Off-Axis Imaging Optics for Rear-View Resolution Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses for electronic rear-view mirrors and rear-view monitors have different field angles, leading to degraded image resolution when one apparatus is shared between the two applications, and require increased image sensor size for reliable high-resolution images.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus includes an imaging element with a two-dimensional array of pixels and an optical system that forms images on the imaging plane with a magnification factor varying with the field angle, with the optical axis positioned away from the center of the imaging plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If one imaging apparatus is shared between rear-view monitor and electronic rear-view mirror, then cost is reduced, but image resolution for electronic rear-view mirror is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform pixel density distribution across the imaging plane, with higher pixel density in the peripheral region (for electronic rear-view mirror) and lower pixel density in the central region (for rear-view monitor). This allows the single imaging apparatus to provide high-resolution images for both applications simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and maintaining image resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel density distribution from uniform to non-uniform. By varying the pixel density across different regions of the imaging plane according to the specific field angle requirements, the system achieves high resolution for both the electronic rear-view mirror (peripheral region) and rear-view monitor (central region) while using a single imaging apparatus, thus resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and image resolution maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If image sensor size is increased to obtain good resolution for electronic rear-view mirror, then image resolution is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing pixel density across the entire imaging plane (which would require a larger image sensor), the patent applies local quality by concentrating higher pixel density only in the peripheral region where the electronic rear-view mirror requires high resolution. The central region maintains lower pixel density, allowing the use of a smaller overall image sensor while still achieving the required resolution for the electronic rear-view mirror application.
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 the imaging apparatus to be shared between electronic rear-view mirrors and rear-view monitors without degrading image resolution, while also improving pixel density for the electronic rear-view mirror, enabling clear and wide-angle images to be obtained.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system is configured to form, on an imaging plane of the imaging element, an image of light from a field at a magnification factor varying with a field angle
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus is disclosed. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging element and an optical system. On the imaging element, a plurality of pixels is arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The imaging element generates image data on the basis of output of the plurality of pixels. The optical system forms, on an imaging plane of the imaging element, an image of light from a field at a magnification factor varying with a field angle. An optical axis of the optical system on the imaging plane is positioned away from a center of the imaging plane.