Multirange Camera Lens Zones for Vehicle Vision Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles require multiple cameras for various vision systems, increasing weight and complexity, and there is a need to reduce the number of cameras while maintaining the necessary views for vehicle vision systems.
Innovation Solution
A multirange camera with a lens divided into distinct zones, each with unique lens distortion and pixel density, processes images into separate zones and combines them into a single image using a controller with a processor and memory for vehicle vision systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to provide various vision ranges and fields of view, then the imaging capability and coverage are improved, but the weight and complexity of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple distinct zones, each with different optical properties (focal length, aperture, field of view) to capture different ranges and perspectives. This segmentation allows a single camera to perform the function of multiple cameras, resolving the contradiction between imaging capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera system is designed to perform multiple imaging functions simultaneously by incorporating a lens with multiple zones that can capture wide-angle, telephoto, and intermediate views. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate cameras, reducing vehicle weight and system complexity while maintaining comprehensive vision coverage
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to accommodate different vision ranges, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into multiple zones with different optical characteristics, allowing a single camera to capture multiple fields of view simultaneously. This eliminates the need for multiple cameras, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple camera functions are merged into a single camera system by integrating a lens with multiple zones that can capture different ranges and perspectives. This consolidation reduces the total number of camera units and associated mounting hardware, directly reducing vehicle weight while preserving full field of view coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras with different physical configurations are used, then the required fields of view are accommodated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple zones, each optimized for different fields of view and ranges. This segmentation allows a single camera to replace multiple cameras with different configurations, reducing system complexity while maintaining the required field of view coverage for various vehicle vision systems
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal camera system is designed with a lens containing multiple zones that can accommodate different field of view requirements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized cameras, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining adaptability to various vision system requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a multirange camera having an imager and a lens. The lens includes multiple zones and each zone is physically distinct from each other zone. A controller is in communication with the multirange camera. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions configured to cause the processor to process an image received from the imager by separating the image into multiple distinct zone images, processing each distinct zone image using a processing procedure corresponding to a zone of the zone image being processed, recombining the zone images into a single processed image, and providing the single processed image to at least one vision system.