CAMERA MODULE FOR VEHICLE

• US 20160200264A1
• Filed: 03/22/2016
• Published: 07/14/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Bingle, Robert L., Camilleri, Joseph, Whitehead, Peter J., Schofield, Kenneth
• Granted Patent: US 9,623,799 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1423 Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/02 Rear-view mirror arrangements periscope arrangements B60R1/10
• 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 16/03 for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for circuit arrangements for charging batteries H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/004 outside the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/008 Adjustable or movable supports
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0094 characterised by means for covering after user, e.g. boxes, shutters or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/101 using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/602 with an adjustable viewpoint
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8046 for replacing a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0411 the windscreens, windows or optical devices being movable with respect to fixed wipers
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/56 specially adapted for cleaning other parts or devices than front windows or windscreens rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior including cleaning devices B60R1/0602
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/02 Bodies
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 29/00 Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects combinations with flash apparatus G03B15/03
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/56 exterior to a vehicle by using sensors mounted on the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/11 : for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths
• 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: H04N 25/76 : Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

A camera module suitable for use for a vision system of a vehicle includes a camera housing portion having a generally cylindrical portion extending outwardly from a base portion. An imaging sensor is disposed at the base portion and a lens system is received at the cylindrical portion of the camera housing portion. The camera housing portion and a connector portion are configured to join together to encase the imaging sensor and circuitry. The connector portion may include a multi-pin connector extending in a direction away from the camera housing portion when the camera housing portion and the connector portion are joined together. The multi-pin connector may include a plurality of terminals, each of which has a first end having a pin configured to electrically connect with a connector of a vehicle and an opposing second end configured for electrical connection with the circuitry.

Claims

1. A camera module suitable for use for a vision system of a vehicle, said camera module comprising:

a camera housing portion;

said camera housing portion comprising a generally cylindrical portion extending outwardly from a base portion;

an imaging sensor disposed at said base portion;

a lens system received at said cylindrical portion of said camera housing portion;

a first circuit board including circuitry associated with said imaging sensor;

a connector portion;

wherein said camera housing portion and said connector portion are configured to join together to encase said imaging sensor and said circuitry;

wherein, when joined together, said camera housing portion and said connector portion substantially prevent intrusion of water;

said connector portion comprising a multi-pin connector extending in a direction away from said camera housing portion when said camera housing portion and said connector portion are joined together;

said multi-pin connector comprising a plurality of terminals each of which comprises (i) a first end comprising a pin extending outwardly from said connector portion and configured to electrically connect with a connector of a vehicle equipped with said camera module and (ii) an opposing second end configured for electrical connection with said circuitry; and

wherein said camera module is configured for mounting at a portion of the equipped vehicle.

2. The camera module of claim 1, wherein the dynamic range of said imaging sensor follows, at least in part, a linear response curve.

3. The camera module of claim 2, wherein the dynamic range of said imaging sensor follows, at least in part, a non-linear response curve.

4. The camera module of claim 3, wherein the dynamic range of said imaging sensor follows, at least in part, a linear response curve up to 62 dB.

5. The camera module of claim 4, wherein the dynamic range of said imaging sensor follows, at least in part, a non-linear response curve above 62 dB.

6. The camera module of claim 5, wherein said imaging sensor comprises a CMOS imaging sensor having a dynamic range of greater than 100 dB.

7. The camera module of claim 1, wherein image data captured by said imaging sensor is processed by an image processor and responsive at least in part to processing by said image processor of image data captured by said imaging sensor, an object in the field of view of said imaging sensor is detected.

8. The camera module of claim 7, wherein, responsive at least in part to processing by said image processor of image data captured by said imaging sensor, distance to the object detected is determined.

9. The camera module of claim 7, wherein said camera module comprises shielding to reduce electronic noise.

10. The camera module of claim 1, wherein said imaging sensor is disposed at a second circuit board that is in board-to-board electrical connection with said first circuit board.

11. The camera module of claim 10, wherein said board-to-board electrical connection comprises a multi-wire ribbon connection.

12. The camera module of claim 10, wherein said camera module is configured for mounting at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle, and wherein, when said camera module is mounted at the rear portion of the equipped vehicle, said imaging sensor is associated with a backup assist system of the equipped vehicle.

13. The camera module of claim 1, wherein said camera module comprises a semi-permeable ventilation portion which is at least partially permeable to water vapor.

14. The camera module of claim 13, wherein said semi-permeable ventilation portion comprises a material that is at least partially permeable to water vapor.

15. The camera module of claim 1, wherein said circuitry at said first circuit board comprises a plurality of pin-receiving sockets, and wherein the opposing second end of each of said plurality of terminals comprises a pin extending inwardly from said connector portion and configured to plug-connect with a respective one of said plurality of pin-receiving sockets at said first circuit board.

16. The camera module of claim 1, wherein said base portion has a generally square shape.

17. The camera module of claim 1, wherein said camera housing portion comprises a mating portion around said base portion that mates with and secures to a corresponding portion of said connector portion when said camera housing portion and said base portion are joined together.

18. The camera module of claim 17, wherein said camera housing portion and said base portion are joined together by at least one of (i) welding and (ii) an adhesive.

19. The camera module of claim 1, wherein said camera module, when mounted at a portion of the equipped vehicle, is positioned in a movable housing that is movable relative to an exterior portion of the equipped vehicle to move said imaging sensor between a stored position generally within the portion of the equipped vehicle and an operational position where said imaging sensor is positioned to have a field of view exteriorly of the equipped vehicle.

20. The camera module of claim 19, wherein said movable housing comprises a transparent panel, said transparent panel generally in the field of view of said imaging sensor and wherein said movable housing comprises a panel cleaning device positionable at the exterior portion of the equipped vehicle and configured to engage an exterior surface of said transparent panel to clean said transparent panel as said housing moves said imaging sensor between said stored position and said operational position.

21. The camera module system of claim 1, wherein said camera module comprises an infrared filter that is movable out of the line of sight of said imaging sensor when ambient lighting conditions are low at the equipped vehicle.

22. A camera module suitable for use for a vision system of a vehicle, said camera module comprising:

a camera housing portion;

said camera housing portion comprising a generally cylindrical portion extending outwardly from a base portion;

an imaging sensor disposed at said base portion;

a lens system received at said cylindrical portion of said camera housing portion;

a first circuit board including circuitry associated with said imaging sensor;

wherein said imaging sensor is disposed at a second circuit board that is in board-to-board electrical connection with said first circuit board;

a connector portion;

wherein said camera housing portion and said connector portion are configured to join together to encase said imaging sensor and said circuitry;

wherein, when joined together, said camera housing portion and said connector portion substantially prevent intrusion of water;

wherein said camera module comprises a semi-permeable ventilation portion which is at least partially permeable to water vapor and wherein said semi-permeable ventilation portion comprises a material that is at least partially permeable to water vapor; and

wherein said camera module is configured for mounting at a portion of a vehicle equipped with said camera module.

23. The camera module of claim 22, wherein said connector portion comprising a multi-pin connector extending in a direction away from said camera housing portion when said camera housing portion and said connector portion are joined together.

24. The camera module of claim 23, wherein said multi-pin connector comprises a plurality of pins extending outwardly from said connector portion and configured to electrically connect with a connector of the equipped vehicle when said camera module is mounted at a portion of the equipped vehicle.

25. The camera module of claim 24, wherein said plurality of pins are in electrical connection with said circuitry at said first circuit board.

26. The camera module of claim 22, wherein image data captured by said imaging sensor is processed by an image processor and responsive at least in part to processing by said image processor of image data captured by said imaging sensor, an object in the field of view of said imaging sensor is detected.

27. The camera module of claim 26, wherein, responsive at least in part to processing by said image processor of image data captured by said imaging sensor, distance to the object detected is determined.

28. A camera module suitable for use for a vision system of a vehicle, said camera module comprising:

a camera housing portion;

said camera housing portion comprising a generally cylindrical portion extending outwardly from a base portion;

an imaging sensor disposed at said base portion;

a lens system received at said cylindrical portion of said camera housing portion;

a first circuit board including circuitry associated with said imaging sensor;

wherein said imaging sensor is disposed at a second circuit board that is in board-to-board electrical connection with said first circuit board;

a connector portion;

wherein said camera housing portion and said connector portion are configured to join together to encase said imaging sensor and said circuitry;

wherein said camera housing portion comprises a mating portion around said base portion that mates with and secures to a corresponding portion of said connector portion when said camera housing portion and said base portion are joined together;

wherein the dynamic range of said imaging sensor follows, at least in part, a linear response curve; and

wherein image data captured by said imaging sensor is processed by an image processor and responsive at least in part to processing by said image processor of image data captured by said imaging sensor, an object in the field of view of said imaging sensor is detected.

29. The camera module of claim 28, wherein said camera module is configured for mounting at a rear portion of a vehicle equipped with said camera module, and wherein, when said camera module is mounted at the rear portion of the equipped vehicle, said imaging sensor is associated with a backup assist system of the equipped vehicle.

30. The camera module of claim 29, wherein said camera module comprises a semi-permeable ventilation portion which is at least partially permeable to water vapor, and wherein said semi-permeable ventilation portion comprises a material that is at least partially permeable to water vapor.

31. The camera module of claim 29, wherein said circuitry at said first circuit board comprises a plurality of pin-receiving sockets, and wherein a plurality of pins extend inwardly from said connector portion and are configured to plug-connect with respective ones of said plurality of pin-receiving sockets at said first circuit board.

32. The camera module of claim 29, wherein said base portion has a generally square shape and wherein, when joined together, said camera housing portion and said connector portion substantially prevent intrusion of water.

33. The camera module of claim 29, and wherein the dynamic range of said imaging sensor follows, at least in part, a non-linear response curve.

34. The camera module of claim 28, wherein said connector portion comprising a multi-pin connector and wherein said multi-pin connector extends from said connector portion in a direction away from said camera housing when said camera housing portion and said connector portion are joined together, and wherein said multi-pin connector comprises a plurality of pins extending outwardly from said connector portion and configured to plug-connect with a connector of a vehicle equipped with said camera module when said camera module is mounted at a portion of the equipped vehicle.

35. The camera module of claim 28, wherein, responsive at least in part to processing by said image processor of image data captured by said imaging sensor, distance to the object detected is determined.