Occupant imaging device and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of suppressing the size of an occupant imaging device for imaging vehicle occupants. This occupant imaging device comprises a board, an imaging unit, and a plurality of light emitting units. The imaging unit is provided on the board. The imaging unit images at least one occupant of the driver's seat, the front passenger seat, and the rear seat of the vehicle. The plurality of light emitting units are provided on the board. The plurality of light emitting units emit light to be radiated to at least one occupant of the driver's seat, the front passenger seat, and the rear seat of the vehicle. The plurality of light emitting units are positioned on one side of the vehicle width direction with respect to the imaging unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an occupant imaging device and a method for manufacturing an occupant imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed for occupant imaging devices that capture images of vehicle occupants. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which light emitting units are provided on both the left and right sides of an imaging unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-202726 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a configuration in which light-emitting units are provided on both the left and right sides of the imaging unit, it is necessary to provide walls in the light-shielding housing to prevent the light from each of the left and right light-emitting units from directly entering the imaging unit, which creates the problem of increasing the size of the occupant imaging device.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technology that can reduce the size of an occupant imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The occupant imaging device according to the present disclosure includes a substrate; an imaging unit provided on the substrate for imaging at least one occupant in a driver's seat, a passenger seat, or a rear seat of a vehicle; a plurality of light-emitting units arranged on the substrate for emitting light to be irradiated to the occupant; and a light-shielding housing having one wall that covers the imaging unit and the light-emitting units and blocks light irradiated from the light-emitting units from entering the imaging unit. a power supply circuit provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of light emitting units;The plurality of light emitting units are located on one side of the imaging unit in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and one wall portion of the light-shielding housing is located between the imaging unit and the plurality of light emitting units in the arrangement direction of the plurality of light emitting units. On the board, the power supply circuit is located on the same side as the multiple light emitting units with respect to the imaging unit. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the size of the occupant imaging device.

[0008] The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an occupant imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an occupant imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a related device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a related device. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views for explaining a method for manufacturing the occupant imaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of an occupant imaging device according to a first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of an occupant imaging device according to Modification 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the arrangement of an occupant imaging device according to Modification 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the arrangement of an occupant imaging device according to a third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <First Embodiment> 1 and 2 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an occupant image capturing device 31 according to the present embodiment 1. Note that, for the sake of convenience, part of the configuration of the occupant image capturing device 31 is not shown in FIG.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the occupant imaging device 31 of this embodiment 1 includes a substrate 1, an imaging unit 2, a plurality of light-emitting units 3, a power supply circuit 4, a lens 5 which is a light guide, and a light-shielding housing 6.

[0012] The substrate 1 has a rectangular shape, but the shape of the substrate 1 is not limited to a rectangular shape. The substrate 1 is, for example, an insulating substrate on which a wiring pattern is provided. An imaging unit 2, a plurality of light-emitting units 3, and a light-shielding housing 6 are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 1, and a power supply circuit 4 including a collector is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 1.

[0013] The imaging unit 2 captures an image of at least one of the vehicle occupants in the driver's seat, passenger seat, and rear seat. The imaging unit 2 includes a camera lens 2a and an image sensor 2b. The image sensor 2b generates an image based on light incident on the camera lens 2a.

[0014] The light-emitting units 3 are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light to be irradiated to the occupant. As shown in Fig. 1, the light-emitting units 3 are located on one side of the imaging unit 2 in the vehicle width direction (the left end side in Fig. 1).

[0015] The power supply circuit 4 is electrically connected to the imaging unit 2 and the plurality of light-emitting units 3, and supplies power to the imaging unit 2 and the plurality of light-emitting units 3. In the present embodiment 1, in a plan view of the substrate 1, that is, when the plane of the substrate 1 is viewed from the front, the power supply circuit 4 is located on the same side of the imaging unit 2 as the plurality of light-emitting units 3 (the left side in FIG. 1 ).

[0016] 1, the light-emitting units 3 are arranged horizontally, but this is not limiting and they may be arranged vertically. In addition, in a plan view of the substrate 1, the light-emitting units 3 may be arranged on one side of the power supply circuit 4, on both sides of the power supply circuit 4, or around the power supply circuit 4.

[0017] 2 irradiates light from the multiple light-emitting units 3 onto the occupant whose image is captured by the imaging unit 2. The light-shielding housing 6 covers the imaging unit 2 and the multiple light-emitting units 3 except for an opening into which the camera lens 2a is fitted and an opening into which the lens 5 is fitted. In the example of FIG. 2 , the light-shielding housing 6 is provided between the imaging unit 2 and the multiple light-emitting units 3, and has one wall 6a that prevents light from the multiple light-emitting units 3 from being directly incident on the imaging unit 2.

[0018] According to the occupant image capturing device 31 described above, it is possible to generate an image with a constant brightness by appropriately adjusting the light from the light emitting unit 3 in accordance with the ambient brightness. Note that the configuration in which the light emitting unit 3 emits infrared light can prevent the light from affecting people's field of vision, and is therefore effective for a DMS (Driver Monitoring System) that monitors the state of the vehicle driver.

[0019] Next, a description will be given of a related device related to the occupant image capturing device 31 according to the first embodiment. Figures 3 and 4 are plan and cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the related device in the same manner as Figures 1 and 2. In the related device, one light-emitting unit 3 is located on one side of the image capturing unit 2 in the vehicle width direction, and another light-emitting unit 3 is located on the other side of the image capturing unit 2 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the multiple light-emitting units 3 are not located on one side of the image capturing unit 2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] In this configuration, to prevent light from the multiple light-emitting units 3 from being directly incident on the imaging unit 2, the light-shielding housing 6 needs to have two walls 6a instead of one, as shown in Fig. 4. Also, the power supply circuit 4 is located on the same side of the imaging unit 2 as one of the light-emitting units 3, but on the opposite side of the imaging unit 2 from another of the light-emitting units 3. This makes the wiring pattern of the light-emitting units 3 complex, as shown by the dotted arrows in Fig. 3.

[0021] In contrast, in the occupant image capturing device 31 according to the first embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting units 3 are positioned on one side in the vehicle width direction relative to the image capturing unit 2. With this configuration, as shown in Fig. 2, the wall portion 6a of the light-shielding housing 6 can be reduced, and therefore, for example, the length of the substrate 1 in the longitudinal direction can be reduced, and the size of the occupant image capturing device 31 can be reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in a plan view of the substrate 1, the power supply circuit 4 is located on the same side as the plurality of light-emitting units 3 with respect to the imaging unit 2. With this configuration, as shown by the dotted arrow in Fig. 1, it is possible to simplify the wiring pattern of the light-emitting units 3. As a result, it is expected that, for example, it will be easier to add more light-emitting units 3.

[0023] Next, a method for manufacturing the occupant image capture device 31 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, a structure in which the lens 5 is removed from the occupant image capture device 31 and a plurality of lenses 5 are prepared. The structure may include, for example, the substrate 1, the image capture unit 2, and a plurality of light-emitting units 3 described in the first embodiment, and may not include the light-shielding housing 6. The plurality of lenses 5 have different shapes, and therefore have different illumination angles and / or illumination distances.

[0024] After preparing the structure and the plurality of lenses 5, one of the plurality of lenses 5 is attached to the structure, and the occupant is irradiated with light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting units 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an occupant image capture device 31 attached with a lens 5 having a different illumination angle and illumination distance from the lens 5 in Fig. 2.

[0025] With this configuration, by selecting one lens 5 to be attached to the structure while using a common structure, it is possible to easily change at least one of the illumination angle and illumination distance of the occupant imaging device 31.

[0026] <Variation 1> When the plurality of light-emitting units 3 includes a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, the lens 5 may irradiate the light from the first light-emitting unit and the light from the second light-emitting unit in the same direction. This configuration can increase the intensity of the light irradiated to the occupant.

[0027] Furthermore, when the plurality of light-emitting units 3 includes a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, the lens 5 may irradiate the light from the first light-emitting unit and the light from the second light-emitting unit in different directions. With this configuration, light can be irradiated to a plurality of ranges, so that, for example, light can be irradiated to a plurality of occupants or light can be irradiated to a plurality of parts of a single occupant.

[0028] In the above description, the number of light-emitting units 3 is two, but the number is not limited to two and may be three, four as shown in Fig. 6, or more. With such a configuration, it is possible to further increase the light intensity, irradiate light over multiple ranges, or both.

[0029] <Variation 2> 7, the occupant image capturing device 31 may be provided in a central portion of the front part of the interior of the vehicle 21. The central portion of the front part of the interior of the vehicle 21 includes, for example, a central portion of the dashboard of the vehicle 21, a peripheral portion of the rearview mirror of the vehicle 21, or a central portion of the windshield of the vehicle 21. Note that FIG. 7 illustrates a steering wheel 22 provided on the driver's seat side.

[0030] When the plurality of light-emitting units 3 include a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, the lens 5 may irradiate the driver 23, who is an occupant in the driver's seat, with light from the first light-emitting unit, and irradiate the passenger 24, who is an occupant in the front passenger seat, with light from the second light-emitting unit. With this configuration, a single occupant image capturing device 31 can irradiate and capture images of the driver 23 and the passenger 24 in the front passenger seat.

[0031] The lens 5 may irradiate the light from the second light-emitting unit to the passenger in the rear seat. Furthermore, when the plurality of light-emitting units 3 includes a plurality of second light-emitting units, the lens 5 may irradiate the light from one second light-emitting unit to the passenger 24 in the front passenger seat, and irradiate the light from another second light-emitting unit to the passenger in the rear seat.

[0032] 8, the occupant image capturing device 31 may be provided on the pillar on the driver's seat side of the vehicle 21 with the longitudinal direction of the substrate 1 aligned with the extending direction of the pillar. When the occupant image capturing device 31 is provided on the pillar on the driver's seat side, it is sufficient that the plurality of light-emitting units 3 are located on one side of the image capturing unit 2 in a plan view of the substrate 1, regardless of the vehicle width direction.

[0033] <Variation 3> 9, the occupant image capturing device 31 may be provided facing the driver's seat by being mounted on, for example, a steering column or an instrument panel. When the plurality of light-emitting units 3 include a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, the lens 5 may irradiate the driver 23 with light from the first light-emitting unit and irradiate the driver 23 with light from the second light-emitting unit in a range that differs in illumination angle and illumination distance from the light from the first light-emitting unit. With this configuration, the intensity of the light irradiated to the driver 23 can be increased, and the driver 23 can be captured over a wide range.

[0034] The contents of the embodiments can be modified or omitted as appropriate.

[0035] The above description is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 board, 2 imaging unit, 3 light emitting unit, 4 power supply circuit, 5 lens, 21 vehicle, 23 driver, 24 passenger, 31 passenger imaging device

Claims

1. A substrate; an imaging unit provided on the substrate for imaging at least one of an occupant in a driver's seat, a passenger seat, and a rear seat of the vehicle; a plurality of light emitting units arranged on the substrate and emitting light to be irradiated to the occupant; a light-shielding housing having a wall portion that covers the imaging unit and the light-emitting unit and blocks light emitted from the light-emitting unit from entering the imaging unit; a power supply circuit provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting units; Equipped with the plurality of light emitting units are located on one side of the imaging unit in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle, the one wall portion of the light-shielding housing is located between the imaging unit and the plurality of light-emitting units in an arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting units, The occupant image capturing device, wherein the power supply circuit is located on the same side of the board as the plurality of light emitting units with respect to the image capturing unit.

2. The occupant imaging device according to claim 1, the plurality of light-emitting units include a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, an occupant imaging device further comprising a light guide that irradiates the light from the first light-emitting unit to an occupant in the driver's seat and that irradiates the light from the second light-emitting unit to an occupant in the passenger seat or the rear seat;

3. 3. The occupant imaging device according to claim 2, The occupant image capturing device is provided in a central portion of a front portion of a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

4. The occupant imaging device according to claim 1, the occupant imaging device is provided opposite the driver's seat, the plurality of light-emitting units include a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, an occupant imaging device further comprising a light guide that irradiates the occupant in the driver's seat with light from the first light-emitting unit and irradiates the occupant in the driver's seat with light from the second light-emitting unit within a range of an illumination angle and an illumination distance different from those of the light from the first light-emitting unit.

5. The occupant imaging device according to claim 1, the plurality of light-emitting units include a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, The occupant imaging device further includes a light guide that irradiates light from the first light emitting portion and light from the second light emitting portion in the same direction.

6. The occupant imaging device according to claim 1, the plurality of light-emitting units include a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit, The occupant imaging device further includes a light guide that irradiates light from the first light emitting portion and light from the second light emitting portion in different directions.

7. An occupant imaging device, A substrate; an imaging unit provided on the substrate for imaging at least one of an occupant in a driver's seat, a passenger seat, and a rear seat of the vehicle; a plurality of light emitting units arranged on the substrate and emitting light to be irradiated to the occupant; a light-shielding housing having a wall portion that covers the imaging unit and the light-emitting unit and blocks light emitted from the light-emitting unit from entering the imaging unit; a power supply circuit provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting units; Equipped with In a plan view of the substrate, the plurality of light emitting units are located on one side of the imaging unit, the one wall portion of the light-shielding housing is located between the imaging unit and the plurality of light-emitting units in an arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting units, On the board, the power supply circuit is located on the same side as the plurality of light emitting units with respect to the imaging unit, The occupant imaging device is provided on a pillar on the driver's seat side of the vehicle.

8. a substrate; an imaging unit provided on the substrate for imaging at least one of an occupant in a driver's seat, a passenger seat, and a rear seat of a vehicle; and a plurality of light-emitting units arranged on the substrate; a light-shielding housing having a wall portion that covers the imaging unit and the light-emitting unit and blocks light emitted from the light-emitting unit from entering the imaging unit; a power supply circuit provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting units; a structure in which the plurality of light-emitting units are located on one side of the imaging unit in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and the one wall portion of the light-shielding housing is located between the imaging unit and the plurality of light-emitting units in an arrangement direction of the plurality of light-emitting units; and a plurality of light guides having different illumination angles and illumination distances, By attaching one of the plurality of light guides to the structure, light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units is irradiated onto the occupant; The method for manufacturing an occupant image pickup device, wherein the power supply circuit is located on the same side of the board as the plurality of light emitting units with respect to the image pickup unit.

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