Imaging Device With Shifted High Resolution Region
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses attached to moving bodies face a trade-off between achieving a wide view angle and maintaining image quality, as increasing the view angle reduces the number of pixels per unit area, degrading image quality and analysis precision.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus is designed with a two-dimensional array of pixels on an imaging surface, featuring a first region with higher resolution and a second region with lower resolution, where the center of the first region is horizontally and vertically shifted from the center of the view angle, utilizing free-form lenses to vary magnification ratios and pixel density across the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the view angle is increased to capture more information, then the coverage area is improved, but the number of pixels per unit area is reduced and image quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging surface is divided into a first region with higher pixel density and a second region with lower pixel density. The first region is positioned at a location shifted from the center of the horizontal or vertical view angle to capture images of subjects at specific positions (e.g., rear side or side of vehicle) with high resolution, while the second region covers the remaining area with reduced resolution, thereby achieving both wide coverage and high image quality in critical areas.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging apparatuses are used to achieve both wide angle and high resolution, then the image quality is improved, but the size and cost of the imaging apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single imaging apparatus by integrating a plurality of pixels with different resolutions on one imaging surface. This allows the device to capture both wide-angle views and high-resolution details simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate cameras and reducing overall device complexity, size, and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is designed to perform multiple imaging functions with a single device. The imaging surface can capture images across different view angles and resolutions simultaneously, making the apparatus universal for various imaging needs (wide coverage and detailed analysis) without requiring additional specialized devices.
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 configuration allows for high-resolution image capture in critical regions while maintaining a wide view angle, enhancing analysis precision without increasing the apparatus's size or cost, enabling reliable detection of distant objects and improved image analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that forms the subject image included in a range of a predetermined vertical view angle and a predetermined horizontal view angle on the imaging surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus is attached to a side of a moving body (for example, vehicle). The imaging apparatus includes an image sensor and an optical system that forms a subject image in a range of a predetermined vertical view angle and a predetermined horizontal view angle on an imaging surface. The optical system forms an image on the imaging surface so as to cause resolution in first region (R1) of the imaging surface to be higher than resolution in second region (R2) different from the first region. A position of center (G1) of first region (R1) is at least one of a position horizontally shifted from a center of the horizontal view angle and a position vertically shifted from a center of the vertical view angle.