Commonly, due to low visibility such as during nighttime, rain etc, motorists are required to rely on the headlamps of their vehicles to illuminate the road ahead.

Such headlamps usually can produce various types of beams, the most common being the low and the high beams. However, as shown in FIG. 1, it is generally known that such beams can provide a range of visibility of only up to 50m at best. As such, if such a vehicle were traveling at high speed on a highway during nighttime, there would not be enough time for the driver to perform an emergency stop should such a situation present itself. Due to this, the traffic authorities in many countries have strictly imposed lower speed limit for commercial vehicles. Many have since viewed the limited ranges as the source of such problems. As an alternative, the high-intensity lights have been introduced. Although such lightings can increase the range, they have such a potential to blind other road users instead. In this connection, regulations have also been implemented to forbid the use of such high-intensity lights. Next, automotive night vision systems have additionally been introduced to supplement headlamps. The automotive night vision systems are able to increase the range particularly during nighttime, poor weather, and etc beyond the limit of the headlamps. Such an automotive night vision system, particularly the active ones, consists of a Infrared (IR) light source for illuminating the road ahead with the IR light that is invisible to human, and an Infrared (IR) camera that pick up the IR light in order to enable the long range vision for the driver. Regarding still the invisible IR light, in addition, the IR light does not freeze wildlife, therefore potentially reducing the amount of road-kills that commonly occur in various countries.

Although it is obvious that such automotive night vision systems can further assist the driver in terms of road visibility, there are also few shortcomings usually associated with these active systems. It has been commonly known that these systems are quite complex and hence it is also very costly to install them. As such, it is quite common that these systems have only been implemented into various high-end passenger vehicles. Besides that, commonly, these systems only works at shorter range i.e. from 150-200m, which by practical standard, it is far from being sufficient. Furthermore, it is also generally quite difficult to adapt these systems such that they work well in fog, rain or snow. Another shortcomings that are quite common with these systems are the flare issue. It has been observed that such systems have difficulty avoiding flare from any intense lightings, let alone from any common lightings.

Furthermore, it is generally known that the longer a wavelength of an electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light and Infrared (IR), the less energy it can carry. Moreover, it is also generally known that the intensity of light radiating from a point source decreases with distance from the source. This is because the further the distance an object from the source of radiation, the larger the surface area of the light radiates due to that the light radiates in a spreading out manner with distance. In this connection, as the Infrared radiation is of a longer wavelength, it is generally more difficult for the Infrared radiation to propagate to a longer range.

Likewise, it is also generally known that as the wavelength of a light increases, the refractive index of the light decreases. This indicates that the light behaves differently through a lens with respect to its wavelength. More specifically, since the IR light generally has a longer wavelength, and therefore a relatively lower refractive index, denoting that it is much harder to focus the IR light. This is further supported by the fact that as the wavelength increases, the focal length of an optical system, for example a lens, also increases. Since the focal length is related to the strength of the optical systems in term of focusing the light, this shows that for the short wavelength of the Infrared radiation, the optical system generally has much difficulty in focusing the light.

In view of the above, a vision enhancement system that can simplify the complexity of the active automotive night vision system, reduces the costs associated with the existing system, increase the range to 200m or more, addresses the issue of poor/limited visibility associated with rain, fog or nighttime, provides anti-flare, and increases the ability of an optical system to focus the Infrared light is therefore very much needed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there are provided a vision enhancement system, and a device therefor.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the vision enhancement system comprises a plurality of lighting units, an Infrared (IR) visual capturing unit for capturing visuals substantially in the first direction, a display unit for displaying the visuals.

Each of the lighting units (20) has a plurality of Infrared (IR) lighting sources (60) for emitting IR beams, and a plurality of IR focusing lens (40) for focusing the IR beams substantially in a first direction.

The IR focusing lens comprises a base, a lateral surface, and a vertex. The IR focusing lenses are divided into a plurality of types. The IR beams focused by the IR focusing lenses comprise different ranges and scope of the IR beams in accordance with the type of the IR focusing lenses. The ranges of the IR beams are disproportional with the scope of the IR beams, and vice versa.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the vision enhancement device comprises a plurality of lighting units, an Infrared (IR) visual capturing unit for capturing visuals substantially in the first direction, a display unit for displaying the visuals. Each of the lighting units (20) has a plurality of Infrared (IR) lighting sources (60) for emitting IR beams, and a plurality of IR focusing lens (40) for focusing the IR beams substantially in a first direction.

The IR focusing lens comprises a base, a lateral surface, and a vertex. The IR focusing lenses are divided into a plurality of types. The IR beams focused by the IR focusing lenses comprise different ranges and scope of the IR beams in accordance with the type of the IR focusing lenses. The ranges of the IR beams are disproportional with the scope of the IR beams, and vice versa.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vision enhancement system and a device therefor that can be adapted as an automotive night vision system for increasing a vehicle's drive perception particularly during nighttime, poor weather, or poor visibility due to fog, rain or etc. it is also an object of the present invention to provide a vision enhancement system and a device therefor that simplifies the complexity of an automotive night vision system. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vision enhancement system and a device therefor that is installable onto any vehicle.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a vision enhancement system and a device therefor in order to reduce the costs to produce and install the automotive night vision system.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a vision enhancement system and a device therefor that increase the range of perception of a driver of the vehicle to 200 m or more. The maximum range of visibility of the vision enhancement system should range from 200 to 500m.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a vision enhancement system and a device therefor that address the issue of poor/limited visibility due to rain, fog or nighttime.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide an IR focusing lens having a particular shape and features that are able to address the difficulty of the IR light to be focused to a longer range i.e. 200 to 500m associated with the low refractive index due to the relatively longer wavelength of the IR light. As the IR focusing lens is able to not only focus the IR light but also focus the IR light to said further distance, this can further reduce the spread of the IR light with the distance, therefore reducing the decrease of the intensity of the IR light with the distance.

It is a final object of the present invention to provide a vision enhancement system and a device that comprise an anti-flare component that is installed into a Charge-Couple Device (CCD) camera. The anti-flare component is for preventing or reducing the flare issue of the visuals, and optionally for ensuring the anti-flare component and the camera still work when an intense light source is directed into the camera. The present invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims; it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 shows the common headlight beam illumination of a prior art.

FIG. 2 shows the installation of a vision enhancement system of the present invention into the interior of a vehicle.

FIG. 3 shows the Infrared illumination of the vision enhancement system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the lighting unit with a fan of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows the lighting unit without the fan of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a camera of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a first focusing lens of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a second focusing lens of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows the second focusing lens with a curved inwardly surface.

FIG. 9 shows a third focusing lens of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a vision enhancement system (100) and a device (1000) therefor. Hereinafter, the vision enhancement system (100) shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

Optionally, the vision enhancement system (100) and the device (1000) of the present invention is allowed to be implemented as an automotive night vision system. Referring now to FIG. 2, the vision enhancement system (100) and the device (1000) according to the present invention comprises an Infrared (IR) visual capturing unit (10), a plurality of lighting units (20), and a display unit (30). Referring now to FIG. 5, the IR visual capturing unit (10) comprises a camera. Optionally, the camera is a modified Charge-Couple Device (CCD) camera. A video camera such as a rearview camera is also allowed to be optionally installed as the camera. In addition, it is allowed that the resolution of the rearview camera be modified, for instance the refresh rate is substantially set at 0.5 seconds delay.

An anti-flare unit is incorporated with the camera. The anti-flare unit is adapted for preventing or reducing the flare issue of the visuals. Optionally, an anti-flare processing component is installed. The anti-flare processing component is incorporated to address the flash blindness faced by the existing Infrared (IR) camera. This would ensure that the anti- flare component still works even when an intense light source is directed into the camera.

Referring to FIG. 6, as an option, an electrochromic component (not shown) is also allowed to be incorporated into the vision enhancement system (100) and the device (1000). The electrochromic component comprises an electrochromic film (600) mounted substantially behind or in front of an outer lens of the camera, an electrochromic sensor (not shown), and an electrochromic processing component (not shown) connected to the electrochromic film (600) and the electrochromic sensor. The electrochromic processing component is adapted for darkening the electrochromic film (600) when the electrochromic sensor detects intense light that radiates towards the camera or ambient light being substantially under a predetermined level. The electrochromic processing component also makes the film (600) clear when the electrochromic sensor detects substantially none of the intense light or ambient light being substantially above a predetermined level.

In addition, the size of the CCD camera is also reduced dramatically to enable a proper fit in the designated installation area. The IR visual capturing unit (10) also consists an opening (230) for the power cables' input, as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the lighting units (20) each comprise a plurality of Infrared (IR) lighting sources (60), and a plurality of IR focusing lenses (40). The intensity of the IR lighting sources (60) is adjustable. The lighting units (20) therefore further comprise a lighting processing component for controlling the intensity of the IR lighting sources (60). The higher the intensity of the IR lighting sources (60), the further the range the IR beams can reach where the decrease of the intensity with the range is concerned.

Optionally, the IR lighting sources (60) each use IR Light Emitting Diode (LED), rather than the conventional Infrared bulb. The IR LEDs are used because of the IR LEDs' capability in overcoming the poor visibility particularly during rain, fog and nighttime. Furthermore, the IR LEDs are capable of emitting substantially uniform intensity of the IR beams. Due to the light dispersion characteristics of LEDs, the IR focusing lenses (40) are used for focusing the IR beams, particularly down the road.

Referring now to FIG. 7- 10, the IR focusing lens (40) comprises a substantially conical structure having a base (41), a lateral surface (43), and a vertex (45). A platform (820) is attached to the base (41). The lateral surface (43) is substantially curved outwardly, whereas the vertex (45) comprises a vertex cutout receptacle (830) having an inner base (860). Optionally, the lateral surface (43) is allowed to comprise a plurality of sides (not shown).

It is allowed that the vertex cutout receptacle (830) is cylindrically shaped. The inner base (850) comprises a spherical tip (860). The IR lighting sources are mounted in front of the spherical tip (860).

Specifically, the IR focusing lenses (40) are divided into a plurality of types. With reference to FIG. 3, the IR focusing lenses (40), with respect to the types, are for focusing the IR beams with different ranges and scope of the IR beams. Generally, the range relates to the distance of which an object is still visible.

The IR focusing lenses (40) with respect to their types vary in terms of ranges and scope of the IR beams i.e. from shorter to longer ranges, and from wider to narrower scope of the IR beams. The ranges of the IR beams are therefore disproportional with the scope of the IR beams. In other words, for the type of which the IR beams are focused to relatively longer range, the scope of the IR beams is relatively narrower. On the other hand, for the type of which the IR beams are focused for relatively shorter range, the scope of the IR beams is relatively wider.

The IR focusing lenses (40) are divided into first, second, third IR focusing lenses. Although the IR focusing lenses (40) are described to comprise three types i.e. the first, the second, and the third IR focusing lenses, the IR focusing lenses (40) are allowed to comprise at least two types of IR focusing lenses (40) in which each type yields optionally different or same scope and range of the IR beams.

With reference to FIG. 7, the first focusing lens (42) comprises a base cutout receptacle (840) substantially formed at the center of the base (41) on the same vertical axis as the spherical tip (860). In addition, with reference to FIG. 8 & 9, the platform (820) of the second focusing lens (46) comprises a matte outer surface (870). As shown in FIG. 8, it is allowed that the matte outer surface (870) is a flat surface (910). As shown in FIG. 9, it is allowed that the matte outer surface (870) is a curved inwardly surface (920). The center of the curvature of the curved inwardly surface (920) is located on the same vertical axis as the spherical tip (860).

Referring to FIG. 10, it is allowed that the platform (820) of the third focusing lens (48) comprises a textured outer surface (880). The textured outer surface (880) comprises a curved (920) inwardly surface (920); and the center of the curvature of the curved inwardly surface is located on the same vertical axis as the spherical tip (860).

Referring still to FIG. 3, the first focusing lenses (42) for focusing the IR beams with relatively substantially longest range and substantially narrowest scope of the IR beams among all the types of the IR focusing lenses (40), at the sacrifice of the scope/spread of the IR radiations. The number of IR LEDs that uses the first type of the IR focusing lenses (40) ranges substantially from 4 to 15. To be exact, there are between 6-12 LEDs utilizing this type of IR focusing lenses (40) per system (100) or device (1000). Optionally, the first type is able to reach the range of substantially from 200m or more for example with reference to FIG. 3. The first type is also able to provide the scope of the BR. beams substantially in the range of from 4° to 8°, or precisely at 6°.

The second focusing lenses (46) for focusing the IR beams with relatively substantially shorter range, and substantially wider scope of the IR beams. More specifically, since there are still some areas of which the first type of IR focusing lenses (40) does not manage to spread the scope of the IR beams, to address this, the second IR focusing lenses are designed to widen the scope of light of the IR beams optionally to such an extent that includes the first areas that are not or partially covered by the first IR focusing lenses. The number of IR LEDs that uses the second IR focusing lenses (40) ranges substantially from 2 to 10. However, optionally, there are specifically between 4-8 LEDs utilizing the second IR focusing lenses (40) per system (100) or device (1000). Optionally, the second IR focusing lenses able to reach the range substantially between 50m and 100m with reference to FIG. 3. The second type is able to provide the scope of the IR beams substantially in the range of from 10° to 14°, or precisely at 12°.

The third focusing lenses (48) are adapted for focusing the IR beams with relatively substantially shortest range, and substantially widest scope of the IR beams. The third IR focusing lenses are also further adapted for further widening the scope of the IR beams to such an extent that covers second areas not or partially covered by the first and second IR focusing lenses. It is also allowed that the third IR focusing lenses (40) be referred as ambient light source. This is because this type can be most suitably used for illuminating the area in front of a vehicle (410) that is substantially not covered or partially covered by the first and the second IR focusing lenses. The number of IR LEDs that uses the third IR focusing lenses (40) ranges substantially from 1 to 6. Optionally, there are specifically between 2-4 IR LEDs utilizing the third IR focusing lenses (40) per system (100) or device (1000). The third type provides the widest scope of the IR beams substantially in the range of from 20° to 40°, or precisely at 30°. The ratio of the number of the first, the second, and the third IR focusing lenses is substantially 1 :2:3. The third IR focusing lenses is optionally able to reach the range substantially between 0m and 50m for example with reference to FIG. 3. In addition, it is allowed that the IR focusing lens (40) is made of plastic material, acrylic material, or a combination of both.

With reference to FIG. 4, the IR LEDs and the IR focusing lenses (40) are implemented into individual members (70). Accordingly, these individual members (70) are arranged for example in a manner as shown in FIG. 4 on the front portion ( 125) of the lighting unit (20). Optionally, it is allowed that the individual members (70) are arranged next to each other in a multiple column and in a single or a multiple row along the lengthwise extent of the lighting unit (20). It is also optionally allowed that the individual members (70) are arranged in a column-straight manner (as shown in FIG. 4) or column-wise in a slanted manner (not shown). Optionally, it is allowed that these individual members (70) be arranged such that the individual members (70) vary with respect to the types from shorter to longer ranges and correspondingly from wider to narrower scope of the IR beams in a lengthwise, a widthwise, or a slanted direction with respect to the lighting unit (20).

Referring now to FIG. 2, for the display unit (30), optionally, a high definition LCD screen is adopted, for example, with sizes varying from 4.3 inches, to 7 inches. In addition, optionally, the vision enhancement system (100) and the device (1000) further comprise an ambient light sensor (50) for activating the lighting units (20) when the ambient luminosity is decreased to a predetermined level, and optionally, for deactivating the lighting units (20) when the ambient is increased to the predetermined level. Optionally, the ambient light sensor (50) is allowed to be mounted at the side of the front portion (125) of the lighting unit (20), as shown in FIG. 4.

The lighting units (20) also further comprise a cooling unit for cooling the lighting units (20). Optionally, the cooling unit comprises at least one heat sink. The heat sink is installed such that heat generated from the IR lighting sources (60) can be dissipated effectively. To effectively transferring the heat from the IR lighting sources (60), the heat sinks are installed behind the individual members (70). Optionally, the thickness of the heat sinks is allowed to vary.

Alternatively, at least one fan (90), particularly ultra-quiet fan, is allowed to be installed into the lighting units (20). For example, with reference to FIG. 4, it is allowed that the fan (90) be installed at the rear portion ( 1 15) of the lighting unit (20) to effectively cool the lighting unit (20). Alternatively, the fan (90) is also allowed to be mounted at the side (135 or 145), top or bottom portion (155, 165), or front portion (125) of the lighting unit (20).

The lighting unit (20) also further comprises a plurality of vents (220) formed at one of the side portion (135 or 145) of thereof. The vents (220) are provided thereat for allowing the heat of which its flow is directed by the operated fan (20) to exit therefrom and not to accumulate in the lighting unit (20).

However, the size of the fan (90) located at the front portion (125), is required to be reduced to accommodate the individual members (70), or at the side portion (135 or 145) where the vents (220) are located, to accommodate the vents (220). With the installation of the fan (90), the quantity of the heat sinks used or their thickness can be further reduced, therefore further reducing the size of the lighting units (20).

With reference to FIG. 4 & 5, it is also optional that the lighting unit (20) does not comprise a fan (90) and vents (220). If this is such a case, the lighting unit (20) optionally comprises at least one heat sink (80). It is allowed that the heat sink (80) be installed such that its outer fins (82), pins, or any other forms to increase the surface area for heat release are extended outwardly at the rear portion (1 15) of the lighting unit (20). Accordingly, the housing of the lighting unit (20) is allowed to be made of heat resistant plastic material or aluminum alloy for example 61 1 1. Besides that, the fact that the material is also an easily available material further reduces the costs.

As the IR lighting sources (60) produce heat, in order to prevent overheating, or in a worse condition, melting of the material of or in the lighting unit (20), the cooling unit comprising for example the fan (90), the housing, and the heat sink is able to address the heat problem.

Next, the lighting units (20) further comprise a heat sensor for sensing the heat in the lighting units (20). The heat sensor is connected to the cooling unit, particularly the fan (90). The heat sensor is further for activating the cooling unit when the heat is increased to a predetermined level, and optionally for deactivating the cooling unit when the heat is decreased to a predetermined level. Optionally, the heat sensor is also for deactivating the lighting units (20) when the heat reaches a predetermined maximum level such that the lighting units (20) are prevented from overheating, or in a worse condition, melting of the material of or in the lighting unit (20).

Optionally, the vision enhancement system (100) and the device (1000) are intended to be installed in the interior (310) of the vehicle (410). The lighting units (20) are of a size of such an extent that the lighting units (20) each are portable and easily installable into an interior (310) or an exterior of a vehicle (410). It is also optional that the display unit (30) is of a size of such an extent that the display unit (30) is installable in an interior of a vehicle (410).

The lighting units (20) further comprise a first and a second lighting units (20). Optionally, the first lighting unit (21) is positioned substantially at the top left side of a windscreen of the vehicle ( 10) whereas the second lighting unit (22) is positioned substantially at the top right side of a windscreen of the vehicle (410). With reference to FIG. 2 and 4, the vents (220) are formed at the side portions (135 or 145) of the respective lighting units (20) such that they are each always facing the rearview mirror (330) respectively. In addition, since the lighting units (20) installed with the fans (90) is much smaller in size, the lighting units (20) upon installation do not block a lowered sun visor. Regarding still the lighting unit (20), when the individual members (70) are arranged from shorter to longer ranges, and from wider to narrower scope of the IR beams in a gradual fashion (from left to right or vice versa), the individual members (70) with the longest range and smallest scope of the IR beams should be located nearest to the rearview mirror (330), for example with reference to FIG. 2.

Apart from that, the camera is optionally positioned substantially behind a rear view mirror (210) of the vehicle (410). The display unit (30) is optionally positioned substantially in front of the driver.

With reference to FIG. 2, since the vision enhancement system (100) and the device (1000) are intended to be installed in the interior of the vehicle (410), the IR beams, with respect to the windscreen, can easily enter into the IR camera lens. Should such a scenario persists, the camera would be faced with flare issues. Accordingly, the camera is optionally positioned substantially behind the lighting units (21 and 22) to such an extent that no IR beams can enter into the camera's lens in order to reduce the flare effect of the visuals.

Optionally, power is supplied to the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000) via power cables in the vehicle (410). The vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000) uses existing power-cable in the vehicle, instead of being powered on its own such as on batteries in order to further reduce the size of the lighting units (20), to make the lighting units (20) less bulkier, and to provide user-friendliness. In this connection, the lighting units (20) consist of a plurality of openings (230) for the power cables' input, disposed at the top and bottom portions of the lighting unit (20) as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, it is allowed that the ambient light sensor (50) is optionally mounted only at the camera with respect to the stability of the power source with respect to the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000). Also optionally, the maximum range of visibility of the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000) ranges from 200 to 500m.

Accordingly, it is allowed that the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000) is optionally not provided with the obstacles detection system. This is because such obstacles detection system is an additional feature and based on the performance of the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000), the present vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000) is sufficient to aid the driver when it comes to the detection of any obstacles on the road such as animals, road crossers (including jaywalkers), rocks, and etc. Furthermore, installation of such obstacles detection system can inevitably further increases the costs of the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000) of the present invention.

In addition, optionally, as a safety measure to protect the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000), the fuse-box is allowably installed in each lighting unit (20), the IR visual capturing unit (10) i.e. the camera, and the display unit (30).

It is also generally allowed that the vision enhancement system (100) or the device (1000) be activated during the daylight. While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.