Occupant detection device and imaging device

Abstract

The present invention comprises a display unit (20) that is mounted on a vehicle (100) and that is installed in the vehicle (100), and an imaging unit (10) that is detachably attached to the display unit (20) and that captures an image of an area in the vehicle (100) where at least the face of an occupant should be present.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an occupant detection device and an imaging device for detecting the state of an occupant in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technology is known in which an imaging device is mounted in a vehicle and an occupant is detected based on an image captured by the imaging device. The imaging device is preferably provided at a position where it can accurately capture an image of an occupant in the vehicle, in other words, where it can capture at least the face of the occupant in the vehicle. Meanwhile, in most vehicles, a display device is provided at a preferred installation position for the imaging device as described above so that the occupant can easily view the image. Therefore, a technology is known in which the imaging device is installed in a position adjacent to the display device in the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an occupant photography device that includes a camera arranged on the instrument panel outside the display, adjacent to and rearward of the display in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction, and uses this camera to photograph the driver. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-14361 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technologies, such as the technology of an occupant photographing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the display device and the imaging device are structured separately, and in a vehicle, the display device and the imaging device are each provided in a component of the vehicle such as an instrument panel. That is, in the conventional technologies, there is a problem that it is necessary to secure a space for installing the display device and a space for installing the imaging device in the vehicle.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an occupant detection device in a vehicle that enables an imaging device to be installed in a preferred location without requiring separate space for installing a display device and a space for installing an imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The occupant detection device according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle and includes a display unit provided inside the vehicle, and an imaging unit that is detachably attached to the display unit and captures an image of an area in the vehicle where at least the face of an occupant should be present, the front of the imaging unit being covered by a first panel and the front of the display unit being covered by a second panel. When the imaging unit is attached and fixed to the display unit, the first panel and the second panel are flush with each other. It is characterized by the above. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in a vehicle, it is possible to provide an imaging device in a preferred location without requiring separate spaces for installing a display device and an imaging device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of an occupant detection device according to a first embodiment in a vehicle. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an occupant detection device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining an example of mounting imaging units having different specifications to a display unit in the occupant detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an example of a display area of ​​the imaging unit and notification information displayed in the display area in the occupant detection device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]These are diagrams for explaining an example of an occupant detection device mounted on a frame in embodiment 1, where FIG. 5A is an oblique view of the occupant detection device mounted on a vehicle, viewed from the front side, and FIG. 5B is an oblique view of the occupant detection device mounted on a vehicle, viewed from the rear side. [Figure 6] 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of mounting an imaging unit to a display unit in an occupant detection device of embodiment 1, where FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example in which the imaging unit is mounted from the top side of the display unit, FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example in which the imaging unit is mounted from the right side of the display unit, FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an example in which the imaging unit is mounted from the left side of the display unit, and FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example in which the imaging unit is mounted from the bottom side of the display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 The occupant detection device according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and is used to monitor the state of an occupant in a so-called "Driver Monitoring System (DMS)." Occupants whose states are monitored in the driver monitoring system (hereinafter referred to as "monitored occupants") include the driver in the driver's seat, a passenger in the front passenger's seat (hereinafter referred to as "front passenger"), or a passenger in the rear seat (hereinafter referred to as "rear seat occupant").

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of an occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment in a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 1 is an overall front view of an instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel") 3 as seen from inside a vehicle 100. Note that the vehicle 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a right-hand drive vehicle, but this is merely an example. The vehicle 100 may also be a left-hand drive vehicle. For simplicity of explanation, an outline of the occupant detection device 1 is omitted in Fig. 1. The outline of the occupant detection device 1 will be described later with reference to Fig. 2.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, an instrument panel 3 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided below a windshield (not shown) at the front of the vehicle compartment. The occupant detection device 1 is provided in the center of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction. Note that in the first embodiment, the center in the vehicle width direction does not necessarily have to be the exact center, and includes approximately the center. The occupant detection device 1 is provided upright in the center of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction, for example. For example, when the occupants to be monitored are the driver and the passenger in the front passenger seat, the position of the occupant detection device 1 as shown in Fig. 1 is usually assumed to be a preferable installation position of the occupant detection device 1 in the vehicle 100. This is because the display unit 20 (see Fig. 2) is located in a position that is easily visible to both the driver and the passenger in the front passenger seat, and the imaging unit 10 (see Fig. 2) is located in a position that makes it easy to capture images of both the driver's face and the passenger's face.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, the occupant detection device 1 includes an imaging unit 10 and a display unit 20. The imaging unit 10 functions alone as an imaging device. The display unit 20 functions alone as a display device. The portion indicated by C in Fig. 2 will be described later. Fig. 2 is a front view of the occupant detection device 1. That is, in Fig. 2, the front faces of the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are shown. The imaging unit 10 has a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a right side surface, and a left side surface. In the first embodiment, the front surface of the imaging unit 10 is a surface on the side where the face of an occupant should be present when the imaging unit 10 is installed in the vehicle 100. The back surface of the imaging unit 10 is a surface facing the front surface of the imaging unit 10, that is, a surface opposite to the side where the face of an occupant should be present when the imaging unit 10 is installed in the vehicle 100. The top surface of the imaging unit 10 is a surface facing the top surface of the imaging unit 10, that is, a bottom surface when the imaging unit 10 is installed in the vehicle 100. The right side surface of the imaging unit 10 is a side surface on the right side of the imaging unit 10 as viewed from inside the vehicle cabin when the imaging unit 10 is installed in the vehicle 100. The left side surface of the imaging unit 10 refers to the left side surface of the imaging unit 10 when the imaging unit 10 is installed in the vehicle 100 and viewed from inside the vehicle cabin. The display unit 20 has a front surface, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a right side surface, and a left side surface. In the first embodiment, the front surface of the display unit 20 is a surface on the side where the face of an occupant should be present when the display unit 20 is provided in the vehicle 100. The back surface of the display unit 20 is a surface facing the front surface of the display unit 20, that is, a surface opposite the side where the face of an occupant should be present when the display unit 20 is provided in the vehicle 100. The top surface of the display unit 20 is a surface facing the top surface of the display unit 20, that is, a bottom surface when the display unit 20 is provided in the vehicle 100. The right side surface of the display unit 20 is a right side surface of the display unit 20 as viewed from inside the vehicle cabin when the display unit 20 is provided in the vehicle 100. The left side surface of the display unit 20 refers to the left side surface of the display unit 20 when the display unit 20 is installed in the vehicle 100 and viewed from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0014] The imaging unit 10 captures an image of an area within the vehicle 100 in which the face of an occupant is expected to be present. More specifically, the imaging unit 10 has a camera lens 11 and an illumination unit 12. The illumination unit 12 irradiates a subject, in other words, an occupant, with light, and captures an image through the camera lens 11. The illumination unit 12 is configured with, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The illumination unit 12 is provided to illuminate the inside of the vehicle 100 in which the imaging unit 10 is provided.

[0015] The captured image captured by the imaging unit 10 is output to a control unit (not shown). The control unit is provided in the imaging unit 10, for example, and detects the state of the occupant captured in the captured image based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 10. Specifically, the control unit detects whether the occupant is looking away from the vehicle or whether the occupant is dozing off, etc. The control unit may detect the state of the occupant by detecting the facial state of the occupant, such as the facial direction, line of sight, or degree of opening and closing of the eyes, using a known image recognition technology. The control unit is not limited to being provided in the imaging unit 10. For example, the control unit may be provided in the display unit 20, or in a server (not shown) provided in the driver monitoring system.

[0016] The display unit 20 has, for example, a touch panel display in which a touch screen is provided on the front surface of a flat display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 20 displays various information. For example, the display unit 20 displays information based on the state of the occupant detected by the control unit. The information based on the state of the occupant is, for example, a message warning that the occupant is looking away from the vehicle or a message warning that the occupant is dozing off. The display unit 20 may also display various information such as map information, route information, or audio information. The display unit 20 may be shared with, for example, a car navigation device (not shown).

[0017] 1, the occupant detection device 1 is provided in the center of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction, but this is merely an example. The occupant detection device 1 may be fitted into an opening formed in the center of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction and in the rear surface of the instrument panel 3 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100, for example.

[0018] Further, the location where the occupant detection device 1 is provided in the vehicle 100 is not limited to the center of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction. The occupant detection device 1 may be provided, for example, in a meter panel (not shown). For example, there may be cases where the occupant to be detected is limited to the driver. In this case, by providing the occupant detection device 1 in the meter panel, the occupant detection device 1, more specifically, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20, are positioned substantially in front of the driver, where the imaging unit 10 can easily capture an image of the driver's face and the display unit 20 can be easily viewed by the driver. In other words, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are provided in preferred positions.

[0019] Further, the occupant detection device 1 may be provided, for example, above a headrest (not shown), such as in an overhead console (not shown). For example, the occupants to be detected may include the driver, the passenger in the front passenger seat, and the passenger in the rear seat. In this case, the occupant detection device 1 is provided above the headrest, so that the occupant detection device 1, more specifically, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are located in a position where the imaging unit 10 can easily capture images of the faces of the driver, the passenger in the front passenger seat, and the passenger in the rear seat, and the display unit 20 can be easily viewed by the driver, the passenger in the front passenger seat, and the passenger in the rear seat. In other words, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are provided in a preferred position.

[0020] Moreover, the occupant detection device 1 may be provided, for example, on a dashboard (not shown). For example, the occupant to be detected may be limited to the passenger seat occupant. In this case, the occupant detection device 1, more specifically, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20, are provided on the dashboard, so that the occupant detection device 1, more specifically, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are located almost in front of the passenger seat occupant, where the imaging unit 10 can easily capture an image of the passenger seat occupant's face and the display unit 20 can be easily viewed by the passenger seat occupant. In other words, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are provided in preferred positions.

[0021] The imaging unit 10 is physically separate from the display unit 20 and is detachably attached to the display unit 20. 1 and 2 is an occupant detection device 1 in a state where the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20, in other words, where the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are connected to each other. In the occupant detection device 1, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 to form an integrated configuration. The occupant detection device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100 with the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20. For example, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 and then mounted on the vehicle 100, so that the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10, in other words, the occupant detection device 1, are provided on the vehicle 100. Also, for example, the display unit 20 may be provided on the vehicle 100, and then the imaging unit 10 may be attached to the display unit 20 provided on the vehicle 100, so that the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10, in other words, the occupant detection device 1, are provided on the vehicle.

[0022] The occupant detection device 1 solves the problem that the display unit 20 is provided in a position that is preferred as an installation position for the imaging unit 10 by attaching the imaging unit 10 to the display unit 20 as an integrated structure, and the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are provided in positions that are preferred as installation positions for both the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20. Furthermore, in order for the occupant detection device 1 to be mounted on the vehicle 100, it is not necessary to secure a space for installing the display unit 20 and a space for installing the imaging unit 10 in the vehicle 100. For example, in the case of the occupant detection device 1 shown in Fig. 1, it is only necessary that a space for installing the display unit 20 is secured in the instrument panel 3 of the vehicle 100.

[0023] Here, even if the occupant detection device 1 has an integrated configuration in which the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are non-detachable, the problem of needing to secure space for installing the display unit 20 and space for installing the imaging unit 10 in the vehicle 100 can be solved. However, in the occupant detection device 1, if the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are simply configured as an integrated unit that cannot be removed, a problem arises in that the imaging unit 10 may not be able to capture an image that is optimal for detecting the status of the occupant.

[0024] In general, the display unit 20 is provided at a position assumed to be preferable as an installation position within the vehicle 100, but the position assumed to be preferable varies depending on, for example, the specifications of the vehicle 100. In the first embodiment, the specifications of the vehicle 100 are assumed to be, for example, the vehicle type, the grade of the vehicle 100, or the orientation of the display unit 20 when the display unit 20 is provided in the vehicle 100. As a specific example, when the occupants to be detected are the driver and the passenger in the front passenger seat, the optimum position for installing the display unit 20 in the vehicle 100 is usually assumed to be the center in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 3. However, depending on the vehicle model, the optimum position may be significantly closer to the driver's seat side or the passenger seat side than the center due to constraints such as the design of the instrument panel 3. If the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20 installed in the center of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction and the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20 installed on the dashboard have the same imaging range, the driver or the passenger seat occupant, who is the detection target occupant, may not be captured in the captured image captured by either imaging unit 10. For example, the face of the detection target occupant may be cut off in the captured image, or the eyes of the detection target occupant may not be recognized. Therefore, in this case, for example, the manufacturer needs to manufacture an occupant detection device 1 in which the imaging unit 10 configured to be able to capture the driver and the passenger seat occupant from the center of the instrument panel 3 in the vehicle width direction when mounted on the vehicle 100 and the display unit 20 installed on the instrument panel 3 are integrated, and an occupant detection device 1 in which the imaging unit 10 configured to be able to capture the driver and the passenger seat occupant from the dashboard when mounted on the vehicle 100 and the display unit 20 installed on the dashboard are integrated, depending on the vehicle model. In addition, the manufacturers may make the display unit 20 common to all the occupant detection devices 1.

[0025] Also, for example, even if the vehicle model is the same, depending on the grade of the vehicle 100, the occupants to be detected may be switched to the driver and front passenger, or may be limited to the driver. In this case, even if the vehicle 100 is of the same model, the imaging range required for the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20 varies depending on the grade. For example, if the grade of the vehicle 100 is a grade in which the occupants to be detected are the driver and the passenger in the front passenger seat, a preferred installation position for the occupant detection device 1, more specifically, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20, is the center in the vehicle width direction, and the imaging unit 10 needs to include the driver and the passenger in the imaging range from the center. On the other hand, if the grade of the vehicle 100 is a grade in which the occupant to be detected is limited to the driver, a preferred installation position for the occupant detection device 1 is a position facing the driver, such as a meter panel, and the imaging unit 10 only needs to include the driver in the imaging range from that position. Therefore, manufacturers, etc. need to manufacture occupant detection devices 1 that are integrated with the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 having a desired imaging range, in other words, a desired angle of view, according to the grade of the vehicle 100. Note that manufacturers, etc. may use a common display unit 20 for each occupant detection device 1.

[0026] Generally, the display unit 20 may have a variety of positions within the vehicle 100 that are considered to be preferable, as well as a variety of installation angles within the vehicle 100 that are preferable, depending on the specifications of the vehicle 100 . To give a specific example, depending on the vehicle model, due to constraints such as the design of the instrument panel 3, the height of the optimal installation position for the display unit 20 in the vehicle 100 relative to the area where the occupant's face should be located may differ. In this case, if the orientation of the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20 is uniform regardless of the height of the display unit 20 to which the imaging unit 10 is attached relative to the range in which the occupant's face should be present, the occupant to be detected may not be captured in the captured image captured by the imaging unit 10. Therefore, in this case, the manufacturer, etc. needs to manufacture the occupant detection device 1 in which the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 whose optical axis is set in consideration of the height of the display unit 20 relative to the range in which the occupant's face should be present are integrated according to the vehicle model. The manufacturer, etc. also needs to set the illumination range of the lighting unit 12 in consideration of the installation angle when the display unit 20 is installed in the vehicle 100. The manufacturer, etc. can make the display unit 20 common to each occupant detection device 1.

[0027] Also, for example, the optimal installation angle of the display unit 20 may differ depending on the vehicle model. In this case, if the orientation of the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20 is uniform regardless of the installation angle of the display unit 20 to which the imaging unit 10 is attached, the detection target occupant may not be captured in the captured image captured by the imaging unit 10. Therefore, in this case, the manufacturer, etc. needs to manufacture the occupant detection device 1 in which the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 whose optical axis is set in consideration of the installation angle when the display unit 20 is installed in the vehicle 100 are integrated according to the vehicle model. The manufacturer, etc. also needs to set the illumination range of the lighting unit 12 in consideration of the installation angle when the display unit 20 is installed in the vehicle 100. The manufacturer, etc. can make the display unit 20 common to each occupant detection device 1.

[0028] If the occupant detection device 1 were a device in which the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 were simply integrated, as in the specific example described above, a problem would arise in that manufacturers, etc. would have to design or manufacture each occupant detection device 1 in accordance with the specifications of the vehicle 100 so that the imaging unit 10 when the occupant detection device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100 would be the desired imaging unit 10, even though the display unit 20 could be a common one. In other words, the number of types of occupant detection devices 1 including the display unit 20 will increase, and manufacturers, etc. will have to work hard to design or manufacture the occupant detection device 1.

[0029] In contrast, in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is detachably attached to the display unit 20, as described above. This allows manufacturers, etc. to manufacture the imaging unit 10 according to the specifications of the vehicle 100, and provide the occupant detection device 1 in which the imaging unit 10 is freely combined with a common display unit 20. Since the display unit 20 can be shared regardless of the specifications of the vehicle 100, manufacturers, etc. can reduce the labor, etc. required for designing or manufacturing the occupant detection device 1.

[0030] In the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 by an appropriate method. For example, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 may be attached to the back side of the display unit 20 by screws, or may be connected to each other by a plug and a jack.

[0031] 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of mounting the imaging unit 10 having different specifications to the display unit 20 in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that in the first embodiment, the specifications of the imaging unit 10 are assumed to be the imaging range of the imaging unit 10, in other words, the angle of view, the direction of the optical axis of the imaging unit 10, the presence or absence of a display area, or the type of information to be displayed in the display area. Details of the display area that the imaging unit 10 may have will be described later.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, how two imaging units 10 (imaging unit 10a or imaging unit 10b) having different angles of view are attached to the display unit 20. The imaging unit 10a has a camera lens 11a and an illumination unit 12a, and the illumination unit 12a irradiates light onto a subject and captures an image through the camera lens 11a. The imaging unit 10a has a horizontal angle of view of 60°. The imaging unit 10a is assumed to be the imaging unit 10 included in the occupant detection device 1 when the occupant to be detected is limited to the driver, for example. The imaging unit 10b has a camera lens 11b and an illumination unit 12b, and the illumination unit 12b irradiates light onto a subject, and captures an image through the camera lens 11b. The imaging unit 10b has a horizontal angle of view of 120°. The imaging unit 10b is assumed to be the imaging unit 10 included in the occupant detection device 1 when the occupants to be detected are, for example, the driver and the passenger in the front passenger seat.

[0033] In addition, FIG. 3 shows an example in which imaging units 10 (imaging unit 10a or imaging unit 10b) having different angles of view can be attached to display unit 20, but this is merely one example. For example, it is possible to attach an imaging unit 10 having an optical axis oriented in a different direction to the display unit 20.

[0034] In this manner, the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured integrally with the display unit 20, in which the imaging unit 10 that is detachable from the display unit 20 and conforms to the specifications of the vehicle 100 in which the device is to be mounted is attached. Here, the front surface of the imaging unit 10 is covered with a panel (hereinafter referred to as the "first panel"). The front surface of the display unit 20 is covered with a panel (hereinafter referred to as the "second panel"). The first panel and the second panel are made of the same material. The material of the first panel and the second panel is, for example, polycarbonate or glass. In the occupant detection device 1, the first panel and the second panel are made of the same material, so that the occupant detection device 1 can provide a sense of unity between the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20.

[0035] Furthermore, in the occupant detection device 1, when the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20, the distance between one side of the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20 and one side of the display unit 20 attached to the imaging unit 10 (see C in FIG. 2) is equal to or less than a set distance. The set distance may be, for example, about 1 mm or less, as long as it does not impair the sense of unity between the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20. This enables the occupant detection device 1 to create a sense of unity between the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20.

[0036] Furthermore, in the occupant detection device 1, the imaging unit 10 may have a display area on the front surface. In the display area of ​​the imaging unit 10, information for alerting the occupant (hereinafter referred to as "notification information") is displayed. Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining display areas 101a, 102a, 101b, and 102b of the imaging unit 10 in the occupant detection device 1 of embodiment 1, and an example of notification information displayed in the display areas.

[0037] 4A is assumed to be the imaging section 10a shown in FIG. 3, and the imaging section 10b shown in FIG. 4B is assumed to be the imaging section 10b shown in FIG. The imaging unit 10a shown in Fig. 4A has, for example, a display area 101a that displays a clock and a display area 102a that displays a telltale. In Fig. 4A, a seat belt not fastened sign is displayed as a telltale. Since the imaging unit 10a is assumed to be an imaging unit 10 in which the occupant whose state is to be detected using the occupant detection device 1 is limited to the driver, the seat belt not fastened sign is a telltale that encourages the driver to fasten the seat belt.

[0038] The imaging unit 10b shown in Fig. 4B has, for example, a display area 101b that displays a telltale and a display area 102b that displays a clock. In Fig. 4B, a seat belt not fastened sign is displayed as the telltale. Since the imaging unit 10b is assumed to be an imaging unit 10 in which the occupants whose states are to be detected using the occupant detection device 1 are the driver and the passenger in the front seat, the seat belt not fastened sign is a telltale that encourages the driver or the passenger in the front seat to fasten their seat belt.

[0039] Although the imaging unit 10a shown in Fig. 4A and the imaging unit 10b shown in Fig. 4B each have two display areas, this is merely an example. The imaging unit 10 may have one display area, or may have three or more display areas. In addition, the content of the notification information displayed in the display area of ​​the imaging unit 10 can be set appropriately. The control of the display of the notification information in the display area of ​​the imaging unit 10 may be performed by, for example, the control unit.

[0040] The imaging unit 10 has a display area and is capable of displaying notification information in the display area, so that the occupant can be made aware of the necessary display. When the occupant detection device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20, so that it is located in a position facing the occupant to be detected, in other words, in a preferred position for the imaging unit 10. In other words, the imaging unit 10 is located in a position that can optimally capture an image of the occupant's face. From the occupant's perspective, the imaging unit 10 is located in a position facing the occupant and toward which the occupant can easily turn his / her face. The display area is located in a position that is easily visible to the occupant, so that the occupant can easily recognize the notification information.

[0041] Furthermore, the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment may also be provided with a frame that covers the entire periphery of the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 when the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20. Specifically, the occupant detection device 1 may be provided with a frame that covers both side surfaces of the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10, the bottom surface of the display unit 20, and the top surface of the imaging unit 10 out of the entire periphery of the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 when the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20. Furthermore, for example, the occupant detection device 1 may include a frame that covers the entire periphery of the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 except for the bottom surfaces when the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20. Specifically, the occupant detection device 1 may include a frame that covers both side surfaces of the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 and the top surface of the imaging unit 10 when the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20. The frame may be made of any suitable material. The thickness of the frame is thinner than the thicknesses of the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20. This allows the occupant detection device 1 to make the combined imaging unit 10 and display unit 20 appear thinner to the occupant or the like.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the occupant detection device 1 to which the frame 4 is attached in the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the occupant detection device 1 as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the occupant detection device 1 as viewed from the rear side. 5, the frame 4 is a frame that covers the entire periphery of the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 in a state in which the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20. More specifically, in Fig. 5, the frame 4 is a frame that covers the left side, top, and right side of the imaging unit 10 and the right side, bottom, and left side of the display unit 20 in a state in which the imaging unit 10 is coupled to the top surface of the display unit 20.

[0043] It is not necessary that the thickness of the imaging unit 10 is the same as that of the display unit 20. However, in the occupant detection device 1, the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20 are combined so that the first panel of the imaging unit 10 and the second panel of the display unit 20 are on the same plane.

[0044] In the above-described first embodiment, it is assumed that in the occupant detection device 1, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 from the upper surface side of the display unit 20 provided in the vehicle 100, but this is merely an example. In the occupant detection device 1, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 from the upper surface side, the left side surface side, the right side surface side, or the bottom surface side of the display unit 20 provided in the vehicle 100. This allows the occupant detection device 1 to adjust the position of the imaging unit 10 relative to the display unit 20 to a position where an optimal captured image can be obtained according to the specifications of the vehicle 100 in which the occupant detection device 1 is mounted.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example in which the imaging unit 10 is attached from the top side of the display unit 20, FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example in which the imaging unit 10 is attached from the right side side of the display unit 20, FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example in which the imaging unit 10 is attached from the left side side of the display unit 20, and FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example in which the imaging unit 10 is attached from the bottom side of the display unit 20. It should be noted that the occupant detection device 1 shown in FIG. 6 is viewed from the front.

[0046] 6D , when the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 from the bottom side of the display unit 20, the occupant detection device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100 in a state in which the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 from the bottom side and integrated with the display unit 20. Alternatively, the imaging unit 10 may first be provided in the vehicle 100, and the occupant detection device 1 may be provided with the display unit 20 attached to the imaging unit 10 provided in the vehicle 100 and integrated with the display unit 20.

[0047] For example, if the vehicle 100 is a right-hand drive vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, the imaging unit 10 (see Fig. 6B) attached to the right side of the display unit 20 may not be able to capture an image of the occupant's face because the steering wheel blocks the image of the occupant. Therefore, in this case, in the occupant detection device 1, the imaging unit 10 can capture an image of the occupant's face with higher accuracy if it is attached to the display unit 20 from a direction other than the right side of the display unit 20 than if it is attached to the display unit 20 from the right side of the display unit 20. Conversely, if the vehicle 100 is a left-hand drive vehicle, in the occupant detection device 1, the imaging unit 10 can capture an image of the occupant's face with greater accuracy if it is attached to the display unit 20 from a direction other than the left side side of the display unit 20, rather than being attached to the display unit 20 from the left side side of the display unit 20.

[0048] Also, for example, if an operation panel for an air conditioner or the like is provided below the display unit 20, an occupant may reach out to operate the operation panel. In this case, the occupant's face may be blocked by the occupant's hand operating the operation panel. Therefore, in this case, in the occupant detection device 1, the image capturing unit 10 can capture an image of the occupant's face with higher accuracy if it is attached to the display unit 20 from a direction other than the bottom side of the display unit 20 than if it is attached to the display unit 20 from the bottom side of the display unit 20.

[0049] In the above-described first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 has one illumination unit 12 (see FIG. 2), but this is merely an example. The imaging unit 10 may have, for example, a plurality of illumination units 12. Also, for example, the illumination unit 12 may be provided outside the imaging unit 10. However, since the illumination unit 12 is provided to ensure the imaging brightness when the imaging unit 10 images an occupant, it is preferable that the installation position of the illumination unit 12 and the installation position of the imaging unit 10 are not far apart. If the installation position of the illumination unit 12 and the installation position of the imaging unit 10 are far apart, for example, a shadow is cast on the occupant who is the subject of imaging by the imaging unit 10, and the accuracy of the captured image is reduced. Therefore, the illumination unit 12 and the imaging unit 10 need to be installed so as not to be far apart. In the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 has the illumination unit 12, so that the illumination unit 12 and the imaging unit 10 are installed so as not to be far apart, and the imaging unit 10 can accurately image the occupant to whom light is appropriately irradiated by the illumination unit 12. Furthermore, in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 includes the illumination unit 12, so that devices required for imaging the occupant are concentrated in the imaging unit 10, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the imaging unit 10.

[0050] In addition, in the above embodiment 1, when the occupant detection device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100, the imaging unit 10 images the area within the vehicle 100 where the occupant's face should be located, but this is merely one example. The imaging unit 10 may capture not only the face of the occupant in the vehicle 100, but also the area in which the head or body should be. In this case, the occupant detection device 1 can detect the posture or head position of the occupant based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 10, for example, and detect whether the driver is in a posture suitable for driving or detect a sudden change in the physical condition of the occupant. In the first embodiment, when the occupant detection device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100, the imaging unit 10 may be capable of imaging an area within the vehicle 100 in which at least the face of the occupant is expected to be present.

[0051] As described above, the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment is mounted on the vehicle 100 and configured to include the display unit 20 provided within the vehicle 100, and the imaging unit 10 detachably attached to the display unit 20 and capturing an image of an area within the vehicle 100 where at least the face of an occupant should be present. Therefore, the occupant detection device 1 does not require a space for installing the display unit 20 (display device) and a space for installing the imaging unit 10 (imaging device) in the vehicle 100, and the imaging unit 10 (imaging device) can be provided in a preferred installation position. Furthermore, since the imaging unit 10 is configured to be detachably attached to the display unit 20, manufacturers, etc. can design or manufacture the imaging unit 10 according to the specifications of the vehicle 100, and provide the occupant detection device 1 in which the imaging unit 10 is freely combined with the common display unit 20. Since the display unit 20 can be shared regardless of the specifications of the vehicle 100, manufacturers, etc. can reduce the labor, etc. required for designing or manufacturing the occupant detection device 1.

[0052] Furthermore, in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is configured to have an angle of view according to the specifications of the vehicle 100 in which the imaging unit 10 is provided. Therefore, manufacturers and the like can design or manufacture the imaging unit 10 according to the specifications of the vehicle 100, and provide the occupant detection device 1 in which the imaging unit 10 is freely combined with a common display unit 20. Since the display unit 20 can be shared regardless of the specifications of the vehicle 100, manufacturers and the like can reduce the effort required for designing or manufacturing the occupant detection device 1.

[0053] Furthermore, in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the direction of the optical axis of the imaging unit 10 is configured to have a direction according to the specifications of the vehicle 100 in which the imaging unit 10 is provided. Therefore, manufacturers and the like can design or manufacture the imaging unit 10 according to the specifications of the vehicle 100, and provide the occupant detection device 1 in which the imaging unit 10 is freely combined with a common display unit 20. Since the display unit 20 can be shared regardless of the specifications of the vehicle 100, manufacturers and the like can reduce the labor and the like required for designing or manufacturing the occupant detection device 1.

[0054] Moreover, in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is configured to have an illumination unit 12 for illuminating the inside of the vehicle 100 in which the imaging unit 10 is provided. Therefore, the occupant detection device 1 can be made compact by consolidating devices required for imaging the occupant in the imaging unit 10.

[0055] In the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the front surface of the imaging unit 10 is covered with a first panel, the front surface of the display unit 20 is covered with a second panel, and the first panel and the second panel are made of the same material. Therefore, the occupant detection device 1 can provide a sense of unity between the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20.

[0056] In the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, when the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20, the distance between one side of the imaging unit 10 attached to the display unit 20 and one side of the display unit 20 attached to the imaging unit 10 is equal to or less than a set distance. Therefore, the occupant detection device 1 can create a sense of unity between the imaging unit 10 and the display unit 20.

[0057] In the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is configured to have a display area on the front surface thereof. Therefore, the occupant detection device 1 can make the occupant recognize the necessary display.

[0058] Moreover, the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to include a frame that covers the entire periphery of the display unit 20 and the imaging unit 10 in a state in which the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20. Therefore, the occupant detection device 1 can make the thickness of the combined imaging unit 10 and display unit 20 appear thin to the occupant or the like.

[0059] Furthermore, in the occupant detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, the imaging unit 10 is attached to the display unit 20 from the top side, the left side side, the right side side, or the bottom side of the display unit 20. Therefore, the occupant detection device 1 can adjust the position of the imaging unit 10 with respect to the display unit 20 to a position where an optimal captured image can be obtained according to the specifications of the vehicle 100 in which the occupant detection device 1 is mounted.

[0060] In addition, in the present disclosure, any of the components of the embodiments may be modified or any of the components of the embodiments may be omitted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0061] The occupant detection device according to the present disclosure can be configured so that the imaging device is provided in a preferred installation position in the vehicle without requiring separate space for installing a display device and a space for installing an imaging device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 100 vehicle, 1 occupant detection device, 10, 10a, 10b imaging unit, 20 display unit, 11, 11a, 11b camera lens, 12, 12a, 12b lighting unit, 3 instrument panel, 4 frame, 101a, 101b, 102a, 102b display area.

Claims

1. Mounted on the vehicle, A display unit provided in the vehicle; an imaging unit that is detachably attached to the display unit and captures an image of at least an area in which a face of an occupant in the vehicle is to be present; a front surface of the imaging unit is covered with a first panel; The front surface of the display unit is covered with a second panel, When the imaging unit is attached and fixed to the display unit, the first panel and the second panel are flush with each other. An occupant detection device comprising:

2. The first panel and the second panel are made of the same material.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

3. The imaging unit has an angle of view according to the specifications of the vehicle in which the imaging unit is installed.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

4. The direction of the optical axis of the imaging unit is in accordance with the specifications of the vehicle in which the imaging unit is installed.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

5. The specifications of the vehicle include: The vehicle model, the grade of the vehicle, or the orientation of the display unit when the display unit is installed in the vehicle.

5. The occupant detection device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The imaging unit has a lighting unit for illuminating the interior of the vehicle in which the imaging unit is provided.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

7. In a state where the imaging unit is attached to the display unit, the distance between one side of the imaging unit on the side where the imaging unit is attached to the display unit and one side of the display unit on the side where the imaging unit is attached is equal to or less than a distance set as a distance that does not impair the sense of unity between the imaging unit and the display unit.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

8. The imaging unit has a display area on the front surface.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

9. In the display area, notification information for alerting the occupant is displayed.

9. The occupant detection device according to claim 8.

10. The display unit includes a frame that covers the entire periphery of the display unit and the imaging unit when the imaging unit is attached to the display unit.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

11. The imaging unit is attached to the display unit from the top side, the left side side, the right side side, or the bottom side of the display unit.

2. The occupant detection device according to claim 1.

12. An imaging device for imaging an area in which at least the face of an occupant in a vehicle is to be present in a vehicle in which a display device is provided, Removably coupled to the display device, a front surface of the imaging device is covered with a first panel; The front surface of the display device is covered with a second panel; When the imaging device is attached and fixed to the display device, the first panel and the second panel are flush with each other.

1. An imaging device comprising:

Images