Imaging equipment

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus which allows a position being a dead angle ordinarily to be observed.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus (10) comprises: an imaging unit (11) which captures images of an area defined with a predetermined field angle; a reflector (12) which is disposed at a position in a predetermined range from an edge of the predetermined field angle and causes the imaging unit (11) to capture an image of an area outside the predetermined field angle; and an image processing unit (16) to display a first image captured without the medium of the reflector (12) and a second image captured through the medium of the reflector (12).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, imaging devices are sometimes mounted on moving objects such as vehicles. The vehicle is, for example, an automobile, and the imaging device can capture images of the surrounding area and display the images on a display device for the driver's safety. As the imaging device mounted on the vehicle, not only visible light cameras equipped with a CMOS image sensor that captures light in the visible light range, but also far-infrared cameras equipped with a far-infrared sensor that captures far-infrared light may be used (for example, Patent Document 1). The far-infrared camera is used as a heat source detection means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-058805 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Infrared cameras can capture images farther than the range of visible light cameras in poor visibility conditions such as fog and nighttime. However, when set to capture images farther away, the angle of view of the infrared camera becomes narrower and the blind spots become larger.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure, made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems with the conventional technology, is to provide an imaging device capable of observing positions that are normally blind spots. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an imaging unit that images an area defined by a predetermined angle of view; a reflector that is disposed at a position within a predetermined range from an edge of the predetermined angle of view and causes the photographing unit to photograph an area outside the predetermined angle of view; The image processing unit displays a first image captured without using the reflector and a second image captured via the reflector. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of observing positions that are normally blind spots. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the imaging device is used. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the rotational movement of the reflector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the rotational movement of the reflector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image captured at a predetermined angle of view. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image including a first image and a second image. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the first image and the second image. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another display example of the first image and the second image. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a curved surface portion of a reflector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a shooting method of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image capturing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The image capturing device 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on a moving body 1, captures an image of the surrounding area of ​​the moving body 1, and displays the captured image for safe driving. Here, the moving body 1 includes vehicles, ships, and aircraft. The vehicles include, but are not limited to, automobiles and industrial vehicles, and may include railroad vehicles and vehicles for daily life. The automobiles include, but are not limited to, passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, trolley buses, and the like, and may include other vehicles that run on roads. In this embodiment, the moving body 1 will be described as an automobile. The image capturing device 10 is a so-called vehicle-mounted camera device.

[0010] The photographing device 10 may be installed in various locations on the moving body 1. In this embodiment, the photographing device 10 is disposed on the front bumper, on the roof line of the exterior of the vehicle body, or in the vicinity of either of these, and can usually photograph the surrounding area including the traveling direction (hereinafter referred to as "forward") of the moving body 1. Here, the number of photographing devices 10 may be one as in this embodiment, but may be multiple.

[0011] The photographing device 10 includes a photographing section 11, a reflector 12, a hinge section 13, a storage section 14, a reflector control section 15, an image processing section 16, and a position prediction section 17. Details of each component of the photographing device 10 will be described later. Also, Fig. 1 is an example, and the photographing device 10 does not need to include all of the components shown in Fig. 1, and may further include components not shown in Fig. 1.

[0012] The image capturing device 10 transmits and receives necessary information to and from other devices (hereinafter, referred to as “external devices”) mounted on the moving object 1. In this embodiment, the external devices include a display device 20, a communication device 30, an ECU 40, and an input device 50.

[0013] The display device 20 is a device that displays the image captured by the imaging device 10. The display device 20 may also display an image that calls attention to safe driving. The display device 20 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display. Here, the display device 20 does not need to be a dedicated device. For example, a display unit of a driving support device such as a head-up display (HUD) or a navigation device may function as the display device 20.

[0014] The communication device 30 is a device that receives safe driving support information from a roadside device 4 that observes objects and people on the road. The roadside device 4 may be a device that constitutes an Intelligent Transport System (ITS). The safe driving support information includes, for example, warning information indicating that a pedestrian 3, an oncoming vehicle 2, an obstacle, or the like is approaching the moving object 1. The communication device 30 may be composed of a communication circuit and an antenna. The communication device 30 may perform wireless communication, for example, using the 700 MHz band allocated to the ITS. The communication device 30 may also perform wireless communication, for example, using a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0015] The ECU 40 (Electronic Control Unit) is an electronic control device that controls the traveling of the moving object 1. The image capturing device 10 can acquire information related to the traveling of the moving object 1 from the ECU 40. The image capturing device 10 and the ECU 40 may be connected to each other via, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0016] The input device 50 is a device for the driver of the moving object 1 to operate the image capturing device 10. The input device 50 may be, for example, a physical switch having a push button or the like. The input device 50 may also be a touch panel display integrated with the display device 20. In this case, the driver of the moving object 1 may output a signal for operating the image capturing device 10 by touching a button displayed on the touch panel display.

[0017] The image capturing device 10, together with the display device 20, the communication device 30, the ECU 40, and the input device 50, may constitute an image capturing system mounted on the moving object 1.

[0018] Each component of the imaging device 10 will now be described in detail.

[0019] The photographing unit 11 photographs an area defined by a predetermined angle of view. Here, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the photographing device 10 is used. In the example of FIG. 2, the angle α corresponds to the predetermined angle of view. In this embodiment, the photographing unit 11 is a far-infrared sensor. The far-infrared sensor is a sensor that detects infrared rays with a wavelength of 3 μm to 1000 μm. The far-infrared sensor can detect objects that are heat sources even in fog, at night, backlit, and poor visibility environments.

[0020] The photographing unit 11 of the photographing device 10, which is intended for object detection for safe driving, may set the angle α to 18°, 30°, or 60° in order to detect a distant object (for example, 100 m or more) ahead. In the example of FIG. 2, for example, an oncoming vehicle 2 located ahead of the moving body 1 is included in an area defined by a predetermined angle of view (angle α), but a pedestrian 3 is outside that area (blind spot). Here, if the photographing unit 11 can detect the pedestrian 3 located on the left side of the moving body 1 when the moving body 1 turns left, the driver of the moving body 1 can also pay attention to the pedestrian 3 by looking at the photographed image. As described below, the photographing device 10 according to this embodiment can also photograph an object located in a blind spot, such as the pedestrian 3.

[0021] The reflector 12 is a reflecting plate. The reflector 12 is disposed at a position within a predetermined range from the edge of a predetermined angle of view. In this embodiment, the reflector 12 is configured to have a reflecting portion 120 that reflects far infrared rays, and a curved portion 121 provided on at least a part of the outer edge (see FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the material of the reflecting portion 120 of the reflector 12 is aluminum, but is not limited to this and may be any material that reflects far infrared rays with high reflectance.

[0022] The hinge unit 13 is connected to the reflector 12, and rotates the reflector 12 from outside the range of a predetermined angle of view to within the range. In this embodiment, the predetermined range in which the reflector 12 is disposed is a range in which the reflector 12 can be rotated by the hinge unit 13. The hinge unit 13 may be configured with a rotation shaft that is connected to the reflector 12 and serves as the center of the rotational movement of the reflector 12, and a drive unit that rotates the rotation shaft. The drive unit is, for example, a motor, and rotates the rotation shaft under the control of the reflector control unit 15.

[0023] 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining the rotational movement of the reflector 12. The positional relationship between the pedestrian 3 and the photographing device 10 mounted on the moving body 1 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 is the same as that in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the hinge unit 13 is located along the edge of the predetermined angle of view of the photographing unit 11. In the example of FIG. 3, the entire reflector 12 is outside the range of the predetermined angle of view, and light reflected by the reflector 12 does not enter the photographing unit 11. In other words, FIG. 3 shows a non-use state of the reflector 12 that does not allow the photographing unit 11 to photograph an area outside the predetermined angle of view. In the example of FIG. 4, the reflector 12 is within the range of the predetermined angle of view, and light reflected by the reflector 12 enters the photographing unit 11. In the example of FIG. 4, the image of the pedestrian 3, which is usually located in the blind spot on the left side of the photographing unit 11, is reflected by the reflector 12 and enters the right side of the photographing unit 11. That is, FIG. 4 shows a state in which the reflector 12 is used to allow the photographing unit 11 to photograph an area outside a predetermined angle of view. Here, in the example of FIG. 4, an image of the left side of the area defined by the predetermined angle of view is incident on the left side of the photographing unit 11, as in the case of the reflector 12 not being used. In other words, when the reflector 12 is in a used state, an image of an object located in the blind spot on the left side reflected by the reflector 12 is incident on the right side of the photographing unit 11, instead of an image of the right side of the area defined by the predetermined angle of view. Here, the light reflected by the reflector 12 is incident on the right half of the photographing unit 11 at most. The area where the light reflected by the reflector 12 is incident on the photographing unit 11 changes depending on the position of the reflector 12. The reflector 12 can be located at any position within the range indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4, for example.

[0024] In this embodiment, the reflecting portion 120 of the reflector 12 is flat, but may be curved. For example, when the reflector 12 is a convex mirror, an image over a wider range than that of a flat surface can be made incident on the right side of the photographing unit 11. In this embodiment, the reflector 12 is disposed at a position about 10 cm away from the photographing unit 11, but may be disposed closer or farther away from the photographing unit 11 depending on, for example, the width (length in the short direction) of the reflector 12.

[0025] Here, there is a method of photographing an object located in a blind spot by moving the photographing unit 11 itself with a drive mechanism and changing the optical axis direction. However, moving the photographing unit 11 itself causes a problem of durability. In particular, when the photographing unit 11 is attached to a moving body 1, the moving part of the photographing unit 11 is subjected to vibration and wind pressure during traveling. Therefore, it is preferable to use the reflected image of the reflector 12 as in this embodiment.

[0026] The storage unit 14 is connected to the reflector 12 and stores the reflector 12 inside the moving body 1 when the reflector 12 is not in use. The storage unit 14 may be configured to include, for example, a pinion gear and a motor, but is not limited to this. The storage unit 14 prevents the reflector 12 from being subjected to wind pressure caused by the traveling of the moving body 1 when it is not in use, thereby suppressing deterioration of the reflector 12.

[0027] The reflector control unit 15 controls the position of the reflector 12. In this embodiment, the reflector control unit 15 controls the position of the reflector 12 by controlling the rotational movement of the reflector 12 by the hinge unit 13. In this way, the reflector control unit 15 can switch between a used state of the reflector 12 (see FIG. 4) and an unused state of the reflector 12 (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, when the reflector 12 is not in use, the reflector control unit 15 causes the reflector 12 to be stored in the storage unit 14.

[0028] In this embodiment, the reflector control unit 15 switches the reflector 12, which is initially set to an unused state, to a used state when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the reflector control unit 15 determines whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied when visibility is poor (when it is difficult for the driver of the moving object 1 to visually confirm). The reflector control unit 15 may determine whether or not visibility is poor based on an image captured by the image capture unit 11, for example. As will be described in order below, in this embodiment, the predetermined condition includes a plurality of conditions.

[0029] The reflector control unit 15 switches the reflector 12 to the use state when the moving object 1 receives warning information. Specifically, when the reflector control unit 15 receives warning information from the roadside unit 4 via the communication device 30, indicating that a pedestrian 3, an oncoming vehicle 2, an obstacle, or the like is approaching, the reflector control unit 15 switches the reflector 12 to the use state. The reflector control unit 15 may calculate the positions of the approaching pedestrian 3, the oncoming vehicle 2, the obstacle, or the like based on the warning information, and control the position of the reflector 12 so that the positions are included in the reflected image of the reflector 12.

[0030] The reflector control unit 15 switches the reflector 12 to a usable state when the moving object 1 changes its traveling direction. Specifically, the reflector control unit 15 changes the position of the reflector 12 when it determines that the moving object 1 will turn left based on the information related to the blinker and steering angle information of the moving object 1 acquired from the ECU 40.

[0031] The reflector control unit 15 puts the reflector 12 into use when there is an instruction from the driver of the moving body 1. Specifically, when a signal generated by the driver pressing or touching the button of the input device 50 is acquired from the input device 50, the reflector control unit 15 puts the reflector 12 into use.

[0032] The reflector control unit 15 puts the reflector 12 into use when the position of the object predicted by the position prediction unit 17 is included in an area outside a predetermined angle of view. The object whose position is predicted by the position prediction unit 17 is, for example, an obstacle. The reflector control unit 15 may control the position of the reflector 12 so that the predicted position of the obstacle is included in the reflected image of the reflector 12. The position prediction unit 17 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The image processing unit 16 performs image processing on the image captured by the image capturing unit 11, and displays the image on which the image processing has been performed on the display device 20. Here, FIG. 5 is an example of an image 60 captured by the image capturing unit 11 at a predetermined angle of view, and includes an oncoming vehicle 2 from the front. However, the image 60 shown in FIG. 5 does not include a pedestrian 3 located in a blind spot. When the reflector 12 is not in use, the image processing unit 16 receives data of the image 60 as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is an example of an image 60 captured by the image capturing unit 11 when the reflector 12 is in use. The image 60 shown in FIG. 6 includes a first image 601 captured without the reflector 12 and a second image 602 captured through the reflector 12. The second image 602 includes a pedestrian 3. When the reflector 12 is in use, the image processing unit 16 receives data of the image 60 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0034] When the reflector 12 is in use, the image processing unit 16 combines the first image 601 and the processed second image 602 and displays them on the display device 20. Fig. 7 shows an example of an image 60 that the image processing unit 16 displays on the display device 20. The image processing unit 16 may perform image processing including inversion on the second image 602. By such image processing, left-right inversion of the image caused by the reflector 12 is eliminated.

[0035] The image processing unit 16 may combine and display the first image 601 and the second image 602 that has been subjected to image processing including inversion and movement so as to be one continuous image. FIG. 8 is another example of an image 60 that the image processing unit 16 causes the display device 20 to display. In addition to inversion, the image processing unit 16 may perform image processing on the second image 602 to move the second image 602 to the left of the first image 601. The image processing unit 16 may further perform image processing such as enlargement / reduction and coordinate conversion on the second image 602 so that the second image 602 is continuous with the first image 601. By such image processing, the driver of the moving object 1 can confirm an object that is usually located in a blind spot in the same way as in the case of visual confirmation.

[0036] Here, the image processing unit 16 needs to distinguish the second image 602, which is the target of image processing, from other images. In this embodiment, the reflector 12 has a curved surface portion 121, which is made of a material having a different emissivity or reflectance from the reflecting portion 120, on at least a part of the outer edge, so that a boundary line 61 can be generated at the boundary between the first image 601 and the second image 602. The boundary line 61 enables the image processing unit 16 to correctly recognize the second image 602.

[0037] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the curved surface portion 121 of the reflector 12. In FIG. 9, the upper diagram is a plan view showing a part of the reflector 12, and the lower diagram is a corresponding cross-sectional view. The boundary line 61 is generated by reflected light at the curved surface portion 121 of the reflector 12. In this embodiment, the curved surface portion 121 has an R-shaped cross section. The R-shaped cross section makes the width of the boundary line 61 almost constant regardless of the position of the reflector 12. This allows the image processing unit 16 to easily detect the boundary line 61 in the image 60.

[0038] In this embodiment, the material of the curved surface portion 121 is glass, but is not limited thereto. A material with low emissivity (or absorptivity) has high reflectivity, and is therefore suitable as a material for the reflecting portion 120 of the reflector 12. As described above, aluminum, which is the material of the reflecting portion 120 in this embodiment, has an emissivity of 4 to 9% in the wavelength range of far infrared rays. Glass, which is the material of the curved surface portion 121, has a very high absorptivity in the wavelength range of far infrared rays of 5 μm or more, and therefore behaves as an absorber. Therefore, the reflection at the curved surface portion 121 is significantly different from the reflection at the reflecting portion 120, and a clear boundary line 61 can be generated. As another example, the material of the curved surface portion 121 may be copper oxide (emissivity 78%), asphalt (emissivity 90 to 98%), concrete (emissivity 94%), or the like.

[0039] Here, by providing fine irregularities on the surface of the curved portion 121, it is possible to adjust the amount of light reflected on the surface and make the boundary line 61 stand out. In this embodiment, the curved portion 121 is provided on the entire outer edge of the reflector 12, but it may be provided on a part of the outer edge. For example, the curved portion 121 may be provided on only one of the outer edges in the longitudinal direction of the reflector 12 so that the boundary line 61 occurs between the first image 601 and the curved portion 121.

[0040] The position prediction unit 17 performs object recognition based on the image captured by the image capture unit 11, and predicts the position of the recognized object if it is an obstacle or the like. Object recognition is a process of identifying an object contained in an image and recognizing what the object is. A known method may be used for object recognition, and for example, a pre-trained deep learning model may be used.

[0041] When an obstacle is recognized, the position prediction unit 17 calculates the coordinates of the obstacle, its actual positional relationship with the moving body 1, its size, moving speed, moving direction, etc., using, for example, multiple images captured at different times, and predicts the position of the obstacle. In this embodiment, the position prediction unit 17 outputs information on the predicted position of the obstacle to the reflector control unit 15.

[0042] Here, the photographing device 10 may be configured to include one or more processors. The processor may include a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process and a general-purpose processor that executes a specific function by reading a specific program. The dedicated processor may include a digital signal processor (DSP) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor may include a programmable logic device (PLD). The PLD may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The photographing device 10 may include either a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or a system in a package (SiP) in which one or more processors work together. The processor may include one or more memories that store programs for various processes and information during calculation. The memory includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.

[0043] The reflector control unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the position prediction unit 17 of the photographing device 10 may be hardware modules or software modules. The processes executed by the reflector control unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the position prediction unit 17 may be executed by at least one processor constituting the photographing device 10. The processes of the reflector control unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the position prediction unit 17 may be executed in a distributed manner by a plurality of processors, or may be executed by a single processor.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a photographing method of the photographing device 10 according to the present embodiment. The photographing device 10 may be configured to read and execute the process described below by a program recorded in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes, but is not limited to, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, and a semiconductor storage medium. The magnetic storage medium includes a magnetic disk, a hard disk, and a magnetic tape. The optical storage medium includes an optical disk such as a compact disc (CD), a DVD, and a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc. The semiconductor storage medium includes a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and a flash memory.

[0045] The reflector control unit 15 of the photographing device 10 puts the reflector 12 into an unused state (step S1).

[0046] The photographing section 11 of the photographing device 10 photographs an image 60 (see FIG. 5) with a predetermined angle of view. The image processing section 16 of the photographing device 10 causes the display device 20 to display the image 60 with the predetermined angle of view (step S2).

[0047] The reflector control unit 15 of the photographing device 10 determines whether the visibility is poor based on the image photographed by the photographing unit 11. If the visibility is not poor (No in step S3), the photographing device 10 returns to the process of step S1. If the visibility is poor (Yes in step S3), the photographing device 10 proceeds to the process of step S4.

[0048] If the moving object 1 has received the warning information (Yes in step S4), the reflector control unit 15 of the photographing device 10 sets the reflector 12 to a usable state (step S8). If the moving object 1 has not received the warning information (No in step S4), the photographing device 10 proceeds to the process of step S5.

[0049] If the moving object 1 changes its direction of travel (Yes in step S5), the reflector control unit 15 of the image capturing device 10 sets the reflector 12 to a usable state (step S8). If the moving object 1 does not change its direction of travel (No in step S5), the image capturing device 10 proceeds to the process of step S6.

[0050] The reflector control unit 15 of the photographing device 10, when instructed by the driver of the moving object 1 (Yes in step S6), sets the reflector 12 to a usable state (step S8). When instructed not to by the driver of the moving object 1 (No in step S6), the photographing device 10 proceeds to the process of step S7.

[0051] If the position of the object predicted by the position prediction unit 17 is included in an area outside the predetermined angle of view (Yes in step S7), the reflector control unit 15 of the photographing device 10 sets the reflector 12 to a usable state (step S8). If the position of the object predicted by the position prediction unit 17 is included in an area of ​​the predetermined angle of view (No in step S7), the photographing device 10 returns to the process of step S1.

[0052] When the reflector 12 is in use, the photographing section 11 of the photographing device 10 photographs an image 60 (see FIG. 6) including a first image 601 and a second image 602. The image processing section 16 of the photographing device 10 causes the display device 20 to display the first image 601 and the second image 602 (step S9). At this time, the image processing section 16 of the photographing device 10 may combine and display the first image 601 and the second image 602 that has been subjected to image processing including inversion and movement so as to be one continuous image. The photographing device 10 returns to the processing of step S1.

[0053] As described above, the imaging device 10 according to this embodiment can observe positions that are usually blind spots by the above configuration. The imaging device 10 according to this embodiment has an advantage that there is no durability problem compared to a method that includes a drive mechanism that drives the imaging unit 11 itself. In addition, the imaging device 10 according to this embodiment can distinguish the second image 602, which is the target of image processing, from other images by generating a boundary line 61 having a substantially constant width regardless of the position of the reflector 12, by having the curved surface portion 121 of the reflector 12.

[0054] Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or each step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided. Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described mainly with respect to the device, the embodiments according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a method including steps executed by each component of the device. The embodiments according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a method executed by a processor included in the device, a program, or a storage medium on which a program is recorded. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] In the above embodiment, poor visibility is a prerequisite for determining the predetermined condition for switching the reflector 12 to the use state. However, the reflector control unit 15 may determine whether the above-mentioned predetermined condition is satisfied regardless of whether visibility is poor or not, and switch the reflector 12 to the use state if the condition is satisfied. In addition, the photographing device 10 may be configured without at least one of the storage unit 14 and the position prediction unit 17.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the imaging device 10 is mounted on the moving object 1 traveling in the left lane and is described as observing an object in a blind spot when turning left. However, the contents of the present disclosure are similarly applicable to the moving object 1 traveling in the right lane and turning right. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Mobile 2 Oncoming vehicles 3. Pedestrians 4 Roadside unit 10. Imaging Device 11. Photography Department 12 Reflector 13 Hinge part 14 Storage area 15 Reflector control section 16 Image processing section 17 Position Prediction Unit 20 Display device 30 Communication Equipment 40 ECU 50 Input Devices 60 images 61 Border 120 Reflector 121 Curved surface part 601 1st image 602 2nd image

Claims

1. an imaging unit that images an area defined by a predetermined angle of view; a reflector that is disposed at a predetermined position included in the predetermined angle of view and causes the photographing unit to photograph an area outside the predetermined angle of view; an image processing unit that displays a first image captured without using the reflector and a second image captured via the reflector, the image processing unit combines and displays the first image and the second image that has been subjected to image processing including either inversion or translation so as to be one continuous image. Filming equipment.

2. The photographing device as described in Claim 1, wherein the reflector is positioned at a position within a predetermined range from the edge of the specified angle of view.

3. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the reflector has a curved surface portion on at least a part of an outer edge thereof, the curved surface portion being made of a material having a different emissivity or reflectivity.

4. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the curved surface portion has a cross section that is rounded.

5. The imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the curved surface portion has a surface provided with projections and recesses.

6. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the reflector is a convex mirror.

7. A reflector control unit that controls a position of the reflector, 7. The photographing device according to claim 1, wherein the reflector control unit switches between a use state of the reflector that causes the photographing unit to photograph an area outside the predetermined angle of view and a non-use state of the reflector that does not cause the photographing unit to photograph an area outside the predetermined angle of view.

8. a hinge portion connected to the reflector and configured to rotate the reflector from outside the range of the predetermined angle of view to within the range of the predetermined angle of view; The photographing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the reflector control section controls a position of the reflector by controlling a rotational movement of the reflector by the hinge section.

9. 9. The photographing device according to claim 7, wherein the reflector control unit sets the reflector to the use state when a moving body on which the photographing device is mounted receives warning information.

10. The photographing device according to claim 7 , wherein the reflector control unit brings the reflector into the use state when a moving body on which the photographing device is mounted changes a traveling direction.

11. The photographing device according to claim 7 , wherein the reflector control unit sets the reflector to the use state when an instruction is received from a driver of a moving body on which the photographing device is mounted.

12. a position prediction unit that performs object recognition based on the image captured by the imaging unit and predicts the position of the recognized object; 12. The photographing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the reflector control unit puts the reflector into the use state when the position of the object predicted by the position prediction unit is included in an area outside the predetermined angle of view.

13. 13. The photographing device according to claim 7, further comprising a storage section connected to the reflector and configured to store the reflector inside a moving body on which the photographing device is mounted when the reflector is in the unused state.

14. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging unit is a far-infrared sensor.

15. An imaging unit that images an area defined by a predetermined angle of view; a reflector that is disposed at a predetermined position included in the predetermined angle of view and causes the photographing unit to photograph an area outside the predetermined angle of view; an image processing unit that displays a first image captured without using the reflector and a second image captured via the reflector, the image processing unit combines and displays the first image and the second image that has been subjected to image processing including either inversion or translation so as to be one continuous image. Equipped with a photographic device Mobile body.

Images