METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING CAMERA FOR VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM

• US 20180222402A1
• Filed: 04/09/2018
• Published: 08/09/2018
• 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 10,300,866 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• 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 method for assembling a camera for a vehicle includes providing a camera housing portion, disposing an imaging sensor at a base portion of the camera housing portion, and disposing a lens system at a first portion of the camera housing portion. A first circuit board is provided that includes circuitry associated with the imaging sensor, which is disposed at a second circuit board that is in board-to-board electrical connection with the first circuit board. The camera housing portion and a connector portion are joined together to encase the first and second circuit boards. The connector portion includes a multi-pin connector having terminals that include (i) a first terminal portion for electrically connecting with a connector of the vehicle and (ii) a second terminal portion that electrically connects with circuitry disposed at the first circuit board when the camera housing portion and the connector portion are joined together.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a camera suitable for use for a vision system of a vehicle, the camera, when mounted at the vehicle, having a field of view exterior the vehicle, said method comprising:

providing a camera housing portion having a first portion extending outwardly from a base portion;

disposing a lens system at the first portion of the camera housing portion;

providing a first circuit board having circuitry;

providing a second circuit board having circuitry, wherein the circuitry of the second circuit board comprises an imaging sensor;

establishing board-to-board electrical connection between the second circuit board and the first circuit board, and wherein circuitry of the first circuit board is associated with the imaging sensor disposed at the second circuit board;

disposing the first and second circuit boards at the camera housing portion such that the first and second circuit boards overlap one another;

providing a connector portion comprising a multi-pin connector, the multi-pin connector comprising a plurality of pins, each of which comprises a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion;

joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion to encase the first and second circuit boards;

wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises electrically connecting the second terminal portions of the multi-pin connector of the connector portion with circuitry disposed at the first circuit board;

wherein the first terminal portion of each pin of the plurality of pins extends straight outwardly from the connector portion and is in-line with the respective second terminal portion; and

wherein the first terminal portions of the plurality of pins of the multi-pin connector are configured to electrically connect with a connector of a vehicle equipped with the camera when the camera is mounted at the equipped vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising providing shielding that at least partially encases the camera housing and the connector portion to reduce electronic noise during operation of the camera.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing board-to-board electrical connection between the second circuit board and the first circuit board comprises establishing the board-to-board electrical connection via a multi-wire ribbon connection.

4. The method of claim 1, comprising providing the camera with a semi-permeable ventilation portion that is at least partially permeable to water vapor.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the semi-permeable ventilation portion comprises a material that is at least partially permeable to water vapor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the circuitry at the first circuit board comprises a plurality of pin-receiving sockets, and wherein electrically connecting the second terminal portions of the multi-pin connector of the connector portion with circuitry disposed at the first circuit board comprises connecting individual pin-receiving sockets of the plurality of pin-receiving sockets with respective individual second terminal portions of the plurality of pins of the multi-pin connector.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises mating a mating portion of the base portion with a corresponding mating portion of the connector portion.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises joining via welding.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises joining via an adhesive.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises hermetically sealing the camera housing portion and connector portion.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the base portion of the camera housing portion has a square shape.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the camera housing portion is cylindrical and accommodates at least one lens of the lens system.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein, with the camera mounted at the equipped vehicle, image data captured by the imaging sensor is processed by an image processor.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the imaging sensor, an object in the field of view of the imaging sensor is detected.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the imaging sensor, distance to the object detected is determined.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera is configured for mounting at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle, and wherein, with the camera mounted at the rear portion of the equipped vehicle, the imaging sensor is associated with a backup assist system of the equipped vehicle.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera, when mounted at the equipped vehicle, is positioned in a movable housing that is movable relative to an exterior portion of the equipped vehicle to move the camera between a stored position within the exterior portion of the equipped vehicle and an operational position where the imaging sensor of the camera views exterior of the equipped vehicle, and wherein the movable housing comprises a transparent panel, the camera viewing to the exterior via the transparent panel when the camera is in the operational position, and wherein the movable housing comprises a panel cleaning device operable to clean the transparent panel as the housing moves the camera between the stored position and the operational position.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the dynamic range of the camera follows, at least in part, a linear response curve.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the dynamic range of the camera follows, at least in part, a non-linear response curve.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the dynamic range of the camera is at least 62 dB.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the dynamic range of the camera is at least 100 dB.

22. A method for assembling a camera suitable for use for a vision system of a vehicle, the camera, when mounted at the vehicle, having a field of view exterior the vehicle, said method comprising:

providing a camera housing portion having a first portion extending outwardly from a base portion;

disposing a lens system at the first portion of the camera housing portion;

providing a first circuit board having circuitry;

providing a second circuit board having circuitry, wherein the circuitry of the second circuit board comprises an imaging sensor;

establishing board-to-board electrical connection between the second circuit board and the first circuit board, and wherein circuitry of the first circuit board is associated with the imaging sensor disposed at the second circuit board;

disposing the first and second circuit boards at the camera housing portion such that the first and second circuit boards overlap one another;

providing a connector portion comprising a multi-pin connector, the multi-pin connector comprising a plurality of pins, each of which comprises a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion;

joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion to encase the first and second circuit boards;

wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises electrically connecting the second terminal portions of the multi-pin connector of the connector portion with circuitry disposed at the first circuit board;

wherein the first terminal portion of each pin of the plurality of pins extends straight outwardly from the connector portion and is oriented at an angle relative to the respective second terminal portion; and

wherein the first terminal portions of the plurality of pins of the multi-pin connector are configured to electrically connect with a connector of a vehicle equipped with the camera when the camera is mounted at the equipped vehicle.

23. The method of claim 22, comprising providing shielding that at least partially encases the camera housing and the connector portion to reduce electronic noise during operation of the camera.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein establishing board-to-board electrical connection between the second circuit board and the first circuit board comprises establishing the board-to-board electrical connection via a multi-wire ribbon connection.

25. The method of claim 22, comprising providing the camera with a semi-permeable ventilation portion that is at least partially permeable to water vapor.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein the first terminal portion of each pin is oriented at a ninety degree angle relative to the respective second terminal portion.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the circuitry at the first circuit board comprises a plurality of pin-receiving sockets, and wherein electrically connecting the second terminal portions of the multi-pin connector of the connector portion with circuitry disposed at the first circuit board comprises connecting individual pin-receiving sockets of the plurality of pin-receiving sockets with respective individual second terminal portions of the plurality of pins of the multi-pin connector.

28. The method of claim 22, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises mating a mating portion of the base portion with a corresponding mating portion of the connector portion.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises joining via welding.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises joining via an adhesive.

31. The method of claim 22, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises hermetically sealing the camera housing portion and connector portion.

32. The method of claim 22, wherein the base portion of the camera housing portion has a square shape.

33. The method of claim 22, wherein the first portion of the camera housing portion is cylindrical and accommodates at least one lens of the lens system.

34. The method of claim 22, wherein, with the camera mounted at the equipped vehicle, image data captured by the imaging sensor is processed by an image processor.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the imaging sensor, an object in the field of view of the imaging sensor is detected.

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

37. The method of claim 22, wherein the camera is configured for mounting at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle, and wherein, with the camera mounted at the rear portion of the equipped vehicle, the imaging sensor is associated with a backup assist system of the equipped vehicle.

38. A method for assembling a camera suitable for use for a vision system of a vehicle, the camera, when mounted at the vehicle, having a field of view exterior the vehicle, said method comprising:

providing a camera housing portion having a first portion extending outwardly from a base portion;

disposing a lens system at the first portion of the camera housing portion;

providing a first circuit board having circuitry;

providing a second circuit board having circuitry, wherein the circuitry of the second circuit board comprises an imaging sensor;

establishing board-to-board electrical connection between the second circuit board and the first circuit board, and wherein circuitry of the first circuit board is associated with the imaging sensor disposed at the second circuit board;

disposing the first and second circuit boards at the camera housing portion such that the first and second circuit boards overlap one another;

providing a connector portion comprising a multi-pin connector, the multi-pin connector comprising a plurality of pins, each of which comprises a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion;

joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion to encase the first and second circuit boards;

wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises mating a mating portion of the base portion with a corresponding mating portion of the connector portion;

wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises electrically connecting the second terminal portions of the multi-pin connector of the connector portion with circuitry disposed at the first circuit board;

wherein the circuitry at the first circuit board comprises a plurality of pin-receiving sockets;

wherein electrically connecting the second terminal portions of the multi-pin connector of the connector portion with circuitry disposed at the first circuit board comprises connecting individual pin-receiving sockets of the plurality of pin-receiving sockets with respective individual second terminal portions of the plurality of pins of the multi-pin connector; and

wherein the first terminal portions of the plurality of pins of the multi-pin connector are configured to electrically connect with a connector of a vehicle equipped with the camera when the camera is mounted at the equipped vehicle.

39. The method of claim 38, comprising providing shielding that at least partially encases the camera housing and the connector portion to reduce electronic noise during operation of the camera.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein establishing board-to-board electrical connection between the second circuit board and the first circuit board comprises establishing the board-to-board electrical connection via a multi-wire ribbon connection.

41. The method of claim 38, comprising providing the camera with a semi-permeable ventilation portion that is at least partially permeable to water vapor.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises joining via welding.

43. The method of claim 38, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises joining via an adhesive.

44. The method of claim 38, wherein joining the camera housing portion and the connector portion comprises hermetically sealing the camera housing portion and connector portion.

45. The method of claim 38, wherein the camera is configured for mounting at a rear portion of the equipped vehicle, and wherein, with the camera mounted at the rear portion of the equipped vehicle, the imaging sensor is associated with a backup assist system of the equipped vehicle.

46. The method of claim 38, wherein the first terminal portion of each pin of the plurality of pins extends straight outwardly from the connector portion and is oriented at an angle relative to the respective second terminal portion.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the first terminal portion of each pin of the plurality of pins is oriented at a ninety degree angle relative to the respective second terminal portion.

48. The method of claim 38, wherein the first terminal portion of each pin of the plurality of pins extends straight outwardly from the connector portion and is in-line with the respective second terminal portion.