Tilted Image Sensor Camera for Autonomous Driving Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cameras often have a limited depth of field, causing objects outside this range to appear blurry, which is undesirable for applications like autonomous driving and active safety systems.
Innovation Solution
The camera system is configured with image sensors and lens assemblies where at least one image plane is tilted to form a non-zero angle with the lens plane, resulting in a focal plane that is parallel to the vehicle's direction of movement, providing a theoretically infinite depth of field and increased camera angle of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional camera with parallel image plane and lens plane is used, then the camera structure is simple, but the depth of field is limited causing objects outside the range to appear blurry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by tilting the image plane relative to the lens plane, breaking the conventional parallel alignment. This asymmetric configuration creates a Scheimpflug arrangement where the image plane, lens plane, and focal plane intersect at a common line, thereby extending the depth of field to achieve theoretical infinity while maintaining a relatively simple camera structure without requiring multiple lenses or complex mechanical adjustments
2Reliability
If the image plane is tilted to form a non-zero angle with the lens plane, then the depth of field is extended to theoretically infinite distance, but the camera structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a angular dimension by tilting the image plane relative to the lens plane, transforming the conventional two-dimensional parallel alignment into a three-dimensional asymmetric arrangement. This dimensional change allows the focal plane to extend theoretically to infinite distance while maintaining a single lens assembly, avoiding the need for multiple lenses or complex optical systems
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 ensures sharp images over an infinite distance in the direction of movement, improving the camera's ability to handle road topography changes and maintain clarity regardless of vehicle position, enhancing the effectiveness of vehicle camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more lens assemblies configured with respect to the one or more image sensors, that at least one image plane from the one or more image sensors is tilted to form a non-zero angle with at least one equivalent lens plane from the one or more lens assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, cameras and mobile platforms are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a mobile platform is provided that includes a body and a camera disposed on the body. The camera includes one or more image sensors, and one or more lens assemblies. The one or more lens assemblies are configured with respect to the one or more image sensors, that at least one image plane from the one or more image sensors is tilted to form a non-zero angle with at least one equivalent lens plane from the one or more lens assemblies, transferring the image focal plane to be parallel to the movement direction of the mobile platform in which the camera is installed. The use of multiple image sensors or lens assemblies in certain embodiments increases camera angle of view.