Refractive block and imaging systems for use in automobiles

• US 7,095,567 B2
• Filed: 08/16/2004
• Issued: 08/22/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Taylor, Ronald M., Troxell, John R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Harrington, Alicia M
• Application Number:
  US10/919,163
• Publication Number:
  US 20060034002A1
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 359/629, 359/630, 359/636, 359/638, 359/639, 359/641, 359/720, 359/737, 348/115, 348/118, 348/119
• US Class Current: 359/737
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/004 outside the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/205 using a head-up display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/804 for lane monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/12 operating by refraction only

Abstract

A refractive block includes a light-entrance surface configured to be mounted in contact with a refractive boundary of a vehicle, and a light-exit surface wherein the refractive block is configured to refract an optical path of light corresponding to an imaged area and to direct the light to an image-sensing component.

Claims

1. A refractive block, comprising:

a light-entrance surface configured to be mounted in contact with a refractive boundary of a vehicle; and

a light-exit surface wherein said refractive block is configured to refract an optical path of light corresponding to an imaged area and to direct said light to an image-sensing component.

2. The refractive block of claim 1, and wherein said refractive block is formed of a material of having an index of refraction tat is substantially similar to an index of refraction of said refractive boundary.

3. The refractive block of claim 1, and further comprising a plurality of peripheral surfaces being treated to minimize the entrance of light there tbxough.

4. The refractive block of claim 3, and wherein said peripheral surfaces are roughened.

5. The refractive block of claim 3, and wherein said peripheral surfaces are darkened.

6. The refractive block of claim 1, and wherein said light-exit surface comprises a non-planar surface.

7. The refractive block of claim 6, and wherein said light-exit surface is configured to operate as a first optical surface of said image-sensing component.

8. The refractive block of claim 6, and wherein said light-exit surface is configured to selectively direct light to said image sensing corresponding to a plurality of imaged areas.

9. The refractive block of claim 6, and wherein said light-exit surface comprises a planar surface.

10. The refractive block of claim 9, and wherein said refractive block is configured to direct said light through said light-exit surface at substantially a fight-angle.

11. The refractive block of claim 1, and further comprising an antireflective coating on said light-exit surface.

12. An imaging system, comprising:

a refractive block configured to be mounted in contact with an interior surface of a refractive boundary of a vehicle and configured to refract an optical pat of light corresponding to an imaged area; and

an image-sensing component in optical communication with said refractive block.

13. The system of claim 12, and wherein said refractive block comprises a material having an index of refraction substantially similar to an index of refraction of said refractive boundary.

14. The system of claim 13, and further comprising an adhesive between said refractive block and said refractive boundary.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein said adhesive comprises a material having an index of refraction substantially similar to said index of refraction of said refractive boundary.

16. The system of claim 12, and further comprising an air gap between a light-exit surface of said refractive block and a first optical surface of said image-sensing component.

17. The system of claim 12, and wherein a light-exit surface of said refractive block comprises a first optical surface of said image-sensing component.

18. The system of claim 12, and wherein a light-exit surface of said refractive block comprises a planar surface.

19. The system of claim 18, and wherein said light exits said refractive block substantially normal to said light-exit surface.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein refractive block is configured to allow said image-sensing component to receive light from a light-exit surface, said light corresponding to a plurality of imaged areas.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein said refractive block comprises a wedge.

22. The system of claim 12, wherein said refractivd boundary comprises a vehicle windshield.

23. The system of claim 12, wherein said refractive boundary comprises a side-window or a substantially transparent side panel of a vehicle.

24. The system of claim 12, wherein said image-sensing component is part of a pedestrian/cross-traffic detection system.

25. An imaging system, comprising:

at least one refractive block configured to be mounted in contact with an interior surface of a side window of a vehicle and configured to refract an optical pat of light corresponding to an imaged area, said imaged area corresponding to a sideward and rearward view of said vehicle;

at least one an image-sensing component in optical communication with said refractive block; and

at least one display device configured to display an image corresponding to said image area.

26. The system of claim 25, and farther comprising a plurality of refractive blocks and a plurality of image-sensing components, said refractive blocks and image-sensing components being configured to image an area rearward and sideward of a passenger side of said vehicle and rearward and sideward of a driver side of said vehicle.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein said refractive block comprises a boundary contacting surface and an exit surface, said exit surface being non-planar.