Liquid Crystal Variable Lens for Dynamic Focal Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle cameras have fixed focal distances, failing to adapt to varying driving conditions and scenarios, which limits their effectiveness in providing appropriate images for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance apparatus equipped with a camera featuring a variable lens using a liquid crystal layer that adjusts focal distance based on applied voltage, controlled by a processor to respond to driving information such as speed, steering, and detected objects, allowing for dynamic focal adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed focal distance is used in the camera, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable lens that can dynamically adjust its focal distance based on driving conditions. The lens transitions from a static fixed-focal-length design to a dynamic adjustable-focal-length design, allowing the camera to adapt to different driving scenarios (e.g., near-field and far-field monitoring) by changing the focal distance in response to steering angle, vehicle speed, and other driving parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable lens is introduced to adjust focal distance, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter (focal distance) of the lens dynamically based on driving conditions. By adjusting the focal distance parameter in response to steering angle, vehicle speed, and other inputs, the system achieves adaptability without requiring multiple separate camera systems, thus managing complexity through parameter variation rather than structural multiplication.
3Measurement precision
If the focal distance is adjusted based on multiple driving parameters, then the measurement precision of driving scenarios improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring driving parameters (steering angle, vehicle speed, etc.) and using this information to adjust the lens focal distance. The processor receives feedback from various sensors and automatically adjusts the variable lens to capture images at the appropriate focal distance, improving measurement precision while automating the control process to manage complexity.
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 apparatus enhances the adaptability of vehicle cameras to different driving situations, improving the accuracy and relevance of images provided to ADAS, thereby enhancing safe driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a variable lens that includes a liquid crystal layer and configured to alter light that is introduced into the image sensor based on an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer. The arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer may depend on an applied voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver assistance apparatus includes a camera provided in a vehicle and configured to acquire an image; and a processor configured to process the image. The camera includes an image sensor; and a variable lens that includes a liquid crystal layer and configured to alter light that is introduced into the image sensor based on an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer. The arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer is dependent on an applied voltage.