Optical Assembly for Light Sensor with Offset Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical assemblies for light sensors in auto-dimming rearview systems face challenges in detecting ambient light effectively due to obstructions, such as secondary vehicle components, which block the field of view and reduce the sensor's ability to monitor light accurately.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly includes a first and second optical element configured to receive and alter light transmission paths, allowing the light sensor to detect light from a field of view offset by approximately 30 to 60 degrees, thereby reducing the impact of obstructions and enhancing ambient light detection. The optical elements are designed to be planarly positioned on a circuit board, with textured surfaces to manage light within specific horizontal and vertical fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light sensor is positioned to receive light directly through the rearview element, then the sensor can detect ambient light, but secondary vehicle components block the field of view and reduce detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical elements (lens and/or reflector) that redirect light from oblique angles (30-60 degrees offset) to the sensor, effectively changing the spatial dimension of light reception. This allows the sensor to detect ambient light from directions that bypass obstructions caused by secondary vehicle components, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and susceptibility to blockage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical elements are added to offset the field of view by 30 to 60 degrees, then the impact of obstructions is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements (lens and/or reflector) serve multiple functions: they redirect light from offset angles, focus or distribute light appropriately, and can be integrated into existing rearview mirror structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving obstruction mitigation.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor detects light from an offset field of view, then ambient light detection is enhanced, but the sensor cannot directly monitor light through the rearview element
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements act as intermediaries that capture light from the environment (including light that would otherwise travel through the rearview element) and redirect it to the sensor. This intermediary mechanism preserves ambient light detection capability while translating oblique light paths into sensor-receivable angles, maintaining information about ambient lighting conditions without requiring direct line-of-sight monitoring.
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 configuration enables the light sensor to maintain effective ambient light detection even with obstructions, ensuring proper auto-dimming control of the rearview assembly by offsetting the field of view and enhancing light reception, thus reducing the impact of blockages on light detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element (104) configured to receive light and alter a transmission path of the light through the first optical element (104) in a first direction and a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element (106) in optical communication with the first optical element (104), wherein the second optical element (106) is configured to receive light from the first optical element (104) and alter a transmission path of the light through the second optical element (106)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An optical assembly is provided wherein the optical assembly includes a first optical element configured to receive light and alter a transmission path of the light through the first optical element in a first direction and a second direction, and a second optical element in optical communication with the first optical element, the second optical element configured to receive the light from the first optical element, and alter a transmission path of the light through the second optical element in the first and second directions, wherein the light is passed through the second optical element, such that a sensor receives light from a field of view that is approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees offset from a field of view of the sensor.