GB2580024A - Camera device and vehicle comprising the same - Google Patents
Camera device and vehicle comprising the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2580024A GB2580024A GB1820656.5A GB201820656A GB2580024A GB 2580024 A GB2580024 A GB 2580024A GB 201820656 A GB201820656 A GB 201820656A GB 2580024 A GB2580024 A GB 2580024A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- infrared
- present
- covering element
- insert
- camera device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/56—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof provided with illuminating means
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
- H04N23/55—Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/57—Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/95—Computational photography systems, e.g. light-field imaging systems
- H04N23/957—Light-field or plenoptic cameras or camera modules
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/10—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used
- B60R2300/103—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used using camera systems provided with artificial illumination device, e.g. IR light source
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computing Systems (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Camera Bodies And Camera Details Or Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A camera device 700 includes an imager 710, an illuminator 720, a base substrate 730, a housing 740 and an infrared-transmissive covering element 750. The infrared-transmissive covering element includes a beam-shaping feature (such a collimating Fresnel lens) on its surface on the path where lights emitted from the illuminator pass through. A method of manufacturing an infrared-transmissive covering element is also disclosed. The cover may have a beam-shaping portion and a non-beam-shaping portion. The device is for an internal vehicle camera and provides for advantageous positioning, functionality and aesthetics of an IR light source for illuminating the vehicle interior.
Description
Camera Device and Vehicle Comprising the Same
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention concerns a camera device, in particular, the camera device comprising an infrared-transmissive cover, and a vehicle comprising the same.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Use of in-vehicle camera (often called vehicle interior camera) system has been introduced to passenger vehicles for various purposes, in particular, to monitor and gather information concerning driver's condition, or even to recognize gesture of drivers. Driver monitoring may provide gaze target recognition, face recognition or drowsiness classification. Gesture recognition may provide for a natural interaction and joy of use. Standard swipe gestures or custom specific gestures can be implemented.
There are some complications as to the placement position of in-vehicle cameras in vehicle to monitor driver's status from technical and/or design perspective. An illuminator of in-vehicle cameras (e.g. infrared LED) is often preferred to be unseen for various grounds, including aesthetic reason. In order to hide an illuminator, an infrared-transmissive plastic cover is often placed over it so that infrared ray can transmit through the cover, while visible light is substantially blocked.
Placement of an infrared-transmissive cover, however, may cause a reflectance due to each interface between mediums (air-to-plastic or plastic-to-air), and hence, an illumination level on a target may be reduced. In addition, technologies to satisfy aesthetic aspect of vehicle users on placement and design of in-vehicle cameras are generally desired in the art.
The above-described background art is merely a technical information that the inventor has had or acquired during a conception of the present invention and shall not be necessarily construed as a prior art known in the art prior to a filing of the present invention.
SUMMARY
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a camera device, especially one suitable for in-vehicle camera application, to address the problems discussed above.
In particular, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a camera device, in which its illuminator is covered by an infrared-transmissive cover, having an effective illumination level. Another objective of the present invention is to bring about a camera device comprising an illuminator, which is aesthetically acceptable for vehicle users. Further objective of the present invention is to provide a camera device suitable as in-vehicle camera use from design perspective.
The present invention has been devised at least to achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objectives.
One aspect of the present invention concerns a camera device which may comprise an imager which faces a target; an illuminator which emits infrared ray towards the target; a base substrate having a sheet-like shape and having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, the first surface of the base substrate on which the imager and the illuminator are mounted; a housing which accommodates the imager, the illuminator and the base substrate; and an infrared-transmissive covering element which is positioned between the target and the base substrate. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may comprise a first area where a beam-shaping feature is formed. At least a part of the infrared ray emitted from the illuminator may pass through the first area of the infrared-transmissive covering element. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may further comprise a second area where a beam-shaping feature is not present. In the present invention, the illuminator may be one which emits infrared rays, in particular, an infrared LED. In the present invention, the illuminator may be composed of two or more lighting means, such as two or more infrared LED. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may be coupled to at least one outer periphery of the housing.
In the present invention, the beam-shaping feature may be Fresnel lens. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may have a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface. In the present invention, the beam-shaping feature may be formed on the second surface of the infrared-transmissive covering element. In the present invention, the beam-shaping feature may be also formed on the first surface of the infrared-transmissive covering element. In the present invention, the housing may comprise at least a separation means which separates a first area in which the imager is accommodated and a second area in which the illuminator is accommodated. In the present invention, the base substrate may be a printed circuit board (PCB).
Another aspect of the present invention concerns a vehicle which may comprise the camera device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In the present invention, the vehicle maybe selected from the group consisting of enclosed vehicles and semi-enclosed vehicles, and the camera device may be located inside of the vehicle.
Further aspect of the present invention concerns a method of manufacturing an infrared-transmissive covering element according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise molding the infrared-transmissive covering element using a mold comprising a mold base, a cavity insert and a core insert, the core insert comprising at least one sub-insert, and the sub-insert may comprise surface profile which corresponds to the beam-shaping feature on at least apart of the surface of the sub-insert which faces the cavity insert. In the present invention, the sub-insert may be made of metal material, in particular, nickelorstainless-steel. In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise a step of filling a melted plastic into the mold; a step of cooling the melted plastic; and a step of ejecting the cooled plastic to obtain the infrared-transmissive covering element. In the present invention, the step of filling may be conducted in plural stages. In the present invention, the plural stages of the step of filling may a step of initial-filling where the mold has at least some areas unfilled by the melted plastic and a step of post-tilling where all areas of the mold are fully-or excessively filled with the melted plastic. In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise, in addition to the step of filling, the step of cooling and the step of ejecting, applying an additional force to push the sub-insert towards the insert in opposite side at least during a part of the step of filling and/or the step of cooling. In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise, in addition to the applying an additional force, applying a heat on the sub-insert at least during a part of the period of applying an additional force. In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise, in addition to the step of filling, the step of cooling and the step of ejecting, further comprise polishing the surface of the infrared-transmissive covering element, after the step of ejection.
According to the present invention, an infrared-transmissive covering element comprising a first area where a beam-shaping feature is formed and a second area where a beam-shaping feature 5 is not present may be manufacturing by the method of manufacturing according to the present invention. Still further aspect of the present invention, therefore, concerns an infrared-transmissive covering element comprising a first area where a beam-shaping feature is formed and a second area where a beam-shaping feature 10 is not present, which may be obtained by the method of manufacturing according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a 5 Fresnel lens.
FIG. 2 illustrates a principle of collimation of lights via Fresnel lens.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the infrared-transmissive covering element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the infrared-transmissive 15 covering element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates variations of the cross-sectional profile of the beam-shaping feature in the infrared-transmissive covering 20 element according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of the infrared-transmissive covering element according to an embodiment of the present 30 invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of the mold for manufacturing the infrared-transmissive covering element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of sub-insert contact area of the mold according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of the method of manufacturing 5 the infrared-transmissive covering element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic view of the infrared-transmissive covering element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, the thickness of lines or the size of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for the clarity and convenience of the description. In addition, the following terms are defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, and the definitions thereof may vary depending on the intention or practice of users or operators. Thus, definitions of the terms should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. Further, the description provided herewith with reference to the drawings is by example, and hence, it shall not be construed as any limitation of the present invention.
In the present invention, the term "vehicle" is intended to be understood to denote, in particular, any motor vehicles in general, such as enclosed motor vehicles including cars and buses, semi-enclosed motor vehicles including trucks, vans, and boats, and open-air motor vehicles including motorcycles. In the present invention, as far as use of the camera device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is particularly as in-vehicle camera, the term "vehicle" is intended
S
to be understood to denote, in particular, enclosed motor vehicles and semi-enclosed motor vehicles.
In the present invention, the term "user" in relation to avehicle 5 is intended to be understood to denote, in particular, any operator of the vehicle, e.g. a driver or rider, as well as any passengers in the vehicle.
In the present invention, the term "target" is intended to be understood to denote, in particular, any object, regardless being a human being or non-human being, that is intended to be captured by a camera and/or illuminator by an operator thereof. In the present invention, as far as use of the camera device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is particularly as in-vehicle camera, the term "target" may be the "user" as defined in the above.
In the present invention, the term "imager" is intended to be understood to denote, in particular, any electronic instrument which can capture rays and convert the photons to signals, in particular electric signals, forprocessingthemfurtherto image of a target. In the present invention, the imager may comprise an image sensor and camera lens assembly.
In the present invention, the term "infrared-transmissive covering element" is intended to be understood to denote, in particular, any material through which infrared rays can be transmitted which is intended to cover at least a part of an intended object. Covering does not necessarily mean that the covering element shall be in physical contact with the intended object and over the may be placed intended object by some distance. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may not be transmissive of visible light. In this manner, lights transmitted via an operation of the 35 illuminator in the camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention may not be seen by operators of the camera device, hence visually "hiding" an illuminator from the operators' sight. For instance, in the context of using infrared-transmissive covering element as a cover of camera device, the covering element maybe placed over the camera device to hide internal optical parts, such as an imager and/or an illuminator, from operators.
In the present invention, the term "beam-shaping feature" is intended to be understood to denote, in particular, any element which may control direction and/or distribution of lights, which is generally formed in the surface of a material. In the present invention, the beam-shaping feature may control direction and/or distribution of lights in the manner to control direction and/or distribution of the lights towards a target. In the present invention, a representative example of the beam-shaping feature includes Fresno' lens which will be explained in more details below.
FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a Fresnel lens. A Fresnel lens (100) may consist of a first surface (110) which may be planar or curved, and a second surface (120) which may comprise one or more teeth (or steps). Each teeth features on the second surface (120) may comprise a slope facet (130), which acts as refractive portion, and a draft facet (140), which is a connecting flank to the neighboring teeth feature. The refractive portion may be designed to refract the light rays into a preferred direction so that all teeth features work in combination to achieve the function of Fresnel lens. Referring to FIG. 2, Fresnel lens may be used to collimate lights emitted from an illuminator to project a homogeneous illumination on a target. Both the first and second surface (110, 120) may be provided with a highly polished finish, hence being smooth and avoid undesired deflection of the light rays. In the present invention, the term "highly polished" is intended to be understood to denote, in particular, an extent of the polishing satisfying at least A grade (e.g. Al, A2 and A3) in accordance with SPI polishing standard, in particular Al grade in accordance with SPI polishing standard. In the present invention, surface profile of the second surface (120) of Fresnel lens may not be particularly limited as far as it can attain its intended purpose, i.e. control of lights, and some variations thereof may be found in FIG. 5, as A, B and C, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
For more technical details and variations of Fresnel lens, in particular, as to its design and shape, and manufacturing methods thereof., reference can be made to US 4,456,344, US 5,870,233, US 7,762,165 B2, and US 2013/0083542 Al, which are incorporated herein as reference by their entirety.
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate a cross-sectional viewand atop view of the infrared-transmissive covering element (300, 400) according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively.
In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may comprise a first area (330, 410) where alDeam-shaping feature is formed. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may further comprise a second area (420) where a beam-shaping feature is not present. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element may comprise a first surface (310) ononesideandasecond surface (320) on the opposite side of the first surface. In the present invention, the first surface (310) of the infrared-transmissive covering element may face a target. In the present invention, the first area (410) and the second area (420) may be formed on the second surface (320) of the infrared-transmissive covering element. In the present invention, shape, size and/or position of the first area (330, 410) may be determined based on the characteristics of the illuminator of camera device so to control direction and/or distribution of lights emitted from the illuminator towards target, hence enhancing an efficiency of the illuminator. In the 5 present invention, shape, size and/or position of the second area (420) may vary. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second area (420) of the infrared-transmissive covering element may be substantially flat.
In the present invention, shape of the infrared-transmissive covering element may vary. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element maybe sheet-like shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For instance, the infrared-transmissive covering element may be manufactured together with the housing of camera device as a single body. In the present invention, a thickness of the infrared-transmissive covering element may be selected in view of the characteristics of camera device to be covered and/or the requirements from manufacturing point of view, such as molding conditions.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the infrared-transmissive covering element may be from around 0.05 mm to around 5.0 mm, preferably from around 1.0 mm to around 3.0 mm, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In the present invention, a material to form the infrared-transmissive covering element may not be particularly limited, as far as it attains its intended functions. In the present invention, the material to form_ the infrared-transmissive covering element may be a plastic material, and in particular may be selected from the group consisting of polycarbonates(PC) and poly(meth)acrylates, such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In the present invention, an infrared-transmissive property and/or visible-light-blocking property of the infrared-transmissive covering element may be realized by forming a layer having such property(ies) on the surface of a transparent plastic material, preferably a thin layer. For instance, referring to FIG. 8 which illustrates a schematic view of the infrared-transmissive covering element according to an embodiment of the present invention, an infrared-transmissive and/or visible-light-blocking ink may be applied to at least a part of the surface of a transparent plastic sheet and dried to form the thin layer. In the present invention, such ink may be applied on at least a part of the first surface of the infrared-transmissive covering element, hence forminc the thin layer on an opposite side of the beam-shaping feature. In the present invention, one or more application processes may be selected as appropriate to realize desired properties of the thin layer. Examples include printing processes, such as tampo printing and screen printing, and in-mold decoration process, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
FIG. 12 further illustrates a schematic view of the infrared-transmissive covering element according to an embodiment of the present invention. The infrared-transmissive covering element may be prepared by the method of manufacturing to be explained in more details below.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate an exploded view and a cross-sectional view of the camera device (600, 700) according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively. 30 In the present invention, the camera device may comprise an imager (610, 710), an illuminator (620, 720), a base substrate (630, 730), a housing (640, 740), and the infrared-transmissive covering element (650, 750) according to one or more embodiments 35 of the present invention. In the present invention, the imager (610, 710) may be positioned so to be able to capture image of a target. In the present invention, the imager (610, 710) may face a target. In the present invention, the illuminator (620, 720) maybe positioned so to be able to emit lights, in particular, infrared rays, to a direction of a target. In the present invention, the illuminator (E20, 720) may emit infrared ray towards a target. In the present invention, the base substrate (630, 730) may have a sheet-like shape and may comprise a first surface which faces the target and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface. In the present invention, the first surface and/or the second surface of the base substrate (630, 730) may comprise one or more elements to realize one or more functions as required for camera device. In the present invention, the imager (610, 710) and the illuminator (620, 720) may be mounted on the first surface of the base substrate (630, 730) so that both the imager (610, 710) and the illuminator (620, 720) may face a target side. In the present invention, the housing (640, 740) is intended to accommodate one or more parts of the camera device of the present invention. In the present invention, the housing (640, 740) maybe constructed to accommodate at least the imager (610, 710), the illuminator (620, 720) and the base substrate (630, 730). In the present invention, the housing (640, 740) may comprise at least a separation moans (760) to create two or more areas (e.g. compartments) in which one or more parts are accommodated. In the present invention, the separation means (760) may be intended to separate a first area in which the imager (610, 710) is accommodated and a second area in which the illuminator (620, 720) is accommodated. In the present invention, the first area of the infrared-transmissive covering element where a beam-shaping feature is formed may cover at least a part of the opening of the compartment where the illuminator is accommodated, and the second area of the infrared-transmissive covering element where abeam-shaping feature is not present may cover at least apart of the opening of the compartment where the imager is accommodated, as illustrated in Fig. 7. According to the afore-mentioned embodimen7 of the present invention, the beam-shaping feature is only present in the light path of rays from the illuminator, while being not present in the path between the imager and the target, and hence, the illumination efficiency may be maximized without deteriorating the performance of the imager.
In the present invention, the housing (640, 740) may further comprise an area where an infrared-transmissive covering element (750) can be accommodated or a portion which enables a coupling with an infrared-transmissive covering element (750).
In the present invention, the base substrate (630, 730) in which the imager (610, 710) and the illustrator (620, 720) are mounted may be coupled at least a part of the housing (640, 740) as appropriate to realize a connection between the two. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) may be coupled to the housing (640, 740) via at least one outer periphery of the housing (640, 740). In the present invention, the coupling may be realized by any means known in the art as far as it enables a connection between the two parts.
In the present invention, the base substrate (630, 730) may be a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may be a thin, sheet-structure having a first surface facing a target and a second surface in the opposite side of the first surface. Various elements may be fixed on the POE surface. Examples of the elements to be fixed on the PCB include, in addition to the imager (610, 710) and the illuminator (620, 720), connectors, electronic devices, such as semiconductor chips, sensors and modules, antennas, fixing means, switching means, and lamps, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering 35 element (750) may be positioned between the target and the illuminator (620, 720) of the camera device. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) and the base substrate (630, 730) may be positioned in parallel via the housing (640, 740). In such an instance, the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) may be positioned between the target and the base substrate (630, 730). In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) may be positioned to cover a substantial part of the openings of the housing (640, 740) so to hide all the parts included inside the camera device. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) may be placed as appropriate so that at least apart of infrared rays emitted from the illuminator (620, 720) can pass through the beam.-shaping feature. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) may be placed so that the amount of infrared rays emitted from the illuminator (620, 720) that pass through the beam-shaping feature can be maximized. In the present invention, the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) may be positioned in the manner that the beam-shaping feature therein can face the illuminator side. In the present invention, the beam-shaping feature of the infrared-transmissive covering element (750) may be formed either on the second surface or the first surface of the infrared-transmissive covering element (750), and hence, the beam-shaping feature may face either a target side or the illuminator side. Shape and other characteristics of the beam-shaping feature may be selected as appropriate so to realize ib_s intended purpose, including controlling direction and/or distribution of lights for effective illustration of a target.
The camera device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention may be particularly useful for vehicle application, in particular to realize an infrared camera system which monitors users or in-vehicle camera system. Hence, the present invention also concerns use of the camera device for vehicle application as well as a vehicle comprising the camera device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
In the present invention, the camera device maybe placed in any point where the camera device can be properly fixed and/or accommodated and in the manner that it can properly capture image of the intended target. In the present invention, the vehicle may be selected from the group consisting of enclosed vehicles andsemi-enclosedvehicles, and the camera device may be located inside of the vehicle, in order to utilize the camera device as a part of in-vehicle camera system.
An aspect of the present invention also concerns a method of manufacturing the infrared-transmissive covering element according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In the present invention, the method of manufacturing the infrared-transmissive covering element may be performed via molding process, in particular, the molding process comprising at least one injection molding and at least one compression step. In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise molding the infrared-transmissive covering element using a mold. FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic view of the mold (900) suitable for manufacturing the infrared-transmissive covering element (950) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the mold (900) suitable for the method of manufacturing may comprise a mold base (910), a cavity insert (920) and a core insert (930), and at least one of the cavity insert (920) and the core insert (930) may comprise at least one sub-insert (940).
In the present invention, the sub-insert (940) may comprise surface profile which corresponds to the beam-shaping feature on at least a part of the surface of the sub-insert (940). In the 35 present invention, the sub-insert (940) may be made of metal material, in particular nickel, nickel-alloy or stainless-steel. In the present invention, the surface profile which corresponds to the beam-shaping feature in the sub-insert (940) maybe formed by using diamond machining method. In the present invention, the 5 diamond machining may be conducted on the sub-insert (940) made of nickel-alloy, in particular an electroless nickel alloy, or stainless-steel, in particular hardened stainless-steel. Lithe present invention, the surface profile which corresponds to the beam-shaping feature in the sub-insert (940) may be formed by 10 using nickel forming process.
In the present invention, the sub-insert (940) may be placed into the cavity insert (920) or the core insert (930) of the mold (900). Using the sub-insert (940) may have technical advantages over directly forming the surface profile corresponding to the beam-shaping feature on the cavity insert (920) Or the core insert (930) of the mold (900). In particular, forming such surface profile directly on the cavity insert (920) or the core insert (930), for instance, by means of diamond machining, on a relatively large size area, while avoiding causing any scratch on other part of the surface, may be highly challenging, and the use of the sub-insert (940) may address such challenge.
In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise a step of filling a melted plastic into the mold (900); a step of cooling the melted plastic; and a step of ejecting the cooled plastic to obtain the infrared-transmissive covering element (950).
In the present invention, the step of filling a melted plastic into the mold (900) may comprise pouring a melted plastic into the mold (900) from a plastic supply part of an injection molding machine. In the present invention, the step of filling may comprise closing the mold (900) as appropriate prior to the pouring a melted plastic.
In the present invention, the step of filling may be conducted in plural stages. In the present invention, the plural stages of the step of filling may comprise a step of initial-filling (often called as "pre-filling" stage) where the mold (900) still has at least some inner areas unfilled by the melted plastic and a step of post-filling (often called as "packing" stage) where substantially all the areas of the mold (900) are fully or excessively filled with the melted plastic. The melted plastic maybe forced into the unfilled areas to conform to the geometry, texture and/or dimension of the mold in the packing stage. An appropriate level of pressure to further flow-the melted plastic in the packing stage may be selected as appropriate in view of underlying factors, including, but not limited to, the extent of intricate and minute nature of the beam-shaping feature, material properties, and potential warping issue.
In the present invention, a melted plastic may start to cool down from the melt temperature to the mold temperature in the cooling step. The material may shrink slightly during the cooling step. In the present invention, hence, an additional force to push the sub-insert (940) towards the insert in opposite side may be applied at least during apart of the step of filling and/or the step of cooling. Reference can be made to FIG. 10 which illustrates an enlarged view of the sub-insert contact area (1000) of the mold according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the applying an additional force to push the sub-insert may be conducted at least during a part of the packing stage and the step of cooling. In the present invention, a means to realize the applying an additional force is not particularly limited, and any means that can introduce a controlled movement and force on the sub-insert may be used. A particular example includes use of a hydraulic press linked to the sub-insert, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In FIG. 10, (1010) indicates the level of surface of the sub-insert before the application of an additional force and (1020) indicates the level of surface of the sub-insert after the application of an additional force.
In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise, in addition to the applying an additional force, applying a heat on the sub-insert at least during a part of the period of applying an additional force. In the present invention, a means to realize the applying a heat on the sub-insert is not particularly limited, and any heating method which can impart a heat locally and controlled manner. A particular example includes the use of heater coils, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
In the present invention, the cooled, molded plastics may be taken out from the mold in the suep of ejection to obtain the infrared-transmissive covering element. The step of ejection may comprise opening the mold prior to taking out the cooled plastics.
FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of the method of manufacturing (1100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the method may comprise, in its order, the step of initial-filling (1110), the step of post-filling (1120), the step of cooling (1130), and the step of ejection (1140). The applying additional force (1150) to push the sub-insert towards the insert in opposite side may be performed at least during a part of the step of post-tilling (1120) and the step of cooling (1130).
In the present invention, the method of manufacturing may comprise, in addition to the step of filling (1110, 1120), the step of cooling (1130) and the step of ejecting (1140), further comprise polishing the surface of the infrared-transmissive covering element, after the step of ejection.
Further aspect of the present invention, thus, concerns a mold which may comprise a mold base, a cavity insert and a core insert, at least one of the cavity insert and the core insert comprising at least one sub-insert, wherein the sub-insert comprises surface profile which corresponds to the beam-shaping feature on at least a part of the surface of the sub-insert.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims.
Claims (15)
- Patent claims 1.A camera device, comprising; an imager which faces a target; an illuminator which emits infrared ray towards the target; a base substrate having a sheet-lifce shape and having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, the first surface of the base substrate on which the imager and the illuminator are mounted; a housing which accommodates the imager, the illuminator and the base substrate; and an infrared-transmissive covering element which is positioned between the target and the illuminator; wherein the infrared-transmissive covering element comprises 15 a first area where a beam-shaping feature is formed, and at least a part of the infrared rays emitted from the illuminator pass through the beam-shaping feature.
- 2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein the 20 infrared-transmissive covering element is coupled to the housing via at least one outer periphery of the housing.
- 3. The camera device according to claim. 1 or 2, wherein the beam-shaping feature is Fresnel lens.
- 4. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the infrared-transmissive covering element has a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and the beam-shaping feature is formed on the second surface of the infrared-transmissive covering element.
- 5. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing comprises at least a separation means which separates a first area in which the imager is accommodated and 35 a second area in which the illuminator is accommodated.
- 6. The camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base substrate is a printed circuit board (PCB).
- 7. A vehicle, comprising the camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
- S. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle is selected from the group consisting of enclosed vehicles and 10 semi-enclosed vehicles, and the camera device is located inside of the vehicle.
- 9. A method of manufacturing an infrared-transmissive covering element comprising a first area where a beam-shaping feature is formed, comprising molding the infrared-transmissive covering element using a mold comprising a mold base, a cavity insert and a core insert, at least one of the cavity insert and the core insertcomprisingatleastonesub-insert, wherein the sub-insert comprises surface profile which corresponds to the beam-shaping feature on at least a part of the surface of the sub-insert.
- 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the infrared-transmissive covering element further comprises a second area where a beam-shaping feature is not present.
- 11. The method according to claim. 9 or 10, wherein the sub-insert is made of metal material, in particular nickel, nickel-alloy or stainless-steel.
- 12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising; a step of filling a melted plastic into the mold; a step of cooling the melted plastic; and a step of ejecting the cooled plastic to obtain the infrared-transmissive covering element.
- 13. The method according to claim. 12, comprising applying an additional force to push the sub-insert towards the insert in opposite side at least during a part of the step of filling and/or 5 the step of cooling.
- 14. The method according to claim. 13, comprising applying a heat on the sub-insert at least during a part of the period of applying an additional force.
- 15. An infrared-transmissive covering element comprising a first area where a beam-shaping feature is formed and a second area where a beam-shaping feature is not present, which is obtained by the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1820656.5A GB2580024A (en) | 2018-12-19 | 2018-12-19 | Camera device and vehicle comprising the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1820656.5A GB2580024A (en) | 2018-12-19 | 2018-12-19 | Camera device and vehicle comprising the same |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201820656D0 GB201820656D0 (en) | 2019-01-30 |
| GB2580024A true GB2580024A (en) | 2020-07-15 |
Family
ID=65147272
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1820656.5A Withdrawn GB2580024A (en) | 2018-12-19 | 2018-12-19 | Camera device and vehicle comprising the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2580024A (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3211459A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2017-08-30 | Daicel Corporation | Fresnel lens and optical device provided with same |
| US20170291548A1 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2017-10-12 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Interior Camera Apparatus, Driver Assistance Apparatus Having The Same And Vehicle Having The Same |
| CN107682598A (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2018-02-09 | 维沃移动通信有限公司 | A kind of Fresnel Lenses, camera supplementary lighting device and mobile terminal |
| CN107968865A (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2018-04-27 | 广东欧珀移动通信有限公司 | Export module and electronic device |
-
2018
- 2018-12-19 GB GB1820656.5A patent/GB2580024A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3211459A1 (en) * | 2014-10-23 | 2017-08-30 | Daicel Corporation | Fresnel lens and optical device provided with same |
| US20170291548A1 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2017-10-12 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Interior Camera Apparatus, Driver Assistance Apparatus Having The Same And Vehicle Having The Same |
| CN107682598A (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2018-02-09 | 维沃移动通信有限公司 | A kind of Fresnel Lenses, camera supplementary lighting device and mobile terminal |
| CN107968865A (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2018-04-27 | 广东欧珀移动通信有限公司 | Export module and electronic device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201820656D0 (en) | 2019-01-30 |
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