VEHICULAR CAMERA SYSTEM

• US 20140160284A1
• Filed: 07/31/2012
• Published: 06/12/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/02/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Van Dan Elzen, Christopher L., Achenbach, Garrett, Winden, Brian J.
• Granted Patent: US 9,596,387 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/143
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/173 Reversing assist
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/152 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/173 Reversing assist
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/22 Display screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/28 characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/102 using 360 degree surveillance camera system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/303 using joined images, e.g. multiple camera images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/607 from a bird's eye viewpoint
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8026 : in addition to a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/804 : for lane monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 : for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 : Housings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/52 : Elements optimising image sensor operation, e.g. for electromagnetic interference [EMI] protection or temperature control by heat transfer or cooling elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/54 : Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/55 : Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/57 : Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49169 : Assembling electrical component directly to terminal or elongated conductor

Abstract

A vehicular camera system includes an imager assembly that can include an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and a lens positioned to direct light to the imager. A main circuit board is operatively connected to the imager circuit board. The main circuit board can include at least one processor for processing images captured by the imager. The main circuit board has an opening, and at least a portion of the imager assembly extends through the opening.

Claims

1. A vehicular camera system, comprising:

an imager assembly including an imager disposed on an imager circuit board and a lens positioned to direct light to the imager;

a main circuit board operatively connected to the imager circuit board, the main circuit board including at least one processor for processing images captured by the imager; and

wherein the main circuit board includes an opening therethrough, and at least a portion of the imager assembly extends at least partially through the opening of the main circuit board.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the imager circuit board extends at least partially through the opening of the main circuit board.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a housing having a breadth and a height, wherein the main circuit board extends generally along the breadth of the housing and the imager circuit board extends generally along the height of the housing.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the imager circuit board includes a flexible portion that terminates at an electrical connector and the electrical connector is connected to an underside of the main circuit board, the underside being opposite a top side of the main circuit board at which the lens is positioned.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a connector resilient member sandwiched between the electrical connector and the housing to seat the electrical connector to a mating electrical connector positioned on the underside of the main circuit board.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted to the front of a vehicle.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a lens holder connecting the lens and the imager circuit board.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the lens holder extends through the opening of the main circuit board.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening is surrounded by material of the main circuit board.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the opening has a rectangular shape.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the opening has rounded inside corners.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the imager circuit board is tilted at an angle with respect to the main circuit board.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a stray light shield positioned to reduce stray light reflected to the lens.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the imager and the lens are adaptable to adapt the system for different windshield applications.

15. A method of assembling a vehicular camera system, the method comprising:

positioning an imager assembly at a top side of a main circuit board, the imager assembly having a lens and an imager for capturing images and the main circuit board having a processor for processing the captured images;

extending a portion of the imager assembly through an opening in the main circuit board; and

operatively connecting the portion of the imager assembly with an underside of the main circuit board opposite the top side.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein extending a portion of the imager assembly through an opening comprises extending a flexible portion through the opening.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein operatively connecting comprises connecting an electrical connector of the imager assembly with a mating electrical connector of the main circuit board.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning a connector resilient member between an inside of a housing and the electrical connector.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising fastening a lower cover of the housing to an upper cover of the housing to compress the connector resilient member to firmly seat the electrical connector to the mating electrical connector.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising fastening the imager assembly to the upper cover of the housing.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising attaching a stray light shield to the housing.