Side Camera Optics for Electronic Mirrors and Blind Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for electronic rearview mirrors and lateral side collision detection in vehicles require multiple cameras, leading to complex in-vehicle image processing and difficulties in achieving high-resolution, low-distortion images, especially when using ultra-wide-angle lenses.
Innovation Solution
A movable apparatus with a camera unit that includes an optical system configured to form high-resolution and low-resolution areas on the light reception surface, optimizing the angle of view to satisfy specific angle and offset conditions, allowing for a reduced number of cameras while maintaining image quality and reducing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are installed for electronic rearview mirror and lateral side collision detection systems, then the imaging coverage and detection capability are improved, but the device complexity and image processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of electronic rearview mirror imaging and lateral side collision detection into a single camera unit. The camera is positioned and configured to capture both rearward views for the electronic mirror display and lateral blind spot areas for collision detection, eliminating the need for separate cameras and reducing processing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera unit serves multiple functions: it provides imaging for the electronic rearview mirror system and simultaneously provides imaging for lateral side collision detection. This multi-functional design allows one camera to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized cameras
2Adaptability or versatility
If an ultra-wide angle lens is used to reduce the number of cameras, then the imaging range is improved, but the image distortion in peripheral portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different resolution requirements to different areas of the captured image. The center portion of the image, which has lower distortion, is used for electronic rearview mirror display where moderate resolution is acceptable. The peripheral portions, which have higher distortion but capture the lateral blind spot area, are used for collision detection where wide coverage is more important than precise geometric accuracy
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 display of high-resolution, low-distortion images on electronic side mirrors and confirms a wide rearward range with a smaller number of cameras, enhancing safety and reducing processing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system for forming an optical image with a high-resolution area and a low-resolution area on a light reception surface of an imaging unit
Data Source
AI summary
A movable apparatus includes a camera unit including an optical system for forming an optical image with a high-resolution area and a low-resolution area on a light reception surface of an imaging unit, the camera unit being installed on the lateral side of the movable apparatus, and A tan(h1/(d1+x1))−θv/2<ϕv<A tan(h1/(d2+x1))+θv/2, for example, is satisfied when a vertical angle of view of the high-resolution area is θv, a vertical direction angle of an optical axis of the optical system is ϕv, an offset between a viewpoint position of a driver in a long axis direction of the movable apparatus and the camera unit is x1, an offset in a height direction of the camera unit from the ground is h1, distances from the viewpoint position of the driver in a long axis direction are d1 and d2.