Patents by Inventor Uwe Apel

Uwe Apel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10440357
    Abstract: A system is described for determining an imaging deviation of a camera having: the camera, which is focused on a first distance, having a target pattern unit, which is situated at a second distance from the camera in a field of view of the camera and which has a three-dimensional surface texture having calibration markings, having a lens unit which is situated at a third distance from the camera and between the target pattern unit and the camera and is developed so that the three-dimensional surface texture is able to be imaged by the camera, and having a control unit that is connected to the camera and which is developed so that the imaging deviation of the camera is determinable by evaluating an image taken of the calibration markings of the three-dimensional surface texture. Also described is a method for determining an imaging deviation of a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Schmack, Uwe Apel
  • Patent number: 10009521
    Abstract: A camera, in particular for a vehicle, the camera having: an imager module which has a sensor carrier with a front side and a backside, an image sensor being fastened to the front side of the sensor carrier, an objective holder which is connected to the sensor carrier, and an objective which is accommodated in the objective holder, as well as a camera housing in which the imager module is accommodated. The camera housing has a front housing part including contact areas, at least one fixation means resting against the backside of the sensor carrier, and the imager module is fixated with respect to the contact areas and the fixation means is fastened to the front housing part by fastening means. In addition, a method for producing the camera is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Seger, Nikolai Bauer, Uwe Apel
  • Patent number: 9832356
    Abstract: A camera module, in particular for a vehicle, the camera module having at least: an objective having a lens mount and at least one lens, an image sensor for acquiring and converting optical signals into electrical signals, a bearer device on which the image sensor is mounted and contacted, and a camera housing for accommodating the objective and the bearer device. The objective is connected to the camera housing, in particular to a first housing part, and is borne by the camera housing. The bearer device can in particular be fixed on the objective or on the first housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Steffen Fritz, Uwe Apel, Ulrich Seger
  • Patent number: 9762783
    Abstract: An imager module for a camera system includes a sensor carrier, an image sensor accommodated on the sensor carrier, and an objective lens. An elastically deformable clamping device is tensioned between the objective lens and the sensor carrier. The clamping device is elastically deformable, in particular between regions of the outer surface of the objective lens and the supporting ribs of a receiving depression in a plane that extends essentially orthogonally to an axis of symmetry of the objective lens or an optical axis of the imager module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Apel, Nikolai Bauer
  • Publication number: 20170171439
    Abstract: A mount for an objective housing. The mount includes a hollow space that is circular-cylindrical about an axis and has at least three receptacle protrusions for holding the objective housing, between which the hollow space arises and that are designed to hold the objective housing through clearance-free contact. The receptacle protrusions include at least two ribs that each have at least two regions having different extensions in the radial direction, relative to the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Nikolai Bauer, Ulrich Seger, Uwe Apel
  • Publication number: 20170155808
    Abstract: A camera, in particular for a vehicle, the camera having: an imager module which has a sensor carrier with a front side and a backside, an image sensor being fastened to the front side of the sensor carrier, an objective holder which is connected to the sensor carrier, and an objective which is accommodated in the objective holder, as well as a camera housing in which the imager module is accommodated. The camera housing has a front housing part including contact areas, at least one fixation means resting against the backside of the sensor carrier, and the imager module is fixated with respect to the contact areas and the fixation means is fastened to the front housing part by fastening means. In addition, a method for producing the camera is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Ulrich SEGER, Nikolai BAUER, Uwe APEL
  • Patent number: 9557515
    Abstract: A camera module, in particular, for a vehicle, the camera module including at least: an objective mount and an objective, which is held in the objective mount and has a lens holder and at least one lens secured in the lens holder, the objective being fixed in position in the objective mount by a frictional connection between an outer surface of the lens holder and an inner surface of the objective mount. A plurality of frictional connection devices spaced apart in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer surface of the lens holder and/or on the inner surface of the objective mount, in order to generate the frictional connection. To insert and to adjust the objective, the objective mount is preferably asymmetrically deformed in an elastic manner, and the objective is placed into the deformed objective mount, and the elastic deformation is subsequently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Brinks, Uwe Apel, Ulrich Seger
  • Patent number: 9401379
    Abstract: An image sensor module includes an image sensor bearer and an image sensor, the image sensor bearer being fashioned as an injection-molded circuit bearer, and the image sensor being situated on the image sensor bearer, and the image sensor bearer including at least one holding device that is integrally formed on the image sensor bearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Hartmut Rohde, Ulrich Seger, Thomas Kurzweil, Uwe Apel, Marc Zimmermann, Anja Beckerle, Klaus Zeh, Gerald Brinks
  • Patent number: 9213228
    Abstract: A device and a method are described for measuring a camera having an image sensor, in particular a fixed-focus camera, the device including: a camera support for accommodating at least one camera to be tested in at least one camera position, a collimator device for emitting collimator light of a test pattern having different object distances, a mirror system for deflecting the collimator light to the camera position, the mirror system having at least one first mirror device which is pivotable by a mirror adjustment device into multiple pivot positions, and a second mirror device having multiple second mirror units, the second mirror units reflecting the light emitted by the first mirror device in its different pivot positions to the camera position for imaging the test pattern in different image regions of an image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Apel, Carina Raizner
  • Publication number: 20150334278
    Abstract: An imager module for a camera system includes a sensor carrier, an image sensor accommodated on the sensor carrier, and an objective lens. An elastically deformable clamping device is tensioned between the objective lens and the sensor carrier. The clamping device is elastically deformable, in particular between regions of the outer surface of the objective lens and the supporting ribs of a receiving depression in a plane that extends essentially orthogonally to an axis of symmetry of the objective lens or an optical axis of the imager module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Uwe APEL, Nikolai BAUER
  • Publication number: 20150207967
    Abstract: A camera module, in particular for a vehicle, the camera module having at least: an objective having a lens mount and at least one lens, an image sensor for acquiring and converting optical signals into electrical signals, a bearer device on which the image sensor is mounted and contacted, and a camera housing for accommodating the objective and the bearer device. The objective is connected to the camera housing, in particular to a first housing part, and is borne by the camera housing. The bearer device can in particular be fixed on the objective or on the first housing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Steffen Fritz, Uwe Apel, Ulrich Seger
  • Publication number: 20150138372
    Abstract: A device and a method are described for measuring a camera having an image sensor, in particular a fixed-focus camera, the device including: a camera support for accommodating at least one camera to be tested in at least one camera position, a collimator device for emitting collimator light of a test pattern having different object distances, a mirror system for deflecting the collimator light to the camera position, the mirror system having at least one first mirror device which is pivotable by a mirror adjustment device into multiple pivot positions, and a second mirror device having multiple second mirror units, the second mirror units reflecting the light emitted by the first mirror device in its different pivot positions to the camera position for imaging the test pattern in different image regions of an image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Apel, Carina Raizner
  • Publication number: 20150092105
    Abstract: A camera module, in particular, for a vehicle, the camera module including at least: an objective mount and an objective, which is held in the objective mount and has a lens holder and at least one lens secured in the lens holder, the objective being fixed in position in the objective mount by a frictional connection between an outer surface of the lens holder and an inner surface of the objective mount. A plurality of frictional connection devices spaced apart in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer surface of the lens holder and/or on the inner surface of the objective mount, in order to generate the frictional connection. To insert and to adjust the objective, the objective mount is preferably asymmetrically deformed in an elastic manner, and the objective is placed into the deformed objective mount, and the elastic deformation is subsequently removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Gerald Brinks, Uwe Apel, Ulrich Seger
  • Patent number: 8917323
    Abstract: In an image capture system for use in vehicles as well as an optical system for use in the automotive sector, the image capture system has at least one image sensor element having a plurality of image sensors situated in an image plane and at least one micro-lens system having a plurality of micro-lenses. Optionally, at least one aperture mask having a plurality of openings is situated between the micro-lens system and the at least one image sensor element. One image sensor, one micro-lens and one opening respectively define a pick-up direction of the image sensor. The totality of the pick-up directions defines a main viewing direction, which together with the image plane encloses an angle ? of less than 80°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Seger, Uwe Apel, Christian Hoellt
  • Publication number: 20140204220
    Abstract: A system is described for determining an imaging deviation of a camera having: the camera, which is focused on a first distance, having a target pattern unit, which is situated at a second distance from the camera in a field of view of the camera and which has a three-dimensional surface texture having calibration markings, having a lens unit which is situated at a third distance from the camera and between the target pattern unit and the camera and is developed so that the three-dimensional surface texture is able to be imaged by the camera, and having a control unit that is connected to the camera and which is developed so that the imaging deviation of the camera is determinable by evaluating an image taken of the calibration markings of the three-dimensional surface texture. Also described is a method for determining an imaging deviation of a camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Schmack, Uwe Apel
  • Publication number: 20140152845
    Abstract: A testing device for a camera, in particular of driver assistance systems in a motor vehicle, including a mount for a camera and at least two light sources for emitting test light toward the camera, the mount and at least one of the at least two light sources being situated fixed in relation to one another with respect to their relative location and position, and a control device which is configured to activate the at least two light sources in such a way that in chronological sequence one light source is switched on and the at least one other light source is switched off. Also described is a related testing method for a camera and a testing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Ulrich Seger, Uwe Apel, Carina Raizner
  • Patent number: 8711277
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a camera module is provided, the camera module including a lens and an image sensor chip, the image sensor chip being electrically contacted to a circuit board. After a first fitting part that surrounds the image sensor chip is positioned and secured on the circuit board, the first fitting part is joined to a second fitting part disposed on the housing of the camera module, forming an overlap region. A focus position between the housing-side lens and the image sensor chip is produced, and a materially attached connection is then generated between the fitting parts within the overlap region, in the focus position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Apel
  • Publication number: 20140092240
    Abstract: A method, and an adjustment verification device, for determining adjustment deviations of an image data capture chip of an optical camera includes the steps of: aligning a laser beam of a laser source by an adjustment verification device to a camera image which is to be recorded by the optical camera and upon which a visible laser image is formed by the laser beam, the adjustment verification device including a camera holder for the positionally correct installation of the optical camera; recording the camera image by the positionally correctly installed optical camera; determining the coordinates of the laser image recorded in the camera image; and determining a deviation in the coordinates of the recorded laser image from a nominal position of the camera image and, on the basis thereof, deriving the adjustment deviations of the image data capture chip of the optical camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Uwe Apel, Marzieh Asadeh Parchami
  • Publication number: 20140061438
    Abstract: An image sensor module includes an image sensor bearer and an image sensor, the image sensor bearer being fashioned as an injection-molded circuit bearer, and the image sensor being situated on the image sensor bearer, and the image sensor bearer including at least one holding device that is integrally formed on the image sensor bearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Hartmut Rohde, Ulrich Seger, Thomas Kurzweil, Uwe Apel, Marc Zimmermann, Anja Beckerle, Klaus Zeh, Gerald Brinks
  • Patent number: 8354700
    Abstract: An image sensor and a method for manufacturing an image sensor are described in which the image sensor includes at least one substrate having a plurality of light-sensitive elements forming a sensor field and first microfilter elements for wavelength-selective filtering of incident light. The first microfilter elements are attached to a transparent carrier made of glass or a transparent film, for example. A first microfilter element is situated in front of a portion of the light-sensitive elements for wavelength-selective filtering of light striking the light-sensitive element. No microfilter element is situated in front of a further portion of the light-sensitive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Seger, Roland Schmid, Uwe Apel, Gerald Franz, Andreas Reppich