Vehicular Camera Module Baffle Structure for Cabin Glare Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imaging systems face challenges in effectively reducing stray light and glare from within the cabin, which can distort images captured by forward-facing cameras, especially when mounted on windshields with varying angles, leading to compromised image quality and driver assistance systems performance.
Innovation Solution
A stray light shield with a tapered or wedge-shaped pocket is integrated into the camera module or attached as a separate component, featuring light baffling elements that limit extraneous light from entering the camera, optimizing the camera's field of view and reducing glare by angling baffle surfaces to manage light reflection effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a forward-facing camera is mounted on the windshield to capture exterior images, then the field of view and imaging capability are improved, but stray light and glare from within the cabin enter the lens and degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A light shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the camera lens and the cabin interior. The light shield includes a light trap with baffle elements that intercept and redirect stray light before it reaches the lens, thereby protecting the imaging system while maintaining the camera's forward-facing position on the windshield
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield is divided into multiple baffle elements arranged in a segmented structure. These baffles are positioned at different angles and locations to systematically block light paths from various directions within the cabin, creating a progressive light-trapping mechanism that enhances overall stray light rejection
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module is customized for each specific windshield angle to optimize the principal line of vision, then the adaptability and imaging accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield is designed as a universal component that can be adapted to multiple windshield angles. By adjusting the orientation and configuration of the baffle elements, the same light shield design can accommodate different windshield rake angles, eliminating the need for completely custom camera modules for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The light shield incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable baffle elements that can be positioned at different angles to match various windshield configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows a single camera module design to be optimized for multiple windshield angles through simple reconfiguration of the light shield components
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
The solution enhances image quality by minimizing internal light interference, ensuring accurate image capture and improving the performance of driver assistance systems by maintaining a clear field of view for forward-facing cameras across various windshield angles.
Implementation Method 1
The light shield may include a light baffling or light trapping structure or configuration or system that limits or reduces extraneous light that passes through a window or windshield of the equipped vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The light baffling/light trapping structure thus helps assure that light originating external of the vehicle that is incident at the image sensor of the forward facing camera emanates from (or is reflected by) objects of interest
Implementation Method 3
reducing glare by angling baffle surfaces to manage light reflection effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera module includes a main circuit board electrically connected with an imager circuit board via a flexible ribbon cable. Electronic circuitry disposed at a main PCB of the main circuit board includes an image processor. With the imager operated to capture image data, captured image data is provided via the flexible ribbon cable to the electronic circuitry disposed at the main PCB of the main circuit board. The electronic circuitry disposed at the main PCB of the main circuit board includes an electrical connector configured for electrical connection to a connector of a vehicular wire harness. Electrical components disposed at a first side of the main PCB of the main circuit board, electrical components disposed at a second side of the main PCB of the main circuit board, and the electrical connector are electrically operatively coupled together by conductive traces and vias of the main PCB.