vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which can capture images of an entire interior part of a vehicle cabin from an imaging camera without hindering an operation of a driver.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes a center display 21, a side display 22 for a side camera monitor system, and an imaging camera 31 which is configured to image an interior of a vehicle cabin 10. The imaging camera 31 is disposed above the side display 22 and on the center side of a vehicle 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the number of vehicles equipped with cameras that capture images of the interior of the vehicle has been increasing. However, there is a problem in where to install the camera in order to capture an image of the entire interior of the vehicle. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe vehicles in which a camera is installed on the ceiling of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-126357 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-219899 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional interior cameras are often installed at the front upper center of the vehicle. In this case, the camera only captures the entire interior of the vehicle from a single angle, making it difficult to capture the entire interior. Furthermore, when installing a camera inside the vehicle, it is desirable to maintain a uniform look within the interior without interfering with the driver's driving.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a vehicle that can capture an image of the entire interior of the vehicle cabin from an imaging camera without interfering with the driver's driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle according to the present invention employs the following configuration. That is, the vehicle of the present invention comprises a center display (e.g., center display 21 in the embodiment), a side display for a side camera monitor system (e.g., side display 22 in the embodiment), and an imaging camera (e.g., imaging camera 31 in the embodiment) that captures images inside the vehicle cabin (e.g., vehicle cabin 10 in the embodiment), and the imaging camera is positioned above the side display and toward the center of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100 in the embodiment).

[0007] With the above configuration, the driver's driving is not hindered, and the imaging camera is positioned to capture images of the interior of the vehicle from the side of the driver, so the imaging camera is unlikely to be hidden by the body of the driver or a passenger sitting next to the driver, and the entire interior of the vehicle can be captured.

[0008] The vehicle may include a joint between the center display and the side display (for example, joint 25 in the embodiment), and the imaging camera may be disposed within a range of the center display in the height direction. In this case, the imaging camera does not protrude above the height of the center display, so it does not interfere with the driver's driving. Also, since the imaging camera does not protrude below the height of the center display, it can capture the entire interior of the vehicle.

[0009] The imaging camera may include a connection terminal (for example, the connection terminal 32 in the embodiment) on the center display side, and the connection terminal may be disposed in the area of ​​the connecting portion. In this case, even if the connection terminal of the imaging camera protrudes from the side display, it can be accommodated between the side display and the center display.

[0010] The imaging camera may be disposed so that the inclination angle of the imaging camera (for example, inclination angle 37 in the embodiment) differs from the inclination angle of the side display (for example, inclination angle 27 in the embodiment). In this case, even if the orientation of the side display is set taking into consideration the effects of visibility, reflected light, etc., the orientation of the imaging camera can be set to an angle suitable for the imaging range.

[0011] The tilt angle of the imaging camera may be set so that the face of the occupant is positioned in the center in the vertical direction of the imaging range of the imaging camera (for example, imaging range 40 in the embodiment). In this case, it becomes easier to include the face of the passenger as the subject in the image capture range, and an image can be captured that allows attention to be focused on the facial expression of the subject.

[0012] The side display may be disposed at least on the passenger seat side (for example, passenger seat 13 in the embodiment), and the imaging camera may be disposed on the side display on the passenger seat side. In this case, the proportion of the steering wheel in the imaging range can be reduced compared to when the imaging camera is located on the driver's seat side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The vehicle according to the present invention can capture an image of the entire interior of the vehicle cabin from the imaging camera without interfering with the driver's driving. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the interior of a vehicle cabin. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a display. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a top view showing an example of an imaging camera in the side display. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of an imaging camera in a side display. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an imaging range of an imaging camera. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view that schematically shows the interior of a vehicle compartment 10 of a vehicle 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a display 20 arranged in the vehicle interior 10. Fig. 2 shows an arrow UP pointing upward of the vehicle 100, an arrow FR pointing forward of the vehicle 100, and an arrow LH pointing to the left side of the vehicle 100.

[0017] The vehicle 100 includes an instrument panel 11, a driver's seat 12, a passenger seat 13, a steering wheel 14, etc. in a passenger compartment 10.

[0018] The driver's seat 12 is located at the front of the vehicle 100 and is a seat used by the driver. The passenger seat 13 is located next to the driver's seat 12 at the front of the vehicle 100 and is a seat used by a passenger other than the driver. The driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13 are front passenger seats located at the front of the vehicle 100.

[0019] Although not specifically shown, one or more rows of passenger seats may be provided behind the front passenger seats within the vehicle interior 10. The passenger seat 13 may or may not assist the driver when driving the vehicle 100, and the passenger seat 13 may not be occupied by a passenger. In the illustrated example of the vehicle 100, the driver's seat 12 is located to the left of the passenger seat 13, but the driver's seat 12 may also be located to the right of the passenger seat 13, as opposed to the illustrated example. The number and arrangement of seats are not limited to those shown in the illustrations and may be changed as appropriate.

[0020] The vehicle 100 includes a center display 21, side displays 22 for a side camera monitor system, and an imaging camera 31 that captures images of the interior of the vehicle compartment 10. The center display 21 in the illustrated example is attached to the instrument panel 11. A front window 15F is located in front of the center display 21.

[0021] The display 20 in the illustrated example includes side displays 22 on the left and right of a center display 21. More specifically, the center display 21 is made up of a driver's seat side center display 21A and a passenger seat side center display 21B. The side displays 22 are made up of a driver's seat side side display 22A and a passenger seat side side display 22B.

[0022] The driver's seat side center display 21A and the passenger seat side center display 21B are arranged in a center display mounting portion 23 of the display 20. The side display 22 is arranged in a side display mounting portion 24. In a preferred embodiment, the display 20 includes the center display mounting portion 23 and the side display mounting portion 24.

[0023] In the illustrated center display 21, the driver's seat side center display 21A is rectangular and smaller than the passenger seat side center display 21B, but there are no particular limitations on the arrangement, shape, dimensions, etc. of each center display 21. It is also possible to divide the display surface into multiple sections and display information for the driver and information for other passengers on the same center display 21.

[0024] The imaging camera 31 is disposed above the side display 22 and on the center C side of the vehicle 100. The upper part of the side display 22 means the area above the side display 22 in the vertical direction of the vehicle 100. In the horizontal direction, it may be disposed on the side display mounting portion 24, and may be directly above or diagonally above the side display 22. The side of the center C of the vehicle 100 means the side closer to the center C when the left-right direction of the side display 22 is divided into the side closer to the center C and the side farther from the center C. The center C of the vehicle 100 represents the position of the longitudinal center plane.

[0025] The side display 22 is a side display 22 for a side camera monitor system. The side camera monitor system is a confirmation device that takes an image of the rear of the vehicle from outside the vehicle 100 and is provided in a position visible to the driver.

[0026] With the above configuration, the imaging camera 31 can capture images of the interior of the vehicle cabin 10 from the side of the driver. This does not interfere with the driver's driving, compared to when the camera is installed at the front upper center of the vehicle 100. In addition, since the imaging camera 31 is unlikely to be hidden behind the bodies of passengers at the front of the vehicle 100, the imaging camera 31 can capture images of the entire interior of the vehicle cabin 10.

[0027] The display 20 in the illustrated example is a display module that integrally mounts a center display 21 and a side display 22. A connector 25 is disposed between the center display 21 and the side display 22. More specifically, the side display mounting sections are connected to both the left and right sides of the center display mounting section 23 via the connector 25. Although not specifically illustrated, the side display 22 equipped with an imaging camera 31 may be attached to the vehicle 100 as a component separate from the center display 21.

[0028] The display 20 of this embodiment includes a center display 21, a side display 22 for a side camera monitor system, and an imaging camera 31 that captures images of the interior of the vehicle compartment 10, and the imaging camera 31 is located above the side display 22 and on the center C side of the vehicle 100.

[0029] The imaging camera 31 is preferably disposed within a range in the height direction of the center display 21. In this case, the imaging camera 31 does not protrude above the center display 21 in the height direction, and therefore, compared to when the imaging camera 31 is disposed above the center display 21, it does not obstruct the driver's field of view, or the imaging camera 31 is less likely to be mistaken for another object, and is less likely to interfere with the driver's driving. Also, compared to when the imaging camera 31 protrudes below the center display 21 in the height direction, it is easier to position the imaging camera 31 so that it can capture an image of the entire interior of the vehicle compartment 10.

[0030] 1 and 2 is the position of the light receiving section of the imaging camera 31. The light receiving section of the imaging camera 31 is disposed on the display surface side of the side display 22. Although not particularly shown, the imaging camera 31 may be provided with various mechanisms such as an image processing section on the back side of the light receiving section.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the side display 22 as seen from part A in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a top view showing the arrangement of the imaging camera 31 in the side display 22. In these figures, illustration of components that do not require explanation may be omitted as appropriate.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the imaging camera 31 has a connection terminal 32 such as a connector on the center display 21 side. A holder 33 fixes the imaging camera 31 to the front of the side display mounting portion 24. The imaging camera 31, like the center display 21 and the side displays 22, receives a supply of electrical energy from a power source within the vehicle 100. A cord 34 is connected to the connection terminal 32. The cord 34 is connected to a connection portion 35 on the center display 21 side.

[0033] The power source in vehicle 100 may be a device that supplies electric energy to a power source in a vehicle equipped with a power source driven by electric energy, or may be a battery equipped in a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. Examples of vehicles equipped with a power source driven by electric energy include electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Examples of electric vehicles include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) equipped with an internal combustion engine that provides at least a portion of the power.

[0034] The connection terminal 32 of the imaging camera 31 is preferably disposed in the area of ​​the joint 25 between the center display 21 and the side display 22. In this case, even if the connection terminal 32 protrudes from the side display 22, it is housed in the recess 26 between the center display 21 and the side display 22, and the connection terminal 32 is disposed hidden behind the display 20. Compared to when the connection terminal 32 protrudes above the side display 22, the connection terminal 32 does not obstruct the driver's field of view, or is less likely to be mistaken for another object, and is less likely to interfere with the driver's driving.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a front view showing the arrangement of the imaging camera 31 on the display surface side of the side display 22. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, the imaging camera 31 is preferably arranged so that the inclination angle 37 of the imaging camera 31 differs from the inclination angle 27 of the side display 22.

[0036] In the illustrated example, an inclination angle 27 is set along the display panel 28 that forms the display surface of the side display 22. In addition, an inclination angle 37 of the imaging camera 31 differs from the inclination angle 27 of the side display 22 by a difference of angle α. The magnitude of the angle α is not particularly limited.

[0037] The tilt angle 27 of the side display 22 is set taking into consideration visibility from the driver's perspective, the influence of reflected light on the driver, etc. The tilt angle 27 is, for example, the angle at which the display surface of the display panel 28 is tilted upward from the vehicle.

[0038] The inclination angle 37 of the imaging camera 31 is set to an angle appropriate for the imaging range, since it is not necessary to improve visibility for the driver and other passengers. The inclination angle 37 is, for example, the angle at which the light receiving surface 36 of the imaging camera 31 is inclined relative to the upper side of the vehicle. If the light receiving surface 36 is not flat, the inclination angle 37 may be set along a plane perpendicular to the incident optical axis passing through the light receiving surface 36.

[0039] In the illustrated example, when the inclination angles 27 and 37 are defined as angles inclined relative to the upper side of the vehicle, the inclination angle 37 of the imaging camera 31 is set to an angle smaller than the inclination angle 27 of the side display 22. Although not specifically illustrated, the inclination angle 37 of the imaging camera 31 may also be set to an angle larger than the inclination angle 27 of the side display 22.

[0040] The tilt angle 37 of the imaging camera 31 may be set to match the viewpoint of the AM50 dummy. The AM50 dummy is a crash test dummy model that covers 50% of adult males in the United States. In this case, the face of the occupant sitting in the front passenger seat is more easily included in the imaging range of the imaging camera 31 (see imaging range 40 in FIG. 7 , which will be described later), making it easier to capture an image that focuses on the facial expression of the occupant. Note that if the tilt angle 37 is set to match the viewpoint of the dummy and the tilt angles 27 and 37 are made different, the tilt angle 27 of the side display 22 is set to an angle different from the angle matched to the viewpoint of the dummy. Note that the dummy (see dummy 41 in FIG. 7 , which will be described later) used to adjust the tilt angle 37 is not limited to the AM50 dummy, and may be set based on the JM50 dummy (a model that covers 50% of adult Japanese males), etc.

[0041] The viewpoint of the dummy may be a position where the line of sight of the dummy placed in the seat is directed, and may be a forward or sideward view. For example, when the dummy's face is facing the side display 22, the light receiving unit of the imaging camera 31 may be directed toward the dummy's eyes. Also, when the dummy's face is facing forward of the vehicle 100, the light receiving unit of the imaging camera 31 may be directed toward the dummy's eyes.

[0042] The imaging camera 31 is preferably disposed on the passenger-side side display 22B. This reduces the proportion of the steering wheel 14 in the imaging range of the imaging camera 31 compared to when the imaging camera 31 is disposed on the driver-side side display 22A. The imaging camera 31 can also be disposed on both the driver-side side display 22A and the passenger-side side display 22B.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an imaging range 40 captured by the imaging camera 31. The tilt angle 37 of the imaging camera 31 is preferably set so that the face of an occupant is positioned in the vertical center of the imaging range 40 of the imaging camera 31. In the illustrated example, the imaging range 40 captures images of a driver dummy 42, which is a dummy 41 installed in the driver's seat 12, a passenger dummy 43, which is a dummy 41 installed in the passenger seat 13, and the like. It is preferable that the faces (may be between the eyebrows, nose, etc.) of the driver dummy 42 and the passenger dummy 43 be positioned approximately in the vertical center of the imaging range 40. By changing the tilt angle 37 of the imaging camera 31, the position of the face of the dummy 41 in the vertical direction of the imaging range 40 can be adjusted. The dummy 41 used to adjust the imaging range 40 may be a dummy 41 installed in the driver's seat 12, the passenger seat 13, or another position in the vehicle interior 10, or more than one dummies may be used.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging range 40 includes the steering wheel 14. This makes it possible to record the driving posture of the driver. Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging range 40 is large enough to capture a bust shot including the chest of each dummy 41. This makes it possible to record the facial expressions and upper body movements of the driver and passengers in the vehicle compartment 10.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging range 40 includes vehicle windows such as the side windows 15S and rear window 15R. This allows the scenery of the vehicle as it moves to be recorded, so that the situation outside the vehicle can be confirmed. In particular, the amount of light outside the vehicle can also be used to check the weather, time, etc. These vehicle windows may be door windows or may be fixed to the vehicle body. These vehicle windows may be openable or closed.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging range 40 includes at least one of the pillars 16 and the roof 17 inside the vehicle interior 10. This allows the pillars 16 and the roof 17 to function as a frame for the image of the driver and passengers, and the frame effect makes it easier for an observer watching the image to focus on the movements of the driver and passengers.

[0047] 8 is a block diagram showing an example of processing steps in capturing an image using the imaging camera 31. The processing steps 50 in the illustrated example include an imaging step 51, a distortion correction step 52, and a display step 53. The imaging step 51 is a step of imaging the interior of the vehicle compartment 10, and can be performed using the imaging camera 31. As described above, the imaging range 40 preferably includes the scenery outside the vehicle. The image may be in color or monochrome. The light used for imaging is not limited to visible light such as the three primary colors (RGB), but may also be infrared light, etc.

[0048] The distortion correction step 52 is a step of correcting distortion of the image obtained in the imaging step 51. The distortion correction step 52 may use an image processing circuit disposed outside the imaging camera 31, or may use an image processing circuit built into the imaging camera 31. The image processing circuit may be attached to the display 20.

[0049] The display step 53 is a step of displaying the image corrected in the distortion correction step 52. The center display 21 or the side display 22 may be used in the display step 53. In the display step 53, the image may be displayed on a display outside the vehicle. For example, after the image obtained in the imaging step 51 or the image corrected in the distortion correction step 52 is stored in a storage device, the stored image may be displayed afterwards. Furthermore, after the image is transmitted to the outside of the vehicle by wireless communication or the like, the image received outside the vehicle may be displayed in real time or afterwards.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Examples of vehicles include automobiles equipped with a passenger compartment. Examples of automobiles include, but are not limited to, automobiles with four to eight wheels, more specifically, passenger cars and trucks. The display equipped with the above-described imaging camera can also be applied to other moving bodies, transportation equipment, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] α...angle, C...center, 10...vehicle interior, 11...instrument panel, 12...driver's seat, 13...passenger's seat, 14...steering wheel, 15F...front window, 15R...rear window, 15S...side window, 16...pillar, 17...roof, 20...display, 21...center display, 21A...driver's seat side center display, 21B...passenger's seat side center display, 22...side display, 22A...driver's seat side side display, 22B...passenger's seat side side display, 23...center Display mounting portion, 24...side display mounting portion, 25...connecting portion, 26...recess, 27...tilt angle of side display, 28...display panel, 31...imaging camera, 32...connection terminal, 33...holder, 34...cord, 35...connection portion, 36...light receiving surface of imaging camera, 37...tilt angle of imaging camera, 40...imaging range, 41...dummy, 42...driver dummy, 43...passenger dummy, 50...processing process, 51...imaging process, 52...distortion correction process, 53...display process, 100...vehicle.

Claims

1. a center display, a side display for a side camera monitor system, an imaging camera for imaging the interior of a vehicle cabin, and a connecting portion between the center display and the side display; A vehicle, wherein the imaging camera is disposed above the side display and toward the center of the vehicle, and the imaging camera is disposed within a height range of the center display.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging camera includes a connection terminal on the center display side, the connection terminal being disposed in an area of ​​the connecting portion.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging camera is disposed so that an inclination angle of the imaging camera differs from an inclination angle of the side display.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein the tilt angle of the imaging camera is set so that the face of the occupant is positioned at the center in the vertical direction of the imaging range of the imaging camera.

5. The side display is disposed at least on the passenger seat side, The vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging camera is disposed in a side display on the passenger seat side.

Images