Vehicle Image Capture With Peripheral High-Resolution Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing systems for vehicles face installation and processing costs due to the need for multiple image capturing apparatuses to eliminate blind spots, and require alignment correction for positional misalignment between left and right-side surface captures.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with an optical system that forms a low-resolution region centrally and a high-resolution region peripherally on the light-receiving surface, allowing high-resolution capture of vehicle peripheries and tire portions with fewer apparatuses, and includes processing units for alignment and distortion correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple image capturing apparatuses are installed on left and right side surfaces to capture vehicle periphery and eliminate blind spots, then blind spot elimination is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple image capturing apparatuses into a single apparatus with an optical system that captures both the periphery of the vehicle and the peripheral portions of the wheels simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the blind spot elimination capability while reducing the number of apparatuses from multiple to one, thereby lowering installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single image capturing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform both periphery capture and wheel peripheral capture that would traditionally require separate apparatuses. The optical system is configured to capture images of the vehicle periphery and wheel periphery in a single operation, making the apparatus universal and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple image capturing apparatuses are installed on left and right side surfaces to capture vehicle periphery, then blind spot elimination is improved, but processing cost increases due to alignment correction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple capture functions into a single apparatus, the patent eliminates the need for alignment correction processing between multiple apparatuses. The single apparatus captures all necessary images (vehicle periphery and wheel periphery) in one operation, so there is no positional misalignment issue to correct, thereby reducing processing cost and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is pre-configured to capture images at the correct positions and angles for both vehicle periphery and wheel periphery simultaneously. This preliminary configuration of the optical system ensures that images are captured in the correct spatial relationship from the start, eliminating the need for subsequent alignment correction processing.
3Area of moving object
If conventional optical systems are used to capture vehicle periphery, then wide angle coverage is achieved, but image resolution deteriorates in peripheral regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different resolution characteristics in different regions of the image. The optical system is designed to provide high resolution in the peripheral regions where wheel details are needed, while maintaining adequate coverage in the central regions. This local optimization ensures that critical areas like wheel periphery receive high-resolution capture without compromising overall angle of view.
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
Reduces installation and processing costs while providing high-resolution, low-distortion images of vehicle peripheries and tire portions, enhancing safety by minimizing blind spots with efficient image processing.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that forms a low-resolution region on the central side of a light-receiving surface and that forms a high-resolution region on the peripheral side of the light-receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus capable of capturing essential parts in high resolution comprises an image capturing unit configured to include an optical system that forms a low-resolution region on the central side of a light-receiving surface and a high-resolution region on the peripheral side of the light-receiving surface, wherein the image capturing unit is arranged on a vehicle so that an image of a lower side and forward-rearward direction of the vehicle is formed in the high-resolution region of the light-receiving surface of the image capturing unit by the optical system.