Vehicle Camera Screen for Selective Glare Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems struggle with bright light sources that saturate the camera sensor, reducing the dynamic range and quality of the video feed, which compromises driving safety in autonomous or remotely operated vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A transparent screen is placed in the field of view of the camera sensor, capable of blocking or distorting light from selected areas to maintain the dynamic range and quality of the video feed, while also providing synchronization indicators and heads-up displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent screen is placed in the field of view of the camera sensor to block bright light sources, then the dynamic range and quality of the video feed are maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent screen is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the camera sensor. This screen can selectively block or attenuate bright light sources while allowing other light to pass through, thereby protecting the sensor from saturation without completely obstructing the field of view. The screen acts as a mediator that manages the interaction between light and sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent screen is configured to be dynamically adjustable, allowing it to adapt its light-blocking properties based on the detected light conditions. The screen can transition between different states of transparency or opacity, enabling it to respond to varying brightness levels and maintain optimal video feed quality under different lighting conditions.
2Reliability
If the screen blocks light from selected areas to maintain dynamic range, then the video feed quality is preserved, but the loss of information increases due to obscured areas
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent screen implements local quality control by selectively blocking light only in specific areas where bright light sources are detected. Rather than uniformly blocking light across the entire screen, the system adjusts the light-blocking properties locally at the pixels or regions corresponding to the bright light sources, thereby preserving video feed quality in affected areas while minimizing information loss in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen applies partial blocking action only to the extent necessary to prevent sensor saturation. Instead of completely blocking all light or obscuring large areas, the system uses just enough light-blocking capability to maintain the dynamic range and preserve video quality, thereby minimizing the loss of information while still achieving the protective function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transparent screen is used to provide synchronization indicators and heads-up displays, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent screen is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks bright light sources to protect the sensor, provides synchronization indicators for remote operation, and displays heads-up information for the driver. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single component, the system enhances adaptability and versatility while avoiding the need for separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light-blocking function with the display function into a single transparent screen system. The screen integrates the capability to attenuate light from bright sources while simultaneously serving as a display medium for synchronization indicators and heads-up information, thereby combining multiple functions into one unified component.
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 driving safety by maintaining high-quality video feeds in bright conditions, improving the performance of autonomous and remote driving systems by managing light sources and providing essential visual information.
Implementation Method 1
the screen, when acting on the control information, transmits light through parts of the screen not comprised in the selected area and blocks or distorts light passing through the selected area toward the video sensor element
Implementation Method 2
the screen, when acting on the control information, transmits light through parts of the screen not comprised in the selected area
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in a vehicle, comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processing core, cause the apparatus at least to send control information to control an at least in part transparent screen placed, or configured to be placed, at least in part in a field of view of a video sensor element of the vehicle, select an area of the screen which encompasses a part, or all of the screen, and determine the control information so that the screen, when acting on the control information, transmits light through parts of the screen not comprised in the selected area and blocks or distorts light passing through the selected area toward the video sensor element.