Off-Axis Imaging Optics for Shared Mirror and Monitor Resolution
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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 for electronic rear-view mirrors when a single imaging apparatus is shared between the two systems.
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 element's plane with a magnification factor varying with the field angle. The optical axis of the optical system is positioned away from the center of the imaging element, allowing for shared use without compromising image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If one imaging apparatus is shared between the rear-view monitor and the electronic rear-view mirror, then cost is reduced, but the resolution of the image for the electronic rear-view mirror is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the optical axis away from the center of the imaging element, creating different image quality characteristics in different regions. The peripheral region (where the optical axis is shifted) provides higher pixel density and resolution specifically for the electronic rear-view mirror function, while the central region maintains adequate resolution for the rear-view monitor function. This allows a single imaging apparatus to deliver locally optimized image quality for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single imaging apparatus that can simultaneously serve dual functions: as an electronic rear-view mirror and as a rear-view monitor. The optical system is configured with a shifted optical axis to accommodate the specific requirements of the electronic rear-view mirror while still providing functional images for the rear-view monitor, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices and reducing overall system cost.
2Measurement precision
If the size of the imaging plane is increased to obtain good resolution for the electronic rear-view mirror, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity and size are increased
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly increasing the imaging plane size, the patent uses local quality by shifting the optical axis to concentrate pixel density in the peripheral region. This approach achieves high resolution for the electronic rear-view mirror without requiring a larger overall imaging plane, thus avoiding increased device complexity and size while maintaining adequate resolution for the rear-view monitor function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing excessive pixel density only in the peripheral region where it is needed for the electronic rear-view mirror, rather than uniformly across the entire imaging plane. This selective concentration of resources achieves the required resolution for the critical function without the overhead of increasing the overall imaging plane size.
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 enables the imaging apparatus to provide high-resolution images for electronic rear-view mirrors and wide-angle images for rear-view monitors, improving pixel density and maintaining image quality when shared between systems.
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.