Single-Camera Imaging Layout for Blind Spot View Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for vehicles face challenges in providing clear views of blind spots, require multiple cameras and complex configurations, and suffer from image distortion and reduced resolution due to bandwidth limitations, making it difficult for drivers to accurately assess distances and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device and system that uses a single camera with an image conversion unit to process and display images from different directions on a single screen, allowing for clear views of blind spots through a 'personal view mode' with adjustable image quality and timing adjustments, reducing the need for multiple cameras and complex components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from different directions, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single wide-angle image into multiple regions (first region and second region) and processes them differently. The first region (peripheral area) is enlarged and displayed in a first area, while the second region (central area) is displayed in a second area, allowing different parts of the image to serve different viewing purposes without requiring multiple cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the two-dimensional wide-angle image by enlarging specific regions and repositioning them within the display area. This dimensional transformation allows the peripheral regions to be displayed at larger scales, improving visibility of blind spots while maintaining a single-camera system.
2Area of stationary object
If wide-angle lenses are used to capture a wide range of areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wide-angle image into different regions and applies different processing techniques. The peripheral region (first region) which has higher distortion is selectively enlarged and displayed in a dedicated area, while the central region (second region) is displayed separately, allowing the driver to view distorted peripheral areas in detail without the entire image being distorted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameters of different image regions by enlarging the first region (peripheral area) and positioning it in a specific area of the display, while displaying the second region (central area) in another area. This parameter change allows the distorted peripheral regions to be viewed at appropriate scales for accurate distance judgment.
3Device complexity
If images are transmitted through wiring harness with limited bandwidth, then the system complexity is reduced, but the image resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and enlarges only the necessary peripheral regions (first region) from the wide-angle image for display in the first area, rather than transmitting and processing entire high-resolution images from multiple cameras. This extraction approach reduces the data transmission requirement while maintaining the resolution of critical blind spot areas.
4Device complexity
If a single camera is used instead of multiple cameras, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coverage area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single wide-angle camera to capture a broad field of view, then applies dimensional transformation by enlarging the peripheral regions and repositioning them within the display area. This allows a single camera to provide coverage equivalent to multiple cameras through intelligent image processing and presentation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
An imaging device includes: an image sensor that photoelectrically converts subject light to generate image signals; a storage portion that sets a second area within a first area so as to correspond to a specific area specified by a setting value for setting an extracting range of an image based on the image signals; a timing adjustment unit that adjusts the timing at which the image signals are read from the image sensor and written to the storage portion and the timing at which the image signals are read from the storage portion; an image conversion processor that performs predetermined processing on the image based on the image signals read from the image sensor; an output unit that converts processed image signals with continuous scanning timing into image signals of a predetermined format and outputs the image signals to a display unit.