Vehicle Imaging Layout Using Off-Axis High-Resolution Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems in automobiles, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 6349558, are limited in their ability to capture wide areas with high resolution, necessitating multiple cameras to cover large regions, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A movable apparatus with a first imaging device that incorporates an optical system forming a low resolution region near the optical axis and a high resolution region outside, installed at specific positions to capture images in various directions, including horizontal backward, right/left ahead, and downward directions, using stereoscopic projection lenses and image processing units to integrate and correct images for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera with high resolution in a portion of the imaging region is used, then imaging resolution in a specific region is improved, but the ability to image a wide range with high resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different resolution regions within the optical system - a low resolution region near the optical axis and a high resolution region outside it. This allows the system to optimize resolution in specific areas (side directions) while maintaining a broader imaging range, resolving the contradiction between localized high resolution and wide-area coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are provided to cover a wide range with high resolution, then imaging coverage and resolution are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera unit perform multiple functions by designing an optical system that simultaneously provides both low resolution (for wide coverage) and high resolution (for detailed imaging) regions. This multi-functional optical system eliminates the need for multiple separate cameras, reducing device complexity while maintaining wide imaging coverage with high resolution capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are installed to achieve wide-area high-resolution imaging, then imaging performance is improved, but installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cameras into a single camera unit by integrating both low resolution and high resolution imaging capabilities within one optical system. This consolidation reduces installation complexity and space requirements while achieving wide-area high-resolution imaging performance that would otherwise require multiple separate camera installations.
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 high-resolution imaging across a wide area using a single or minimal number of cameras, improving efficiency and reducing the need for multiple units while maintaining clear visibility and safety features like electronic side mirrors and forward monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging device including an optical system that forms an optical image, which has a low resolution region near an optical axis and a high resolution region outside the low resolution region, on a light receiving surface of an imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
In order to dispose an imaging device so that it can image a wide range with high resolution, a movable apparatus is configured such that a first imaging device is installed at a first installation position, the first imaging device including an optical system that forms an optical image, which has a low resolution region near an optical axis and a high resolution region outside the low resolution region, on a light receiving surface of an imaging element, and the first installation position being a position where an image is captured in at least one of a horizontal backward direction of one side surface of the movable apparatus, right or left direction in a horizontal direction ahead a driver's seat of the movable apparatus, and a downward direction ahead the movable apparatus in the high resolution region of the optical system.