Vehicle Optical Sensor Master Lens and Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle optical sensor systems face performance tradeoffs due to light sensitivity, spectrum sensitivity, and field of view requirements for various vehicle warning and control systems, making it challenging to achieve optimum performance with a single optoelectronic device-based system.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system utilizing a master lens and optical diffuser, with multiple optoelectronic devices configured to view different light wavelength ranges and field of views, allowing for independent video signal processing and optimized performance for each application, while sharing a common lens assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optoelectronic device based system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but performance tradeoffs occur due to conflicting light sensitivity, spectrum sensitivity, and field of view requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple optoelectronic devices (first imager and second imager), each optimized for specific functions. The first imager handles visible light with higher resolution for daytime driving assistance, while the second imager handles infrared with higher sensitivity for night vision, eliminating the need for a single device to compromise performance across all functions
Solution Approach 2:
Each optoelectronic device is configured with different spectral sensitivities and performance characteristics tailored to specific operational requirements. The first imager is optimized for visible spectrum during daytime, while the second imager is optimized for infrared spectrum during nighttime, allowing each component to have local quality optimized for its specific function rather than requiring uniform performance across all conditions
2Illumination intensity
If larger pixels are used to increase light sensitivity, then light sensitivity is improved, but optoelectronic device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two separate optoelectronic devices, allowing each device to use appropriately sized pixels for its specific function without compromising overall system performance. This eliminates the need for a single device to use excessively large pixels that would increase size while attempting to satisfy all light sensitivity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spectral dimension by introducing a second imager sensitive to infrared wavelengths. This allows the system to achieve high light sensitivity for night vision in the infrared spectrum without requiring the visible light imager to use excessively large pixels, thus maintaining compact size while achieving high sensitivity where needed
3Illumination intensity
If longer exposure time is used to increase light sensitivity, then light sensitivity is improved, but frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function between two imagers with different exposure time requirements. The first imager uses shorter exposure times optimized for daytime visible light conditions, while the second imager uses longer exposure times optimized for nighttime infrared conditions, allowing each to operate at optimal frame rates for their respective functions without compromising the other
4Illumination intensity
If larger aperture lens is used to increase light sensitivity, then light sensitivity is improved, but packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light sensitivity requirement across two separate imaging systems with different aperture requirements. The first imager uses a smaller aperture lens optimized for daytime visible light, while the second imager uses a larger aperture lens optimized for nighttime infrared detection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high light sensitivity where needed without requiring all lens elements to be large, thus reducing overall packaging size compared to a single large-aperture system
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 solution enables optimized performance for multiple vehicle warning and control systems by allowing each optoelectronic device to be tailored for specific sensitivity and field of view requirements, reducing costs and improving overall system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An optical diffuser is located proximate to the focal plane of the master lens. The diffuser is configured to display an image of the field of view from the master lens.
Implementation Method 2
an optoelectronic device is a component of an optical sensor system that may be operable to generate a video signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3C
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An optical sensor system (10) that includes a master lens (12), an optical diffuser (22), and a plurality of optoelectronic devices (24). The master lens (12) is positioned on the vehicle to observe a field of view (14) about the vehicle. An optical diffuser (22) is located proximate to a focal plane (20) of the master lens (12). The diffuser (22) is configured to display an image (16) of the field of view (14) from the master lens (12). A plurality of optoelectronic devices (24) is configured to view (14) the diffuser (22). A first optoelectronic device (24A) generates a first video signal (26A) indicative of images on a first portion (28A) of the diffuser (22). A second optoelectronic device (24B) generates a second video signal (26B) indicative of images on a second portion (28B) of the diffuser (22). Optionally, the first optoelectronic device (24A) is sensitive to a first light wavelength range, and the second optoelectronic device (24B) is sensitive to a second light wavelength range distinct from the first light wavelength range.