On-vehicle camera

Abstract

To provide a new on-vehicle camera suppressing deterioration of transmission characteristics of a connector.SOLUTION: The on-vehicle camera includes: a lens unit with a flange centered on the optical axis of the lenses and extends outward all around from the optical axis; a circuit board; an image pickup device located on the optical axis of the lenses on the circuit board; a housing that houses the circuit board and the image-pickup device; and a flat ring member with a certain light transmittance which is welded to the flange and the housing. The ring member has a third face and a fourth face at the opposite thereof and facing the flange. The flange has a welding rib protruding toward the fourth face arranged all around with the optical axis as the center. The fourth face is welded with the welding rib and the housing end face. The welding rib has a first part and a second part different from the first part. The first height where the first part protrudes from the flange along the optical axis is different from a second height that the second part protrudes from the flange along the optical axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4F

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle camera. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with demands for improved vehicle safety and the introduction of autonomous driving functions, there has been active development of vehicle-mounted cameras that are mounted on vehicles and capture images of the inside and outside of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6041107 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6183626 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6712376 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The level of requirements for vehicle safety, autonomous driving functions, and the like continues to rise, and further improvements in the performance of in-vehicle cameras are also being called for.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a technique for providing a new vehicle-mounted camera that can suppress deterioration of the transmission characteristics of a connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides a lens unit including a first cylindrical portion having a first cylindrical shape, at least one lens arranged inside the first cylindrical portion, and a flange portion arranged on the outside of the first cylindrical portion around an optical axis of the at least one lens, the flange portion being arranged so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis as a reference; a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an imaging element that is on the optical axis of the at least one lens and arranged on the first surface of the circuit board; a second cylindrical portion having a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis, the housing housing containing at least the circuit board and the imaging element inside the second cylindrical portion; and a lens unit having a predetermined light transmittance and fused to the flange portion of the lens unit and the second cylindrical portion of the housing. and a flat ring member attached to the housing, the ring member having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface and facing the flange portion of the lens unit, the flange portion of the lens unit having a welding rib protruding toward the fourth surface of the ring member and arranged around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, the fourth surface of the ring member being welded to the welding rib and also to an end face of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, the welding rib having a first portion and a second portion different from the first portion, and a first height at which the first portion protrudes from the flange portion along the optical axis direction being different from a second height at which the second portion protrudes from the flange portion along the optical axis direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a connector arranged across the inside and outside of a housing is connected to a circuit board without tilting, thereby preventing deterioration of the transmission characteristics of the connector. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment; [Figure 1B] 1 is a bottom perspective view of an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] Schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional vehicle-mounted camera [Figure 4A] Schematic cross-sectional view of a first step in a manufacturing method for an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] Schematic cross-sectional view of a second step in the manufacturing method for the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment. [Figure 4C] Schematic cross-sectional view of a third step in the manufacturing method for the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment. [Figure 4D] Schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth step in the manufacturing method for the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment. [Figure 4E] Schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth step in the manufacturing method for the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment. [Figure 4F] Schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth step in the manufacturing method for the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] A flowchart showing the steps of a method for manufacturing an in-vehicle camera according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera with a cross section of the lens unit exposed before assembly. [Figure 7A] Schematic cross-sectional view of a first portion of a welding rib [Figure 7B] Schematic cross-sectional view of a second portion of the welding rib [Figure 8A] Schematic diagram showing the axes for adjusting the lens unit in three-axis adjustment [Figure 8B] Image diagram of the image obtained by 3-axis adjustment [Figure 8C] MTF graph obtained in 3-axis adjustment [Figure 9A] Schematic diagram showing the axes for adjusting the lens unit in 6-axis adjustment [Figure 9B] Image diagram of the image obtained with 6-axis adjustment [Figure 9C] MTF graph obtained with 6-axis adjustment [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a distance and an inclination angle of a flange portion of a lens unit in the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment with respect to a circuit board; [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a top view showing a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a configuration of an in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an effective pixel area and a recording pixel area of ​​a pixel array in another embodiment. [Figure 16] A flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of an in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera according to another embodiment; [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an effective pixel area and a recording pixel area of ​​a pixel array in another embodiment; [Figure 20] A flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment. [Figure 21] A flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, an embodiment specifically disclosing an in-vehicle camera according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters and duplicated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the following definitions are used in the following description: a Z-axis along the optical axis of the lens of the lens unit 30 of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 (in other words, an axis along the height direction of the vehicle-mounted camera 100), an X-axis which is a first axis of two axes perpendicular to the Z-axis, and a Y-axis which is a second axis of the two axes perpendicular to the Z-axis and also perpendicular to the X-axis.

[0011] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this embodiment includes a cap 10, a ring member 20, a lens unit 30, a circuit board 40, an imaging element 50, and a housing 60. The cap 10 is attached to the ring member 20 and is a member that protects the lens unit 30.

[0012] The ring member 20 is made of a rectangular annular flat plate member in a plan view (a line of sight when viewing the vehicle-mounted camera 100 along a cross section perpendicular to the Z axis, the same applies below), and is welded to each of the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 by laser welding. The ring member 20 has a third surface 20a and a fourth surface 20b opposite to the third surface 20a and facing the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. The inner peripheral surface of the ring member 20 faces the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 37 constituting the lens barrel 31 of the lens unit 30 in the XY plane direction. The inner diameter of the ring member 20 has a length that allows the first cylindrical portion 37 (lens barrel 31) of the lens unit 30 to be inserted.

[0013] The ring member 20 is formed of a first resin having a predetermined light transmittance. The first resin is made of a material containing a light-transmitting resin. For example, the light-transmitting resin is formed of a polyester resin, a polyolefin resin, a polyamide resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a fluororesin, or the like. The polyester resin may be polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like. The polyolefin resin may be polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. The light-transmitting resin used may be one type or multiple types. In addition, if a certain level or higher of transmittance performance can be realized, the main light-transmitting resin may contain a coloring material or a filler, or both.

[0014] In this embodiment, the ring member 20 is a flat rectangular ring, but is not limited to this, and may be any shape as long as the welded portion is flat. Therefore, it is not limited to a polygonal shape such as a rectangular ring, and may be a ring shape other than a circular ring, such as a circular ring or an elliptical ring. Also, the step, thickness, etc. of the portion other than the welded portion may not be uniform.

[0015] The lens unit 30 constitutes a cylindrical lens barrel 31, and includes a first cylindrical portion 37 having a first cylindrical shape, and at least one lens (not shown) disposed inside the first cylindrical portion 37. The first cylindrical portion 37 is cylindrical, and holds, for example, a lens group consisting of a plurality of lenses inside the first cylindrical portion 37. In the lens group, the lenses are arranged with their optical axes (axes extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 2 and aligned along the Z axis) aligned with each other, constituting a lens group used for capturing images of the inside and outside of the vehicle body.

[0016] The lens unit 30 has a brim-shaped flange portion 32 that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 37. The flange portion 32 is disposed on the outer side of the first cylindrical portion 37 so as to extend outward with the optical axis of at least one lens as the center, over the entire circumference. The cross section of the flange portion 32 along the radial direction has a rectangular shape. The flange portion 32 is located near the opening of the internal space of the housing 60 described later, and protrudes toward the inner circumferential surface of the housing 60. At least a part of the flange portion 32 is joined to the housing 60 via the ring member 20. The relationship between the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 will be described later.

[0017] In addition, the flange portion 32 is positioned radially inwardly from a large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 described later in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and has a ring-shaped first flange surface 32a facing the ring member 20, and a ring-shaped second flange surface 32b opposite to the first flange surface 32a.

[0018] At least the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is formed of a second resin having a first light absorption property. The second resin is made of a material containing a light absorbing resin. As the light absorbing resin, for example, polyamide resin, olefin resin, vinyl resin, styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyarylate resin, polysulfone resin, polyphenylene oxide resin, polyethersulfone resin, polyetherimide resin, etc. can be used. The light absorbing resin used may be one type or multiple types. In addition, the main light absorbing resin may contain an absorbent or a coloring material that absorbs laser light, or both.

[0019] By forming the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 from the second resin, it is possible to reduce the transmission of light into the internal space. That is, it is possible to reduce the transmission of light from the outside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to the inside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the image quality of the captured image due to halation of the imaging element 50 caused by transmitted light. The entire flange portion 32 or the entire lens unit 30 may be formed from the second resin.

[0020] The circuit board 40 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 60, and has a first surface 40a and a second surface 40b opposite to the first surface 40a. The circuit board 40 has an end surface 47 between the first surface 40a and the second surface 40b. However, two or more circuit boards may be provided.

[0021] The imaging element 50 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 60 together with the circuit board 40, receives light that has passed through the lens unit 30, and captures an optical image of the subject through photoelectric conversion based on the received light to generate a captured image of the subject. The imaging element 50 is disposed on the optical axis of at least one lens of the lens unit 30. The imaging element 50 is mounted on the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40, and can easily guide light from outside, such as a subject, to the imaging element 50.

[0022] The housing 60 is a cylindrical member having an internal space, supports the lens unit 30 directly, or indirectly in some cases, and houses at least the circuit board 40 and the imaging element 50. The housing 60 has a large diameter cylindrical portion 61 having a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis, and a small diameter cylindrical portion 62 having a third cylindrical shape along the optical axis. The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 constituting the second cylindrical portion has a larger cross-sectional area in the XY plane direction than the small diameter cylindrical portion 62 constituting the third cylindrical portion, and both have rectangular cross sections. The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 houses the circuit board 40 and the imaging element 50 inside. The small diameter cylindrical portion 62 mainly houses a connector 80 that ensures electrical connection with the outside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 (see below). The large diameter cylindrical portion 61 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 62 can be integrally molded from a resin described later, but the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 and the small diameter cylindrical portion 62 may be individually prepared in advance and joined by a method such as welding or screw fastening. Note that, although the housing 60 is rectangular in this embodiment, it is not limited thereto, and may be a polygonal cylindrical portion other than a rectangle, a circular or elliptical cylindrical portion, or a cylindrical portion of another shape.

[0023] In the housing 60, an end surface 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 described later is formed of a third resin having a second light absorption property. The third resin is made of a material containing a light absorbing resin. As the light absorbing resin, for example, a polyamide resin, an olefin resin, a vinyl resin, a styrene resin, an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyarylate resin, a polysulfone resin, a polyphenylene oxide resin, a polyethersulfone resin, a polyetherimide resin, or the like can be used. The light absorbing resin used may be one type or multiple types. In addition, the main light absorbing resin may contain an absorbent or a coloring material that absorbs laser light, or both. The second light absorption property may be the same as the first light absorption property, or may be different.

[0024] By forming the housing 60 from the third resin (i.e., a material containing a light absorbing resin), it is possible to reduce the transmission of light into the internal space of the housing 60. In other words, it is possible to reduce the transmission of light from the outside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to the inside of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the image quality of the captured image due to halation of the imaging element 50 caused by transmitted light. The entire large diameter cylindrical portion 61 or the entire housing 60 may be formed from the third resin.

[0025] The ring member 20 is welded by laser welding to each of the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the end surface 63 of the housing 60. Hereinafter, a method of assembling the vehicle-mounted camera 100, including the laser welding of the ring member 20, will be described.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional vehicle-mounted camera 100Z. In the vehicle-mounted camera 100Z in Fig. 3, the cap 10 is omitted (this also applies to the following drawings). This vehicle-mounted camera 100Z is assembled according to the following procedure. First, the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 and the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 are welded by laser welding. The first cylindrical portion 37 of the lens unit 30 and the ring member 20 are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] Next, the circuit board 40 on which the image sensor 50 is mounted is placed on a jig (not shown) and arranged behind the lens unit 30. The jig surrounds the outer periphery of the circuit board 40 like the housing 60 which will be attached later.

[0028] Next, while capturing an image using the image sensor 50, the lens unit 30 is moved and rotated along the XYZ axes using a robot or the like to adjust the position and attitude of the lens unit 30. The image sensor 50 captures an image of, for example, a lattice-shaped test pattern, and the captured image is displayed on a monitor screen. The position and attitude of the lens unit 30 are adjusted so that a captured image with a correctly adjusted focus is obtained.

[0029] When the position and posture of the lens unit 30 is complete, the jig is removed, and the end surface 63 of the housing 60 and the ring member 20 are welded by laser welding to complete the vehicle-mounted camera 100Z. A connector 80 is provided on the bottom surface 65 of the housing 60, and is disposed across the inside and outside of the housing 60, and the connector 80 is connected to the circuit board 40. This enables the circuit board 40 to transmit and receive signals to and from an external device via the connector 80.

[0030] As a result of adjusting the lens unit 30, the circuit board 40 becomes tilted relative to the lens unit 30 and the housing 60 as shown in the figure. Therefore, the connector 80 is connected in an inclined state to the circuit board 40. To eliminate such tilt, the connector 80 generally absorbs the tilt of the circuit board 40 by using a spring 82 with a floating structure.

[0031] However, because the connector 80 is inclined with respect to the circuit board 40, the signal transmission characteristics of the connector 80 may deteriorate, which may have an adverse effect particularly on high-speed communication or wireless communication using high-frequency signals.

[0032] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 of this embodiment is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems. The vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the embodiment is manufactured by a manufacturing method shown in the schematic cross-sectional views of Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F and the flowchart of Fig. 5. The manufacturing method will be described below. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the steps of the manufacturing method for the vehicle-mounted camera according to the embodiment.

[0033] 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first step in the manufacturing method of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to the embodiment. The circuit board 40, on which the connector 80 and the imaging element 50 are mounted, is placed on the first jig 200 (step S1). The connector 80 is electrically connected to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40. In particular, the longitudinal direction (optical axis direction) of the connector 80, including the spring 82, is perpendicular to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40. The position of the imaging element 50 is not important in this step.

[0034] 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second step in the manufacturing method of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The lens unit 30 is temporarily placed on the circuit board 40, and the lens unit 30 is moved and rotated along six axes (X, Y, Z axes and the rotation axes of each axis) using a robot or the like to adjust the position and attitude of the lens unit 30 (step S2). The image sensor 50 captures, for example, a lattice-shaped test pattern 205, and the captured image is displayed on a monitor screen. The position and attitude of the lens unit 30 are adjusted so that a captured image with a correctly adjusted focus is obtained. The deviations on the X and Y axes are adjusted by shifting the cut-out range of the captured image. The method of adjusting the cut-out range of the captured image will be described later.

[0035] A plurality of columnar protrusions 38 protrude from the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32. After the lens unit 30 is positioned, the protrusions 38 are adhered to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 using, for example, an adhesive 39, thereby fixing the lens unit 30 to the circuit board 40.

[0036] 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third step in the manufacturing method of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The second jig 210 placed on the first jig 200 supports the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 with the lens unit 30 tilted (step S3).

[0037] 4D is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth step in the manufacturing method of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The ring member 20 is placed on the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. In this embodiment, the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 protrudes toward the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 and has a welding rib 34 arranged all around the circumference centered on the optical axis. Therefore, the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 is placed on the welding rib 34 all around the circumference centered on the optical axis (step S4).

[0038] FIG. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fifth step in the manufacturing method of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The ring member 20 is welded to the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30. In a general laser welding method, when a laser is irradiated to a light-transmitting resin while pressure is applied to the resin, the laser passes through the light-transmitting resin without being absorbed by the light-transmitting resin, and is absorbed by the surface of the light-absorbing resin. The absorbed laser energy is converted into heat, and the light-absorbing resin surface is heated. Furthermore, the light-transmitting resin surface that is in contact with the light-absorbing resin surface is also heated by thermal conduction. This melts the resin at the interface between the light-absorbing resin and the light-transmitting resin. When the laser irradiation is stopped, the melted resin solidifies, and both resins are welded together.

[0039] In this embodiment, since the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 has the welding rib 34, the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 is welded to the welding rib 34. Here, the laser welding is performed so that the ring member 20 is parallel to the first jig 200 and perpendicular to the second jig 210 (step S5). At this time, the ring member 20 is sunk toward the flange portion 32 while partially melting the welding rib 34, but by changing the degree of melting of the welding rib 34 depending on the location, the ring member 20 becomes parallel to the first jig 200 and perpendicular to the second jig 210 as shown by the broken line. As a result, the ring member 20 is welded so as to be parallel to the circuit board 40 with the lens unit 30 inclined.

[0040] 4F is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth step in the manufacturing method for the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The first jig 200 and the second jig 210 are removed, and the housing 60 is installed. The housing 60 is installed so that the end face 63 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 faces the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20. Then, the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 is welded to the end face 63 of the housing 60 (step S6).

[0041] At this time, axis 83 of connector 80 fixed to bottom surface 65 of housing 60 connects to spring 82 arranged on second surface 40b of circuit board 40. Since circuit board 40 is also parallel to bottom surface 65 of housing 60, spring 82 is connected in a straight line with axis 83 without moving. Therefore, connector 80 has a longitudinal direction perpendicular to second surface 40b of circuit board 40, and is connected to circuit board 40 without tilting.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a perspective view exposing a cross section of the lens unit 30 before assembly of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The welding rib 34 has a substantially triangular cross section before assembly. In step S4 of Fig. 4D, the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 is disposed in contact with the apex X of the substantially triangular cross section of the welding rib 34. Since the welding rib 34 is formed around the optical axis around the entire circumference of the flange portion 32, the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 is disposed on the edge 34a which is a collection of the apexes X.

[0043] The flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 facing the ring member 20 is inclined with respect to the first jig 200 and the circuit board 40. Therefore, when the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20 is placed on the welding rib 34 in step S4 of FIG. 4D, the ring member 20 is inclined with respect to both the first jig 200 and the circuit board 40.

[0044] In this state, laser welding is performed so that the ring member 20 is parallel to the first jig 200 and the circuit board 40, as in step S5 of Fig. 4E. Such welding is performed while adjusting the position of the ring member 20 so that the protruding height of the welding rib 34 from the flange portion 32 varies depending on the position around the entire circumference of the flange portion 32 or the welding rib 34 after welding.

[0045] As a result of welding, the welding rib 34 has a plurality of portions, for example a first portion and a second portion, which protrude from at least the flange portion 32 along the optical axis direction and have different protruding heights. In Fig. 4F, the first portion 35 exists in region A, and the second portion 36, which is different from the first portion 35, exists in region B. Fig. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first portion 35 existing in region A, and Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second portion 36 existing in region B.

[0046] In the process of FIG. 4E, ring member 20 is caused to sink, but a comparison with FIG. 4D reveals that the amount of sinking in region A is different from the amount of sinking in region B, and is greater than the amount of sinking in region B. This means that first portion 35 and second portion 36 have different heights that protrude from flange portion 32 along the optical axis direction. As is clear from FIGS. 7A and 7B, a first height HG1 by which first portion 35 protrudes from flange portion 32 along the optical axis direction is different from a second height HG2 by which second portion 36 protrudes from flange portion 32 along the optical axis direction. In this example, first height HG1 is smaller than second height HG2 (HG1 <HG2)。

[0047] As a result, even if the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is inclined relative to the circuit board 40 as a result of adjusting the lens unit 30, the ring member 20 is welded to the welding rib 34 of the flange portion 32 without being inclined relative to the circuit board 40 due to the action of the welding rib 34. Specifically, the first portion 35 and the second portion 36 of the welding rib 34, which have different heights, absorb the inclination of the flange portion 32 relative to the circuit board 40, and position the ring member 20 so that it is parallel to the circuit board 40.

[0048] For this reason, ring member 29 is disposed parallel to circuit board 40, and housing 60 is attached to ring member 20 in a state parallel to the optical axis. Therefore, connector 80 disposed across the inside and outside of housing 60 is connected to circuit board 40 without tilting, so that deterioration of the transmission characteristics of connector 80 can be suppressed.

[0049] A first cross section of the first portion 35 shown in Fig. 7A and a second cross section of the second portion 36 shown in Fig. 7B are perpendicular to the third surface 20a of the ring member 20 and exist in a cross section in a radial direction centered on the optical axis. A first area of ​​the first cross section of the first portion 35 is different from a second area of ​​the second cross section of the second portion 36. As a result, the ring member 20 can be welded to the welding rib 34 of the flange portion 32 without being inclined with respect to the circuit board 40 by the first portion 35 and the second portion 36 having different cross-sectional areas.

[0050] A first cross section of the first portion 35 has a first rectangular shape, and a second cross section of the second portion 36 has a second rectangular shape different from the first rectangular shape. This allows the ring member 20 to be stably welded to the welding rib 34 of the flange portion 32 without being inclined relative to the circuit board 40 by the first portion 35 and the second portion 36, each having a rectangular cross section.

[0051] Specifically, the first rectangular shape of the first portion 35 includes a first side 35a on the flange portion 32 side and a second side 35b facing the first side 35a and shorter than the first side. The second rectangular shape of the second portion 36 includes a third side 36a on the flange portion 32 side and a fourth side 36b facing the third side 36a and shorter than the second side 35b and the third side 36a.

[0052] Before welding, the welding rib 34 has an approximately triangular cross-sectional shape around its entire circumference as shown in Fig. 6. During welding, a portion including apex X of the approximately triangle melts, and the first portion 35 melts more than the second portion 36, and as a result, the fourth side 36b of the second portion 36 becomes shorter than the second side 35b of the first portion 35. As a result, the first portion 35 and the second portion 36, whose cross sections widen toward the flange portion 32 side, allow the ring member 20 to be stably welded to the welding rib 34 of the flange portion 32 without being inclined relative to the circuit board 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the first rectangular shape of the first cross section of the first portion 35 includes a fifth side 35c inclined with respect to the direction along the optical axis, and the second rectangular shape of the second cross section of the second portion 36 includes a sixth side 36c inclined with respect to the direction along the optical axis. The fifth side 35c and the sixth side 36c originate from the hypotenuse of the approximately triangular cross section of FIG. 6.

[0054] As a result, the ring member 20 can be stably welded to the welding rib 34 of the flange portion 32 without being inclined relative to the circuit board 40 by the first portion 35 and the second portion 36 having inclined sides.

[0055] In an actual product, the height of the welding rib 34 protruding from the flange portion 32 along the optical axis generally varies depending on the position on the entire circumference of the flange portion 32. The first portion 35 and the second portion 36 correspond to a part of the entire circumference of the welding rib 34 that is cut out as a cross section.

[0056] As a result, the welding rib 34, whose height varies depending on the position around the entire circumference of the flange portion 32, allows the ring member 20 to be welded to the welding rib 34 of the flange portion 32 without any inclination relative to the circuit board 40 around the entire circumference of the flange portion 32.

[0057] Moreover, the connector 80 is disposed across the inside and outside of the housing 60 on a bottom surface 65 of the large diameter cylindrical portion 61 of the housing 60 that corresponds to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40, and is electrically connected to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40. Moreover, in the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30, a plurality of protrusions 38 protruding from the second flange surface 32b opposite to the first flange surface 32a on which the welding rib 34 is formed are fixed to the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40. At least three protrusions 38 are provided, such as a first protrusion, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion.

[0058] This allows the connector 80 to be stably connected to the circuit board 40, and at the same time, the lens unit 30 can be stably disposed on the circuit board 40 by the at least three protrusions 38.

[0059] The longitudinal direction of the connector 80 is perpendicular to the second surface 40b of the circuit board 40. As a result, the connector 80 is connected to the circuit board 40 in a perpendicular state, so that good transmission characteristics can be ensured.

[0060] The connector 80 may be a coaxial connector or an STQ connector, which allows high-speed communication or wireless communication using high-frequency signals to be realized.

[0061] 8A to 8C are diagrams for explaining an overview of three-axis adjustment of the lens unit 30. Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing the axes along which the lens unit 30 is adjusted in the three-axis adjustment, and the three-axis adjustment is performed by moving the lens unit 30 relatively to the circuit board 40 and the image sensor 50 along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Fig. 8B is an image diagram of a captured image obtained in the three-axis adjustment, and it can be seen from this figure that the peripheral portion is blurred.

[0062] 9A to 9C are diagrams for explaining an overview of six-axis adjustment of the lens unit 30. Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the axes for adjusting the lens unit 30 in six-axis adjustment, and six-axis adjustment is performed by moving the lens unit 30 relative to the circuit board 40 and the image sensor 50 along each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and rotating the lens unit 30 around each of the rotation axes θx, θy, and θz corresponding to each axis. Fig. 9B is an image diagram of a captured image obtained in six-axis adjustment, and it can be seen from this figure that the peripheral parts are not blurred and a good image is obtained.

[0063] On the other hand, FIG. 8C is a graph of MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) obtained in three-axis adjustment. MTF is used to evaluate lens performance, and the higher the value, the higher the lens performance. In this example, the MTF of the imaging angle (dashed circle in the figure) at 60% of the maximum angle of view from the imaging center of the image sensor 50 was measured for multiple lens units 30. The horizontal axis of the graph indicates the MTF under this measurement, and the vertical axis indicates the occurrence frequency of the MTF corresponding to the horizontal axis. FIG. 9C is a graph of MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) obtained in six-axis adjustment.

[0064] 8C and 9C, it can be seen that the MTF obtained in six-axis adjustment has smaller variations than the MTF obtained in three-axis adjustment. It can also be seen that the MTFmin value, which is the minimum value of the MTF, obtained in six-axis adjustment (50%) is greater than the value obtained in three-axis adjustment (30%). In other words, six-axis adjustment can determine the position and orientation of the lens unit 30 more appropriately than three-axis adjustment.

[0065] The MTF is set to be, for example, 50% or more at an imaging angle that is 60% of the maximum angle of view from the imaging center of the image sensor 50.

[0066] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 similar to that of FIG. 4F, and shows the distance D and the inclination angle θ of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 relative to the circuit board 40. One end of the second flange surface 32b of the flange portion 32 is spaced a predetermined distance D from one end of the first surface 40a of the circuit board 40 in the direction along the optical axis.

[0067] The distance D is set to, for example, 0.4 mm or less, preferably 0.3 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or less, and further preferably 0.1 mm or less. This makes it possible to easily achieve a state in which the ring member 20 is not inclined relative to the circuit board 40.

[0068] The flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle θ with respect to the circuit board 40. The inclination angle θ is set to, for example, 1.15° or less. This makes it possible to easily achieve a state in which the ring member 20 is not inclined with respect to the circuit board 40.

[0069] The first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 of the lens unit 30 is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20. This inclination angle is equal to, for example, the inclination angle θ of the flange portion 32 with respect to the circuit board 40 described above.

[0070] As a result, the first flange surface 32a of the flange portion 32 is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle relative to the fourth surface 20b of the ring member 20, but the first part 35 and the second part 36, which have different heights, allow the ring member 20 to be welded to the welding rib 34 of the flange portion 32 without being inclined relative to the circuit board 40.

[0071] The following is an alternative embodiment for explaining the details of the position adjustment of the lens unit. The following explanation can be applied to the position adjustment of the lens unit 30 on the X-axis and Y-axis in the above-described embodiment.

[0072] An in-vehicle camera according to another embodiment is connected to a vehicle, acquires images of the surroundings of the vehicle, and transmits the images to the vehicle side, and is devised to transmit the images to the vehicle side efficiently.

[0073] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 may be mounted on a vehicle 400 as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a top view showing the vehicle 400 on which the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is mounted. The vehicle-mounted camera 100 is installed on the outside of a vehicle body 201, and is capable of acquiring images of the surroundings of the vehicle. The vehicle 400 is capable of processing the images of the surroundings of the vehicle acquired by the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and outputting the processed images to a specified display device.

[0074] 11 illustrates a configuration in which a plurality of vehicle-mounted cameras 100_1, 100_2, 100_3, and 100_4 are installed at a rear end 201a, a side end (right side in FIG. 11) 201b, a side end (left side in FIG. 11) 201c, and a front end 201d of a vehicle body 201. Images captured by the vehicle-mounted cameras 100_1, 100_2, 100_3, and 100_4 can be displayed on the display 202.

[0075] 11 illustrates four vehicle-mounted cameras 100_1 to 100_4, but the number of vehicle-mounted cameras 100 may be three or less, or five or more. The vehicle-mounted cameras 100 may be installed at other locations on the vehicle body 201 where images of the vehicle periphery can be acquired. Alternatively, the vehicle-mounted cameras 100 may be installed at other locations on the vehicle body 201 where images of the interior of the vehicle can be acquired. The image output destination may be an output device other than the display 202.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 has a configuration suitable for being mounted on a vehicle 400. Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera. Fig. 13 shows a cross-section taken along line AA in Fig. 12. In the following, the optical axis direction of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is defined as the Z direction, and two orthogonal directions in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction are defined as the X direction and the Y direction.

[0077] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 includes a lens unit 302 , a housing 331 , an image sensor 303 , an ISP (Image Signal Processor) 304 , a non-volatile memory 305 , a circuit board 334 , a connector 307 , a potting 332 , and a ring member 333 .

[0078] The lens unit 302 has a lens 302a and a lens barrel 302b. The lens 302a is disposed on the upstream side (+Z side) of the optical axis AX of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The lens 302a can form a subject image on its imaging surface. The lens 302a can have distortion aberration. The lens 302a is formed of a light-transmitting member such as glass. Although FIG. 11 illustrates a configuration in which the lens unit 302 has one lens 302a, the lens unit 302 may have multiple lenses 302a.

[0079] The lens barrel 302b holds the lens 302a from the outside in the XY directions. The lens barrel 302b has a cavity 302c through which the optical axis AX passes on the inside in the XY directions, and guides the light of the lens 302a to the downstream side (-Z side) along the optical axis AX. The lens barrel 302b may be formed of a light-shielding material.

[0080] The housing 331 is a box-shaped member with an open +Z side. The housing 331 may be made of a light-shielding material. The housing 331 is disposed on the -Z side of the lens unit 302. The housing 331 houses the image sensor 303, the ISP 304, the non-volatile memory 305, and a circuit board 334.

[0081] The -Z side end of barrel 302b is connected to housing 331. The outer portion of barrel 302b in the XY direction at the +Z side end of housing 331 is covered with ring member 333.

[0082] The circuit board 334 is fixed to the housing 331 by screws or the like. At least the image sensor 303 is mounted on the circuit board 334. The circuit board 334 may further include an ISP 304 and a non-volatile memory 305. The image sensor 303, the ISP 304, and the non-volatile memory 305 may be implemented on separate chips, and each may be mounted on the main surface on the +Z side of the circuit board 334. A potting 332 may be interposed between the circuit board 334 and the housing 331. The potting 332 may be made of a waterproof material.

[0083] The image sensor 303, the ISP 304, and the non-volatile memory 305 may be implemented on a single chip or may be implemented separately on multiple chips. The image sensor 303 and the ISP 304 may be implemented on a single chip, and the non-volatile memory 305 may be implemented on another chip.

[0084] The imaging element 303, the ISP 304, and the nonvolatile memory 305 may be mounted on different circuit boards. For example, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 may further include a circuit board 335 (not shown), and the imaging element 303 and the ISP 304 may be mounted on the same circuit board 334 as one chip or separate chips, and the nonvolatile memory 305 may be mounted on another circuit board 335. Alternatively, the imaging element 303 may be mounted on the same circuit board 334 as one chip, and the ISP 304 and the nonvolatile memory 305 may be mounted on the other circuit board 335 as one chip or separate chips.

[0085] The imaging element 303 is disposed near the imaging plane of the lens 302a. The imaging element 303 may be, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) type image sensor.

[0086] The ISP 304 is capable of performing a predetermined process on a signal output from the image sensor 303. In the ISP 304, the predetermined process may be implemented in hardware or software, or a part of the process may be implemented in hardware and the remaining process may be implemented in software. The ISP 304 may be disposed near the image sensor 303.

[0087] The nonvolatile memory 305 can nonvolatilely store information received from the ISP 304. The nonvolatile memory 305 may be disposed near the ISP 304. The nonvolatile memory 305 may be a flash memory, a resistive random access memory (ReRAM), a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), or the like.

[0088] The connector 307 functions as a mechanical connector for connecting the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to the vehicle body 201 of the vehicle 400 .

[0089] The connector 307 is disposed on the -Z side of the housing 331 and is connected to the housing 331. The connector 307 is connected to the vehicle body 201 via a fixing member (not shown). In this way, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is installed on the vehicle body 201.

[0090] The connector 307 also functions as an electrical connector for connecting the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to a camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 300 via a cable 320 (see FIG. 14), as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle-mounted camera 100.

[0091] In this specification, when a first element and a second element are "electrically connected," this includes a connection between the first element and the second element via a third element interposed therebetween, as long as this does not interfere with the respective functions of the first element and the second element.

[0092] Camera ECU 310 may be disposed within vehicle body 201 of vehicle 400. Cable 320 has a connector 327 at one end connectable to connector 307, and a connector at the other end connectable to a portion in vehicle 400 (for example, a connector for connecting to camera ECU 310). For simplification, the connector at the other end of cable 320 is omitted from illustration in FIG.

[0093] The cable 320 can mediate serial communication between the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and the camera ECU 310. The cable 320 may transmit a single-ended signal or a differential signal between the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and the camera ECU 310.

[0094] In cable 320, high-frequency components of the signal strength loss in a transmission signal are more likely to be lost than low-frequency components due to channel loss caused by the skin effect of the conductor, dielectric loss, and the like. For this reason, the band in which signals can be transmitted in cable 320 may be limited to an upper limit frequency Fth or lower. The upper limit frequency Fth may be 148.5 MHz. By transmitting signals through cable 320 at a frequency equal to or lower than the upper limit frequency Fth, signal quality in serial communication can be guaranteed.

[0095] When the cable 320 transmits a single-ended signal, the cable 320 may be a coaxial cable. Accordingly, the connector 307 of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and the connector 327 of the cable 320 may each be a coaxial connector.

[0096] When the cable 320 transmits a differential signal, the cable 320 may be a twisted pair cable that complies with the C2B (Car Camera Bus) (registered trademark) standard. Accordingly, the connector 307 of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and the connector 327 of the cable 320 may each be a connector for a twisted pair cable. In Figs. 13 and 14, a configuration in which the cable 320 transmits a differential signal is illustrated.

[0097] 13 has a hollow portion 307a. The connector 307 has a plurality of connection terminals 371, 372, 373, and 374 in the hollow portion 307a. Each of the connection terminals 371, 372, 373, and 374 may be a convex connection terminal. Each of the connection terminals 371, 372, 373, and 374 protrudes from a bottom surface 307a1 of the hollow portion 307a to the -Z side.

[0098] 14 may be insertable into hollow portion 307a of connector 307. Connector 327 has a plurality of connection terminals 321-324. Connection terminals 321, 322, 323, and 324 of connector 327 correspond to connection terminals 371, 372, 373, and 374 of connector 307. Each of connection terminals 321-324 may be a concave connection terminal configured to be able to fit with a corresponding connection terminal (for example, a convex connection terminal shown in FIG. 13).

[0099] The cable 320 has a number of communication lines CL1 to CL4 corresponding to a number of connection terminals 321, 322, 323, and 324. The camera ECU 310 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 311, a decoder (DECODER) 312, and a main power supply 313. The communication lines CL1 and CL2 connect the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and the decoder 312, and transmit differential signals SIG+ and SIG- between the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and the decoder 312. The communication lines CL3 and CL4 connect the vehicle-mounted camera 100 and the main power supply 313, and transmit a ground potential GND and a power supply potential PWR from the main power supply 313 to the vehicle-mounted camera 100, respectively.

[0100] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 includes a lens unit 302, an image sensor 303, an ISP 304, a non-volatile memory 305, and a connector 307, as well as an oscillator 306, an encoder 308, and a power supply circuit 309. The image sensor 303 includes a pixel array 303a and a peripheral circuit 303b.

[0101] The oscillator 306, the encoder 308, and the power supply circuit 309 may be mounted on the same circuit board 334 (see FIG. 13) as the imaging element 303, or may be mounted on another circuit board 335 (not shown).

[0102] The connector 307 has a plurality of connection terminals 371 to 374. Of the plurality of connection terminals 371 to 374, the connection terminals 371 and 372 form a differential pair and function as terminals for differential signals of opposite phases to each other. The connection terminals 371 and 372 are each electrically connected to the ISP 304 via the encoder 308. The connection terminal 373 functions as a ground terminal, and the connection terminal 374 functions as a power supply terminal. The connection terminals 373 and 374 are each electrically connected to the power supply circuit 309.

[0103] The power supply circuit 309 receives a ground potential GND and a power supply potential PWR via connection terminals 373 and 374 of the connector 307. The power supply circuit 309 is connected to the oscillator 306, the image sensor 303, the ISP 304, the nonvolatile memory 305, and the encoder 308 via power lines. The power supply circuit 309 can supply power to each of the oscillator 306, the image sensor 303, the ISP 304, the nonvolatile memory 305, and the encoder 308 via the power lines.

[0104] The optical axis AX of the lens unit 302 intersects with the pixel array 303 a of the image sensor 303 .

[0105] In the pixel array 303a of the imaging element 303, a plurality of pixels are arranged to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, as shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an effective pixel area R1 and a recording pixel area R2 of the pixel array 303a. The direction along the rows is called the row direction, and the direction along the columns is called the column direction. The row direction and the column direction may be perpendicular to each other, or may intersect at a predetermined angle (for example, 89 to 91°). The row direction is also called the horizontal direction. The column direction is also called the vertical direction.

[0106] FIG. 15 illustrates a pixel array 303a in which pixels are arranged in Y1 rows and X1 columns. A region corresponding to the entire pixel array 303a is referred to as an effective pixel region R1. In the effective pixel region R1, X1 pixels are arranged in the row direction, and Y1 pixels are arranged in the column direction. X1 and Y1 are each a natural number. The effective pixel region R1 has a first quadrangle. The first quadrangle may be a first rectangle whose longitudinal direction is the row direction. In this case, for example, X1 may be 1572 and Y1 may be 1016.

[0107] The peripheral circuit 303b shown in FIG. 14 is connected to the oscillator 306 via a control line 361 and can receive a timing signal via the control line 361.

[0108] The ISP 304 is connected to the peripheral circuit 303b via a control line 341, and is connected to the encoder 308 via a control line 344. The control line 344 may be compatible with an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) system. The ISP 304 and the encoder 308 may establish communication with each other via the control line 344 according to the I2C system. The ISP 304 generates a synchronization signal and a control signal, and supplies the signals to the peripheral circuit 303b via the control line 341, and also supplies the signals to the encoder 308 via the control line 344 according to the I2C system. The synchronization signal includes a horizontal synchronization signal HREF, a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and a pixel clock PCLK. The control signal includes vertical blanking pixel numbers V1 and V2.

[0109] Here, the vehicle-mounted camera 100, for example, acquires a moving image and transfers it to the vehicle 400 side (camera ECU 310 side) via the cable 320, but is required to satisfy a predetermined frame rate according to the specifications of the vehicle 400. As described above, the band in which the cable 320 can transmit a signal may be limited to an upper limit frequency Fth or less. For example, if an image of the effective pixel region R1 is transmitted to the vehicle 400 side via the cable 320 at a speed equal to or less than the upper limit frequency Fth, the amount of image data tends to be too large, making it difficult to satisfy the predetermined frame rate.

[0110] Therefore, the ISP 304 can control the peripheral circuit 303b to output an output image signal corresponding to the recording pixel region R2 of the effective pixel region R1. The recording pixel region R2 is an area inside the effective pixel region R1 and is a part of the effective pixel region R1. The peripheral circuit 303b can drive the pixel array 303a so that a pixel signal is selectively output from the recording pixel region R2 in response to a timing signal from the oscillator 306 and synchronization signals (horizontal synchronization signal HREF, vertical synchronization signal Vsync, pixel clock PCLK) and control signals (vertical blanking pixel numbers V1, V2) from the ISP 304.

[0111] For example, the recording pixel area R2 shown in FIG. 15 can be defined according to the horizontal synchronization signal HREF, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, the numbers of vertical blanking pixels V1 and V2, and so on.

[0112] The recording pixel region R2 is an area inside the effective pixel region R1 in the pixel array 303a. In the recording pixel region R2, X2 pixels are arranged in the row direction, and Y2 pixels are arranged in the column direction. X2 and Y2 are each natural numbers. X2 and Y2 can each be experimentally determined in advance according to the upper limit frequency Fth at which a signal can be transmitted through the cable 320.

[0113] The peripheral circuit 303b performs read scanning in which pixel signals are read from pixels in each column included in a selected pixel row while sequentially selecting multiple pixel rows in accordance with the horizontal synchronization signal HREF, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, the pixel clock PCLK, and the vertical blanking pixel numbers V1 and V2.

[0114] For example, the peripheral circuit 303b starts readout scanning from the first row in response to the rising edge of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync. The peripheral circuit 303b counts the row number of the selected pixel row. The peripheral circuit 303b skips rows 1 to V1 in response to the vertical blanking pixel number V1. The peripheral circuit 303b sequentially selects pixels in the V1+1th row from left to right in FIG. 15 in response to the pixel clock PCLK, and starts outputting pixel signals of the selected pixels to the signal line 342 when the horizontal synchronization signal HREF changes from a non-active level (e.g., an L level) to an active level (e.g., an H level). The peripheral circuit 303b further sequentially selects pixels in the V1+1th row in response to the pixel clock PCLK, and stops outputting pixel signals to the signal line 342 when the horizontal synchronization signal HREF changes from an active level to a non-active level. When the peripheral circuit 303b selects pixels in row V1+1 to the right end in response to the pixel clock PCLK, it counts up the row number to V1+2, and starts selecting pixels in row V1+2 from the left in response to the pixel clock PCLK. After this, the same operation is repeated up to row V1+Y2. When the peripheral circuit 303b selects pixels in row V1+Y2 to the right end in response to the pixel clock PCLK, it counts up the row number to V1+Y2+1, and skips from row V1+Y2+1 to row Y1 in response to the vertical blanking pixel count V2 (=Y1-(V1+Y2)), and ends the readout scan.

[0115] X2 is smaller than X1, and the following formula 1 holds. X1=H1+X2+H2 Formula 1

[0116] In formula 1, H1 is the number of horizontal blanking pixels on the left side of recording pixel area R2 in Fig. 15. H2 is the number of horizontal blanking pixels on the right side of recording pixel area R2 in Fig. 15.

[0117] The horizontal blanking pixel number H1 corresponds to the number of pixel clocks in a horizontal blanking period in which the horizontal synchronization signal HREF is maintained at the L level before it goes to the H level, and the horizontal blanking pixel number H2 corresponds to the number of pixel clocks in a horizontal blanking period in which the horizontal synchronization signal HREF is maintained at the L level after it goes from the H level to the L level.

[0118] Y2 is smaller than Y1, and the following formula 2 holds true. Y1=V1+Y2+V2...Formula 2

[0119] In Equation 2, V1 is the number of vertical blanking pixels above the recording pixel area R2 in Fig. 15. V2 is the number of vertical blanking pixels below the recording pixel area R2 in Fig. 15.

[0120] The vertical blanking pixel count V1 corresponds to the number of vertical blanking rows for which pixel signal readout is skipped from the rising edge timing of the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, and the vertical blanking pixel count V2 corresponds to the number of vertical blanking rows for which pixel signal readout is skipped after completion of pixel signal readout of the V1+Y2th row.

[0121] The recording pixel region R2 has a second quadrangle. The second quadrangle may be a second rectangle. In this case, for example, X2 may be 1280 and Y2 may be 960.

[0122] The position of the recording pixel region R2 in the effective pixel region R1 can be set so that the center PC of the recording pixel region R2 substantially coincides with the center of the effective pixel region R1. H1 = H2, V1 = V2... Equation 3

[0123] A position in the effective pixel region R1 can be expressed by pixel coordinates. The pixel coordinates are expressed as (row number, column number). The position of the pixel at the upper left corner of the effective pixel region R1 in FIG. 15 is the origin (1, 1) of the pixel coordinates.

[0124] The pixel coordinates (Bx, By) of the center PC of the recording pixel area R2 approximately coincide with the center of the effective pixel area R1, and can be set so as to satisfy the following mathematical expression 4. Bx=X1 / 2,By=Y1 / 2...Equation 4

[0125] On the other hand, the optical axis AX of the lens unit 302 intersects at a position offset from the center of the effective pixel area R1, and at a position offset from the center PC of the recording pixel area R2. As described above, the lens 302a of the lens unit 302 has distortion aberration and can form a subject image in the effective pixel area R1 that is distorted into a barrel shape or pincushion shape. The distortion center DC of the subject image is offset from the center of the effective pixel area R1, and is offset from the center PC of the recording pixel area R2.

[0126] The position of the distortion center DC is non-volatilely stored in the non-volatile memory 305. The position of the distortion center DC is expressed by the pixel coordinates (Cx, Cy) of the distortion center DC. The pixel coordinates (Cx, Cy) of the distortion center DC satisfy the following Equation 5. Cx ≠ Bx, Cy ≠ By Equation 5

[0127] The pixel array 303 a shown in FIG.

[0128] The ISP 304 can receive a plurality of pixel signals output from the recording pixel region R2 in the pixel array 303a via a signal line 342. The ISP 304 performs a predetermined process on the plurality of pixel signals to generate image information for the recording pixel region R2. The image information can include signals of any color system, including, for example, a YUV signal. The YUV signal includes a Y signal indicating a luminance component, a U signal indicating a color difference between the luminance component and a blue component, and a V signal indicating a color difference between the luminance component and a red component. The YUV signal can adopt any data format of the YUV method, but may also adopt the YUV422 format. In YUV422, signals of two adjacent pixels are treated as one set and some information is shared, so that the amount of data can be reduced while preventing deterioration of image quality.

[0129] The ISP 304 is connected to the encoder 308 via a data bus 343 having a width of multiple bits (e.g., 8 bits). The data bus 343 may be compatible with the I2C standard. The ISP 304 and the encoder 308 may establish communication with their respective destinations via the data bus 343 in accordance with the I2C standard. The ISP 304 can transfer image information of the recording pixel area R2 to the encoder 308 via the bus wiring as a parallel signal having multiple bits (e.g., 8 bits) in accordance with the I2C standard.

[0130] The encoder 308 receives the image information of the recording pixel region R2 as a parallel signal. The encoder 308 performs parallel-to-serial conversion on the image information of the recording pixel region R2, and converts the image information of the recording pixel region R2 into a serial signal. The encoder 308 differentiates the serial signal, generates differential signals SIG+ and SIG-, and outputs them to the decoder 312 of the camera ECU 310 via the connector 307 and the cable 320.

[0131] The non-volatile memory 305 is connected to the ISP 304 via a control line 351. The control line 351 may be compatible with a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) system. The ISP 304 and the non-volatile memory 305 may establish communication with the connection destination via the control line 351 according to the SPI system.

[0132] For example, the ISP 304 stores information on the position of the distortion center DC in the non-volatile memory 305 via the control line 351. The position of the distortion center DC may include pixel coordinates (Cx, Cy) of the distortion center DC. The ISP 304 reads the position of the distortion center DC from the non-volatile memory 305 via the control line 351.

[0133] The ISP 304 is connected to the encoder 308 via a control line 345. The control line 345 may be compatible with the I2C standard. The ISP 304 and the encoder 308 may establish communication with each other via the control line 345 according to the I2C standard. The ISP 304 can transmit and receive serial signals to and from the encoder 308 according to the I2C standard.

[0134] For example, the ISP 304 receives a serial signal indicating information about the position of the distortion center DC from the encoder 308 via the control line 345. The ISP 304 supplies a serial signal indicating information about the position of the distortion center DC to the encoder 308 via the control line 345.

[0135] The encoder 308 receives a serial signal indicating information on the position of the distortion center DC from the ISP 304. The encoder 308 may transmit image information of the recording pixel region R2 and information on the position of the distortion center DC to the camera ECU 310 in a time-division manner in accordance with a serial communication (e.g., C2B (registered trademark)) standard. The encoder 308 may add a serial signal of information on the position of the distortion center DC before or after the serial signal of the image information of the recording pixel region R2. The encoder 308 may differentiate the serial signal of information on the position of the distortion center DC, generate differential signals SIG+, SIG-, and output them to the decoder 312 of the camera ECU 310 via the connector 307 and the cable 320.

[0136] When the encoder 308 receives a serial signal indicating information on the position of the distortion center DC from the camera ECU 310 via the cable 320 , the encoder 308 can transfer the serial signal indicating information on the position of the distortion center DC to the ISP 304 via the control line 345 .

[0137] Next, a method for manufacturing the vehicle-mounted camera 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the method for manufacturing the vehicle-mounted camera 100.

[0138] The vehicle-mounted camera 100 is assembled (S1). For example, the housing 331 and the connector 307 are produced. The imaging element 303, the ISP 304, and the non-volatile memory 305 are mounted on the circuit board 334. The oscillator 306, the encoder 308, and the power supply circuit 309 may further be mounted on the circuit board 334. The circuit board 334 is attached inside the housing 331. Thereafter, the optical axis AX of the lens unit 302 is adjusted, the focus position of the lens unit 302 is adjusted, the tilt of the lens unit 302 is adjusted, and the relative mounting positions of the lens barrel 302b of the lens unit 302 and the housing 331 are adjusted. When the mounting positions are determined, the lens barrel 302b of the lens unit 302 is bonded to the housing 331 with an adhesive or the like, and the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is assembled.

[0139] The position of the distortion center DC of the lens unit 302 is measured (S2). For example, a test device (not shown) is connected to the connector 307. For example, a lattice-shaped test pattern is captured by the image sensor 303, and an image of the effective pixel region R1 (see FIG. 15 ) captured by the image sensor 303 is transferred to the test device via the ISP 304, the encoder 308, and the connector 307. The test device may have a monitor screen, and the transferred image of the effective pixel region R1 may be displayed on the monitor screen. The lattice-shaped test pattern in the image of the effective pixel region R1 may be distorted into a barrel shape or a pincushion shape. The test device measures the position of the distortion center DC in the effective pixel region R1. The test device may determine, as the position of the distortion center DC, the pixel coordinate (Cx, Cy) at which the curvature of the distortion of the lattice-shaped test pattern is approximately zero in the row direction and the column direction in the effective pixel region R1.

[0140] The position of the distortion center DC is written to the non-volatile memory 305 (S3). For example, the test device writes the measurement result of the position of the distortion center DC to the non-volatile memory 305 via the connector 307, the encoder 308, and the ISP 304. Information on the position of the pixel coordinates (Cx, Cy) of the distortion center DC may be written to the non-volatile memory 305.

[0141] When a notification of completion of writing is received from the non-volatile memory 305 via the ISP 304 , the encoder 308 , and the connector 307 , the test device is removed from the connector 307 .

[0142] This completes the vehicle-mounted camera 100 (S4). Thereafter, the connector 307 is connected to the camera ECU 310 via the cable 320, and the connector 307 is connected to the vehicle body 201 via a fixing member. This allows the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to be electrically and mechanically installed on the vehicle 400.

[0143] Next, the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera 100.

[0144] When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the camera ECU 310 recognizes that a power start request for the vehicle-mounted camera 100 has been received, and starts supplying power to the vehicle-mounted camera 100 (S101). The predetermined condition may be that a power start request for the vehicle-mounted camera 100 is received from a higher-level controller (e.g., an ECU that controls the entire vehicle 400), or that the power source power received from a battery or a power conversion device reaches a predetermined threshold. When the camera ECU 310 receives power source power from a battery or a power conversion device, the camera ECU 310 uses the power source power to generate power source power for the vehicle-mounted camera 100, and starts supplying the power source power to the vehicle-mounted camera 100 via the communication lines CL3 and CL4 as a ground potential GND and a power source potential PWR.

[0145] In response to this, the power supply circuit 309 of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 starts receiving power from the camera ECU 310 (S11) and goes into a reset state.

[0146] In the camera ECU 310, when the level of the power supply potential PWR reaches the threshold level and a predetermined time has elapsed, the main power supply 313 locks the control of the level of the power supply potential PWR, and the CPU 311 confirms the lock (S102).

[0147] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the level of the power supply potential PWR reaches the threshold level, the power supply circuit 309 releases the reset state (S12) and starts supplying power to each unit.

[0148] The encoder 308 performs initialization in response to the start of power supply from the power supply circuit 309 (S13). The encoder 308 sets the values ​​of various parameters to their initial values. For example, the encoder 308 sets communication parameters such as video mode, timing, etc. to their initial values.

[0149] In response to the start of power supply from the power supply circuit 309, the ISP 304 establishes communication with the nonvolatile memory 305 via the control line 351. The ISP 304 may establish communication with the nonvolatile memory 305 via the control line 351 in accordance with the SPI method. The ISP 304 reads information on the position of the distortion center DC from the nonvolatile memory 305 via the control line 351 (S14). The ISP 304 holds the information on the position of the distortion center DC.

[0150] The ISP 304 establishes communication with the encoder 308 via the data bus 343 and the control lines 344 and 345. The ISP 304 may establish communication with the encoder 308 via the data bus 343 and the control lines 344 and 345 in accordance with the I2C system, thereby opening up the data bus 343 and the control lines 344 and 345 (S15).

[0151] In the camera ECU 310, the decoder 312 performs settings for communication with the vehicle-mounted camera 100 (S103). For example, the decoder 312 assigns terminals 312a and 312b of a general purpose input output (GPIO) to which the communication lines CL1 and CL2 are connected, as terminals for serial communication with the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The decoder 312 transmits parameters for initial communication settings to the encoder 308 via the terminals 312a and 312b, the communication lines CL1 and CL2, the connection terminals 321 and 322, and the connection terminals 371 and 372. The parameters for initial communication settings include setting values ​​of communication parameters such as video mode and timing.

[0152] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100, when the encoder 308 receives the parameters for initial communication settings, it sets the parameters for communication according to the parameters for initial communication settings (S16). For example, the encoder 308 changes the values ​​of the parameters for communication settings, such as the video mode and timing, from the initial values ​​to the setting values ​​included in the parameters for initial communication settings. When the encoder 308 completes the settings, it transmits a completion notice to the decoder 312 via the connection terminals 371 and 372, the connection terminals 321 and 322, the communication lines CL1 and CL2, and the terminals 112a and 312b.

[0153] In the camera ECU 310, the decoder 312 receives the completion notification, which allows communication between the encoder 308 and the decoder 312 via the cable 320 to be established.

[0154] The decoder 312 establishes communication with the CPU 311 in the camera ECU 310. The decoder 312 may establish communication with the CPU 311 in accordance with the MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) standard. When the decoder 312 establishes communication with the CPU 311, the decoder 312 sets parameters for transferring images received from the in-vehicle camera 100 to the CPU 311 (S104). The parameters for transfer may include a frame rate value. The frame rate of transfer between the decoder 312 and the CPU 311 is higher than the frame rate of communication between the decoder 312 and the encoder 308 via the cable 320.

[0155] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the ISP 304 controls the image sensor 303 to start an image capturing operation. In response to this, the image sensor 303 captures a subject image in an effective pixel area R1 that corresponds to the entire pixel array 303a, as shown in Fig. 18(a), but selectively outputs pixel signals from a recording pixel area R2 that is a part of the effective pixel area R1. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The position of the center PC of the recording pixel area R2 is shifted from the position of the distortion center DC.

[0156] The ISP 304 acquires a signal of the recording pixel region R2 from the image sensor 303. The ISP 304 performs a predetermined process on the signal of the recording pixel region R2 to generate an image IM2 of the recording pixel region R2 as shown in FIG. 18(b). The position of the center PC in the image IM2 corresponds to the position of the center PC in the recording pixel region R2. The position of the center PC of the image IM2 is shifted from the position of the distortion center DC in the image IM2. The ISP 304 starts outputting the image (output image) IM2 of the recording pixel region R2 and the position of the distortion center DC to the camera ECU 310 via the encoder 308, the connector 307, and the cable 320 (S17).

[0157] In the camera ECU 310, the CPU 311 receives the image (output image) IM2 of the recording pixel region R2 and the position of the distortion center DC from the vehicle-mounted camera 100 via the cable 320 and the decoder 312. The CPU 311 uses the image (output image) IM2 of the recording pixel region R2 and the position of the distortion center DC to generate a display image to be output to a predetermined display device (S105). The predetermined display device may be the display 202 (see FIG. 11).

[0158] For example, the position of the center PC of the recording pixel area R2 is set in advance in the camera ECU 310. The position of the center PC of the recording pixel area R2 corresponds to the pixel position of the center PC of the recording pixel area R2 in the effective pixel area R1.

[0159] When the CPU 311 receives the image IM2 of the recording pixel region R2 and the position of the distortion center DC, it acquires the position of the center PC of the recording pixel region R2. The CPU 311 generates a display image IM3 as shown in Fig. 18(c) according to the image IM2 of the recording pixel region R2, the position of the distortion center DC, and the position of the center PC. The display image IM3 is an image that is centered on the distortion center DC and has the same number of pixels as the recording pixel region R2 (X2 x Y2 shown in Fig. 15).

[0160] The CPU311 performs a calculation process using the image IM2 to obtain an image having the same number of pixels as the recording pixel area R2 and centered on the distortion center DC. For example, the CPU311 obtains a difference DF between the pixel position of the center PC in the effective pixel area R1 and the pixel position of the distortion center DC. The CPU311 determines the pixel position obtained by shifting the upper left corner CN1 of the recording pixel area R2 in FIG. 18(c) by the difference DF as the upper left corner CN3 of the display image IM3. The CPU311 determines the pixel position obtained by shifting the lower right corner CN2 of the recording pixel area R2 in FIG. 18(c) by the difference DF as the lower right corner CN4 of the display image IM3. As a result, the CPU311 generates the display image IM3 defined by the corners CN3 and CN4.

[0161] That is, CPU311 deletes partial region PR2 from image IM2 and adds partial region PR3 to generate display image IM3. Display image IM3 is shown surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 18(c). Partial region PR2 is shown by hatching with a large pitch in Fig. 18(c). Partial region PR3 is shown by hatching with a small pitch in Fig. 18(c). When generating display image IM3, CPU311 may interpolate pixel values ​​of a single color (such as blue or gray) in partial region PR3 that indicate a lack of image information.

[0162] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the ISP 304 performs a predetermined process on the image IM2 and continues to output the image IM2 of the recording pixel region R2 while stabilizing the image IM2 (S18). The predetermined process includes exposure adjustment, white balance adjustment, gain adjustment, gamma correction, etc.

[0163] In the camera ECU 310, the CPU 311 supplies a display image IM3 to a predetermined display device (for example, the display 202) in response to stabilization of the image IM2 from the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The predetermined display device displays the display image IM3 (S106).

[0164] As described above, in another embodiment, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 reads the position of the distortion center DC from the non-volatile memory 305 in response to the start of the imaging element 303, and outputs the output image of the recording pixel region R2, which is a part of the effective pixel region R1, and the position of the distortion center DC to the camera ECU 310 via the cable 320. This allows the output image to be transmitted to the camera ECU 310 at a speed equal to or lower than the upper limit frequency Fth via the cable 320, and the predetermined frame rate required for the vehicle-mounted camera 100 can be satisfied. Furthermore, since the position of the distortion center DC is transmitted to the camera ECU 310 in addition to the output image, the camera ECU 310 can generate a display image IM3 centered on the distortion center DC and having the same number of pixels as the recording pixel region R2 (for example, X2×Y2). As a result, a display image in which the position of the distortion center DC has been appropriately adjusted can be displayed on a predetermined display device (for example, the display 202) while satisfying the predetermined frame rate required for the vehicle-mounted camera 100.

[0165] Next, a vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to another embodiment will be described. The following will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0166] In another embodiment, a configuration and operation is exemplified in which an image IM2 of the recording pixel area R2 and the position of the distortion center DC are transmitted from the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to the vehicle 400 with their centers shifted, whereas in this embodiment, a configuration and operation is exemplified in which the image IM2 of the recording pixel area R2 and the position of the distortion center DC are transmitted to the vehicle 400 with their centers aligned.

[0167] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the non-volatile memory 305 stores the position of a recording pixel area R21 as shown in Fig. 19, instead of the position of the distortion center DC. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the effective pixel area R1 and the recording pixel area R21 of the pixel array 303a. The position of the recording pixel area R21 may be the position of the recording pixel area R21 in the effective pixel area R1.

[0168] The recording pixel area R21 has its center PC21 substantially coincident with the distortion center DC. The pixel coordinates of the distortion center DC are expressed as (Cx, Cy). The recording pixel area R21 can be set so that the pixel coordinates (Bx21, By21) of the center PC21 satisfy the following formula 6. Bx21 ≒ Cx, By21 ≒ Cy Equation 6

[0169] The position of the center PC21 of the recording pixel area R2 is shifted from the center of the effective pixel area R1. Accordingly, the following formulas 7 to 9 hold true. X1=H11+X2+H12...Formula 7 Y1 = V11 + Y2 + V12 Formula 8 H11 ≠ H12, V11 ≠ V12... Formula 9

[0170] In Equation 7, H11 is the number of horizontal blanking pixels on the left side of the recording pixel area R21 in Fig. 19. H12 is the number of horizontal blanking pixels on the right side of the recording pixel area R21 in Fig. 19. In Equation 8, V11 is the number of vertical blanking pixels on the upper side of the recording pixel area R21 in Fig. 19. V12 is the number of vertical blanking pixels on the lower side of the recording pixel area R21 in Fig. 19.

[0171] FIG. 19 illustrates a case where the following formula 10 holds true. H11>H12,V11>V12...Formula 10

[0172] The ISP4 sets the position of the recording pixel area R21. The ISP4 may set the position of the recording pixel area R21 by adjusting the horizontal synchronization signal HREF, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, the vertical blanking pixel numbers V11 and V12, and the like.

[0173] The position of the recording pixel region R21 is non-volatilely stored in the non-volatile memory 305. The non-volatile memory 305 may store, as the position of the recording pixel region R21, a pixel position at a location representative of the recording pixel region R21. The non-volatile memory 305 may store, as the pixel positions at a location representative of the recording pixel region R21, pixel positions at two diagonal corners. For example, the non-volatile memory 305 may store the pixel position at the upper left corner CN11 and the pixel position at the lower right corner CN12 in FIG. 19.

[0174] The pixel position of the corner CN11 is expressed by the pixel coordinates (Sx, Sy) of the corner CN11. The pixel coordinates (Sx, Sy) of the corner CN11 satisfy the following Expression 11. Sx = H11, Sy = V11 Equation 11

[0175] The pixel position of the corner CN12 is expressed by the pixel coordinates (Ex, Ey) of the corner CN12. The pixel coordinates (Ex, Ey) of the corner CN12 satisfy the following Expression 12. Ex=H11+X2=X1-H12,Ey=V11+Y2=Y1-V12...Equation 12

[0176] In this case, the center PC21 of the recording pixel region R21 is the midpoint of the diagonal line connecting corners CN11 and CN12. Accordingly, the row number Bx21 of the pixel position of the center PC21 is the average value of the row number Sx of the pixel position of corner CN11 and the row number Ex of the pixel position of corner CN12. The column number By21 of the pixel position of the center PC21 is the average value of the column number Sy of the pixel position of corner CN11 and the column number Ey of the pixel position of corner CN12. That is, the following formula 13 holds. Bx21=(Sx+Ex) / 2,By21=(Sy+Ey) / 2 Formula 13

[0177] From Equation 6 and Equation 13, the following Equation 14 holds for the pixel coordinates (Cx, Cy) of the distortion center DC. Cx ≒ (Sx + Ex) / 2, Cy ≒ (Sy + Ey) / 2 Formula 14

[0178] As shown in Equation 14, the row number Cx of the pixel position of the distortion center DC is approximately equal to the average of the row number Sx of the pixel position of the corner CN11 and the row number Ex of the pixel position of the corner CN12. The column number Cy of the pixel position of the center PC21 is approximately equal to the average of the column number Sy of the pixel position of the corner CN11 and the column number Ey of the pixel position of the corner CN12.

[0179] 20, the manufacturing method of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 differs from that of the other embodiment in the following respects: FIG.

[0180] After S1 and S2 are performed, the position of the recording pixel region R21 in the effective pixel region R1 is specified (S102). For example, the test device supplies the measurement result of the position of the distortion center DC to the ISP4 via the connector 307 and the encoder 308 in the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The ISP4 specifies the position of the recording pixel region R21 such that the center PC21 of the recording pixel region R21 approximately coincides with the distortion center DC according to the measurement result of the position of the distortion center DC. The specified position of the recording pixel region R21 may include pixel positions of two diagonal corners, for example, pixel coordinates (Sx, Sy) of the corner CN11 and pixel coordinates (Ex, Ey) of the corner CN12. The ISP4 adjusts the horizontal synchronization signal HREF, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, the vertical blanking pixel numbers V11 and V12, etc. so as to define the specified position of the recording pixel region R21 (see FIG. 19).

[0181] The position of the recording pixel region R21 is written to the non-volatile memory 305 (S103). For example, the ISP4 writes the position of the recording pixel region R21 to the non-volatile memory 305. The pixel positions of two diagonal corners may be written to the non-volatile memory 305, for example, the pixel coordinates (Sx, Sy) of corner CN11 and the pixel coordinates (Ex, Ey) of corner CN12 may be written.

[0182] When a notification of completion of writing is received from the ISP 4 via the encoder 308 and the connector 307 , the test device is removed from the connector 307 .

[0183] This completes the vehicle-mounted camera 100 (S4). Thereafter, the connector 307 is connected to the camera ECU 310 via the cable 320, and the connector 307 is connected to the vehicle body 101 via a fixing member. This allows the vehicle-mounted camera 100 to be electrically and mechanically installed on the vehicle 400.

[0184] 21, the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 differs from that of the other embodiment in the following respects.

[0185] After steps S101, S102, and S11 to S13 are performed in the same manner as in the other embodiments, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the ISP4 establishes communication with the nonvolatile memory 305 via the control line 51 in response to the start of power supply from the power supply circuit 9. The ISP4 reads out information on the position of the recording pixel region R21 from the nonvolatile memory 305 (S214a). The ISP4 holds the information on the position of the recording pixel region R21.

[0186] The ISP4 sets the position of the recording pixel region R21 in the effective pixel region R1 of the pixel array 303a (S214b). The ISP4 acquires the position of the recording pixel region R21 from the non-volatile memory 305. The ISP4 may acquire a pixel position of a portion representative of the recording pixel region R21 in the effective pixel region R1 as the position of the recording pixel region R21. The ISP4 may acquire pixel positions of two diagonal corners as pixel positions representative of the recording pixel region R21. For example, the ISP4 may acquire the pixel position of the upper left corner CN11 and the pixel position of the lower right corner CN12 in FIG. 22(a). FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the operation of the vehicle-mounted camera 100 according to this embodiment.

[0187] The ISP4 sets the position of the recording pixel region R21 so that it coincides with the position of the recording pixel region R21 read out from the non-volatile memory 305. The ISP4 may set the position of the recording pixel region R21 by adjusting the horizontal synchronization signal HREF, the vertical synchronization signal Vsync, the vertical blanking pixel numbers V11, V12, etc. As a result, the position of the recording pixel region R21 is set to a position such that its center PC21 approximately coincides with the distortion center DC, as shown in Fig. 22(a).

[0188] Then, after steps S15, S103, and S16 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, in the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the ISP4 controls the image sensor 303 to start an image capturing operation. In response to this, as shown in Fig. 22(a), the image sensor 303 captures a subject image in an effective pixel area R1 corresponding to the entire pixel array 303a, but selectively outputs pixel signals from a recording pixel area R21 which is a part of the effective pixel area R1. The position of the center PC21 of the recording pixel area R21 approximately coincides with the position of the distortion center DC.

[0189] The ISP4 acquires a signal of the recording pixel region R21 from the image sensor 303. The ISP4 performs a predetermined process on the signal of the recording pixel region R21 to generate an image IM21 of the recording pixel region R21 as shown in FIG. 22(b). The position of the center PC21 of the image IM21 corresponds to the position of the center PC21 of the recording pixel region R2. The center PC21 of the image IM21 approximately coincides with the distortion center DC of the image IM21. The ISP4 starts outputting the image (output image) IM21 of the recording pixel region R2 and the position of the recording pixel region R21 to the camera ECU 310 via the encoder 308, the connector 307, and the cable 320 (S217).

[0190] ISP4 may output the pixel position of a portion that represents the recording pixel region R21 as the position of the recording pixel region R21. ISP4 may output the pixel positions of two diagonal corners as the pixel positions that represent the recording pixel region R21. For example, ISP4 may output the pixel position of the upper left corner CN11 and the pixel position of the lower right corner CN12 in FIG. 22(b).

[0191] In the camera ECU 310, the CPU 311 receives an image (output image) IM21 of the recording pixel region R21 and the position of the recording pixel region R21 from the vehicle-mounted camera 100 via the cable 320 and the decoder 312. The CPU 311 uses the image (output image) IM21 of the recording pixel region R21 to generate a display image to be output to a predetermined display device (S205).

[0192] The position of the distortion center DC is set in advance in the camera ECU 310. The position of the distortion center DC corresponds to the pixel position of the distortion center DC in the image IM21. The CPU 311 may confirm that the center PC21 of the image IM21 approximately coincides with the distortion center DC according to the positions of the recording pixel region R21 and the distortion center DC. In response to this, the CPU 311 may generate a display image IM31 by using the image IM21 of the recording pixel region R21 as it is, as shown in FIG. 22(b) and FIG. 22(c). The display image IM31 is an image that has the distortion center DC as its center and has the same number of pixels as the recording pixel region R21 (for example, X2×Y2 shown in FIG. 19).

[0193] If image IM21 of recording pixel region R21 is used as is when generating display image IM31, CPU311 can omit the calculation process (see FIG. 18(c)) for obtaining an image centered on distortion center DC and having the same number of pixels as recording pixel region R21. CPU311 can generate display image IM31 while avoiding the occurrence of partial region PR2 (see FIG. 18(c)) that is deleted. CPU311 can generate display image IM31 that does not include partial region PR3 (see FIG. 18(c)) that is substantially missing image information. This can improve the image quality of display image IM31.

[0194] In the vehicle-mounted camera 100, the ISP4 performs a predetermined process on the image IM21, and outputs the image IM21 of the recording pixel region R21 and the position of the distortion center DC while stabilizing the image IM21 (S18). The predetermined process includes exposure adjustment, white balance adjustment, gain adjustment, gamma correction, etc.

[0195] In the camera ECU 310, the CPU 311 supplies a display image IM31 to a predetermined display device (for example, the display 202) in response to stabilization of the image IM21 from the vehicle-mounted camera 100. The predetermined display device displays the display image IM31 (S106).

[0196] As described above, in the second embodiment, the vehicle-mounted camera 100 reads the position of the recording pixel region R21 from the non-volatile memory 305 in response to the start of the imaging element 303, and outputs the output image of the recording pixel region R21, which is a part of the effective pixel region R1, and the position of the recording pixel region R21 to the camera ECU 310 via the cable 320. This allows the output image to be transmitted to the camera ECU 310 at a speed equal to or lower than the upper limit frequency Fth via the cable 320, and the predetermined frame rate required for the vehicle-mounted camera 100 can be satisfied. Furthermore, since the position of the recording pixel region R21 is transmitted to the camera ECU 310 in addition to the output image, the camera ECU 310 can confirm that the center PC21 of the recording pixel region R21 coincides with the distortion center DC, and the display image IM3 can be generated using the image IM21 of the recording pixel region R21 as it is. As a result, a display image in which the position of the distortion center DC is appropriate can be displayed on a predetermined display device (for example, the display 202) while satisfying the predetermined frame rate required for the vehicle-mounted camera 100.

[0197] 1A to 10, an on-vehicle camera is assembled, the position of the distortion center DC of the lens unit is measured, and the position of the distortion center DC is written to a non-volatile memory according to the flowchart of Fig. 16 or 20. Also, a display image in which the position of the distortion center DC has been appropriately adjusted can be displayed on a specified display device.

[0198] As a result, the present disclosure includes at least the following items. Note that, in parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiment are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to these.

[0199] (1) A lens unit (lens unit 30) including a first cylindrical portion (first cylindrical portion 37) having a first cylindrical shape, at least one lens disposed inside the first cylindrical portion, and a flange portion (flange portion 32) disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with respect to the optical axis around the entire circumference of the at least one lens, A circuit board (circuit board 40) having a first surface (first surface 40a) and a second surface (second surface 40b) opposite to the first surface; an imaging element (imaging element 50) disposed on the optical axis of the lens and on the first surface of the circuit board; a housing (housing 60) having a second cylindrical portion (large diameter cylindrical portion 61) that is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis and that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element inside the second cylindrical portion; a flat ring member (ring member 20) having a predetermined light transmittance and welded to the flange portion of the lens unit and the second cylindrical portion of the housing; the ring member has a third surface (third surface 20a) and a fourth surface (fourth surface 20b) opposite the third surface and facing the flange portion of the lens unit, the flange portion of the lens unit has a welding rib (welding rib 34) that protrudes toward the fourth surface of the ring member and is disposed around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, The fourth surface of the ring member is welded to the welding rib and to an end surface (end surface 63) of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, The welding rib has a first portion (first portion 35) and a second portion (second portion 36) different from the first portion, a first height by which the first portion protrudes from the flange portion along the optical axis direction is different from a second height by which the second portion protrudes from the flange portion along the optical axis direction; An in-vehicle camera (in-vehicle camera 100).

[0200] As a result, in the vehicle-mounted camera, the welding rib protruding from the flange portion of the lens unit has a first portion and a second portion of different heights. Even if the flange portion of the lens unit is tilted relative to the circuit board as a result of adjustment of the lens unit, the ring member is welded to the welding rib of the flange portion without being tilted relative to the circuit board due to the action of the welding rib. Specifically, the first portion and the second portion of the welding rib, which have different heights, absorb the tilt of the flange portion relative to the circuit board and position the ring member so that it is parallel to the circuit board.

[0201] For this reason, the ring member is arranged parallel to the circuit board, and the housing is attached to the ring member in a state parallel to the optical axis, so that the connector arranged across the inside and outside of the housing is connected to the circuit board without being tilted, thereby suppressing deterioration of the transmission characteristics of the connector.

[0202] (2) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), a first cross section of the first portion and a second cross section of the second portion in a cross section perpendicular to the third surface of the ring member and centered on the optical axis, a first area of ​​the first cross-section of the first portion is different from a second area of ​​the second cross-section of the second portion; In-car camera.

[0203] As a result, in the vehicle-mounted camera, the ring member can be welded to the welding rib of the flange portion without being inclined relative to the circuit board due to the first portion and the second portion having different cross-sectional areas.

[0204] (3) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (2), the first cross-section of the first portion has a first rectangular shape; The second cross section of the second portion has a second rectangular shape different from the first rectangular shape. In-car camera.

[0205] As a result, in the vehicle-mounted camera, the first and second portions each having a rectangular cross section enable the ring member to be stably welded to the welding rib of the flange portion without being inclined relative to the circuit board.

[0206] (4) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), a height of the welding rib protruding from the flange portion along the optical axis varies depending on a position on the entire circumference of the flange portion; In-car camera.

[0207] As a result, in an in-vehicle camera, the welding rib, whose height varies depending on the position around the entire circumference of the flange portion, allows the ring member to be welded to the welding rib of the flange portion without any inclination relative to the circuit board around the entire circumference of the flange portion.

[0208] (5) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (1), a connector (connector 80) disposed across the inside and outside of the housing on a bottom surface (bottom surface 65) of the second cylindrical portion of the housing corresponding to the second surface of the circuit board and electrically connected to the second surface of the circuit board; In the flange portion of the lens unit, a first protrusion (protrusion 38), a second protrusion (protrusion 38), and a third protrusion (protrusion 38) protruding from a second flange surface (second flange surface 32b) opposite to a first flange surface (first flange surface 32a) on which the welding rib is formed are fixed to the first surface of the circuit board. In-car camera.

[0209] This allows the connector to be stably connected to the circuit board in the vehicle-mounted camera, and the lens unit can be stably positioned on the circuit board by the at least three protrusions.

[0210] (6) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (5), The longitudinal direction of the connector is perpendicular to the second surface of the circuit board. In-car camera.

[0211] As a result, in the vehicle-mounted camera, the connector is connected perpendicular to the circuit board, ensuring good transmission characteristics.

[0212] (7) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (5), one end of the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit is spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the first surface of the circuit board in a direction along the optical axis, the distance being 0.4 mm or less; In-car camera.

[0213] This makes it possible to easily achieve a state in which the ring member is not inclined relative to the circuit board.

[0214] (8) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (5), The flange portion of the lens unit is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the circuit board, the inclination angle being 1.15° or less. In-car camera.

[0215] This makes it possible to easily achieve a state in which the ring member is not inclined relative to the circuit board.

[0216] (9) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (5), The connector is a coaxial connector or an STQ connector. In-car camera.

[0217] This makes it possible to achieve high-speed communication in the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0218] (10) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (3), The first rectangular shape of the first portion of the welding rib includes a first side (first side 35a) on the flange portion side and a second side (second side 35b) facing the first side and shorter than the first side, The second rectangular shape of the second portion of the welding rib includes a third side (third side 36a) on the flange portion side and a fourth side (fourth side 36b) facing the third side and shorter than the second side and the third side. In-car camera.

[0219] As a result, in the vehicle-mounted camera, the first and second parts, whose cross sections widen toward the flange portion, allow the ring member to be stably welded to the welding rib of the flange portion without being inclined relative to the circuit board.

[0220] (11) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (10), The first rectangular shape of the first cross section of the first portion of the welding rib includes a fifth side (fifth side 35c) that is inclined with respect to a direction along the optical axis, The second rectangular shape of the second cross section of the second portion of the welding rib includes a sixth side (sixth side 36c) that is inclined with respect to the direction along the optical axis, In-car camera.

[0221] As a result, in the vehicle-mounted camera, the first and second parts with inclined sides enable the ring member to be stably welded to the welding rib of the flange portion without being inclined relative to the circuit board.

[0222] (12) The vehicle-mounted camera according to (5), the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the fourth surface of the ring member; In-car camera.

[0223] As a result, in the vehicle-mounted camera, the first flange surface of the flange portion is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle relative to the fourth surface of the ring member, but the first and second portions have different heights, so that the ring member can be welded to the welding rib of the flange portion without being inclined relative to the circuit board.

[0224] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, corrections, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents may be made within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the above-mentioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0225] The present disclosure is useful as an in-vehicle camera that can be manufactured at low cost and ensures excellent imaging performance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0226] 10 Cap 20 Ring member 20a Side 3 20b Side 4 30 Lens unit 31 Lens barrel 32 Flange section 32a First flange surface 32b Second flange surface 35 Part 1 35a Side 1 35b Side 2 35c Side 5 36 Part 2 36a Third Side 36b Side 4 36c Side 6 37 First cylindrical section 38 Projections (first projection, second projection, third projection) 39 Adhesive 40 Circuit Board 40a Page 1 40b 2nd side 47 End face 50 Image sensor 60 Case 61 Large diameter cylindrical portion (second cylindrical portion) 62 Small diameter cylindrical part 63 End face 65 Bottom 100 Car Camera 200 First jig 210 Second jig

Claims

1. a lens unit including a first cylindrical portion having a first cylindrical shape, at least one lens disposed inside the first cylindrical portion, and a flange portion disposed on the outside of the first cylindrical portion so as to extend outward with the optical axis as a reference, around the entire circumference of the at least one lens; a circuit board having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; an imaging element disposed on the optical axis of the lens and on the first surface of the circuit board; a housing having a second cylindrical portion that is a second cylindrical shape along the optical axis and that houses at least the circuit board and the imaging element inside the second cylindrical portion; a flat ring member having a predetermined light transmittance and welded to the flange portion of the lens unit and the second cylindrical portion of the housing; the ring member has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface and facing the flange portion of the lens unit, the flange portion of the lens unit has a welding rib that protrudes toward the fourth surface of the ring member and is disposed around the entire circumference centered on the optical axis, the fourth surface of the ring member is welded to the welding rib and to an end surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing, The welding rib has a first portion and a second portion different from the first portion, a first height by which the first portion protrudes from the flange portion along the optical axis direction is different from a second height by which the second portion protrudes from the flange portion along the optical axis direction; In-car camera.

2. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, a first cross section of the first portion and a second cross section of the second portion in a cross section perpendicular to the third surface of the ring member and centered on the optical axis, a first area of ​​the first cross-section of the first portion is different from a second area of ​​the second cross-section of the second portion; In-car camera.

3. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 2, the first cross-section of the first portion has a first rectangular shape; The second cross section of the second portion has a second rectangular shape different from the first rectangular shape. In-car camera.

4. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, a height of the welding rib protruding from the flange portion along the optical axis varies depending on a position on the entire circumference of the flange portion; In-car camera.

5. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 1, a connector disposed on a bottom surface of the second cylindrical portion of the housing corresponding to the second surface of the circuit board across an inside and an outside of the housing and electrically connected to the second surface of the circuit board, a first protrusion, a second protrusion and a third protrusion protruding from a second flange surface opposite to a first flange surface on which the welding rib is formed in the flange portion of the lens unit are fixed to the first surface of the circuit board; In-car camera.

6. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 5, The longitudinal direction of the connector is perpendicular to the second surface of the circuit board. In-car camera.

7. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 5, one end of the second flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit is spaced a predetermined distance from one end of the first surface of the circuit board in a direction along the optical axis, the distance being 0.4 mm or less; In-car camera.

8. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 5, the flange portion of the lens unit is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the circuit board, the inclination angle being 1.15° or less; In-car camera.

9. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 5, The connector is a coaxial connector or an STQ connector. In-car camera.

10. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 3, The first rectangular shape of the first portion of the welding rib includes a first side on the flange portion side and a second side opposite to the first side and shorter than the first side, The second rectangular shape of the second portion of the welding rib includes a third side on the flange portion side and a fourth side facing the third side and shorter than the second side and the third side. In-car camera.

11. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 10, The first rectangular shape of the first cross section of the first portion of the welding rib includes a fifth side inclined with respect to a direction along the optical axis, The second rectangular shape of the second cross section of the second portion of the welding rib includes a sixth side inclined with respect to a direction along the optical axis. In-car camera.

12. The vehicle-mounted camera according to claim 5, the first flange surface of the flange portion of the lens unit is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the fourth surface of the ring member; In-car camera.

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