Vehicle Image Processing Apparatus for Blind Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems for vehicles cannot effectively utilize wide-angle images captured during backward travel and struggle to visually recognize lateral sides behind the vehicle due to blind angles, which are difficult to monitor with side mirrors.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus equipped with an optical system that forms both high-resolution and low-resolution regions on a light receiving surface, allowing for the detection and display of vehicles on lateral sides behind the vehicle, using an imaging device and processor to generate and process image data, and a display control unit to show specific cut regions containing detected vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wide-angle imaging is used during backward traveling, then the field of view is improved, but the image quality and resolution deteriorate due to high distortion in peripheral regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light receiving surface into multiple regions: a first region for high-resolution imaging during backward traveling, a second region for wide-angle imaging during ordinary traveling, and a third region for capturing lateral sides behind the vehicle. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between field of view and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional characteristics to different regions of the imaging device. The first region prioritizes resolution for backward travel, the second region prioritizes wide angle for ordinary travel, and the third region captures lateral blind spots. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by allowing high distortion regions to serve specific purposes while maintaining overall system performance.
2Device complexity
If side mirrors are used for monitoring lateral sides, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection capability deteriorates due to blind angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging device multi-functional by configuring it to perform multiple tasks: backward traveling imaging, ordinary traveling imaging, and lateral side monitoring. By making the imaging device universal, the system eliminates the need for separate side mirror systems while improving detection capability through the third region's ability to capture lateral blind spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional side mirror reflection to three-dimensional direct imaging by positioning the imaging device to capture lateral sides behind the vehicle. This dimensional change allows direct observation of blind spot areas that side mirrors cannot detect, improving detection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Loss of information
If the entire wide-angle image is displayed, then the information completeness is improved, but the visual recognition deteriorates due to high distortion in peripheral regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and prioritizes display of the third region's image data showing lateral sides behind the vehicle when another moving apparatus is detected. By taking out this critical information from the overall image data and giving it display priority, the system ensures visual recognition of blind spot vehicles while maintaining information completeness through selective presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the detection unit continuously monitor for other moving apparatus in the third region and dynamically controlling the display based on detection results. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the system provides feedback to switch display priority to the third region, ensuring that visually recognizable information is presented when needed.
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
Enables the visualization of vehicles in blind angles by changing the image cutting position to display high-distortion regions, improving recognition rates and safety by providing a natural perspective with reduced image degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device including an optical system for forming an optical image including a low-distortion region and a high-distortion region on a light receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: an imaging device including an optical system for forming an optical image including a low-distortion region and a high-distortion region on a light receiving surface and configured to generate an image signal of a side behind a moving apparatus; an image processing unit configured to generate image data from the image signal generated by the imaging device; a detection unit configured to detect another moving apparatus on a lateral side behind the moving apparatus; and a display control unit configured to cause the image data in a predetermined cut region including the high-distortion region including the another moving apparatus behind on the lateral side to be displayed in a case where the another moving apparatus behind on the lateral side is detected by the detection unit.