Vehicle Camera Variable Lens Liquid Crystal Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle cameras with fixed focal distances are inadequate for adjusting to varying vehicle states and driving conditions, limiting their effectiveness in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Innovation Solution

A vehicle camera system incorporating a variable lens with a liquid crystal layer that changes light introduction based on applied voltage, allowing for adjustable focal distances to suit different driving scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed focal distance lens is used in the vehicle camera, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different vehicle states and driving conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle states and driving conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable lens system that can dynamically adjust its focal distance based on different vehicle states and driving conditions. The lens transitions from a fixed focal length design to an adjustable one, allowing the optical system to adapt to varying requirements such as different object distances, lighting conditions, and driving modes, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the focal distance parameter of the lens according to different operating conditions. The variable lens system enables continuous adjustment of the focal length parameter, allowing the camera to optimize image quality for various scenarios such as near-field and far-field imaging, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity through controlled parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a variable lens with liquid crystal layer is implemented, then the adaptability to different driving scenarios is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to driving scenariosVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical variable lens mechanisms with a liquid crystal-based optical system. Instead of using moving parts, gears, or motors to adjust focal length, the invention uses liquid crystal materials whose optical properties can be changed electrically, thereby achieving variable focal distance while simplifying the mechanical structure and improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of liquid crystal materials to achieve focal length adjustment. By changing the phase state or molecular orientation of the liquid crystal through electrical control, the refractive index of the lens material changes, enabling focal distance variation without mechanical movement. This approach improves adaptability to driving scenarios while avoiding complex mechanical manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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

Enables dynamic adjustment of focal distance to enhance image acquisition and support safe driving by adapting to vehicle states and driving situations, improving the functionality of ADAS systems.

Implementation Method 1

a variable lens having a liquid crystal layer, the variable lens being configured to change light to be introduced into the image sensor based on an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer, which depends on an applied voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystal molecule arrangement change based on applied voltage: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentEP3229069B1Vehicle camera
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3229069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3229069B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3229069B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a driver assistance apparatus including a camera provided in a vehicle for acquiring an image, and a processor for processing the image, and the camera includes an image sensor, and a variable lens having a liquid crystal layer, the variable lens being configured to change light to be introduced into the image sensor based on an arrangement of liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer, which depends on an applied voltage.