Multi-Function Vehicle Camera with Oblique Lens and Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems on vehicles require multiple devices to achieve different functionalities, leading to increased cost and space occupancy due to the need for varying camera configurations with distinct fields of view for functions like active safety and DVR.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function camera device with a sensor configured to detect radiation, utilizing a distortion correcting prism and a lens element with an oblique surface to direct radiation from a wider field of view to a second sensor portion, enabling multiple imaging functions from a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate camera devices are used to achieve different imaging functionalities (active safety, DVR, etc.), then each function can be optimized with appropriate field of view, but the cost and space occupancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions (active safety with narrow field of view and DVR with wide field of view) into a single camera device. The sensor is divided into multiple portions, each dedicated to a specific function, allowing multiple camera systems to be merged into one physical device, thereby reducing space occupancy while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The camera device is designed to perform multiple imaging functions simultaneously using a single sensor assembly. The sensor is segmented into different portions that can capture images for both active safety and DVR functions, making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated cameras for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate camera devices are used to achieve different imaging functionalities, then each function can be optimized with appropriate field of view, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera configurations into a single integrated device. By combining the active safety camera and DVR camera into one physical unit with a shared sensor assembly, the system reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining the specialized optical paths and field of view requirements for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is segmented into multiple distinct portions, with each portion dedicated to a specific imaging function. This segmentation allows different field of view requirements to be met within a single sensor assembly, enabling functional differentiation without requiring separate camera devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single sensor is used for multiple imaging functions with different fields of view, then cost and space are reduced, but the difficulty of directing radiation from different angles to different sensor portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical elements such as prisms or mirrors are introduced as intermediaries to redirect radiation from different angles to the appropriate sensor portions. These optical components act as mediators that manage the complex light paths, directing narrow-angle radiation to one sensor portion and wide-angle radiation to another, thereby simplifying the overall optical design
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 cost-effective and space-efficient provision of advanced driver assist functions by allowing a single camera device to perform multiple imaging tasks with different fields of view, enhancing versatility and functionality on vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A distortion correction prism is forward of the sensor and directs radiation outside of the first field of vision toward the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The lens element includes a surface facing toward the sensor. The surface is at an oblique angle relative to a sensor axis. The lens element directs radiation from the distortion correcting prism toward a second portion of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative example camera device includes a sensor that is configured to detect radiation. A first portion of the sensor has a first field of vision and is used for a first imaging function. A distortion correction prism directs radiation outside the first field of vision toward the sensor. A lens element between the distortion correcting prism and the sensor includes a surface at an oblique angle relative to a sensor axis. The lens element directs radiation from the distortion correcting prism toward a second portion of the sensor that has a second field of vision and is used for a second imaging function. The sensor provides a first output for the first imaging function based on radiation detected at the first portion of the sensor. The sensor provides a second output for the second imaging function based on radiation detection at the second portion.