Vehicle Sensor Lens Hood Contouring for Straylight Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors in vehicles are susceptible to performance issues due to straylight, particularly from the sun and other lights, which affect field-of-vision and reduce contrast, sharpness, and object detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor lens hood that partially surrounds the image sensor lens, incorporating apertures for cleaning and is contoured to mitigate flare from straylight while maintaining a close field-of-view, shielding the lens from both fixed and dynamic light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lens hood is added to shield the image sensor lens from straylight, then straylight mitigation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens hood is integrated with the vehicle's existing structure (bumper, fascia, or trim piece) rather than being a separate component. This merging approach provides straylight mitigation functionality while utilizing already-present structural elements, thereby avoiding additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens hood structure serves multiple functions: it shields the image sensor from straylight, maintains aesthetic appearance by being contoured to match vehicle design, and can be incorporated into existing vehicle components. This multi-functionality justifies the addition without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a contoured lens hood is used to mitigate flare, then straylight reduction is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens hood features localized contoured regions specifically positioned where flare mitigation is needed, rather than requiring the entire structure to meet high precision standards. The contoured portions are strategically designed to address specific light reflection paths while other areas can be manufactured with standard tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens hood provides sufficient contoured shaping to achieve the necessary flare mitigation effect without over-engineering the precision requirements. The design implements just enough contouring to block harmful light paths while maintaining manufacturability within reasonable precision limits.
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
Enhances sensor performance by reducing flare-induced haze and improving object detection, ensuring effective operation and safety in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The lens hood is configured to mitigate flare from straylight... shielding the lens from both fixed and dynamic light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle sensor lens hoods for reduction of straylight on an image sensor lens, which can include a body, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The lens hood can further be associated with a structure, such as a fascia, of a vehicle. Vehicles and autonomous vehicles products are also provided.