Rearview Mirror Camera Cavity for Off-Axis Reflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras positioned behind transflective elements in rearview assemblies experience undesirable artifacts due to off-axis light reflections, which are particularly prevalent with wide-angle lenses, affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A rearview assembly design featuring a transflective element, carrier plate, and imager, where the carrier plate forms a cavity with anti-reflective surfaces and a lip portion, minimizing off-axis light reflections and absorption, thereby reducing artifacts in images captured by the imager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a camera is positioned behind a transflective element, then the camera visibility to user is reduced, but off-axis light reflections cause undesirable artifacts in images
Solution Approach 1:
A cavity structure is introduced as an intermediary space between the transflective element and the camera. This cavity contains anti-reflective surfaces that act as mediators to manage off-axis light reflections, preventing them from reaching the camera sensor while maintaining the camera's hidden position behind the transflective element.
Solution Approach 2:
Anti-reflective treatment is applied specifically to the surfaces within the cavity that are most prone to causing reflections. This localized treatment targets the specific areas where off-axis light would otherwise reflect into the camera, rather than treating the entire camera assembly uniformly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide-angle camera lens is used, then the field of view is widened, but off-axis reflections are increased due to wider field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity with anti-reflective surfaces serves as an intermediary structure that specifically addresses off-axis reflection problems. This allows the wide-angle lens to maintain its broad field of view capability while the cavity structure intercepts and manages the off-axis light that would otherwise create artifacts in the expanded viewing area.
Solution Approach 2:
Anti-reflective surfaces are strategically positioned within the cavity at locations where off-axis light from wide angles would most likely reflect. This localized approach targets the specific angular ranges that wide-angle lenses capture, enabling broad field of view without proportionally increasing reflection artifacts.
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 design significantly reduces or eliminates undesirable artifacts in images by minimizing off-axis light reflections and absorption, particularly beneficial for wide-angle cameras, enhancing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
surfaces defined by the cavity may be anti-reflective... minimizing off-axis light reflections and absorption
Implementation Method 2
The transflective element may be variably reflective... Light that is off-axis with the camera lens may transmit through the transflective element and reflect off various surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A rearview assembly having a transflective element, a carrier plate, and an imager. The transflective element may have a first side and a second side in a first direction relative the first side. The carrier plate has a third side and a fourth side. The third side is adhered to the second side and extends substantially there along. The carrier plate may also have a cavity extending from the third side in the first direction. The cavity may have a first aperture, a second aperture, and an end portion. The first aperture may be at the third side. The second aperture may be disposed in the first direction relative the first aperture. The end portion may circumscribe the second aperture. The imager may extend through the second aperture and comprise a light collection portion, which is disposed proximate the second side.