Vehicle Vision Camera Semi-Reflective Mirror Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems using imaging sensors struggle to effectively capture and process both visible and infrared radiation for enhanced object detection and display functionalities, often requiring separate cameras or complex optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual imager camera system with a partially reflective and transmissive mirror element that separates and directs visible and infrared radiation to respective imagers, allowing for simultaneous capture and processing of both types of radiation for improved object detection and display capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate cameras are used for visible and infrared radiation, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions (visible light imaging and infrared imaging) into a single camera module. The camera includes a lens, a beam splitter, a first imager for visible light, and a second imager for infrared radiation, all integrated in one housing. This merging approach maintains the detection capabilities of separate cameras while reducing overall device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can capture visible light images and infrared radiation images using the same physical housing and lens assembly. The beam splitter enables the single camera structure to handle both radiation types, providing multi-functional capability that reduces the need for multiple separate devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex optical systems are used to capture both radiation types, then imaging quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional components: a lens for focusing, a beam splitter for separating radiation types, a first imager for visible light, and a second imager for infrared. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to complex single-system designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that divides the incoming radiation into visible light and infrared components, directing each to its dedicated imager. This intermediary component enables the system to maintain high imaging quality for both radiation types while using relatively simple, standardized optical elements that are easier to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are deployed, then functional versatility is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera functions into a single integrated module that occupies one space. The camera housing contains all necessary components (lens, beam splitter, multiple imagers) to provide both visible light and infrared imaging capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate camera units and reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera module provides universal imaging functionality for both visible and infrared spectra, enabling the system to adapt to different imaging needs without requiring additional space for separate specialized cameras. This multi-functional design maintains versatility while minimizing spatial footprint.
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 enhanced object detection and display functionalities by merging image data from both imagers, providing sharper images and improved night vision capabilities while reducing the need for multiple cameras or complex optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror reflector element is partially transmissive to a first type of radiation and is partially reflective to a second type of radiation incident thereon
Implementation Method 2
The mirror reflector element is partially transmissive to a first type of radiation and is partially reflective to a second type of radiation incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera module configured to be disposed at the vehicle so as to have a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera module includes a lens, a mirror reflector element, a first imager and a second imager. The mirror reflector element is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the lens and between the lens and the first imager. The second imager is disposed so as to receive light reflected off of the mirror reflector element. The mirror reflector element is partially transmissive to a first type of radiation and is partially reflective to a second type of radiation incident thereon. The first imager is more sensitive than the second imager to the first type of radiation, and the second imager is more sensitive than the first imager to the second type of radiation.