wherein (i) the first and/or the second lens is/are connected at least partly to the first lens tube, the second lens tube and/or the lens holder, and/or (ii) the first lens tube and/or the second lens tube is/are at least partly connected to the lens holder by at least one UV adhesive. Furthermore, the present disclosure refers to a camera system as well as camera monitor system with said camera system as well as a vehicle with said camera system. Still further, a method for aligning such an optical assembly as well as a method for analyzing and processing image data of at least one camera system are provided.