Asymmetric Vehicle Camera Imaging Surface for Wide-Angle Rear View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear view cameras struggle to capture images from both far and near sides of a vehicle effectively, leading to aesthetic issues when multiple cameras are installed, and existing solutions fail to provide high-resolution images of both distant and proximal regions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted camera with a lens unit and imaging device featuring a rectangular imaging surface with distinct first and second positions, where the optical axis passes through the first position and the second position is centered, allowing for an expanded near-side imaging field without compromising far-side resolution, and can be installed to incline vertically or laterally for enhanced viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two rear view cameras are installed to capture both far side and near side images, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the aesthetic sense is greatly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple cameras into a single camera by integrating a lens unit with asymmetric imaging characteristics that can capture both far-side and near-side regions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate camera installations and thus preserving aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system is designed to perform multiple imaging functions - capturing both distant rear scenery and near-side rear scenery - that would traditionally require separate specialized cameras, thereby achieving multi-functionality in a single device
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging field of view for near side is expanded, then the near side coverage is improved, but the resolution in far side imaging field of view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device employs an asymmetric pixel arrangement where different regions of the imaging surface have different pixel densities - the first position has higher pixel density for far-side imaging while the second position has appropriate density for near-side imaging, allowing each region to optimize for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an asymmetric imaging surface configuration where the optical axis passes through a first position that is not at the center, creating asymmetric pixel distribution that provides higher resolution in the far-side direction while maintaining adequate coverage in the near-side direction
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the capture of high-resolution images from far to near sides in a single field of view, supporting both rearview mirror substitution and parking assistance functions without increasing camera size or manufacturing costs, while maintaining high resolution for distant regions.
Implementation Method 1
a lens unit (12)
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device (14) having a rectangular imaging surface (14a)
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide a vehicle-mounted camera capable of satisfactorily capturing images from far side to near side.[Solving Means] A vehicle-mounted camera includes a lens unit and an imaging device. The imaging device has a rectangular imaging surface that extends along an in-plane direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens unit and includes a first position and a second position different from each other, the optical axis passing through the first position, the second position being at the center in the in-plane direction. In this vehicle-mounted camera, the imaging field of view including the near side can be expanded without impairing the resolution in the imaging field of view including the far side. As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle-mounted camera capable of satisfactorily capturing images from far side to near side in a lump.