Vehicle Mirror Camera Optics for Wide-Angle and High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for vehicles face challenges in meeting complex image data requirements such as wide angular range and high resolution simultaneously, often necessitating multiple recording units or extensive post-processing, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a single recording unit comprising a single image sensor and optical element, utilizing a distortion curve with an inflection point to achieve both wide-angle and high-resolution imaging without the need for multiple units or extensive post-processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple recording units are used to meet complex image quality and range requirements, then image quality and coverage are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing an optical element with a specifically engineered distortion curve r = f(α) that has an inflection point. This distortion parameter is intentionally optimized to enable a single recording unit to achieve both high resolution and wide angular coverage, resolving the contradiction between image quality and system complexity without requiring multiple recording units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image sensor surface into different functional zones that correspond to different angular ranges. By assigning specific regions of the image sensor to capture different fields of view (e.g., main mirror and wide-angle mirror views), the system achieves multi-field coverage with a single recording unit, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple recording units are used to capture different fields of view, then coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single recording unit that performs multiple functions: it captures both the main mirror field of view and the wide-angle mirror field of view simultaneously. The optical element's special distortion curve enables this multi-functionality, allowing one recording unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate units, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple recording units into a single integrated recording unit. By combining the optical paths and image sensor areas needed for different mirror views into one unified recording unit with a specially designed optical element, the system achieves comprehensive field of view coverage while simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
3Device complexity
If a single recording unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving both high resolution and wide angular range becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the resolution limitation of a single recording unit by changing the optical parameter - specifically, by designing an optical element with a controlled distortion curve r = f(α) featuring an inflection point. This parameter optimization allows the single recording unit to maintain high resolution across different angular ranges that would otherwise require multiple specialized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that different regions of the image sensor surface capture different fields of view with appropriate resolution characteristics. The optical element's distortion curve is designed so that each region of the image sensor optimally captures its assigned field of view (main mirror or wide-angle mirror), maintaining high resolution locally while achieving wide overall coverage with a single unit.
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 system provides flexible and cost-effective image capture and display, reducing the need for data merging and mechanical tracking, while maintaining high resolution where needed, thus enhancing driver assistance systems with improved display quality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element (301) and an image sensor (303) with an image sensor surface (304)... the angle between the optical axis (302) of the optical element (301) and a beam incident from the object point into the optical element (301)
Data Source
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AI summary
A mirror replacement system for a commercial vehicle (10) is provided, comprising a camera system (130) with a recording unit (30). The recording unit (30) includes an optical element (301) and an image sensor (303) with an image sensor area (304) and is adapted to capture a partial area of the vehicle's surroundings. The optical element (301) exhibits distortion with a distortion curve r = f(α), where r is the distance of an object point imaged on the image sensor area (304) to the intersection of the optical axis (302) with the image sensor area (304), and α is the angle between the optical axis (302) of the optical element (301) and the ray incident on the optical element (301) from the object point.The distortion curve r = f(α) has an inflection point aw; rw for rw=f(αw) within 0 < r < rmax, for which: r" = f''(αw) = d2r/dα2 (αw) = 0, where rmax is the distance r = f(αmax) on the image sensor surface (304) from the optical axis (302) to the edge point of the image sensor surface (304) furthest away from it.