Vehicle window glass with camera and image processing method

Abstract

A camera-equipped window glass for a vehicle is provided with: a glass plate in which a first region that transmits visible light and a second region that has a higher transmittance of far infrared rays than the first region are formed; a far-infrared camera which detects the first far-infrared ray that has passed through the second region and captures a far-infrared image; and an image processing unit that reduces noise that reflects the far-infrared image due to second far-infrared rays radiated from an object provided on the side on which the far-infrared camera is disposed with respect to the glass plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle window glass with a camera and an image processing method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various sensors are installed in automobiles for the purpose of improving safety. Examples of sensors installed in automobiles include cameras, LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging), millimeter wave radars, infrared sensors, and the like.

[0003] Infrared rays are classified into near infrared rays (for example, wavelengths of 0.7 μm to 2 μm), mid-infrared rays (for example, wavelengths of 3 μm to 5 μm), and far infrared rays (for example, wavelengths of 8 μm to 13 μm) according to their wavelength bands. As infrared sensors for detecting these infrared rays, for near infrared rays, touch sensors, near infrared cameras, or LiDARs can be cited, for mid-infrared rays, gas analyzers or mid-infrared spectroscopic analyzers (functional group analysis) can be cited, and for far infrared rays, far infrared cameras can be cited. Specific examples of far infrared cameras include night vision devices, thermal imaging devices, and the like.

[0004] The window glass of a car usually hardly allows far infrared rays with a wavelength of 8 μm to 13 μm to pass through, so far infrared cameras have been mostly installed outside the car compartment, more specifically, on the front grille, as in Patent Document 1. However, when the far infrared camera is installed outside the car compartment, the structure becomes more complicated in order to ensure firmness, water resistance, dust resistance, etc., resulting in high costs. By installing the far infrared camera inside the car compartment and in the working area of ​​the wiper, the far infrared camera can be protected by the window glass and stains can be wiped off, thereby solving such problems. However, as mentioned above, since the window glass has the problem of hardly allowing far infrared rays to pass through, the far infrared camera is usually not installed inside the car compartment.

[0005] In order to meet the above-mentioned demand, Patent Document 2 discloses a window member in which a through hole is formed in a part of a window glass and an infrared-transmitting member is filled in the through hole.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0169491

[0009] Patent Document 2: UK Patent Application Publication No. 2271139 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] The far-infrared camera disposed inside the window glass detects far-infrared rays that pass through the far-infrared transmission area formed on the window glass and captures a far-infrared image. However, there is a case where far-infrared rays radiated from any object disposed inside the window glass are reflected by the far-infrared transmission area and enter the far-infrared camera. In this case, noise may be reflected in the far-infrared image captured by the far-infrared camera.

[0012] The present invention provides a vehicle window glass with a camera and an image processing method, which can reduce noise reflected in a far-infrared image.

[0013] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0014] In a first aspect, a vehicle window glass with a camera includes:

[0015] A glass plate having a first region that transmits visible light and a second region having a higher transmittance of far infrared light than the first region;

[0016] a far-infrared camera, detecting the first far-infrared light passing through the second area and capturing a far-infrared image; and

[0017] The image processing unit reduces noise reflected in the far-infrared image due to second far-infrared rays radiated from an object disposed on a side of the glass plate where the far-infrared camera is disposed.

[0018] In a second aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the first aspect,

[0019] A memory storing correction data for reducing the noise may be provided, and the image processing unit may reduce the noise using the correction data read from the memory.

[0020] In a third aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the second aspect,

[0021] The correction data may include mask data of the noise. The image processing unit may perform mask processing on the far-infrared image using the mask data, thereby reducing the noise.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the third aspect may include:

[0023] a reflector having a shielding surface for shielding far infrared rays and a reflecting surface for reflecting far infrared rays; and

[0024] The driving mechanism moves the reflector to a first position in which the first far-infrared ray is shielded by the shielding surface and the second far-infrared ray is reflected by the reflecting surface and enters the far-infrared camera. The image processing unit can store the data of the far-infrared ray detected by the far-infrared camera when the reflector is moved to the first position by the driving mechanism in the memory as the mask data.

[0025] In a fifth aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the fourth aspect,

[0026] The driving mechanism may be capable of moving the reflector to a second position such that the first far infrared ray is not shielded by the shielding surface and enters the far infrared camera, and the second far infrared ray is reflected in the second area and enters the far infrared camera. The image processing unit may perform mask processing on the far infrared image using the updated mask data when the reflector is moved to the second position by the driving mechanism, thereby reducing the noise.

[0027] In a sixth aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the fifth aspect,

[0028] The image processing unit may update the mask data by repeatedly moving the reflection plate to the first position and moving the reflection plate to the second position using the driving mechanism.

[0029] In a seventh aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the first or second aspect,

[0030] The object or the far-infrared transmitting filter disposed between the object and the second area may include: a first radiation surface that radiates the second far-infrared rays at a first emissivity; and a second radiation surface that radiates the second far-infrared rays at a second emissivity different from the first emissivity. The correction data may include data of the first emissivity and data of the second emissivity. The far-infrared image may include: a first pixel area that reflects the second far-infrared rays radiated from the first radiation surface at the first emissivity; and a second pixel area that reflects the second far-infrared rays radiated from the second radiation surface at the second emissivity. The image processing unit may extract the second far-infrared rays using difference data between brightness data of the first pixel area and brightness data of the second pixel area, data of the first emissivity, and data of the second emissivity.

[0031] In an eighth aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the seventh aspect,

[0032] The image processing unit may extract the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the first emissivity data from the brightness data of the first pixel area. Alternatively, the image processing unit may extract the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the second emissivity data from the brightness data of the second pixel area.

[0033] In a ninth aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the seventh or eighth aspect,

[0034] The first pixel region and the second pixel region may be adjacent to each other.

[0035] In a tenth aspect, in the camera-equipped vehicle window glass of any one of the seventh to ninth aspects,

[0036] The number of pixels included in the first pixel region may be one, and the number of pixels included in the second pixel region may be one.

[0037] In an eleventh aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the first or second aspect,

[0038] The second area may have an inner side and an outer side. The inner side may have: a first reflection surface that reflects the second far infrared ray at a first reflectivity; and a second reflection surface that reflects the second far infrared ray at a second reflectivity different from the first reflectivity. The outer side may have: a first transmission surface that transmits the first far infrared ray at a first transmittance; and a second transmission surface that transmits the first far infrared ray at a second transmittance different from the first transmittance. The correction data may include data of the first reflectivity and data of the second reflectivity. The far infrared image may include: a first pixel area that reflects an image of the second far infrared ray reflected at the first reflectivity; and a second pixel area that reflects an image of the second far infrared ray reflected at the second reflectivity. The image processing unit may extract the second far infrared ray using difference data of brightness data of the first pixel area and brightness data of the second pixel area, data of the first reflectivity, and data of the second reflectivity.

[0039] In a twelfth aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the eleventh aspect,

[0040] The image processing unit may extract the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the first reflectivity data from the brightness data of the first pixel area. Alternatively, the image processing unit may extract the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the second reflectivity data from the brightness data of the second pixel area.

[0041] In a thirteenth aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects,

[0042] The image processing unit may reduce noise reflected in the far-infrared image due to reflection of the second far-infrared rays in the second area.

[0043] In a fourteenth aspect, in the camera-equipped vehicle window glass of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects,

[0044] The object may have a thermal conductivity of 150 W / m·K or more and 450 W / m·K or less.

[0045] In a fifteenth aspect, in the vehicle window glass with a camera according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects,

[0046] A temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of the object may be provided.

[0047] In a sixteenth aspect, in the camera-equipped vehicle window glass of the fifteenth aspect,

[0048] The temperature control mechanism may include an air blower that blows air toward the object.

[0049] In a seventeenth aspect, in the camera-equipped vehicle window glass of the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect,

[0050] The temperature control mechanism may include a refrigerant circuit that circulates a refrigerant.

[0051] In an eighteenth aspect, an image processing method,

[0052] capturing a far-infrared image using a far-infrared camera, the far-infrared camera detecting the first far-infrared rays transmitted through a second area, the second area being formed on a glass plate having a first area for transmitting visible light so as to have a higher transmittance of far-infrared rays than the first area; and

[0053] The noise reflected in the far-infrared image due to the second far-infrared ray radiated from the object provided on the side of the glass plate where the far-infrared camera is arranged is reduced.

[0054] Effects of the Invention

[0055] The present disclosure can provide a vehicle window glass with a camera and an image processing method, which can reduce noise reflected in a far-infrared image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a structure in which a far-infrared camera is arranged on the inner side of a glass plate.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a far-infrared image without noise.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a far-infrared image in which noise is reflected.

[0059] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the first embodiment.

[0060] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a second embodiment.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a creation status of correction data (mask data).

[0062] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing a first example of the image processing method.

[0063] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a third embodiment.

[0064] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing a second example of the image processing method.

[0065] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a fourth embodiment.

[0066] Fig.11 This is an explanatory diagram of an example of the image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0067] Fig.12 This is an explanatory diagram of another example of the image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0068] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement pattern of a plurality of radiation surfaces having different far-infrared radiation rates.

[0069] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing an example of an image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0070] Fig.15It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a fifth embodiment.

[0071] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram showing a state where the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0072] Fig.17 It is a schematic plan view of the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the present embodiment.

[0073] Fig.18 It is along Fig.17 Cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0074] Fig.19 It is along Fig.17 Cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0075] Fig. 20 It is along Fig.17 Cross-sectional view of the BB section.

[0076] Fig.21 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the vehicle glass with a camera according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0077] Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram of a case where the far-infrared ray transmitting member is viewed in a vertical direction from the outside of the vehicle.

[0078] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing an example of a protective member.

[0079] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example of a protective member.

[0080] Fig.25 It is a cross-sectional view of another example of the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the fourth embodiment.

[0081] Fig.26A This is a schematic diagram of the interior side of the vehicle as viewed from the inside of the vehicle.

[0082] Fig.26B This is a schematic diagram of the exterior side of the vehicle as viewed from the outside of the vehicle.

[0083] Fig.27A This is a diagram showing a far-infrared image obtained from the far-infrared rays that have passed through the second region.

[0084] Fig.27B This is a diagram showing a far-infrared image obtained from far-infrared rays reflected from the side surface inside the vehicle.

[0085] Fig.28 This is an explanatory diagram of another example of the image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, for ease of understanding, the scales of the various parts in the accompanying drawings are sometimes different from the actual ones. For the terms such as parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up and down, left and right, and the same and equal, deviations are allowed to the extent that the effects and effects of the embodiments are not impaired. The shape of the corner is not limited to a right angle, and it can also be rounded in an arc shape. The so-called repetition can include the meaning of partial overlap. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction respectively represent the direction parallel to the X axis, the direction parallel to the Y axis, and the direction parallel to the Z axis. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. The XY plane, the YZ plane, and the ZX plane respectively represent an imaginary plane parallel to the X direction and the Y direction, an imaginary plane parallel to the Y direction and the Z direction, and an imaginary plane parallel to the Z direction and the X direction.

[0087] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration example in which a far-infrared camera is arranged on the inner side of a glass plate. In this example, the X direction indicates a direction parallel to a horizontal plane (horizontal direction). The Y direction indicates a direction along the outer surface 53 or the inner surface 54 of the glass plate 50. The Z direction indicates a direction along the thickness direction of the glass plate 50.

[0088] The glass plate 50 is a glass member formed with a first region 51 that transmits visible light and a second region 52 that transmits far infrared rays. The second region 52 has a higher transmittance of far infrared rays than the first region 51.

[0089] The far-infrared camera 7 is arranged inside the glass plate 50. The far-infrared camera 7 detects far-infrared rays FA radiated from an object (subject 6) existing outside the glass plate 50. The far-infrared camera 7 detects far-infrared rays FA transmitted through the second area 52 from the outside to the inside of the glass plate 50, thereby capturing a far-infrared image 2. A far-infrared image is also called a thermal image.

[0090] Figure 2 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a far-infrared image captured by a far-infrared camera. Ideally, only the objects 6a and 6b existing outside the glass plate 50 appear in the far-infrared image 2a captured by the far-infrared camera 7.

[0091] However, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , there is a case where far infrared rays FB radiated from any object 4 disposed inside the glass plate 50 enter the far infrared camera 7 directly or after being reflected. For example, there is a case where the far infrared rays FB are reflected by the first area 51 or the second area 52 of the glass plate 50 and enter the far infrared camera 7. In this case, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, noise 5 generated by the incidence of far infrared rays FB may be reflected in the far infrared image 2b captured by the far infrared camera 7. Such noise 5 is also called a false image. The noise 5 is a reflection image that appears in various shapes such as stripes and stripe patterns on the far infrared image 2b.

[0092] If the noise 5 exists in the far-infrared image 2b, a computer using the far-infrared image 2b may mistakenly recognize that an unreal object exists between the subjects 6a and 6b and the glass plate 50. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2.

[0093] Next, a vehicle window glass with a camera and an image processing method that can reduce noise reflected in a far-infrared image will be described.

[0094] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle window glass with a camera according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 The window glass with a camera 201 shown is an example of a window glass for a vehicle with a camera. In this example, the X direction indicates a direction parallel to a horizontal plane (horizontal direction). The Y direction indicates a direction along the outer surface 53 or the inner surface 54 of the glass plate 50. The Z direction indicates a direction along the thickness direction of the glass plate 50. The ZV direction indicates a direction from the outer side of the vehicle toward the inner side of the vehicle relative to the glass plate 50 when the window glass with a camera 201 is installed in the vehicle. The YV direction indicates a direction from the upper side of the vehicle toward the lower side of the vehicle along a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane when the window glass with a camera 201 is installed in the vehicle.

[0095] The window glass with a camera 201 includes a glass plate 50, a far-infrared camera 7, an attachment 3, and an image processing unit 8. An object 4 exists on the side of the glass plate 50 where the far-infrared camera 7 is arranged.

[0096] The glass plate 50 is a vehicle window glass having an outer surface 53 facing the vehicle outer side and an inner surface 54 facing the vehicle inner side. The outer surface 53 is a first main surface facing the vehicle outer side when the glass plate 50 is installed in the vehicle. The inner surface 54 is a second main surface facing the vehicle inner side when the glass plate 50 is installed in the vehicle.

[0097] The glass plate 50 is a glass member formed with a first region 51 that transmits visible light and a second region 52 that transmits far infrared rays. The second region 52 has a higher transmittance of far infrared rays than the first region 51. The first region 51 hardly transmits far infrared rays, but can transmit far infrared rays at a transmittance sufficiently smaller than that of the second region 52.

[0098] The far-infrared camera 7 is arranged on the vehicle interior side with respect to the glass plate 50. The far-infrared camera 7 detects far-infrared rays FA radiated from an object (subject 6) existing outside the glass plate 50. The far-infrared camera 7 detects far-infrared rays FA transmitted through the second area 52 from the outside to the inside of the glass plate 50, thereby capturing a far-infrared image 2 reflecting the detection result of the far-infrared rays FA. The far-infrared rays FA are an example of first far-infrared rays.

[0099] The attachment 3 is a member that directly or indirectly fixes the far-infrared camera 7 to the glass plate 50. Specific examples of the attachment 3 include a cover that covers the far-infrared camera 7, a bracket that supports the far-infrared camera 7, and the like.

[0100] The object 4 is disposed on the side of the glass plate 50 where the far-infrared camera 7 is arranged. The object 4 is a heat source that radiates far-infrared rays FB. The far-infrared rays FB are an example of second far-infrared rays. The object 4 is located at a position where the far-infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 are reflected by the second region 52 and enter the far-infrared camera 7. The object 4 may be located at a position where the far-infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 are reflected by the first region 51 or a member different from the glass plate 50 and enter the far-infrared camera 7, or may be located at a position where the far-infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 are directly incident on the far-infrared camera 7. The object 4 may be a component covered by the accessory 3 that functions as a cover, or may be a part or all of the accessory 3.

[0101] It should be noted that the object 4 may be a component of the camera-equipped window glass 201 or may not be a component of the camera-equipped window glass 201. For example, the object 4 may be a component or a passenger present in the vehicle cabin.

[0102] The image processing unit 8 includes an image processing circuit that reduces noise 5 (see FIG. 1 ) reflected in the far-infrared image 2 by the far-infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 being reflected in the second area 52. Figure 3 ). The image processing circuit may also perform image processing to reduce the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2 due to the far-infrared rays FB being reflected by the first area 51 or a member different from the glass plate 50. The image processing circuit may also perform image processing to reduce the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2 due to the far-infrared rays FB being directly incident on the far-infrared camera 7. "Reduction of noise 5" may also include the meaning of "removing noise 5 from the far-infrared image 2". The image processing unit 8 provides the far-infrared image 2 with the noise 5 reduced to a computer (not shown), thereby reducing the possibility that the computer mistakenly recognizes that there is an object that does not actually exist between the subject 6 and the glass plate 50, for example.

[0103] As described above, the window glass with a camera 201 according to the present embodiment includes the image processing unit 8, and thus it is possible to reduce the noise 5 that is reflected in the far-infrared image 2 due to the far-infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 entering the far-infrared camera 7 directly or reflected at the second area 52, etc. Thus, even if the far-infrared rays FB change according to the sunlight conditions when the vehicle is traveling, the noise 5 is reduced.

[0104] The image processing function of the image processing unit 8 is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating according to a program readable and stored in a memory. The program realizing the processing performed by the image processing unit 8 can be provided, for example, via a recording medium or a network.

[0105] It should be noted that, in this example, the image processing unit 8 is a component of the window glass with camera 201, but it may not be a component of the window glass with camera 201. For example, the image processing unit 8 may be an electronic control device or a built-in component mounted on the vehicle at a position separated from the window glass with camera 201. In addition, the image processing unit 8 may be in a server separated from the vehicle, and the far-infrared image 2 with reduced noise 5 may be sent to the server via a communication line. Alternatively, the image processing unit 8 may be built into the far-infrared camera 7.

[0106] When the object 4 has a thermal conductivity of, for example, 150 W / m·K or more and 450 W / m·K or less, the temperature distribution of the object 4 is close to uniform, so the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2 is reduced. From the viewpoint of reducing the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2, it is preferably 200 W / m·K or more, and more preferably 390 W / m·K or more.

[0107] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a second embodiment. Figure 5 The window glass 202 with a camera shown is an example of a vehicle window glass with a camera. In the second embodiment, the description of the same structure, function and effect as the above embodiment is omitted or simplified by citing the above description.

[0108] The window glass with camera 202 is provided with a memory 9, which stores correction data d for reducing the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2. The memory 9 is preferably a non-volatile memory, but may also be an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk. The image processing unit 8 uses the correction data d read from the memory 9 to reduce the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2.

[0109] The camera-equipped window glass 202 is provided with the memory 9, and can store the correction data d created in advance for the correction process for reducing the noise 5. For example, the camera-equipped window glass 202 can store the correction data d created at an appropriate time such as when shipped from the factory before installation on the vehicle, when shipped from the factory after installation on the vehicle, or after shipment from the factory in the memory 9.

[0110] The correction data d includes, for example, mask data (hereinafter also referred to as "mask data dm") of the noise 5 projected into the far-infrared image 2. The image processing unit 8 performs mask processing on the far-infrared image 2 using the mask data dm read from the memory 9, thereby reducing the noise 5. The mask data is also referred to as a mask image. In addition, the mask processing of masking the noise 5 projected into the far-infrared image 2 using the mask data dm can be performed by a known method.

[0111] The mask data dm is, for example, data of far-infrared rays FB detected in advance by the far-infrared camera 7. The image processing unit 8 performs mask processing of subtracting the mask data dm equal to the data of far-infrared rays FB from the far-infrared image 2 including the far-infrared rays FA and the far-infrared rays FB, thereby obtaining a far-infrared image 2 in which the noise 5 generated by the far-infrared rays FB is reduced.

[0112] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of the creation of correction data d (mask data dm). The cover 55 covering the second area 52 from the outer surface 53 shields the far infrared rays FA coming from outside the vehicle. The cover 55 is, for example, a mirror that shields the far infrared rays FA coming from outside the vehicle, but may also be a shielding member other than a mirror that shields the far infrared rays FA.

[0113] The cover 55 is arranged in the second area 52 from the outer surface 53 side at a timing such as before the vehicle travels. The far infrared rays detected by the far infrared camera 7 in the state where the cover 55 is arranged are far infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4. The image processing unit 8 stores the data of the far infrared rays (far infrared rays FB) detected by the far infrared camera 7 in the state where the cover 55 covers the second area 52 as mask data dm in the memory 9. In the case where the mask data dm is already stored in the memory 9, the image processing unit 8 may update the mask data dm stored in the memory 9 to the data of the far infrared rays FB detected by the far infrared camera 7 in the state where the cover 55 covers the second area 52. The update timing of the mask data dm may be an arbitrary timing, a specific timing, or a periodic timing (the same is true in the examples described later).

[0114] The image processing unit 8 performs mask processing on the far-infrared image 2 using the updated mask data dm, thereby reducing the noise 5. By using the updated mask data dm, even if the range or intensity of the far-infrared rays FB incident on the far-infrared camera 7 changes due to the sunlight conditions when the vehicle is running or the deterioration over the years, the effect of reducing the noise 5 can be ensured.

[0115] The image processing unit 8 performs mask processing on the far-infrared image 2 using the mask data dm created in advance, thereby reducing the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2. It should be noted that when generating the mask data dm, the far-infrared rays FA coming from outside the vehicle may be shielded by a method different from the cover 55. For example, the far-infrared rays FA may be shielded by placing the window glass 202 with the camera in a dark room.

[0116] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing a first example of an image processing method performed by the image processing unit 8. In step S11, the image processing unit 8 obtains a far-infrared image 2 captured by a far-infrared camera 7 that detects far-infrared rays FA. The obtained far-infrared image 2 includes not only data of far-infrared rays FA but also data of far-infrared rays FB. In step S12, the image processing unit 8 corrects the brightness distribution of the far-infrared image 2 using mask data dm and performs mask processing on the noise 5 projected into the far-infrared image 2. Thus, the image processing unit 8 can reduce the noise 5 projected into the far-infrared image 2 due to the far-infrared rays FB being directly reflected or reflected in the second area 52, etc. In step S13, the image processing unit 8 sends the far-infrared image 2 with the noise 5 reduced to the post-processing unit. Thus, the post-processing unit can perform a predetermined process on the far-infrared image 2 with the noise 5 reduced.

[0117] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a third embodiment. Figure 8 The camera-equipped window glass 203 shown is an example of a vehicle window glass with a camera. In the third embodiment, the above description is cited to omit or simplify the description of the same structure, function, and effect as those of the above embodiment.

[0118] In order to create the mask data dm, the window glass with camera 203 is provided with a reflector 56 and a drive mechanism 57. The reflector 56 has a shielding surface 59 for shielding far infrared rays and a reflecting surface 58 for reflecting far infrared rays. It should be noted that the shielding surface 59 may also be a reflecting surface as long as it has the function of shielding far infrared rays. The drive mechanism 57 moves the reflector 56 to the first position P1. The first position P1 indicates a position where the far infrared rays FA are shielded by the shielding surface 59 and the far infrared rays FB are reflected by the reflecting surface 58 and incident on the far infrared camera 7.

[0119] The image processing unit 8 stores the data of far infrared rays (far infrared rays FB) detected by the far infrared camera 7 when the reflector 56 is moved to the first position P1 by the driving mechanism 57 as mask data dm in the memory 9. In the case where the mask data dm is already stored in the memory 9, the image processing unit 8 may update the mask data dm stored in the memory 9 to the data of far infrared rays detected by the far infrared camera 7 when the reflector 56 is at the first position P1.

[0120] Thus, the camera window glass 203 includes the drive mechanism 57 for moving the reflector 56 to the first position P1, so that the image processing unit 8 can automatically create and update the mask data dm. The drive mechanism 57 includes, for example, a motor for moving the reflector 56 according to a command signal from the image processing unit 8 .

[0121] In this example, the reflector 56 is a flat plate, but any shape is not particularly limited as long as it can be moved to the first position P1. For example, the reflector 56 may be a plate that can be folded into an aperture shutter or corrugated shape, a sheet that can be stored in a roll, or a cylindrical mirror.

[0122] The driving mechanism 57 moves, for example, a flat reflector 56 or a reflector 56 that can be folded into a corrugated shape to the first position P1 along the X direction or the Y direction. Alternatively, the driving mechanism 57 may move the reflector 56 to the first position P1 by closing the aperture opening of the reflector 56 in the shape of an aperture shutter. Alternatively, the driving mechanism 57 may move the reflector 56 to the first position P1 by pulling out the reflector 56 stored in a roll. Alternatively, the driving mechanism 57 may move the reflector 56 to the first position P1 by rotating the reflector 56 configured in a cylindrical shape around the central axis. It should be noted that the position of the first position P1 shown in the figure is only an example.

[0123] The driving mechanism 57 may also move the reflecting plate 56 to the second position P2, where the far-infrared rays FA are not shielded by the shielding surface 59 and enter the far-infrared camera 7, and the far-infrared rays FB are reflected by the second area 52 and enter the far-infrared camera 7. The image processing unit 8 may also perform mask processing on the far-infrared image 2 using the mask data dm in a state where the reflecting plate 56 is moved to the second position P2 by the driving mechanism 57, thereby reducing the noise 5. In this way, the window glass 203 with a camera is provided with the driving mechanism 57 that moves the reflecting plate 56 to the second position P2, whereby the image processing unit 8 can perform mask processing on the far-infrared image 2 including the data of the far-infrared rays FA and the data of the far-infrared rays FB without being hindered by the reflecting plate 56.

[0124] The driving mechanism 57 moves, for example, a flat reflector 56 or a reflector 56 that can be folded into a corrugated shape to the second position P2 along the X direction, the Y direction, or the ZV direction. The driving mechanism 57 can also move the reflector 56 to the second position P2 by opening the aperture opening of the reflector 56 in the shape of an aperture shutter. The driving mechanism 57 can also move the reflector 56 to the second position P2 by rolling up the reflector 56 that can be stored in a roll. Alternatively, the driving mechanism 57 can also move the reflector 56 to the second position P2 by rotating the reflector 56 configured in a cylindrical shape around the central axis. It should be noted that the position of the second position P2 shown in the figure is only an example.

[0125] The image processing unit 8 can update the mask data dm by repeatedly moving the reflector 56 to the first position P1 and to the second position P2 using the driving mechanism 57. Thus, even if the range or intensity of the far-infrared rays FB incident on the far-infrared camera 7 changes due to the sunlight conditions during vehicle travel or deterioration over the years, the effect of reducing the noise 5 can be ensured.

[0126] Fig. 9 1 is a flowchart showing a second example of the image processing method performed by the image processing unit 8. In step S21, the image processing unit 8 controls the driving mechanism 57 to move the reflector 56 to the first position P1. In step S22, the image processing unit 8 stores the data of the far infrared rays (far infrared rays FB) detected by the far infrared camera 7 when the reflector 56 is moved to the first position P1 in the memory 9 as mask data dm. In step S23, the image processing unit 8 controls the driving mechanism 57 to move the reflector 56 to the second position P2. Steps S11, S12, and S13 can be the same as those in step S11. Figure 7 The image processing method is the same.

[0127] according to Fig. 9 The image processing method can automatically create and update the mask data dm, and use the updated mask data dm to perform mask processing on the far-infrared image 2. Specific examples of the update cycle of the mask data dm include each time the vehicle starts traveling, every fixed time, and the like.

[0128] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a fourth embodiment. Fig.10 The camera-equipped window glass 204 shown is an example of a vehicle window glass with a camera. In the fourth embodiment, the above description is cited to omit or simplify the description of the same structure, function, and effect as those of the above embodiment.

[0129] The object 4 may also have a first radiation surface 61 that radiates far-infrared rays FB at a first radiation rate α and a second radiation surface 62 that radiates far-infrared rays FB at a second radiation rate β that is different from the first radiation rate α. Alternatively, a far-infrared transmission filter having a first radiation surface 61 that radiates far-infrared rays at a first radiation rate α and a second radiation surface 62 that radiates far-infrared rays at a second radiation rate β may be disposed between the object 4 that radiates far-infrared rays FB and the second area 52. A preferred embodiment is as follows Fig.10 The first radiation surface 61 and the second radiation surface 62 are attached to the structure of the object 4. The correction data d stored in the memory 9 includes the data of the first radiation rate α and the data of the second radiation rate β. The memory 9 stores the data of the first radiation rate α and the data of the second radiation rate β in advance.

[0130] Fig.11 This is an explanatory diagram of an example of the image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment. Fig.11 Indicates the state in which the noise 5 (reflected image) generated by the far infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 is reflected in the far infrared image 2. When the far infrared image 2 is magnified and observed, the far infrared image 2 includes at least one first pixel area 71 and at least one second pixel area 72. The first pixel area 71 is an area in which at least the second far infrared rays FB radiated from the first radiation surface 61 of the object 4 with the first emissivity α are reflected. The second pixel area 72 is an area in which at least the second far infrared rays FB radiated from the second radiation surface 62 of the object 4 with the second emissivity β are reflected.

[0131] The first pixel regions 71 are single pixels having brightness data Lα generated by mixing the far infrared rays FA incident through the second region 52 and the far infrared rays FB incident from the first radiation surface 61 at the first emissivity α. The second pixel regions 72 are single pixels having brightness data Lβ generated by mixing the far infrared rays FA incident through the second region 52 and the far infrared rays FB incident from the second radiation surface 62 at the second emissivity β. When the first radiation surface 61 and the second radiation surface 62 are arranged in a grid shape staggered from each other, the first pixel regions 71 and the second pixel regions 72 are also staggered from each other to present a grid shape.

[0132] The brightness data Lα and the brightness data Lβ are expressed as:

[0133] Lα=FA+FB×α ...Formula 1

[0134] Lβ=FA+FB×β …Equation 2

[0135] According to equations 1 and 2, the difference data (Lα-Lβ) between the brightness data Lα and the brightness data Lβ is expressed as:

[0136] Lα-Lβ=FB×(α-β) …Equation 3

[0137] The image processing unit 8 measures the brightness data Lα and the brightness data Lβ. In addition, the first emissivity α and the second emissivity β are stored in advance in the memory 9. Therefore, the image processing unit 8 can extract the far infrared ray FB by substituting the measured value of the brightness data Lα, the measured value of the brightness data Lβ, the first emissivity α and the second emissivity β into Formula 3. In this way, the image processing unit 8 can extract the far infrared ray FB by using the difference data between the brightness data Lα and the brightness data Lβ, the first emissivity α and the second emissivity β.

[0138] The image processing unit 8 calculates, for example, difference data (Lα-Lβ) about the mutually adjacent first pixel region 71 and second pixel region 72. Thus, the image processing unit 8 can extract the far infrared rays FB with high accuracy, compared with the case where the difference data (Lα-Lβ) about the mutually non-adjacent and separated first pixel region 71 and second pixel region 72 is used.

[0139] The image processing unit 8 may also extract the far infrared rays FA by subtracting the product of the extracted data of the far infrared rays FB and the data of the first emissivity α from the brightness data Lα of the first pixel area 71 using Formula 1. Alternatively, the image processing unit 8 may also extract the far infrared rays FA by subtracting the product of the extracted data of the far infrared rays FB and the data of the second emissivity β from the brightness data Lβ of the second pixel area 72 using Formula 2.

[0140] Fig.12 This is an explanatory diagram of another example of the image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment. Fig.12 The first pixel region 71 shown is composed of a plurality of (four in this example) pixels having the same brightness data Lα, which is different from the first pixel region 71 as a single pixel. Fig.11 Similarly, Fig.12 The second pixel region 72 shown is composed of a plurality of (four in this example) pixels having the same brightness data Lβ, which is different from the single pixel region 72. Fig.11 The situation is different.

[0141] That is, the number of pixels included in a first pixel region 71 may be one or more, and the number of pixels included in a second pixel region 72 may be one or more. Fig.12 In the case of Fig.11 Similarly to the description in , the image processing unit 8 can extract the far infrared rays FB and the far infrared rays FA. The image processing unit 8 may store the extracted data of the far infrared rays FB in the memory 9 as the above-mentioned mask data dm.

[0142] In the fourth embodiment, the object 4 has a plurality of radiation surfaces having different far-infrared radiation rates. The arrangement pattern of the plurality of radiation surfaces is not limited to a grid pattern, and may be other patterns.

[0143] Fig.25 The camera-equipped window glass 204' shown is another example of the camera-equipped vehicle window glass according to the fourth embodiment. The above description is cited to omit or simplify the description of the same structure, function and effect as the above embodiment.

[0144] The second region 52 has a vehicle interior side 52 a and a vehicle exterior side 52 b . Fig.26A The vehicle interior side surface 52a is a schematic diagram of the vehicle interior side. The vehicle interior side surface 52a includes a first reflecting surface 91a reflecting far infrared rays FB at a first reflectivity a and a second reflecting surface 92a reflecting far infrared rays FB at a second reflectivity b different from the first reflectivity a. Fig.26B Schematic diagram of the vehicle exterior side 52b observed from the vehicle exterior. The vehicle exterior side 52b has a first transmission surface 91b that transmits far infrared rays FA at a first transmittance a' and a second transmission surface 92b that transmits far infrared rays FA at a second transmittance b' different from the first transmittance a'. The positional relationship between the first reflection surface 91a of the vehicle interior side 52a and the second transmission surface 92b of the vehicle exterior side 52b observed from the far infrared camera 7 is in a corresponding relationship. Similarly, the positional relationship between the second reflection surface 92a of the vehicle interior side 52a and the first transmission surface 91b of the vehicle exterior side 52b observed from the far infrared camera 7 is in a corresponding relationship. Fig.27A As shown in FIG. 1 , the relationship between the first reflectivity a, the second reflectivity b, the first transmittance a′, and the second transmittance b′ is set so that the pixel values ​​observed from the far-infrared camera 7 are uniform. Thus, the far-infrared image obtained from the far-infrared rays FA that have passed through the second area 52 is as follows: Fig.27A The contrast is maintained as shown in FIG. 1 , but the far-infrared image obtained from the far-infrared ray FB reflected from the inner side surface 52a is as shown in FIG. Fig.27B As shown, the contrast difference is caused by the difference between the first reflectivity a and the second reflectivity b. The correction data d stored in the memory 9 includes the data of the first reflectivity a and the data of the second reflectivity b. The memory 9 stores the data of the first reflectivity a and the data of the second reflectivity b in advance.

[0145] Fig.28 This is an explanatory diagram of another example of the image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment. Fig.28The figure shows the state in which the noise 5 (reflected image) generated by the far infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 is projected in the far infrared image 2. When the far infrared image 2 is magnified and observed, the far infrared image 2 includes at least one first pixel area 71 and at least one second pixel area 72. The first pixel area 71 is an area in which at least the image of the second far infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 is reflected at the first reflectivity a. The second pixel area 72 is an area in which at least the image of the second far infrared rays FB radiated from the object 4 is reflected at the second reflectivity b.

[0146] The first pixel regions 71 are single pixels having brightness data La generated by mixing the far infrared rays FA incident through the second region 52 and the far infrared rays FB incident after being reflected at the first reflectivity a. The second pixel regions 72 are single pixels having brightness data Lb generated by mixing the far infrared rays FA incident through the second region 52 and the far infrared rays FB incident after being reflected at the second reflectivity b. In the vehicle interior side surface 52a, when the first reflection surface 91a and the second reflection surface 92a are arranged in a grid shape with the first pixel regions 71 and the second pixel regions 72 are also arranged in a grid shape with the first pixel regions 71 and the second pixel regions 72 being staggered with each other.

[0147] The brightness data La and the brightness data Lb are expressed as:

[0148] La=FA+FB×a ...Formula 4

[0149] Lb=FA+FB×b ...Formula 5

[0150] According to equations 4 and 5, the difference data (La-Lb) between the brightness data La and the brightness data Lb is expressed as:

[0151] La-Lb=FB×(ab)… Equation 6

[0152] The image processing unit 8 measures the brightness data La and the brightness data Lb. In addition, the first reflectivity a and the second reflectivity b are stored in advance in the memory 9. Therefore, the image processing unit 8 can extract the far infrared rays FB by substituting the measured value of the brightness data La, the measured value of the brightness data Lb, the first reflectivity a and the second reflectivity b into the formula 6. In this way, the image processing unit 8 can extract the far infrared rays FB by using the difference data between the brightness data La and the brightness data Lb, the first reflectivity a and the second reflectivity b.

[0153] The image processing unit 8 calculates, for example, difference data (La-Lb) about the mutually adjacent first pixel region 71 and the second pixel region 72. Thus, the image processing unit 8 can extract the far infrared rays FB with high accuracy, compared with the case where the difference data (La-Lb) about the mutually non-adjacent and separated first pixel region 71 and the second pixel region 72 is used.

[0154] The image processing unit 8 may also extract the far infrared rays FA by subtracting the product of the extracted data of the far infrared rays FB and the data of the first reflectivity a from the brightness data La of the first pixel area 71 using Formula 4. Alternatively, the image processing unit 8 may also extract the far infrared rays FA by subtracting the product of the extracted data of the far infrared rays FB and the data of the second reflectivity b from the brightness data Lb of the second pixel area 72 using Formula 5.

[0155] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement pattern of a plurality of radiation surfaces having different far-infrared radiation rates. Fig.13 The arrangement pattern of the plurality of radiation surfaces shown is a stripe pattern. By adopting a stripe pattern, the adjustment of the positions of the plurality of radiation surfaces relative to the pixels in the far-infrared image 2 becomes unnecessary or simple, and thus the manufacturing becomes easy. Fig.13 The object 4 shown has a first radiation surface 61 that radiates far infrared rays FB at a first radiation rate α and a second radiation surface 62 that radiates far infrared rays FB at a second radiation rate β that is different from the first radiation rate α.

[0156] In the case of a striped pattern, it is important that the direction of the stripes of the noise 5 projected on the far-infrared image 2 is not parallel to the longitudinal or lateral arrangement direction of the plurality of pixels. The reason for this is to prevent adjacent pixels from including far-infrared rays FB radiated at the same emissivity.

[0157] Fig.14 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an image processing method applied to the fourth embodiment. In step S31, the image processing unit 8 obtains a far-infrared image 2 captured by a far-infrared camera 7 that detects far-infrared rays FA. The obtained far-infrared image 2 includes not only data of far-infrared rays FA but also data of far-infrared rays FB. In step S32, the image processing unit 8 extracts the signal component of far-infrared rays FB by, for example, using the difference data (Lα-Lβ) about the first pixel area 71 and the second pixel area 72 adjacent to each other, and the first emissivity α and the second emissivity β pre-stored in the memory 9.

[0158] In step S33, the image processing unit 8 removes the signal component of the far infrared rays FB extracted in step S32 from the far infrared image 2 obtained in step S31, thereby generating a far infrared image 2 with reduced noise 5. In step S34, the image processing unit 8 sends the far infrared image 2 with reduced noise 5 to the post-processing unit. Thus, the post-processing unit can perform a predetermined process on the far infrared image 2 with reduced noise 5.

[0159] and Fig.14The above description of the image processing method shown in FIG. 1 is applied to the image processing method by replacing the difference data (Lα-Lβ) with the difference data (La-Lb), replacing the first emissivity α with the first reflectivity a, and replacing the second emissivity β with the second reflectivity b. Fig.28 The method shown.

[0160] Fig.15 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window glass with a camera according to a fifth embodiment. Fig.15 The camera-equipped window glass 205 shown is an example of a vehicle window glass with a camera. In the fifth embodiment, the above description is cited to omit or simplify the description of the same structure, function, and effect as those of the above embodiment.

[0161] The window glass with a camera 205 includes a temperature control mechanism 80 for controlling the temperature of the object 4. By including the temperature control mechanism 80, the temperature distribution of the object 4 becomes close to uniform, so that the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2 is reduced.

[0162] The temperature control mechanism 80 may include, for example, a blower 81 that blows air toward the object 4. The object 4 is uniformly cooled by the air blown by the blower 81, so that the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2 is reduced.

[0163] The temperature control mechanism 80 may include, for example, a refrigerant circuit 82 that circulates a refrigerant for cooling the object 4. The object 4 is uniformly cooled by the circulation of the refrigerant, so that the noise 5 reflected in the far-infrared image 2 is reduced.

[0164] Next, a more specific configuration example of the window glass with a camera according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0165] (vehicle)

[0166] Fig.16 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the window glass with a camera 1 according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle V. Fig.16 As shown, the window glass 1 involved in this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle V. The window glass 1 is a window member applied to the front windshield of the vehicle V. That is, the window glass 1 is used as the front window of the vehicle V, in other words, as a windshield. A far-infrared camera CA1 and a visible light camera CA2 are mounted inside (inside) the vehicle V. The so-called inside (inside) of the vehicle V refers to, for example, the interior of the vehicle where the driver's seat is set.

[0167] The camera unit 100 according to the present embodiment includes a window glass 1, a far-infrared camera CA1, and a visible light camera CA2. The far-infrared camera CA1 is an example of the far-infrared camera 7 described above.

[0168] The far-infrared camera CA1 is a camera that detects far-infrared rays. The far-infrared camera CA1 captures a thermal image of the outside of the vehicle V by detecting far-infrared rays from the outside of the vehicle V. The visible light camera CA2 is a camera that detects visible light. The visible light camera CA2 captures an image of the outside of the vehicle V by detecting visible light from the outside of the vehicle V. In addition to the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, the camera unit 100 may also include, for example, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and a millimeter wave radar. The far-infrared rays here are, for example, electromagnetic waves in a wavelength band of 8 μm or more and 13 μm or less, and the visible light is, for example, electromagnetic waves in a wavelength band of 360 nm or more and 830 nm or less.

[0169] (Window glass for vehicles)

[0170] Fig.17 It is a schematic plan view of the window glass 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig.18 and Fig.19 It is along Fig.17 Cross-sectional view along line AA. Fig.18 This is a cross-sectional view when the glass opening size on the vehicle exterior surface is larger than the opening size on the vehicle interior surface. Fig.19 This is a cross-sectional view when the glass opening size on the vehicle interior surface is larger than the opening size on the vehicle exterior surface. Fig. 20 It is along Fig.17 The sectional view of the BB section. Fig.17 As shown, hereinafter, the upper edge of the window glass 1 is referred to as the upper edge portion 1a, the lower edge is referred to as the lower edge portion 1b, one side edge is referred to as the side edge portion 1c, and the other side edge is referred to as the side edge portion 1d. The upper edge portion 1a is an edge portion located on the upper side in the vertical direction when the window glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The lower edge portion 1b is an edge portion located on the lower side in the vertical direction when the window glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The side edge portion 1c is an edge portion located on one side when the window glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The side edge portion 1d is an edge portion located on the other side when the window glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V.

[0171] In the following, the direction from the upper edge 1a toward the lower edge 1b in the direction parallel to the surface of the window glass 1 is set as the Y direction (first direction), and the direction from the side edge 1c toward the side edge 1d is set as the X direction. In the present embodiment, the X direction is orthogonal to the Y direction. The direction orthogonal to the surface of the window glass 1, that is, the thickness direction of the window glass 1 is set as the Z direction. The Z direction is, for example, a direction from the outer side of the vehicle V toward the inner side of the vehicle V when the window glass 1 is mounted on the vehicle V. The X direction and the Y direction are along the surface of the window glass 1, but, for example, when the surface of the window glass 1 is a curved surface, it can also be a direction tangent to the surface of the window glass 1 at the center point O of the window glass 1. The so-called center point O is the center position of the window glass 1 when the window glass 1 is observed from the Z direction.

[0172] A light-transmitting area A1 and a light-shielding area A2 are formed in the window glass 1. The light-transmitting area A1 is an area occupying the central portion of the window glass 1 when viewed from the Z direction. The light-transmitting area A1 is an area for ensuring the driver's field of vision. The light-transmitting area A1 is an area that allows visible light to pass through. The light-shielding area A2 is an area formed around the light-transmitting area A1 when viewed from the Z direction. The light-shielding area A2 is an area that blocks visible light. In the light-shielding area A2a that is a portion on the upper edge 1a side of the light-shielding area A2, a far-infrared light-transmitting area B and a visible light-transmitting area C are formed. The light-transmitting area A1 is an example of the first area 51 described above. The far-infrared light-transmitting area B is an example of the second area 52.

[0173] The far-infrared transmission area B is an area that transmits far-infrared rays and is an area where the far-infrared camera CA1 is set. That is, when observed from the optical axis direction of the far-infrared camera CA1, the far-infrared camera CA1 is set at a position overlapping with the far-infrared transmission area B. The visible light transmission area C is an area that transmits visible light and is an area where the visible light camera CA2 is set. That is, when observed from the optical axis direction of the visible light camera CA2, the visible light camera CA2 is set at a position overlapping with the visible light transmission area C.

[0174] In this way, since the far-infrared transmission area B and the visible light transmission area C are formed in the light shielding area A2, the light shielding area A2 shields the far-infrared rays in the area other than the area where the far-infrared transmission area B is formed, and shields the visible light in the area other than the area where the visible light transmission area C is formed. The far-infrared transmission area B and the visible light transmission area C form a light shielding area A2a around them. By providing the light shielding area A2a around them, various sensors are protected from the influence of sunlight, which is preferred. Since the wiring of various sensors cannot be seen from the outside of the vehicle, it is also preferred from the viewpoint of appearance design.

[0175] like Fig.18 and Fig.19As shown, the window glass 1 includes a glass substrate 12 (first glass substrate), a glass substrate 14 (second glass substrate), an intermediate layer 16, and a light shielding layer 18. The window glass 1 is stacked with the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass substrate 14, and the light shielding layer 18 in this order in the Z direction. The glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14 are fixed (bonded) to each other via the intermediate layer 16.

[0176] As the glass substrates 12 and 14, for example, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, etc. can be used. The intermediate layer 16 is an adhesive layer that bonds the glass substrate 12 to the glass substrate 14. As the intermediate layer 16, for example, a polyvinyl butyral (hereinafter also referred to as PVB) modified material, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) type material, a polyurethane resin material, a vinyl chloride resin material, etc. can be used. In more detail, the glass substrate 12 includes a surface 12A and another surface 12B, and the other surface 12B is in contact with a surface 16A of the intermediate layer 16 and is fixed (bonded) relative to the intermediate layer 16. The glass substrate 14 includes a surface 14A and another surface 14B, and the one surface 14A is in contact with the other surface 16B of the intermediate layer 16 and is fixed (bonded) relative to the intermediate layer 16. In this way, the window glass 1 is a laminated glass formed by laminating the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14. However, the window glass 1 is not limited to laminated glass, and may be, for example, a structure including only one of the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14. In this case, the intermediate layer 16 may not be provided. Hereinafter, when the glass substrates 12 and 14 are not distinguished, they are described as the glass substrate 10. The glass substrate 10, the glass substrate 12, or the glass substrate 14 is an example of the above-mentioned glass plate 50.

[0177] The light-shielding layer 18 includes a surface 18A and another surface 18B, and the surface 18A is fixed to the other surface 14B of the glass substrate 14 in contact with the other surface 14B. The light-shielding layer 18 is a layer that blocks visible light. As the light-shielding layer 18, for example, a ceramic light-shielding layer or a light-shielding film can be used. As the ceramic light-shielding layer, for example, a ceramic layer made of a conventionally known material such as a black ceramic layer can be used. As the light-shielding film, for example, a light-shielding polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, a light-shielding polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film, a light-shielding polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film, etc. can be used.

[0178] In the present embodiment, the side of the window glass 1 on which the light shielding layer 18 is provided is the inner side (vehicle interior side) of the vehicle V, and the glass substrate 12 is the outer side (vehicle exterior side) of the vehicle V, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light shielding layer 18 may also be the outer side of the vehicle V. In the case of a laminated glass composed of the glass substrates 12 and 14, the light shielding layer 18 may also be formed between the glass substrates 12 and 14.

[0179] (Shaded area)

[0180] The light-shielding region A2 is formed by providing the light-shielding layer 18 on the glass substrate 10. That is, the light-shielding region A2 is a region where the glass substrate 10 has the light-shielding layer 18. That is, the light-shielding region A2 is a region where the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass substrate 14, and the light-shielding layer 18 are stacked. On the other hand, the light-transmitting region A1 is a region where the glass substrate 10 does not have the light-shielding layer 18. That is, the light-transmitting region A1 is a region where the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the glass substrate 14 are stacked but the light-shielding layer 18 is not stacked.

[0181] (Visible light transmission area)

[0182] like Fig. 20 As shown, the visible light transmission region C is a region of the glass substrate 10 in the Z direction without the light shielding layer 18, similarly to the light transmission region A1. That is, the visible light transmission region C is a region where the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, and the glass substrate 14 are stacked but the light shielding layer 18 is not stacked.

[0183] like Fig.17 As shown, the visible light transmission area C is preferably arranged near the far-infrared transmission area B. Specifically, the center of the far-infrared transmission area B observed from the Z direction is set as the center point OB, and the center of the visible light transmission area C observed from the Z direction is set as the center point OC. When the shortest distance between the far-infrared transmission area B (opening 19) and the visible light transmission area C when observed from the Z direction is set as the distance L, the distance L is preferably greater than 0 mm and less than 100 mm, and more preferably greater than 10 mm and less than 80 mm. Although not shown here, in the case where there are multiple visible light transmission areas C, the relationship between one of the visible light transmission areas C is shown. By positioning the visible light transmission area C relative to the far-infrared transmission area B in this range, it is possible to capture images of close positions using the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2, and the perspective deformation amount in the visible light transmission area C can be suppressed, and the image can be appropriately captured using the visible light camera CA2. By capturing images of close locations using the far-infrared camera CA1 and the visible light camera CA2 , it is possible to reduce the load when performing calculations on data obtained from the respective cameras, and to appropriately handle power supplies and signal cables.

[0184] (Far infrared transmitting component)

[0185] like Fig.18 and Fig.19As shown, the window glass 1 is formed with an opening 19 that passes through from one surface (here, the surface 12A) to the other surface (here, the surface 14B) in the Z direction. A far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is provided in the opening 19. The area where the opening 19 is formed and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is provided is the far-infrared ray transmitting area B. That is, the far-infrared ray transmitting area B is an area where the opening 19 and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 arranged in the opening 19 are provided. Since the light shielding layer 18 hardly transmits far infrared rays, the light shielding layer 18 is not provided in the far-infrared ray transmitting area B. That is, in the far-infrared ray transmitting area B, the glass substrate 12, the intermediate layer 16, the glass substrate 14 and the light shielding layer 18 are not provided, and the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20 is provided in the formed opening 19.

[0186] In addition, the window glass 1 can be said to include a glass substrate 10 and a far-infrared transmitting member 20 provided in an opening 19 of the glass substrate 10. The glass substrate 10 can also be referred to as a portion of the window glass 1 that constitutes the window glass. For example, here, the structure including the glass substrates 12 and 14, the intermediate layer 16, and the light shielding layer 18 can be referred to as the glass substrate 10. However, as described above, the glass substrate 10 may include only at least one of the glass substrate 12 and the glass substrate 14.

[0187] The far-infrared transmitting component 20 includes a substrate 22 as a component that can transmit far-infrared rays. The internal transmittance of the substrate 22 for light (far-infrared rays) with a wavelength of 10 μm is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and further preferably 70% or more. In addition, the average internal transmittance of the substrate 22 for light (far-infrared rays) with a wavelength of 8 μm to 13 μm is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and further preferably 70% or more. By setting the internal transmittance of the substrate 22 at 10 μm and the average internal transmittance at 8 μm to 13 μm to this numerical range, far-infrared rays can be appropriately transmitted and the performance of, for example, the far-infrared camera CA1 can be fully exerted. In addition, the average internal transmittance here is the average value of the internal transmittance of light of each wavelength in the band (here 8 μm to 12 μm).

[0188] The internal transmittance of the substrate 22 is the transmittance after removing the surface reflection losses on the incident side and the outgoing side, and is well known in the technical field, and can be measured by a commonly performed method.

[0189] The material of the substrate 22 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Si, Ge, ZnS, and chalcogenide glass. It can be said that the substrate 22 preferably contains at least one material selected from Si, Ge, ZnS, and chalcogenide glass. By using such a material for the substrate 22, far infrared rays can be appropriately transmitted.

[0190] As a preferred composition of chalcogenide glass,

[0191] Expressed in atomic %, it contains

[0192] Ge+Ga: 7%~25%,

[0193] Sb: 0%~35%,

[0194] Bi: 0%~20%,

[0195] Zn: 0%~20%,

[0196] Sn: 0%~20%,

[0197] Si: 0%~20%,

[0198] La: 0%~20%,

[0199] S+Se+Te: 55%~80%,

[0200] Ti: 0.005%~0.3%,

[0201] Li+Na+K+Cs: 0%~20%,

[0202] The composition of F+Cl+Br+I: 0% to 20%. In addition, the glass preferably has a glass transition point (Tg) of 140°C to 550°C.

[0203] Furthermore, as the material of the substrate 22, Si or ZnS is more preferably used.

[0204] In addition, the far-infrared transmitting member 20 may be provided with a frame member (not shown) at the outer periphery and attached to the opening 19 via the frame member.

[0205] (Installation location of far-infrared camera)

[0206] Fig.21 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the vehicle glass with a camera according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0207] The far-infrared camera CA1 is disposed in the vehicle V. The far-infrared camera CA1 is disposed on the vehicle inner side of the far-infrared transmitting component 20 of the window glass 1, that is, on the ZV side (the Z side) of the far-infrared transmitting component 20. The far-infrared camera CA1 is disposed so that the optical axis AXR passes through the far-infrared transmitting component 20. Furthermore, the far-infrared camera CA1 is disposed so that the detection range R passes through the far-infrared transmitting component 20. The detection range R refers to the range (shooting range) that the far-infrared camera CA1 can detect, and it can be said that the far-infrared camera CA1 receives light and detects the far-infrared rays incident through the detection range R. In addition, the detection range R can be said to be a space that expands with the optical axis AXR as the center at a predetermined field of view angle as it moves away from the far-infrared camera CA1. The size and field of view of the detection range R can be appropriately set according to the distance and range that you want to detect with the far-infrared camera.

[0208] In addition, in the present embodiment, the optical axis AXR of the far-infrared camera CA1 is inclined relative to the perpendicular line AX of the far-infrared transmitting member 20. That is, the optical axis AXR of the far-infrared camera CA1 is not along the surface 20a of the far-infrared transmitting member 20, and is not orthogonal to the surface 20a of the far-infrared transmitting member 20. For example, the angle formed by the optical axis AXR and the direction ZV may be smaller than the angle formed by the perpendicular line AX of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 and the direction ZV. However, the relationship between the optical axis AXR and the perpendicular line AX is not limited to this. For example, the far-infrared camera CA1 may also be set so that the optical axis AXR is along the perpendicular line AX of the far-infrared transmitting member 20.

[0209] (Structure of glass for vehicles)

[0210] like Fig.21 As shown, the window glass 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cover 30 and a protective member 40 in addition to a glass substrate 10 and a far-infrared transmitting member 20 provided in an opening 19 of the glass substrate 10. In addition, the far-infrared camera CA1 may be treated as a member included in the window glass 1, or may be treated as a member separate from the window glass 1. In addition, for example, the far-infrared camera CA1, the cover 30, and the protective member 40 may be regarded as constituting a camera unit U mounted on the window glass 1 (glass substrate 10).

[0211] The glass base body 10 is an example of the above-mentioned glass plate 50. The cover part 30 is an example of the above-mentioned attachment 3. The protection member 40 or the cover part 30 is an example of the above-mentioned object 4.

[0212] (Hood)

[0213] The cover 30 is provided in the vehicle V, and contains a box 32 and a fixing portion 34. The cover 30 is provided on the vehicle interior side of the far-infrared transmitting member 20 of the window glass 1, that is, on the ZV side (the Z side) of the far-infrared transmitting member 20. The box 32 is preferably larger than the far-infrared transmitting member 20. The cover 30 includes the box 32 and the fixing portion 34. The box 32 contains the far-infrared camera CA1 and the protective member 40 therein. The far-infrared camera CA1 may be arranged in the box 32 in a state fixed by a bracket not shown. One surface side of the box 32 is open, and the box 32 is mounted on the glass substrate 10 in such a manner that the open side faces the surface 10B of the glass substrate 10 on the vehicle interior side. The fixing portion 34 is a member provided in the box 32, and fixes the box 32 to the glass substrate 10. The fixing portion 34 fixes the box body 32 to the glass base body 10 in a state where the opening side of the box body 32 faces the surface 10B of the glass base body 10 .

[0214] The cover 30 may be made of any material, and may be, for example, a member made of resin that does not transmit visible light. In addition, the cover 30 can prevent the far-infrared camera CA1 and the like from being visually recognized by the occupants of the vehicle V and the like.

[0215] In addition, the cover 30 is not an essential structure, and the far-infrared camera CA1 and the protective member 40 may not be stored in the cover 30. In addition, the cover 30 may be an integrated structure that stores not only the far-infrared camera CA1 but also the visible light camera CA2 and other devices. In addition, in order to provide the glass substrate 10 and the far-infrared transparent member 20 on the inside of the vehicle with a function of preventing fogging and snow melting, a heater or the like may be provided in the cover 30.

[0216] (Protective components)

[0217] Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram of a far infrared ray transmitting member viewed from the outside of the vehicle in a vertical direction. Fig.21 and Fig. 22 The protection member 40 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 1 , the protection member 40 is disposed on the vehicle interior side (the ZV side) relative to the far infrared ray transmitting member 20. Fig. 22As shown, when observed from the direction along the vertical line AX (the direction perpendicular to the surface 20a of the far-infrared transparent component 20), the protective component 40 overlaps with at least a portion of the far-infrared transparent component 20. In other words, when observed from the direction along the vertical line AX, at least a portion of the protective component 40 overlaps with at least a portion of the far-infrared transparent component 20. Thus, even if a collision object from outside the vehicle penetrates the far-infrared transparent component 20, the collision object can be caught by the protective component 40, thereby preventing the collision object from reaching the driver's seat side. Moreover, when the vehicle collides, it is possible to prevent passengers and objects from inside the vehicle from breaking through the window and flying out of the vehicle. In addition, as Fig.21 As shown, in this embodiment, the protection member 40 is preferably disposed on the vehicle outer side (the opposite direction side of the direction ZV) than the far-infrared camera CA1, and is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the detection range R of the far-infrared camera CA1. That is, the protection member 40 is preferably not interfering with the detection range R, and is located outside the detection range R. Thus, the far-infrared rays incident on the far-infrared camera CA1 are prevented from being shielded by the protection member 40, and the reduction in the detection accuracy of the far-infrared rays can be suppressed.

[0218] In more detail, the protection member 40 includes a surface portion 42, a protruding portion 44, and a fixing portion 46. Fig. 22 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the direction along the perpendicular line AX, the surface portion 42 is provided at a position overlapping with at least a portion of the far-infrared ray transmitting member 20. Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As shown, the surface portion 42 is provided at a position that does not overlap with the detection range R of the far-infrared camera CA1. The surface portion 42 is a plate-like member extending from the end 42B to the end 42A. The surface 42a of the surface portion 42 on the far-infrared transmitting member 20 side is inclined relative to the direction YV (horizontal direction).

[0219] like Fig.21 As shown, the protrusion 44 protrudes from both ends of the surface portion 42 in the X direction toward the glass substrate 10 side (the vehicle outer side). The fixing portion 46 is formed at the front end of the protrusion 44 on the glass substrate 10 side. The fixing portion 46 is fixed to the surface 10B on the vehicle inner side of the glass substrate 10. That is, the protection member 40 is fixed to the glass substrate 10 via the fixing portion 46. In addition, the protrusion 44 and the fixing portion 46 are also provided at a position that does not overlap with the detection range R of the far-infrared camera CA1. However, the shapes of the protrusion 44 and the fixing portion 46 are not limited to the above, and any shapes may be used.

[0220] Fig.23 and Fig.24 Each of them is a diagram showing an example of a protective member. Fig.23The protective member 40 shown has, on the surface portion 42 and the protruding portion 44 , a first radiation surface 61 that radiates far infrared rays FB at a first radiation rate α and a second radiation surface 62 that radiates far infrared rays FB at a second radiation rate β that is different from the first radiation rate α. Fig.24 The protective member 40 shown has a first radiation surface 61 and a second radiation surface 62 on the surface portion 42. Fig.23 and Fig.24 The protective member 40 shown can obtain the functions and effects of the fourth embodiment described above.

[0221] exist Fig.23 and Fig.24 For example, the surface roughness of the second radiation surface 62 may be greater (or less) than the surface roughness of the first radiation surface 61 by sandblasting or etching. Thus, the thermal emissivity of far infrared rays reaching the surface of the far infrared ray transmitting member 20 on the vehicle interior side is different between the first radiation surface 61 and the second radiation surface 62.

[0222] The above embodiments are described, but the above embodiments are presented as examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and main purpose of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the scope of the protection claimed and the scope of the invention and its equivalent.

[0223] This international application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-185867 filed on November 21, 2022, and the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-185867 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0224] Description of symbols

[0225] 1 Window glass;

[0226] 1a upper margin;

[0227] 1b lower margin;

[0228] 1c, 1d lateral margin;

[0229] 2, 2a, 2b Far infrared images;

[0230] 3. Attachments;

[0231] 4 objects;

[0232] 5. Noise;

[0233] 6, 6a, 6b Subject;

[0234] 7 Far infrared camera;

[0235] 8. Image processing unit;

[0236] 9 Memory;

[0237] 10, 12, 14 glass matrix;

[0238] 16 middle layer;

[0239] 18. Shading layer;

[0240] 19 opening;

[0241] 20 Far infrared ray transmitting components;

[0242] 30 hood;

[0243] 40 protective components;

[0244] 42 surface part;

[0245] 50 glass plates;

[0246] 51 first area;

[0247] 52 Second Area;

[0248] 52a Interior side;

[0249] 52b External side of vehicle;

[0250] 53 external surface;

[0251] 54 inner surface;

[0252] 55 hood;

[0253] 56 reflector;

[0254] 57 driving mechanism;

[0255] 58 reflective surface;

[0256] 59 Shielded surface;

[0257] 61 first radiation surface;

[0258] 62 second radiation surface;

[0259] 71 first pixel area;

[0260] 72 second pixel area;

[0261] 80 temperature control mechanism;

[0262] 81 Blower;

[0263] 82 Refrigerant circuit;

[0264] 91a a first reflecting surface;

[0265] 91b first transmission surface;

[0266] 92a a second reflecting surface;

[0267] 92b second transmission surface;

[0268] 100 Camera Unit;

[0269] 201, 202, 203, 204, 204', 205 window panes with cameras;

[0270] A1 light-transmitting area;

[0271] A2 shading area;

[0272] B Far infrared transmission area;

[0273] C visible light transmission area;

[0274] CA1 far-infrared camera;

[0275] CA2 visible light camera;

[0276] d Correction data;

[0277] V Vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle window glass with a camera, in, have: A glass plate having a first region that transmits visible light and a second region having a higher transmittance of far infrared light than the first region; A far-infrared camera, which detects the first far-infrared light passing through the second area and captures a far-infrared image; and The image processing unit reduces noise reflected in the far-infrared image due to second far-infrared rays radiated from an object disposed on a side of the glass plate where the far-infrared camera is disposed.

2. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 1, in, The camera-equipped vehicle window glass includes a memory storing correction data for reducing the noise. The image processing unit reduces the noise using the correction data read out from the memory.

3. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 2, in, The correction data includes mask data of the noise, The image processing unit performs mask processing on the far-infrared image using the mask data, thereby reducing the noise.

4. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 3, in, The vehicle window glass with a camera comprises: a reflector having a shielding surface for shielding far infrared rays and a reflecting surface for reflecting far infrared rays; and The driving mechanism moves the reflecting plate to a first position where the first far infrared ray is shielded by the shielding surface and the second far infrared ray is reflected by the reflecting surface and enters the far infrared camera. The image processing unit stores, in the memory as the mask data, data of far-infrared rays detected by the far-infrared camera in a state where the reflector is moved to the first position by the driving mechanism.

5. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 4, in, The driving mechanism is capable of moving the reflecting plate to a second position in which the first far-infrared ray is not shielded by the shielding surface and enters the far-infrared camera, and the second far-infrared ray is reflected in the second area and enters the far-infrared camera. The image processing unit performs mask processing on the far-infrared image using the mask data in a state in which the reflection plate is moved to the second position by the driving mechanism, thereby reducing the noise.

6. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 5, in, The image processing unit updates the mask data by repeatedly moving the reflection plate to the first position and moving the reflection plate to the second position using the driving mechanism.

7. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 2, in, The object or the far-infrared transmitting filter disposed between the object and the second area comprises: a first radiation surface radiating the second far-infrared ray at a first radiation rate; and a second radiation surface, radiating the second far infrared ray at a second radiation rate different from the first radiation rate, The correction data includes data of the first radiance and data of the second radiance, The far-infrared image includes: a first pixel area reflecting the second far-infrared ray radiated from the first radiation surface at the first radiation rate; and a second pixel area, reflecting the second far infrared ray radiated from the second radiation surface at the second emissivity, The image processing unit extracts the second far infrared ray using difference data between brightness data of the first pixel region and brightness data of the second pixel region, data of the first emissivity, and data of the second emissivity.

8. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 7, in, The image processing unit extracts the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the first emissivity data from the brightness data of the first pixel area, or extracts the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the second emissivity data from the brightness data of the second pixel area.

9. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 7, in, The first pixel region and the second pixel region are adjacent to each other.

10. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 7, in, The number of pixels included in the first pixel region is one, and the number of pixels included in the second pixel region is one.

11. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 2, in, The second region has an inner side and an outer side of the vehicle, The vehicle interior side surface comprises: a first reflecting surface reflecting the second far infrared ray at a first reflectivity; and a second reflecting surface reflecting the second far infrared ray at a second reflectivity different from the first reflectivity, The vehicle outer side surface has: a first transmission surface that transmits the first far infrared ray at a first transmittance; and a second transmission surface that transmits the first far infrared ray at a second transmittance different from the first transmittance. The correction data includes data of the first reflectivity and data of the second reflectivity, The far-infrared image includes: a first pixel area, which reflects an image of the second far-infrared ray reflected at the first reflectivity; and a second pixel area, which reflects an image of the second far-infrared ray reflected at the second reflectivity. The image processing unit extracts the second far infrared ray using difference data between brightness data of the first pixel region and brightness data of the second pixel region, data of the first reflectivity, and data of the second reflectivity.

12. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 11, in, The image processing unit extracts the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the first reflectivity data from the brightness data of the first pixel area, or extracts the first far infrared ray by subtracting the product of the second far infrared ray extraction data and the second reflectivity data from the brightness data of the second pixel area.

13. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 1, in, The image processing unit reduces noise reflected in the far-infrared image due to the second far-infrared rays being reflected in the second area.

14. The vehicle window glass with camera according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in, The object has a thermal conductivity of 150 W / m·K or more and 450 W / m·K or less.

15. The vehicle window glass with camera according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in, The camera-equipped vehicle window glass includes a temperature control mechanism that controls the temperature of the object.

16. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 15, in, The temperature control mechanism includes an air blower for blowing air toward the object.

17. The vehicle window glass with camera according to claim 15, in, The temperature control mechanism includes a refrigerant circuit that circulates a refrigerant.

18. An image processing method, in, capturing a far-infrared image using a far-infrared camera, the far-infrared camera detecting the first far-infrared rays transmitted through a second area, the second area being formed on a glass plate having a first area for transmitting visible light so as to have a higher transmittance of far-infrared rays than the first area; and The noise reflected in the far-infrared image due to the second far-infrared ray radiated from the object provided on the side of the glass plate where the far-infrared camera is arranged is reduced.

Images