Infrared Camera Cover with Opaque Lens Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared (IR) light leakage into the lens of a camera module can adversely affect image quality in vehicles equipped with IR-illuminated camera systems, particularly in low-light conditions, due to improper positioning of illumination devices.
Innovation Solution
A camera module cover featuring an infrared-transparent surface with an opening for the lens and an infrared-blocking member within the opening, which includes a beveled edge and lip to prevent IR light from entering the lens, formed using injection molding techniques to ensure effective blocking of IR light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an infrared emitter is positioned adjacent to the camera module to illuminate the external environment, then the ability to capture images in low-light conditions is improved, but infrared light may leak into the lens and adversely affect image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into distinct functional zones: an infrared-transparent region for light transmission and an infrared-blocking member with interior sidewalls for light blocking. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of illumination and leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cover have different infrared transmission properties. The infrared-transparent surface allows IR light to pass through for illumination, while the infrared-blocking member with its interior sidewalls blocks IR light from entering the lens. Each region is optimized for its specific function
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover structure is added to block infrared light from entering the lens, then image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared-blocking member is integrated directly into the cover structure, merging the blocking function with the housing rather than using a separate component. The cover combines multiple functions: structural protection, infrared transmission, and infrared blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the camera module, transmits infrared light for illumination through its transparent surface, and blocks infrared light from entering the lens through its blocking member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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 camera module cover effectively blocks IR light from entering the lens, maintaining high image quality by ensuring even IR distribution while preventing light leakage, thus enhancing the performance of IR-illuminated camera systems in vehicles operating in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The infrared-transparent surface is configured to pass infrared light from an infrared emitter of a base unit therethrough to illuminate an external environment
Implementation Method 2
The infrared blocking member includes an interior sidewall configured to block the infrared light from the infrared emitter from entering the lens of the camera module
Data Source
AI summary
The technology provides a camera module cover that prevents infrared light from leaking into the lens of an adjacent camera. The camera module cover can be used with in-vehicle environments, such as the passenger area and truck, as well as other indoor locations and places where infrared illumination is co-located with an optical camera system. An infrared illuminator unit is positioned adjacent to the camera, for instance in such a way that infrared light is evenly distributed or diffused around the camera lens. The camera module cover has a surface that includes an infrared-transparent material to promote even distribution of the infrared light. To avoid leakage into the camera lens, an infrared-opaque or otherwise blocking material is disposed within the cover so as to be between the infrared illuminator unit and the camera lens. The infrared-transparent and infrared-blocking materials may be formed as a single part via double injection molding.