SUNLIGHT GLARE REDUCTION SYSTEM

• US 20170359495A1
• Filed: 06/13/2016
• Published: 12/14/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: HAWES, KEVIN J., TAYLOR, RONALD M.
• Granted Patent: US 10,462,380 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/003 Light absorbing elements
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 11/00 Filters or other obturators specially adapted for photographic purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 11/02 Sky masks
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 11/045 Lens hoods or shields
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0246 using a video camera in combination with image processing means
• 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 23/75 by influencing optical camera components

Abstract

A camera system suitable for use on an automated vehicle, includes an imager used to detect an image of a field-of-view of the system, a light-shield operable to block a portion of the image from being received by the imager, and a controller in communication with the imager and the light-shield. The controller is configured to position the light-shield in a line-of-sight between a bright-spot and the imager.

Claims

1. A camera system suitable for use on an automated vehicle, said system comprising:

an imager used to detect an image of a field-of-view of the system;

a light-shield operable to block a portion of the image from being received by the imager; and

a controller in communication with the imager and the light-shield, said controller configured to position the light-shield in a line-of-sight between a bright-spot and the imager.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the system includes a camera-lens interposed between the imager and the field-of-view, said camera-lens used to focus the image onto the imager.

3. The system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the light-shield is interposed between the camera-lens and the bright-spot.

4. The system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the system includes an aperture-stop located between the imager and the camera-lens, and the light-shield is located at the aperture-stop.

5. The system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the light-shield is located between the camera-lens and the imager.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light-shield includes an absorber supported by a transparent-film.