Vehicle Camera Mirror Optical Axis Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle-mounted cameras for windshields often require significant installation space, causing visual obstruction and discomfort for drivers due to their size and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A camera configuration with a substrate installed parallel to the windshield and a mirror that adjusts the optical axis to direct frontward visual information, minimizing the installation space and allowing for adjustable angles to optimize the field of view while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vehicle-mounted cameras are installed on the windshield, then image acquisition capability is improved, but installation space increases causing visual obstruction to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mirror to redirect light paths, effectively changing the dimensional arrangement of optical components. The mirror reflects light from the frontward direction to the imaging unit positioned on the substrate, allowing the optical axis to be redirected without increasing the footprint on the windshield. This dimensional reconfiguration enables compact installation while maintaining full image acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a nested arrangement where the mirror is positioned within the optical path between the lens and the imaging unit. The substrate is installed parallel to the windshield surface, and the mirror is embedded in the optical system, creating a compact nested structure that minimizes the overall installation space while preserving all necessary imaging functions.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera is positioned closer to the driver for compact installation, then installation space is reduced, but visual obstruction and feeling of oppression increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using the mirror to redirect the optical axis, the system can be positioned in locations that do not obstruct the driver's view. The light path is bent at an angle by the mirror, allowing the imaging unit to capture frontward images without being positioned in the driver's direct line of sight. This dimensional change in light propagation enables compact placement without visual obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the frontward direction and the imaging unit. It redirects the visual information from the frontward direction to the imaging unit positioned on the substrate, allowing the camera system to be installed in a compact location that does not directly obstruct the driver's view while still capturing the necessary field of view.
3Ease of manufacture
If the optical axis is perpendicular to the substrate surface for simple mounting, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to capture frontward visual information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple perpendicular mounting of the optical axis to the substrate surface for ease of manufacture, while introducing a mirror to change the direction of light propagation. The mirror redirects the light path at an angle, allowing the perpendicular optical axis configuration to capture frontward visual information that would otherwise require a complex angled mounting arrangement. This resolves the contradiction by adding a reflective element rather than complicating the mounting geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror serves as an intermediary that bridges the perpendicular optical axis configuration and the frontward viewing direction. It receives light from the frontward direction and redirects it to the imaging unit positioned perpendicular to the substrate, enabling both simple mounting and effective frontward image capture without requiring the optical axis to be angled relative to the substrate surface.
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 reduces the visual obstruction for drivers by minimizing the camera's installation space on the windshield while maintaining effective image acquisition and processing capabilities, making it suitable for various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror provided on the optical axis of the imaging unit and adapted to change a direction of the optical axis to a frontward direction of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a vehicle-mounted type of camera capable of being reduced in the space required for installation on the windshield of a vehicle.An imaging unit 15 is provided on a substrate 19 and has an optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. The substrate 19 is set up in parallel with respect to the windshield of the vehicle. A lens 14 is disposed on the optical axis. A mirror 16 is also provided on the optical axis of the imaging unit 15, and is adapted to change a direction of the optical axis to a frontward direction of the vehicle, thus guiding frontward visual field information of the vehicle to the imaging unit 15. The mirror 16 is retained in an attachment 11. The attachment 11 can be engaged with and disengaged from an enclosure 12 that holds the lens 14.