Multi-Focus Optical System for Vehicle Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle imager systems lack the capability to effectively capture and display multi-focus images with depth data, which is essential for various vehicle control and display functions, such as headlamp control and collision warning systems, without relying on secondary imagers or complex optics.
Innovation Solution
A multi-focus optical system comprising an imager or display with an optics assembly that includes a main lens assembly and a micro lens assembly, configured to project light rays onto a plane extending to infinity, and a controller to process and output depth data for image display, enabling glasses-less 3D viewing without the need for additional imagers or complex optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional imager system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot capture multi-focus images with depth data
Solution Approach 1:
The optics assembly is segmented into a main lens assembly and a micro lens assembly. The main lens assembly captures light rays from the scene, while the micro lens assembly further processes these rays to enable multi-focus imaging. This segmentation allows the system to capture depth information by creating multiple focal points without requiring a completely complex optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro lens assembly is positioned within the optical path of the main lens assembly, creating a nested configuration. The micro lenses are arranged in an array that corresponds to the pixel array of the imager sensor. This nesting allows the micro lens assembly to work in conjunction with the main lens assembly, adding depth capture functionality while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If secondary imagers or complex optics are used to achieve multi-focus imaging, then depth data can be captured, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single imager sensor performs multiple functions: it captures both the main image through the main lens assembly and the multi-focus depth information through the micro lens assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for secondary imagers or complex additional optical systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining depth perception accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro lens assembly creates multiple focal copies of the same scene at different depths. By projecting light rays onto multiple planes extending to infinity, the system generates depth information as a copy of the main image data, processed through the micro lenses. This approach captures depth perception without requiring separate imaging systems.
3Reliability
If a single-focus lens is used, then the optical system is simple, but it cannot provide accurate depth perception for vehicle control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is segmented into main and micro components. The main lens assembly provides the primary focusing function for general imaging, while the micro lens assembly adds depth perception capability by creating multiple focal points. This segmentation enhances object detection accuracy for vehicle control systems without requiring a complete redesign of the optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro lens assembly acts as an intermediary between the main lens assembly and the imager sensor. It processes the light rays already captured by the main lens, adding depth information to the existing imaging path. This intermediary approach improves reliability for depth-dependent vehicle control functions without disrupting the simplicity of the primary optical system.
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 solution allows for the capture and display of multi-focus images with depth data, enhancing vehicle control systems by providing accurate depth perception and improved object detection, collision avoidance, and occupant monitoring, while reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a micro lens assembly configured to capture and output light rays from the display
Implementation Method 2
a main lens assembly configured to receive the light rays outputted from the micro lens assembly and to substantially project the light rays onto a plane
Data Source
AI summary
An imager system and a display system for a vehicle are provided. The imager system includes at least one imager configured to capture a multi-focus image having depth data. The display system includes at least one display assembly configured to display a multi-focus image having depth data.