Vehicle Mirror Camera Optics for Selectable Multi-Directional Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-view camera systems for vehicles lack the ability to selectively display multiple fields of view, such as rearward, side, and forward views, without ghost images or mechanical adjustments, which limits their effectiveness in providing comprehensive peripheral vision to drivers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional viewing camera system that includes a mirror module with a polarizing beam splitter and electronically controlled polarizers and filters, allowing selective transmission and reflection of polarized light components to display individually selectable fields of view within the vehicle, using a camera module mounted on the interior surface of the body panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional side-view camera system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot selectively display multiple fields of view without ghost images
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into multiple independent camera modules (rearward-view camera, side-view camera, forward-view camera), each capturing a specific field of view. This allows selective activation and display of different views without interference, eliminating ghost images while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A polarizing beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the camera modules and the display. This mediator selectively directs light from different camera modules to the display based on polarization states, enabling seamless switching between multiple fields of view without ghost images or mechanical adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustments are used to switch between fields of view, then the system can display multiple views, but the system requires mechanical components that increase complexity and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an optical system using polarizing beam splitters and electronically controlled polarizers. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical wear, allowing smooth switching between multiple fields of view through electronic control while reducing device complexity and failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically controllable polarizers that can be electronically adjusted to change the optical path and select different camera inputs. This dynamic control allows real-time switching between fields of view without mechanical movement, improving reliability while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture different fields of view, then comprehensive peripheral vision is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizing beam splitter serves multiple functions: it simultaneously handles light from different camera modules, enables selective routing to the display, and eliminates ghost images. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive peripheral vision coverage while managing complexity through a unified optical control mechanism.
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
Enables the driver to view multiple fields of view without ghost images, enhancing safety by providing a comprehensive and adjustable peripheral vision without mechanical components, improving the driver's situational awareness during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
has a polarizing beam splitter configured to reflect an s-polarized component and transmit a p-polarized component of the incident light
Implementation Method 2
polarizing beam splitter configured to reflect an s-polarized component
Implementation Method 3
polarizing beam splitter configured to transmit a p-polarized component of the incident light
Implementation Method 4
The electronically controlled polarizer may be a liquid crystal optical element
Implementation Method 5
The electronically controlled polarizer may be a liquid crystal optical element
Implementation Method 6
the quarter wave plate may be configured to add a constant phase factor to polarized light transmitted by the polarization mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-directional viewing camera system for a motor vehicle including a vehicle body defining an interior compartment and a body panel having an exterior surface and an interior surface facing the interior compartment. The camera system includes a mirror module for mounting to the body panel exterior surface. The mirror module is configured to capture and transmit incident light from at least one field of view (FOV) and has a polarizing beam splitter configured to reflect an s-polarized component and transmit a p-polarized component of the incident light in a visible spectral range. The camera system also includes a camera module having a video camera for mounting to the body panel interior surface. The camera module is configured to receive from the mirror module the s-polarized or the p-polarized component of the incident light and selectively display at least one FOV within the interior compartment.