Camera for Vehicle

• US 20100118145A1
• Filed: 11/13/2009
• Published: 05/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Nix, Axel, Betham, Laura, Todd, Neal Jonathan, Brasier, Brian Dean, Sesti, Matthew C.
• Granted Patent: US 8,570,374 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 Housings

Abstract

In a first embodiment, the invention is directed to a camera for mounting on a vehicle, including a lens member, an imaging element and an image processing board. The image processing board is separated sufficiently from the imaging element so as to impart relatively little heat generated during operation to the imaging element. The imaging element is positioned to receive video input from the lens member. The image processing board is configured to generate image processing board output data that relates to the video input received by the imaging element. The image processing board is positioned in a selected position to release heat along a heat path that is spaced from the imaging element. The camera may further include a vehicle interface board configured to communicate signals relating to the image processing board output data to a vehicle component.

Claims

1. A camera for mounting on a vehicle, comprising:

a lens member;

an imaging element that is positioned to receive video input from the lens member;

an image processing board that is configured to generate image processing board output data that relates to the video input received by the imaging element; and

a vehicle interface board that is configured to communicate signals relating to the image processing board output data to a vehicle component,

wherein the image processing board is positioned in a selected position to release heat along a heat path that is spaced from the imaging element.

2. A camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image processing board is positioned generally above the imaging element.

3. A camera as claimed in claim 2, wherein the camera includes a housing including an upper housing wall, and wherein the image processing board is positioned substantially in abutment with the upper housing wall.

4. A camera as claimed in claim 3, wherein the upper housing wall is metallic.

5. A camera as claimed in claim 2, wherein the image processing board is positioned above the vehicle interface board.

6. A camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image processing board is separate from the vehicle interface board.

7. A camera as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing that extends generally from the lens member upwardly at a selected angle, wherein the imaging element is oriented generally vertically behind the lens member, and wherein the housing includes an upper housing wall and the image processing board is positioned in abutment with the upper housing wall.

8. A camera for mounting in a vehicle, comprising:

a lens member;

an imaging element that is positioned to receive video input from the lens member;

a vehicle interface board that is configured to communicate signals relating to the video input to a vehicle component; and

a housing including a front housing member, an upper housing member and a lower housing member, wherein the front housing member holds the lens member and is hingeably connected to the upper housing member.

9. A camera as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing has a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, and two sides, and wherein the upper housing member substantially completely defines the top of the housing, wherein the front housing member substantially completely defines the front of the housing, and wherein the lower housing member substantially completely defines the bottom and the sides of the housing.

10. A camera as claimed in claim 8, further comprising an image processing board that is configured to generate image processing board output data that relates to the video input received by the imaging element.

11. A camera as claimed in claim 8, wherein the imaging element is positioned in the housing.

12. A camera as claimed in claim 11, wherein the vehicle interface board is positioned in the housing.

13. A camera as claimed in claim 10, wherein the image processing board is positioned in the housing.

14. A camera for mounting on a vehicle windshield, comprising:

a housing with an upper housing wall, wherein the housing is mountable to the vehicle windshield such that the upper housing wall is generally parallel to the vehicle windshield;

a lens member;

an imaging element that is positioned to receive video input from the lens member;

an image processing board that is configured to generate image processing board output data that relates to the video input received by the imaging element; and

a vehicle interface board that is configured to communicate signals relating to the image processing board output data to a vehicle component;

wherein the housing is configured to be at a selected angle relative to the lens member, wherein the image processing board and the vehicle interface board are positioned behind the imaging element and are generally parallel to the housing.

15. A camera as claimed in claim 14, wherein the selected angle permits the lens member to extend generally horizontally when the housing is mounted to the vehicle windshield.