Free-Form Lens Imaging System for Vehicle Rear View Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems in vehicles, which use low-resolution imaging elements for reliability, struggle to capture high-resolution images of the surrounding view, especially when replacing traditional rear-view mirrors, as they require higher resolution to be easily viewable on monitors.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system utilizing a free-form surface lens that varies resolution across different portions of the image, allowing a single imaging apparatus to capture both high and low-resolution images by adjusting the number of imaging pixels within a unit field angle, enabling the formation of high-resolution images for display on monitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a low-resolution imaging element is used to ensure high reliability, then reliability is improved, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different portions of the imaging element have different resolutions. The imaging element includes a first region with first resolution and a second region with second resolution, where the resolutions are different. This allows the system to use lower resolution in some areas while maintaining higher resolution in critical areas, thereby achieving both reliability and image quality.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging apparatuses are used to capture full surrounding view, then image coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single imaging apparatus. By integrating a plurality of imaging elements with different resolutions and characteristics into one apparatus, the system achieves full surrounding view coverage without the complexity of multiple separate imaging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating imaging elements that can capture different types of images (high-resolution detailed views and low-resolution wide-angle views) within a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized imaging apparatuses.
3Device complexity
If a single imaging apparatus is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality within the single imaging apparatus. Different imaging elements within the same apparatus have different resolutions - some elements provide high-resolution images while others provide low-resolution images. This allows the system to maintain simple device architecture while achieving high overall image resolution through the combination of multiple imaging elements with varying characteristics.
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
This solution enables the generation of high-resolution images for vehicle surroundings using a single imaging apparatus, improving image quality while maintaining reliability, and allowing for efficient display on monitors, aiding in navigation and parking assistance.
Implementation Method 1
the optical system includes a free-form surface lens that has a shape that allows the image of a predetermined region to be formed on the imaging surface
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes: a first imaging apparatus including a first imaging element and a first optical system; and a generator that generates an image based on image data acquired from the first imaging element. The first optical system includes a first free-form surface lens that has a shape that allows an image to be formed on the first imaging element such that a resolution is different between a portion of a predetermined region and another portion of the predetermined region, the resolution being defined as a total number of imaging pixels that capture an image within a unit field angle on a horizontal plane.