Single-Camera Rear Viewing with Adaptive Image Data Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-capturing systems for vehicles struggle to simultaneously output and transmit both distant and nearby images using a single camera, while also managing the increasing costs associated with enhanced vehicle transmission bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
An image-capturing apparatus and method that extracts and adjusts the data amounts of both back mirror (BM) and rearview (RV) images using a single camera, based on vehicle information, to optimize image quality and transmission within available bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate cameras are used to capture BM image and RV image, then the image quality and viewing angles are improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate cameras into a single camera system. The image capturing device uses one camera to capture both the distant scene (BM image) and the nearby scene (RV image) simultaneously by dividing the sensor area into first and second regions, each optimized for different viewing angles and distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image sensor into multiple regions with different functions. The first region captures the distant scene for the BM image, while the second region captures the nearby scene for the RV image. This segmentation allows a single camera to perform multiple functions that previously required two separate cameras.
2Device complexity
If a single camera is used to capture both BM and RV images, then the device cost is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously output both images is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into first and second regions that operate simultaneously. The first region captures images for the BM display section while the second region captures images for the RV display section, enabling simultaneous output of both image types from a single camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different spatial regions of the image sensor to capture different types of images simultaneously. By utilizing the two-dimensional sensor area with different functional zones, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring multiple cameras or sequential operation.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are transmitted for both BM and RV displays, then the image quality is improved, but the transmission bandwidth requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels to different image regions based on their intended use. The first region (for BM image) and the second region (for RV image) can be processed and transmitted with appropriate resolution and quality settings matched to their specific display requirements, optimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining necessary image quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology relates to, for example, an image-capturing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program that make it possible to suppress an increase in costs. A controller performs an extraction control for extracting a first image and a second image from a captured image captured by an image sensor that performs image-capturing, the first image being displayed on a first display section, the second image being displayed on a second display section. A data amount adjuster adjusts data amounts of the first image and the second image according to vehicle information acquired from a vehicle. For example, the present technology is applicable to a viewing system that displays an image of a region behind a vehicle.