Optical Element Surface Microstructure for Camera Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost of removing shielding objects adhering to the aperture surface of installation-type cameras, such as in-vehicle cameras, is high due to the need for mechanisms like cleaning solution injection and labor, which is difficult when users are not present.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with fine recess or protrusion parts on its surface, configured to have varying ray diffusion characteristics, is used on the optical path to diffuse light and reduce adhesion of shielding objects, combined with an image processing system to restore and predict the presence of these objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cleaning solution injection mechanism is used to remove shielding objects, then shielding objects can be removed, but cost and device complexity increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex cleaning solution injection mechanism from the system. Instead of using mechanical cleaning components, the invention relies on the natural ray diffusion phenomenon that occurs when light passes through shielding objects, allowing the imaging system to detect and identify shielding objects without requiring any active cleaning hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the imaging system automatically detects, identifies, and provides information about shielding objects adhering to the lens. The system uses the shielding objects themselves as part of the optical path, leveraging their natural light-blocking and light-diffusing properties to generate detectable patterns that trigger automatic identification and user notification.
2Ease of manufacture
If cleaning solution injection mechanism is installed, then shielding objects can be removed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cleaning system (pumps, nozzles, fluid delivery mechanisms) with an optical detection system. The imaging element captures light patterns that naturally occur when shielding objects are present, and the control unit processes these optical signals to identify and communicate the presence of shielding objects, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention and associated power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users are not present near installation-type cameras, then remote monitoring is enabled, but shielding objects cannot be removed easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously monitors for shielding objects and provides real-time information to users through output devices. When a shielding object is detected, the control unit generates notifications that inform users of the object's presence and location, enabling remote users to take appropriate action (such as physically approaching to remove the object or adjusting camera angles) without needing to be constantly present at the camera location.
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 approach effectively reduces the cost and effort required to remove shielding objects by preventing their adhesion and providing timely user intervention based on object category, thus maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of fine recess parts or protrusion parts are disposed on a surface of the optical element so as to have different ray diffusion characteristics depending on a position on a cross section of an optical path
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology relates to an optical element and an imaging device that can reduce cost required to remove shielding objects adhering to an aperture surface. An optical element is an optical element that is disposed on an optical path from a subject to an imaging element, and is configured such that a plurality of fine recess parts or protrusion parts are disposed on a surface of the optical element so as to have different ray diffusion characteristics depending on a position on a cross section of an optical path. The present technology is applicable to, for example, installation-type imaging devices to be installed in vehicles, drones, electric poles, ships, or the like, image processing devices that perform image processing of converting a captured image captured by the imaging device into a restored image that is an image of a subject, and optical elements that are provided to installation-type imaging devices of imaging systems including display devices.