Vehicle Image Recognition Module

Abstract

To provide a vehicle image recognizing module excellent in appearance and concealability.SOLUTION: A vehicle image recognizing module 10 includes an appearance member, an assembly 110, an image capturing part 120, and a color conversion member 130. The assembly is disposed inside the appearance member. The image capturing part is disposed in the assembly, and the appearance member is positioned in front of the image capturing part. The color conversion member is disposed in front of the image capturing part. The color conversion member is suitable for conversion to a transparent color or non-transparent color. The assembly is a shell and has a first storage space S1 and a second storage space S2 communicating with each other. The second storage space is positioned between the first storage space and the appearance member. The image capturing part is disposed in the first storage space. The color conversion member is disposed in the second storage space and positioned between the appearance member and the image capturing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recognition module, and more particularly to a vehicle image recognition module. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, in vehicle facial recognition or sentry mode designs (i.e., detecting people or objects approaching the vehicle and taking appropriate safety measures), image capture devices (such as cameras) are often installed inside the pillars, and corresponding light-transmitting areas are formed on the surface of the pillars to allow the image capture devices to capture external images. However, such designs result in uneven coloring of the entire pillar of the vehicle, which not only reduces aesthetic appeal but also makes the image capture devices more easily exposed, adversely affecting theft prevention and safety. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention provides a vehicle image recognition module that is excellent in appearance and concealment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The vehicle image recognition module of the present invention includes an exterior member, an assembly, an image capture unit, and a color conversion member. The assembly is disposed inside the exterior member. The image capture unit is disposed in the assembly. The exterior member is located in front of the image capture unit. The color conversion member is disposed in front of the image capture unit. The color conversion member is suitable for conversion to a transparent color or a non-transparent color.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly is a shell having a first and second storage space that communicate with each other. The second storage space is located between the first storage space and the exterior member. The image capture unit is located in the first storage space. The color conversion member is located in the second storage space and between the exterior member and the image capture unit.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing space is connected to the second housing space at its end. The assembly has a bonding surface in the second housing space. The bonding surface surrounds the end of the first housing space. The color conversion member is bonded to the bonding surface.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned assembly is a bracket and is disposed on the exterior member, and the rear end of the image capture unit is disposed on the assembly.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle image recognition module further includes a cover. The cover is disposed on the exterior member and has an opening. The color conversion member is fitted into the exterior member. A portion of the image capture unit extends into the opening and is aligned with the color conversion member.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned vehicle image recognition module further includes a sealing member disposed between the exterior member and the cover.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-transparent color is the same as the color of the exterior member.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned appearance member includes a non-transmitting region and a transmitting region, the non-transmitting region being adjacent to the transmitting region, and the transmitting region being aligned with the color conversion member and the image capture unit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-transparent color is the same as the color of the non-transparent area.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the color conversion member includes electrochromic glass.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned color conversion member includes a transparent light guide plate and a light source, the light source being adjacent to the transparent light guide plate and suitable for emitting light of the same color as the non-transparent color to the light guide plate.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the light source described above is suitable for emitting invisible light to a light guide plate.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned vehicle image recognition module further includes a photosensitive element, which is disposed in the assembly and is suitable for sensing light intensity outside the exterior member.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the distance between the appearance member and an object outside the appearance member is less than a predetermined value, the color of the color conversion member is converted to a transparent color.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned exterior member is a part of a vehicle pillar exterior panel, a side mirror, a front or rear side panel, a door, a tailgate, a trunk, an exterior decorative panel, a front hood, or a front or rear bumper.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned vehicle image recognition module further includes a sealing member disposed between the exterior member and the assembly.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the color conversion member described above is glued to the assembly.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the color conversion member described above is engaged with the assembly.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the color conversion member is fixed to the cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] Based on the above, in the vehicle image recognition module of the present invention, the color conversion member is disposed in front of the image capture unit, and when it is necessary to capture an image outside the exterior member, it can be converted to a transparent color so that the image capture unit can smoothly capture the image. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to capture an image outside the exterior member, the color conversion member can be converted to a non-transparent color. This non-transparent color is the same as the color of the exterior member (vehicle body or trim), providing the vehicle image recognition module with excellent concealment and favorable appearance consistency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module disposed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle image recognition module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is an operation flowchart of a vehicle image recognition module according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module disposed in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle image recognition module 10 of this embodiment is disposed, for example, on a middle pillar 200 (commonly known as a B-pillar) of a vehicle 20. However, in other embodiments, the vehicle image recognition module 10 may be disposed on other pillars of the vehicle 20 or at any position on the vehicle body (e.g., a side mirror, a front or rear side panel, a door, a tailgate, a trunk, an exterior decorative panel, a front hood, or a part of a front or rear bumper), and the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle image recognition module 10 has image capture and recognition functions and can be used, for example, in a sentry mode that detects a person or object approaching the vehicle 20 and takes appropriate safety measures.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle image recognition module of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the vehicle image recognition module 10 of this embodiment includes an exterior member 100, an assembly 110, an image capture unit 120, and a color conversion member 130. The assembly 110 is disposed inside the exterior member 100. The assembly 110 may be made of, for example, a plastic part, a sheet metal part, a casting part, or a composite material (such as carbon fiber), but the material of the assembly 110 is not limited thereto. The image capture unit 120 is, for example, a camera, and is disposed in the assembly 110. The exterior member 100 is disposed in front of the image capture unit 120. The color conversion member 130 is disposed in front of the image capture unit 120 and is suitable for conversion to a transparent color or a non-transparent color.

[0027] When the vehicle image recognition module 10 needs to capture an image outside the exterior member 100, the color conversion member 130 can be converted to a transparent color so that the image capture unit 120 can smoothly capture the image, and when the vehicle image recognition module 10 does not need to capture an image outside the exterior member 100, the color conversion member 130 can be converted to a non-transparent color, providing the vehicle image recognition module 10 with excellent concealment properties and a pleasant appearance. This design will be further described below.

[0028] Specifically, the exterior member 100 of this embodiment is, for example, an exterior panel of a middle pillar 200 (FIG. 1) of the vehicle 20, and is made of, for example, glass, sheet metal, or acrylic. The exterior member 100 includes a light-transmitting region 100a and a non-light-transmitting region 100b, the non-light-transmitting region 100b being adjacent to the light-transmitting region 100a, and the light-transmitting region 100a being aligned with the color conversion member 130 and the image capture unit 120.

[0029] In this embodiment, the assembly 110 is a shell having a first accommodation space S1 and a second accommodation space S2 that communicate with each other, and the second accommodation space S2 is located between the first accommodation space S1 and the appearance member 100. The image capture unit 120 is located in the first accommodation space S1. The color conversion member is located in the second accommodation space S2 and is located between the appearance member 100 and the image capture unit 120.

[0030] The material of the assembly 110 is, for example, ASA resin, PE resin, or ABS resin. The end of the first housing space S1 of the assembly 110 is connected to the second housing space S2, and the assembly 110 has a joint surface 112 in the second housing space S2, which surrounds the end of the first housing space S1. The color conversion member 130 is joined to the joint surface 112 and adhered to the assembly 110. Of course, the color conversion member 130 may be coupled to the assembly 110 by adhesion, buckling, or screwing, and the coupling method is not limited to these.

[0031] Furthermore, the color conversion member 130 includes a transparent light guide plate 132 and a light source 134, and the light source 134 is adjacent to the transparent light guide plate 132. Although the light source 134 in Fig. 2 is illustrated on the upper side of the transparent light guide plate 132, the light source 134 may be disposed on the lower side, front side, or rear side of the transparent light guide plate 132, and the position of the light source 134 is not limited to these.

[0032] When there is no need to capture an image outside the appearance member 100, the light source 134 is suitable for emitting non-transparent color light to the transparent light guide plate 132, causing the transparent light guide plate 132 to exhibit a non-transparent color. This non-transparent color is the same as the color of the non-transparent region 100b of the appearance member 100. At the same time, the translucent region 100a of the appearance member 100 is aligned with the color conversion member 130, and the translucent region 100a also visually exhibits this non-transparent color, so that the translucent region 100a and the non-transparent region 100b of the appearance member 100 both exhibit the same color.

[0033] For example, if the color of the non-transparent area 100b of the exterior member 100 is white, when the vehicle image recognition module 10 does not need to capture images, the color conversion member 130 can be changed to white, so that the transparent area 100a of the exterior member 100 also appears white, thereby achieving the effects of overall color consistency and aesthetics of the exterior member 100. At the same time, the color of the exterior member 100 is visually unified and the position of the image capture unit 120 is less likely to be exposed, providing good concealment and reducing the possibility that the image capture unit 120 will be discovered and deliberately covered or destroyed by people.

[0034] Furthermore, when the light source 134 is turned on and continues to emit colored light, the temperature of the transparent light guide plate 132 rises, and the first and second receiving spaces S1 and S2 are maintained at a constant temperature, thereby maintaining the surface of the image capture unit 120 at an appropriate temperature and achieving the effects of preventing fogging and frosting.

[0035] When the vehicle image recognition module 10 needs to capture an image of the outside of the exterior member 100, the light source 134 of the color conversion member 130 is turned off, the transparent light guide plate 132 returns to its transparent color, and the image capture unit 120 can smoothly capture an image of the outside of the exterior member 100 through the transparent light guide plate 132 and the light-transmitting area 100a of the exterior member 100. In other words, through the cooperation of the color conversion member 130 and the exterior member 100, the vehicle image recognition module 10 not only achieves the effects of aesthetics and concealment, but also ensures a favorable image capture function.

[0036] The vehicle image recognition module 10 of this embodiment further includes a photosensitive element 140. The photosensitive element 140 is disposed in the assembly 110 and is suitable for sensing the light intensity outside the exterior member 100 to determine whether the ambient light is sufficient. When the vehicle image recognition module 10 needs to capture an image outside the exterior member 100, if the photosensitive element 140 senses that the light intensity outside the exterior member 100 is excessively low, the light source 134 can emit invisible light (e.g., light with a wavelength of 940 nm) to the transparent light guide plate 132 to fill the light and improve the quality of the image captured by the image capture unit 120. In other embodiments, the vehicle image recognition module 10 can include multiple light sources 134, thereby achieving the above-mentioned fill light effect.

[0037] In addition, the vehicle image recognition module 10 of this embodiment further includes a sealing member 150. The sealing member 150 is, for example, an O-ring or adhesive, and is disposed between the exterior member 100 and the assembly 110 to prevent foreign matter or moisture from entering the second accommodating space S2 and the first accommodating space S1 and affecting normal operation.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 and the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is that the color conversion member 130A of the vehicle image recognition module 10A in Fig. 3 is electrochromic glass. Specifically, when there is no need to capture an image of the exterior of the exterior member 100, the color conversion member 130A is converted to a non-transparent color by energizing it, and this non-transparent color is the same as the color of the non-transparent region 100b of the exterior member 100.

[0039] Since the translucent region 100a of the appearance element 100 is aligned with the color conversion element 130A, the translucent region 100a also visually exhibits this non-transparent color, so that the translucent region 100a and the non-translucent region 100b of the appearance element 100 both exhibit the same color, achieving the effects of overall color consistency and aesthetics. At the same time, the color of the entire appearance element 100 is unified, and the position of the image capture unit 120 is less likely to be exposed, providing good concealment and reducing the possibility of the image capture unit 120 being discovered and intentionally covered or damaged.

[0040] When it is necessary to capture an image of the outside of the exterior member 100, the color conversion member 130A is not energized and returns to its transparent color, and the image capture unit 120 can capture an image of the outside of the exterior member 100 through the color conversion member 130A and the light-transmitting region 100a of the exterior member 100. In other words, the vehicle image recognition module 10A can achieve the effects of beauty and concealment through the cooperation of the color conversion member 130A and the exterior member 100, while also ensuring a desirable image capture function.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 and the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is that a color conversion member 130B of the vehicle image recognition module 10B in Fig. 4 is engaged with the assembly 110. Specifically, the color conversion member 130B further includes at least one engagement portion 136, and the assembly further includes at least one engagement groove 114, which is located on the joining surface 112. The color conversion member 130B is engaged with the engagement groove 114 by the engagement portion 136, and is firmly fixed to the assembly 110.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle image recognition module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that the assembly 110A of the vehicle image recognition module 10C in FIG. 5 is a bracket, and the color conversion member 130C is fitted into the exterior member 100A. Specifically, the vehicle image recognition module 10C includes a cover 160, which is disposed on the exterior member 100A and has an opening 162. The assembly 110A is disposed on the exterior member 100A, and the image capture unit 120 is disposed on the assembly 110A, with a portion of the image capture unit 120 extending into the opening 162 and aligned with the color conversion member 130C.

[0043] On the other hand, the color conversion member 130C is fitted into the exterior member 100A and fixed to the cover 160. That is, the color conversion member 130C is not located between the exterior member 100A and the image capture unit 120, which further saves space and simplifies fixing and manufacturing.

[0044] 2, the color conversion member 130C includes a transparent light guide plate 132, a light source 134, and a circuit board 135, with the light source 134 disposed on the circuit board 135. When there is no need to capture an image of the exterior of the appearance member 100A, the light source 134 disposed within the color conversion member 130C emits non-transparent color light onto the transparent light guide plate 132, causing the transparent light guide plate 132 to exhibit a non-transparent color. This makes the color of the color conversion member 130C the same as the color of the appearance member 100A, providing desirable concealment and aesthetic effects. When there is a need to capture an image of the exterior of the appearance member 100A, the light source 134 is turned off, causing the transparent light guide plate 132 to return to its transparent color, allowing the image capture unit 120 to smoothly capture an image of the exterior of the appearance member 100A through the transparent light guide plate 132.

[0045] In addition, the sealing member 150 of this embodiment is disposed between the exterior member 100A and the cover 160, and it is generally preferable that the sealing member 150 is a sealing O-ring or adhesive to prevent foreign matter or moisture from entering the cover 160 and affecting normal operation.

[0046] 6 is an operation flowchart of the vehicle image recognition module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the application of the vehicle image recognition module 10 in anti-theft safety, taking the Sentry mode as an example, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6.

[0047] First, the vehicle image recognition module 10 is started in step S101 and proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the vehicle radar of the vehicle 20 (FIG. 1) detects whether or not an object P is approaching the vehicle 20. If no object P is approaching the vehicle 20, step S110 is executed and the operation of the vehicle image recognition module 10 is terminated. Conversely, if it is detected that the distance D between the object P (FIG. 2) outside the exterior member 100 and the exterior member 100 is less than the predetermined distance D1, the process proceeds to step S103. Here, the color of the color conversion member 130 is converted to a transparent color, and the image capture unit 120 can capture an image of the object P through the transparent light guide plate 132 and the light-transmitting region 100a of the exterior member 100.

[0048] Next, proceeding to step S104, the image captured by the image capture unit 120 is subjected to image recognition via a processing unit to determine whether the object P is a human. If it is determined that the object P is not a human, step S110 is executed to terminate the operation of the vehicle image recognition module 10. If it is determined that the object P is a human, step S105 is executed to further determine whether the human is the driver of the vehicle 20. If the human is the driver of the vehicle 20, step S106 is executed to greet the driver and inquire about the driver's needs. Here, the driver can issue voice control commands, such as unlocking, starting the vehicle 20, or opening the door, to satisfy their needs. After completion, step S110 is executed to terminate the operation of the vehicle image recognition module 10.

[0049] If it is determined in step S105 that the approaching person is not the driver, step 108 is executed, that is, the sentry mode is executed. As shown in step S109, the sentry mode detects and records the actions of this person until they leave the vehicle 20, uploads the recorded video to the cloud, and notifies the driver, thereby achieving the effect of monitoring and recording suspicious persons.

[0050] In summary, in the vehicle image recognition module of the present invention, the color conversion member is disposed in front of the image capture unit, and when it is necessary to capture an image outside the exterior member, it can be changed to a transparent color so that the image capture unit can smoothly capture the image through the color conversion member. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to capture an image outside the exterior member, the color conversion member can be changed to a non-transparent color. This non-transparent color is the same as the color of the non-transparent area of ​​the exterior member, providing the vehicle image recognition module with excellent concealment properties and favorable appearance consistency. [Industrial Applicability]

[0051] The vehicle image recognition module can be applied to a vehicle, for example, to a middle pillar, other pillars, or any position on the vehicle body (for example, a side mirror, a front or rear side panel, a door, a tailgate, a trunk, an exterior decorative panel, a part of the front hood, or a front or rear bumper), and has excellent concealment and desirable appearance consistency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C: Vehicle image recognition module 20: Vehicle 100, 100A: Exterior parts 100a: Translucent area 100b: Non-transparent area 110, 110A: Assembly 112: Joint surface 114: Engagement groove 120: Image capture unit 130, 130A, 130B, 130C: Color conversion members 132:Transparent light guide plate 134: Light source 135: Circuit board 136: Engagement part 140: Photosensitive element 150: Sealing member 160:Cover 162:Aperture 200: Middle pillar D: Distance D1: Predetermined distance P: Object S1: First containment space S2: Second Containment Space

Claims

1. Appearance members; an assembly disposed inside the exterior member; an image capture unit disposed in the assembly, the exterior member being located in front of the image capture unit; a color conversion member disposed in front of the image capture unit, the color conversion member being suitable for conversion to a transparent color or a non-transparent color; Including, The non-transparent color is the same as the color of the exterior component.

2. Appearance members; an assembly disposed inside the exterior member; an image capture unit disposed in the assembly, the exterior member being located in front of the image capture unit; a color conversion member disposed in front of the image capture unit, the color conversion member being suitable for conversion to a transparent color or a non-transparent color; Including, The assembly is a shell having a first storage space and a second storage space that communicate with each other, the second storage space being located between the first storage space and the exterior member, the image capturing unit being located in the first storage space, and the color conversion member being located in the second storage space and between the exterior member and the image capturing unit. Vehicle image recognition module.

3. an end of the first accommodating space is connected to the second accommodating space, the assembly has a bonding surface in the second accommodating space, the bonding surface surrounds the end of the first accommodating space, and the color conversion member is bonded to the bonding surface; The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 2 .

4. Appearance members; an assembly disposed inside the exterior member; an image capture unit disposed in the assembly, the exterior member being located in front of the image capture unit; a color conversion member disposed in front of the image capture unit, the color conversion member being suitable for conversion to a transparent color or a non-transparent color; Including, the assembly is a bracket and is disposed on the exterior member, and the rear end of the image capture unit is disposed on the assembly; Vehicle image recognition module.

5. a cover disposed on the exterior member and having an opening, the color conversion member fitted into the exterior member, and a portion of the image capture unit extending into the opening and aligned with the color conversion member; The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 4 .

6. The color conversion member is fixed to the cover. The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 5 .

7. The housing further includes a sealing member, the sealing member being disposed between the exterior member and the cover. The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 5 .

8. the exterior member includes a non-transmitting region and a transmissive region, the non-transmitting region is adjacent to the transmissive region, and the transmissive region is aligned with the color conversion member and the image capture unit; The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

9. the non-transparent color is the same as the color of the non-transparent region; The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 8 .

10. The color conversion member includes electrochromic glass. The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

11. the color conversion member includes a transparent light guide plate and a light source, the light source being adjacent to the transparent light guide plate and suitable for emitting light of the same color as the non-transparent color to the transparent light guide plate; The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

12. the light source is adapted to emit invisible light to the transparent light guide plate; The vehicle image recognition module of claim 11.

13. and a light-sensitive element disposed on the assembly and adapted to sense light intensity outside the appearance member. The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

14. Appearance members; an assembly disposed inside the exterior member; an image capture unit disposed in the assembly, the exterior member being located in front of the image capture unit; a color conversion member disposed in front of the image capture unit, the color conversion member being suitable for conversion to a transparent color or a non-transparent color; Including, When the distance between the exterior member and an object outside the exterior member is less than a predetermined value, the color of the color conversion member is converted to the transparent color. Vehicle image recognition module.

15. The exterior member is a part of a vehicle pillar exterior panel, a side mirror, a front or rear side panel, a door, a tailgate, a trunk, an exterior decorative panel, a front hood, or a front or rear bumper. The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

16. further comprising a sealing member, the sealing member being disposed between the appearance member and the assembly; The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

17. The color conversion member is adhered to the assembly. The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

18. The color conversion member engages with the assembly. The vehicle image recognition module according to claim 1 .

Images