Vehicle imaging device

Abstract

According to the present invention, a vehicle imaging device (10) is provided with: an infrared irradiator (20) that is mounted on an exterior member of a vehicle (1) and that irradiates infrared rays to the surroundings of the vehicle (1); a camera (30) that is mounted in the exterior member at a position farther outward in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle (1) than the infrared irradiator (20), and that captures an image of an imaging range including a range irradiated with infrared light; and a light shielding wall (40) that is disposed between the infrared irradiator (20) and the vehicle (1) and shields a portion of the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle camera device. Background Art

[0002] A night vision device for a vehicle is known, which is built into a headlamp unit of the vehicle and includes: an infrared illuminator for emitting infrared rays; an infrared camera arranged in close proximity to the infrared illuminator for photographing an object illuminated by the infrared rays; and an infrared transmission filter arranged opposite a cover included in the headlamp unit for transmitting only infrared rays. The infrared illuminator and the infrared camera are arranged in such a manner that the irradiation range of the infrared illuminator and the photographing range of the infrared camera do not overlap within the cover included in the headlamp unit, thereby reducing the incidence of light reflected from the cover on the image (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-43279 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned prior art, if an infrared camera having a wide-angle lens such as a fisheye lens is used, there is a problem that light reflected from objects arranged around the camera is reflected in the image, resulting in a range in which the object cannot be detected within the shooting range of the infrared camera.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle imaging device that can suppress reflection of factors that hinder object detection into an image and thereby prevent an area in the imaging range of a camera from being unable to detect the object.

[0009] Technical solutions to technical problems

[0010] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by arranging a light-shielding wall between a vehicle and an infrared irradiator that irradiates infrared rays around the vehicle, the light-shielding wall shielding a portion of infrared rays from the infrared irradiator.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a situation in which a factor that hinders detection of an object is reflected in an image and a range in which the object cannot be detected is generated in the imaging range of the camera. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of a side view mirror including the vehicle imaging device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 Front view of the side view mirror.

[0015] Figure 2B Observed from the direction of arrow mark X Figure 2A Stereoscopic view of the side view mirror.

[0016] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A An enlarged bottom view of the main part of the side view mirror.

[0017] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2A A longitudinal sectional view of an example of the configuration of an infrared irradiator and a camera.

[0018] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 An overhead view of an example of the irradiation range.

[0019] Figure 5 It means in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image captured by a camera when the side view mirror is in the deployed state.

[0020] Figure 6 It means in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image captured by a camera when the side view mirror is in the retracted state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] The vehicle imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used, for example, to park a vehicle through autonomous driving control or manual driver control. For example, the vehicle imaging device according to this embodiment stores past parking positions and is used for parking control to autonomously park the vehicle at the stored parking position. Specifically, a camera equipped with a wide-angle lens (e.g., 150° to 180°), such as a fisheye lens, captures images of the area surrounding the parking position and stores the parking position in association with the image data. This allows the parking position to be recognized and stored even when there are no boundary lines (e.g., white lines) indicating parking spaces. Subsequently, when the vehicle again drives within the vicinity of the stored parking position (e.g., within 100 meters of the parking position), a driving route to the parking position is set, and various vehicle devices are controlled to ensure that the vehicle drives along the driving route. These controls are performed by a control device (not shown).

[0023] In brightly lit conditions, such as during the day, objects around the vehicle can be detected easily from the captured image. However, in dark conditions, such as at night, the captured image becomes entirely black (the image's average luminance approaches 0), and object detection may be impossible based on the image's contrast. In such cases, an illuminator positioned near the camera can capture an image with sufficient contrast to detect objects. However, when using a camera equipped with a wide-angle lens, such as a fisheye lens, light reflected from the sides of the vehicle easily enters the image, and ghosting caused by the reflected light can affect object detection. Therefore, in the vehicle imaging device of this embodiment, a light-shielding wall is positioned between the vehicle and the illuminator that illuminates the vehicle's surroundings, partially blocking the light from the illuminator.

[0024] [Structure of Vehicle Camera Device]

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a side mirror equipped with a vehicle camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of a vehicle 1 viewed from the left front. The vehicle camera device according to this embodiment is mounted on an exterior member mounted on the exterior of the vehicle. Figure 1 The side mirror shown is an example of an exterior component. As exterior components, in addition to side mirrors, bumpers, fenders, roofs, wings, etc. can also be cited. Side mirrors are side mirrors installed outside the vehicle 1. Specifically, they include side mirrors installed on the front doors of the vehicle 1 (hereinafter also referred to as door side mirrors) and side mirrors installed on the fenders of the vehicle 1 (hereinafter also referred to as fender side mirrors). Figure 1 In the illustrated vehicle 1 , a side mirror 12 is mounted on the left front door 11 .

[0026] The side mirrors 12 attached to the front doors 11 become, for example, Figure 1 The unfolded state shown on the left side of the vehicle 1 becomes Figure 1 The stowed state is shown on the right side of the figure. The deployed state refers to a state in which the mirror surface of the side-view mirror 12 is perpendicular to the side surface of the vehicle 1 and faces the rear of the vehicle 1. In contrast, the stowed state refers to a state in which the side-view mirror 12 is folded so that the protruding length in the vehicle width direction is shorter than in the deployed state. For example, the mirror surface of the side-view mirror 12 is parallel to and facing the side surface of the vehicle 1. Figure 1 The two states shown can be switched by operating a switch located on the driver's seat of the vehicle 1. It should be noted that the side mirrors 12 may not be in the retracted state but may be in the deployed state at all times. For example, the fender side mirrors may not be in the retracted state but may be in the deployed state at all times.

[0027] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A front view of the side view mirror 12 is shown. Figure 2A As shown, the side mirror 12 includes housings 12a and 12b. Housing 12a is a housing that supports the mirror surface for ensuring rearward vision for the driver while driving, and is mounted on housing 12b. The mirror surface of the side mirror is made of, for example, glass, and a thin film formed by sputtering is formed on the surface. On the other hand, housing 12b supports housing 12a and is connected to housing 12b via a plurality of channels. Figure 1 The arm 12c shown is mounted on the base 12d of the front door 11. It should be noted that the side mirror 12 does not necessarily need to be mounted on the front door 11, and may be mounted on the end of the side roof, or may be accommodated in a container provided in the center of the roof.

[0028] The housings 12a, 12b, arms 12c, and base 12d are constructed, for example, from synthetic resin and can be configured to suitably shape within a range that allows the driver to adequately identify traffic conditions behind the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the housings 12a, 12b can be configured to rotate about axes of rotation in the vehicle's longitudinal and width directions, in addition to the vehicle's height axis, to ensure rearward visibility consistent with the driver's line of sight. In this case, the housings 12a, 12b can be rotated manually by a passenger in the vehicle 1 or by an electric motor (not shown) housed in the housing 12b. It should be noted that the housings 12a, 12b can also be integrally formed.

[0029] The vehicle camera device of this embodiment includes an infrared irradiator, a camera, and a light shielding wall for suppressing reflection of infrared rays in order to reliably recognize surrounding objects even when the surroundings of the vehicle 1 are dark. Figure 2A As shown, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b. In order to illustrate the positional relationship of these structures, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b. Figure 2A The perspective view of the side view mirror 12 is shown as follows: Figure 2B It should be noted that Figure 2B Only indicates Figure 2A The structure shown includes a housing 12b, an infrared irradiator 20, and a camera 30.

[0030] The infrared irradiator 20 is an irradiator that irradiates infrared rays around the vehicle 1. For example, it has a light source that emits infrared rays and an output port for outputting infrared rays. Examples of the light source include LED light sources and laser light sources. The wavelength of the infrared rays output is, for example, 700 to 1000 nm. The range of infrared rays irradiated by the infrared irradiator 20 depends on the type of light source and the shape and direction of the output port. For example, Figures 2A-2BAs shown, when the output port faces the ground on which the vehicle 1 is grounded, when the infrared irradiator 20 is viewed from above, the irradiation range is within a range of 4 to 8 meters from the infrared irradiator 20 .

[0031] The infrared irradiator 20 is mounted on the right or left side of the vehicle 1 so as to irradiate infrared rays to the ground on which the vehicle 1 is grounded and within a range of at least 4 meters from the vehicle. Figures 2A-2B When the infrared irradiator 20 irradiates infrared rays, Figure 4 The range 23 shown is the irradiation range. The light irradiation range 23 will be described in detail later.

[0032] return Figure 2B The camera 30 captures images within a capture range that includes at least a portion of the infrared irradiation range. The infrared irradiation range refers to the range within which infrared rays are irradiated by the infrared irradiator 20 and corresponds to the irradiation range of the infrared irradiator 20. The capture range refers to the range within which the camera 30 can capture objects. The size of this range (i.e., the viewing angle) depends on, for example, the lens of the camera 30. Objects are objects captured by the camera 30 and can be, for example, objects that can be used to identify the parking position of the vehicle 1. Specifically, examples include boundary lines, center lines, road markings, guardrails, curbs, road sidewalls, road signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks. Objects also include the vehicle 1, other vehicles other than the vehicle 1, two-wheeled motor vehicles (motorcycles), bicycles, and the like. Furthermore, objects also include buildings surrounding the vehicle 1 and roadside objects (such as mailboxes and vending machines). The camera 30 is mounted in a position where it can capture these objects.

[0033] As the camera 30, for example, a well-known quantum type or non-cooled type infrared camera can be used. In addition, a camera that can capture both visible light and infrared light by adjusting the filter can also be used. For example, a camera that can capture visible light and near-infrared light of a specified wavelength is used. The specified wavelength is a wavelength that includes the peak wavelength of the spectral spectrum of the near-infrared light output from the infrared irradiator 20, for example, 930~950nm. It should be noted that in this embodiment, near-infrared light is defined as an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength in the range of 700nm to 2500nm.

[0034] In addition, the camera 30 is mounted in the exterior member at a position farther outward in the vehicle width direction than the infrared irradiator 20. The vehicle width direction outer side refers to a direction farther away in the vehicle width direction from the width direction center of the vehicle 1. Figure 2B In the figure, the upper side is the side close to the vehicle body 1, and the lower side is the side away from the vehicle body 1. Figure 2B The camera 30 shown is mounted on the Figure 2B The infrared irradiator 20 shown is located at the lower side of the drawing. Figure 2B The camera 30 shown is mounted on Figure 2B The infrared irradiator 20 shown is located relatively far from the body of the vehicle 1. In other words, the infrared irradiator 20 is mounted closer to the vehicle 1 than the camera 30.

[0035] A light shielding wall (hereinafter also referred to as a first light shielding wall) for suppressing the reflection of infrared rays is arranged between the infrared irradiator 20 and the vehicle 1 to shield a portion of the infrared rays outputted from the infrared irradiator 20. The shape of the first light shielding wall can be set to an appropriate shape within the range that can shield a portion of the infrared rays outputted from the infrared irradiator 20. In addition, the first light shielding wall can also be a part of the housing 12a, 12b of the side view mirror 12. As an example, in Figure 2B In the illustrated housing 12 b , a portion surrounded by a dotted line corresponds to the first light shielding wall 40 .

[0036] use Figure 2C The positional relationship between the infrared irradiator 20 and the first light-shielding wall 40 will be described. Figure 2C The infrared irradiator 20 is magnified. Figure 2A The main portion of the side view mirror 12 is shown in an enlarged bottom view. Figure 2C The first light-shielding wall 40 shown is shaped to cover approximately one-third of the output port of the infrared irradiator 20 on the side closest to the vehicle 1 (i.e., the left side in the figure). The portion of the infrared light output from the infrared irradiator 20 that is blocked by the first light-shielding wall 40 depends on the body shape of the vehicle 1, the mounting positions of the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30, and other factors.

[0037] For example, when the side mirror 12 is in the deployed state, the first light shielding wall 40 blocks the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator 20 that are irradiated onto the portion of the side of the vehicle 1 that is included in the imaging range of the camera 30. Figure 3 The range in which the first light-shielding wall 40 blocks the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator 20 will be described specifically.

[0038] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2A A longitudinal sectional view of an example of the configuration of the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30, specifically, a top view as viewed from the front Figure 4 The AA section shown is a cross-sectional view of the main parts. Figure 3 The vehicle 1 on the left side of the drawing shows a cross section of the left side of the vehicle body, and the side mirror 12 of the vehicle 1 is in the unfolded state. Figure 3 As shown, on the left side of the vehicle 1 (at Figure 3On the right side (center), an infrared irradiator 20, a camera head 30, and a first light-shielding wall 40, which constitute the vehicle imaging device 10, are arranged. Furthermore, a second light-shielding wall 50, described later, is arranged between the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera head 30. It should be noted that for the sake of illustration, other components such as the housing 12b are omitted from illustration.

[0039] Figure 3 The camera 30 shown has a fisheye lens, and its shooting range is a range 33 defined by boundaries 31 and 32. Figure 3 As shown, since the viewing angle of the camera 30 is wide, the side of the vehicle 1 (specifically, the front door 11) Figure 3 The portion 11a shown is included in the imaging range 33. On the other hand, the irradiation range of the infrared irradiator 20 when the first light shielding wall 40 and the second light shielding wall 50 are not present is a range 20z defined by the boundaries 20x and 20y. In this case, the side of the vehicle 1 (specifically, the front door 11) is Figure 3 The portion shown at 11x is included in the irradiation range 20z.

[0040] The first light shielding wall 40 blocks the infrared rays outputted from the infrared irradiator 20 in such a manner that the portion 11a is not included in the portion 11x (i.e., the portion 11a is deviated from the irradiation range 20z). For example, the first light shielding wall 40 is arranged so that the boundary on the left side of the drawing, which defines the irradiation range of the infrared irradiator 20, narrows to the boundary 21a passing through the left lower end 13 of the vehicle body 1. As another example, Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the first light-shielding wall 40 is positioned so that infrared rays are not irradiated within a first range 61 within a first distance (e.g., 0.3-0.6 m) from the left lower end 13 of the vehicle body 1 within the ground 60 on which the vehicle 1 is grounded. Alternatively, the first light-shielding wall 40 may be positioned so that at least a portion of its portion 11a is offset from the irradiation range 20z. For example, the first light-shielding wall 40 may be positioned so that a portion of its portion 11a is offset from its portion 11x to block infrared rays emitted from the infrared irradiator 20. This prevents infrared rays reflected from the portion 11a from being reflected in the image captured by the camera 30.

[0041] In addition, the vehicle imaging device 10 may include a second light shielding wall 50 that is different from the first light shielding wall 40 and blocks a portion of the infrared rays output from the infrared irradiator 20. Figure 3 As shown, the second light shielding wall 50 is arranged between the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 so that the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator 20 do not irradiate the camera 30. That is, in the absence of the second light shielding wall 50, the irradiation range of the infrared irradiator 20 may reach the boundary 20y on the right side of the figure, and there is a possibility that the camera 30 will be directly irradiated. Figure 3 The second light shielding wall 50 shown in the figure has a boundary on the right side of the drawing that defines the irradiation range of the infrared irradiator 20 and is narrowed to a boundary 22 , so that the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator 20 are not irradiated toward the camera 30 .

[0042] In order to detect objects on the road and the like and appropriately identify the parking position of the vehicle 1 based on the image data, the vehicle camera device 10 needs to capture an image of an object within a certain range. For example, the certain range is a range from a position a first distance from the left lower end 13 of the vehicle body to a position a second distance from the left lower end 13. This range is shown as a second range 62. Figure 3 The second distance is approximately half the width of the road (e.g., 6 meters), for example, 3.5 to 4.5 meters. When second light-shielding wall 50 is provided, its position and shape are set so that infrared light is irradiated toward second range 62. It should be noted that the second distance is set to be longer than the first distance.

[0043] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 The infrared irradiator 20 accommodated in the housing 12b of the side view mirror 12 irradiates infrared rays to the irradiation range 23 indicated by the lightest hatching. Figure 3 The first light shielding wall 40 shown in FIG. 1 blocks infrared rays from being irradiated from the infrared irradiator 20 to the first range 61 indicated by the second light shade. Figure 4 As shown, the first distance D1 corresponds to the distance from the side view mirror 12 to the second range 62. The second range 62 represented by the darkest shadow is as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The second range 62 is shown in the illumination range 23, from the side mirror 12 to the left end of the second range 62 (at Figure 4 The distance between the second range 62 and the vehicle 1 (the lower end in the middle) corresponds to the second distance D2 described above. Furthermore, the second range 62 has a length of a third distance D3 in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The third distance D3 can be set to a length corresponding to the total length of the vehicle 1, for example, 3.5 to 4.5 meters.

[0044] At least one of the first light shielding wall 40 and the second light shielding wall 50 may be disposed at a position not included in the imaging range 33 of the camera 30. Similarly, the infrared irradiator 20 may also be mounted at a position not included in the imaging range 33 of the camera 30. For example, Figure 3 In the illustrated arrangement, the infrared irradiator 20 , the first light-shielding wall 40 , and the second light-shielding wall 50 are arranged at positions that are not included in the imaging range 33 of the camera 30 .

[0045] In addition, when the infrared illuminator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b of the side-view mirror 12 mounted on the vehicle 1, the camera 30 can also be mounted at a position where it can photograph the front and rear wheels of the vehicle 1 when the side-view mirror 12 is in at least one of the deployed state and the retracted state.

[0046] Furthermore, when the infrared illuminator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b of the side-view mirror 12 mounted on the vehicle 1, the camera 30 may be mounted at a position where it can capture images of the vehicle 1 (particularly the side ends or the front and rear ends of the vehicle 1) and the horizon of the ground 60 on which the vehicle 1 is grounded when the side-view mirror 12 is in at least one of the deployed and retracted states. It should be noted that the horizon refers to the boundary between the ground 60 on which the vehicle 1 is grounded and the sky in the image captured by the camera 30.

[0047] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12 b , but the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 may be housed in the housing 12 a .

[0048] [Functions of vehicle camera devices]

[0049] When Figure 3 When infrared light is irradiated into the irradiation range 20z shown, the portion 11a is included in the portion 11x. Therefore, the infrared light reflected from the portion 11a is reflected in the image captured by the camera 30, potentially causing a ghost image. The portion of the image where the ghost image occurs appears white, making it impossible to detect the object.

[0050] In contrast, in Figure 3 In the illustrated vehicle imaging device 10, the infrared irradiator 20's illumination range is narrowed by first and second light-shielding walls 40 and 50, with the infrared irradiator 20 irradiating within an illumination range 23 defined by boundaries 21 and 22. This narrows the illumination range by partially blocking infrared light from the infrared irradiator 20, preventing infrared light from irradiating the area between boundary 20x and boundary 21. Consequently, the area on the side of the vehicle 1 encompassed by the infrared irradiator 20's illumination range disappears, preventing infrared light reflected from portion 11a from being reflected in the image.

[0051] Furthermore, by arranging the infrared illuminator 20, the first light-shielding wall 40, and the second light-shielding wall 50 in a position that is not included in the imaging range 33 of the camera 30, it is possible to prevent the frames of these structures from being reflected in the image captured by the camera 30 and causing shadows. Since the object cannot be imaged in the area where the shadows are formed, object detection cannot be performed. By suppressing the occurrence of shadows, stable parking position recognition can be performed regardless of the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1.

[0052] Furthermore, by appropriately setting the shapes and positions of first and second light shielding walls 40 and 50, infrared rays can be irradiated toward second range 62, and objects within second range 62 can be reliably identified. This allows stable parking position recognition without being affected by the surrounding environment of vehicle 1.

[0053] Figure 5 is Figure 1 The side mirror 12 is shown in the unfolded state. Figure 2A An example of an image captured by the camera 30 shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle imaging device 10 of this embodiment reliably captures objects around the vehicle 1 without being affected by the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the vehicle captures images of the front wheels 14 and rear wheels 15 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the vehicle captures an image of the intersection 16 of the vehicle 1 and the horizon 64, which serves as the boundary between the ground 60, on which the vehicle 1 is grounded, and the sky 63.

[0054] Figure 6 is Figure 1 The side mirror 12 is shown in the stowed state. Figure 2A An example of an image captured by the camera 30 shown. Figure 5 The image shown is also Figure 6 The image shown also captures the front wheels 14 and rear wheels 15 of the vehicle 1 , as well as an intersection 16 of the vehicle body 1 and a horizon 64 of the ground 60 on which the vehicle 1 is in contact.

[0055] It should be noted that, when the sea is reflected in the image and the reflected sea is connected to the sky 63, a horizontal line serving as the boundary between the sky 63 and the sea may be used instead of the horizon 64. That is, when the infrared illuminator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b of the side-view mirror 12 mounted on the front door 11 of the vehicle 1, the camera 30 may be mounted at a position where it can capture the body of the vehicle 1 and the horizontal line reflected in the image when the side-view mirror 12 is in at least one of the deployed and retracted states.

[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle camera device is disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle 1, but the vehicle camera device may also be disposed on the front and rear sides of the vehicle 1. For example, when the vehicle camera device is mounted on the upper portion of the windshield or rear window of the vehicle 1 and the camera 30 captures the image range in front of or behind the vehicle 1, by disposing the first light-shielding wall 40 to block a portion of the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator 20, the vehicle camera device can achieve the same functions and effects as those described above.

[0057] [Embodiment of the Invention]

[0058] As described above, according to this embodiment, a vehicle imaging device 10 is provided, comprising: an infrared irradiator 20 mounted on an exterior member of a vehicle 1 and irradiating infrared rays toward the periphery of the vehicle 1; a camera 30 mounted on the exterior member at a position farther outward in the vehicle width direction from the infrared irradiator 20 and capturing an image of an object irradiated with the infrared rays; and a first light-shielding wall 40 disposed between the infrared irradiator 20 and the vehicle 1 and partially blocking the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator 20. This prevents factors that hinder object detection from being reflected in the image, thereby preventing the camera 30 from creating an undetectable area within its capturing range 33.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the vehicle imaging device 10 of this embodiment, the exterior member is a side-view mirror 12 mounted on the vehicle 1, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b of the side-view mirror 12, and the first light-shielding wall 40 is a portion of the housing 12b. When the side-view mirror 12 is in the deployed state, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are shielded from the infrared rays that are irradiated onto a portion 11a of the side of the vehicle 1 that is included in the imaging range 33 of the camera 30. This prevents the occurrence of ghosting caused by reflected light entering the image.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the vehicle imaging device 10 of this embodiment, the infrared irradiator 20 is mounted at a position not included in the imaging range 33 of the camera 30. This can prevent the infrared irradiator 20 from being reflected in the image and causing a shadow.

[0061] Furthermore, the vehicle imaging device 10 of this embodiment includes a second light-shielding wall 50 disposed between the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 to block a portion of the infrared light from the infrared irradiator 20 so that the infrared light does not irradiate the camera 30. This can prevent strong light (infrared light) from entering the image and causing ghosting.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the vehicle imaging device 10 of this embodiment, the second light shielding wall 50 is disposed at a position not included in the imaging range of the camera 30. This can prevent the second light shielding wall 50 from being reflected in the image and causing a shadow.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the vehicle camera device 10 of this embodiment, the exterior member is the side-view mirror 12 mounted on the vehicle 1, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b of the side-view mirror 12, and the camera 30 is mounted at a position where it can capture images of the front wheels 14 and rear wheels 15 of the vehicle 1 when the side-view mirror 12 is deployed. This allows for more accurate recognition of the parking position of the vehicle 1.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the vehicle camera device 10 of this embodiment, the exterior member is the side-view mirror 12 mounted on the vehicle 1, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b of the side-view mirror 12, and the camera 30 is mounted at a position where it can capture images of the vehicle 1 and the horizon 64 of the ground 60 on which the vehicle 1 is grounded when the side-view mirror 12 is deployed. This allows for more accurate recognition of the parking position of the vehicle 1.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the vehicle camera device 10 of this embodiment, the exterior member is the side-view mirror 12 mounted on the vehicle 1, the infrared irradiator 20 and the camera 30 are housed in the housing 12b of the side-view mirror 12, and the camera 30 is mounted at a position where it can capture images of the vehicle 1 and the horizon 64 of the ground 60 on which the vehicle 1 is grounded when the side-view mirror 12 is retracted. This allows for more accurate recognition of the parking position of the vehicle 1.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the vehicle imaging device 10 of this embodiment, the first light shielding wall 40 is disposed at a position not included in the imaging range 33 of the camera 30. This can prevent the first light shielding wall 40 from being reflected in the image and causing a shadow.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a side mirror 12 is provided that includes the above-described vehicle imaging device 10. This can prevent the occurrence of an area where the imaging range 33 of the camera 30 cannot detect an object, particularly on the side of the vehicle 1.

[0068] Description of Reference Numerals

[0069] 1: Vehicle

[0070] 10: Vehicle camera device

[0071] 11: Front Door

[0072] 11a: Parts included in the shooting range

[0073] 11x: The part included in the irradiation range

[0074] 12: Side view mirror

[0075] 12a, 12b: Housing

[0076] 12c: Arm

[0077] 12d: Base

[0078] 13: Lower left side of the vehicle body

[0079] 14: Front wheel

[0080] 15: Rear wheel

[0081] 16: Intersection

[0082] 20: Infrared irradiator

[0083] 21, 21a, 22, 20x, 20y: Boundary

[0084] 23, 20z: Irradiation range

[0085] 30: Camera

[0086] 31, 32: Boundary

[0087] 33: Shooting range

[0088] 40: First light shielding wall

[0089] 50: Second light shielding wall

[0090] 60: Ground

[0091] 61: First range

[0092] 62: Second range

[0093] 63: Sky

[0094] 64: Horizon

[0095] D1: First distance

[0096] D2: Second distance

[0097] D3: The third distance

Claims

1. A vehicle camera device, characterized in that: have: an infrared irradiator mounted on an exterior component of a vehicle, the infrared irradiator irradiating infrared rays toward the surroundings of the vehicle; a camera mounted on the exterior member at a position farther outward in the vehicle width direction than the infrared irradiator and configured to capture an image of an imaging range including an area irradiated with the infrared rays; The first light shielding wall is disposed between the infrared irradiator and the vehicle and shields a portion of the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator.

2. The vehicle camera device according to claim 1, wherein: The exterior component is a side view mirror mounted on the vehicle, The infrared irradiator and the camera are housed in the housing of the side-view mirror. The first light-shielding wall is a portion of the housing and, when the side mirror is in the deployed state, blocks the infrared rays directed toward a portion of the side surface of the vehicle included in the imaging range of the camera.

3. The vehicle camera device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The infrared irradiator is mounted at a position that is not included in the imaging range of the camera.

4. The vehicle camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A second light-shielding wall is provided, which is arranged between the infrared irradiator and the camera and blocks a portion of the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator so that the infrared rays from the infrared irradiator are not irradiated to the camera.

5. The vehicle camera device according to claim 4, wherein: The second light shielding wall is arranged at a position not included in the imaging range of the camera.

6. The vehicle camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The exterior component is a side mirror mounted on the vehicle, The infrared irradiator and the camera are housed in the housing of the side-view mirror. The camera is mounted at a position capable of capturing images of the front and rear wheels of the vehicle when the side view mirror is in the deployed state.

7. The vehicle camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The exterior component is a side mirror mounted on the vehicle, The infrared irradiator and the camera are housed in the housing of the side-view mirror. The camera is mounted at a position capable of capturing images of the vehicle and the horizon of the ground on which the vehicle touches the ground when the side view mirror is in the deployed state.

8. The vehicle camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The exterior component is a side view mirror mounted on the vehicle, The infrared irradiator and the camera are housed in the housing of the side-view mirror. The camera is mounted at a position capable of capturing images of the vehicle and the horizon of the ground on which the vehicle touches the ground when the side view mirror is in the retracted state.

9. The vehicle camera device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first light shielding wall is arranged at a position not included in the imaging range of the camera.

10. A side view mirror, characterized in that: A vehicle imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.

Images