In-Vehicle Imaging System with Variable Resolution Optical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle display systems require multiple imaging devices to provide different view angles, leading to a complex configuration that is costly and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a single imaging device and image processing unit using free-form surface lenses, which generates images with varying view angles by adjusting the resolution and magnification ratio on the imaging surface, allowing a single device to produce high-resolution images for a room mirror and wide-angle images for a rearview display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices are used to provide different view angles, then the display functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single imaging device to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate devices. The imaging device captures images with different view angles (first view angle for electronic room mirror, second view angle for rearview display) using a single sensor and optical system, thereby simplifying the overall system configuration while maintaining versatile display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple imaging devices into one unified imaging device. By combining the capabilities to capture both narrow-angle and wide-angle views within a single device, the system reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the configuration complexity associated with coordinating multiple separate imaging devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices are used to provide different view angles, then the display functionality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple display purposes simultaneously. By incorporating the capability to capture images at different view angles within a single device, the system eliminates the need to manufacture and deploy multiple separate imaging devices, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatile display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionalities that would traditionally require multiple separate devices into a single imaging device. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, leading to lower manufacturing costs while achieving the same display functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If resolution is uniformly distributed across the imaging surface, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the image quality for specific regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing resolution non-uniformly across the imaging surface. Specifically, the first region corresponding to the first view angle (for electronic room mirror) is allocated higher resolution, while the second region corresponding to the second view angle (for rearview display) is allocated lower resolution. This localized quality adjustment optimizes image quality for each specific function without requiring uniform high resolution across the entire sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter across different regions of the imaging surface. By varying the resolution allocation based on the specific requirements of each region (higher resolution for the first region, lower resolution for the second region), the system optimizes overall performance while simplifying manufacturing compared to uniformly high-resolution sensors.
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 simplifies the display system by enabling one imaging device to generate multiple images with different view angles, improving image quality and reducing the complexity and cost of the system while maintaining high reliability for in-vehicle use.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system forms a subject image on an imaging surface of the imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging system (70) disposed at a rear part of moving body (100) includes imaging device (10) and image processing device (20). Imaging device (10) includes an imaging element and an optical system. The imaging element has a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional manner and generates image data. The optical system forms a subject image on an imaging surface of the imaging element. Image processing device (20) generates a captured image based on the image data. The imaging surface includes a first region corresponding to a first view angle and a second region corresponding to a second view angle that is larger than the first view angle. The optical system is configured so that resolution of the first region is higher than resolution of the second region excluding the first region. A center of the first region is disposed at a position deviated from a center of the imaging surface.