JP2003063310A - Image device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image device for a vehicle which can be designed so that a field of view from a voluntary position and direction can be secured. SOLUTION: The image device for a vehicle is provided with a pedestal 101, a rod shape part 102, a moving part 103, a lens 104, an image component 105, a circuit for a signal processing 106 and a cable for an image signal 107. An image bonded by the lens 104 is input to the image component 105 and output as an image signal by the image component 105. The image signal output from the image component 105 is transformed into a prescribed signal of an image format by the circuit for a signal processing 106. The image signal transformed into the prescribed signal of an image format is output from the image device for a vehicle by the cable for an image signal 107. The output image signal is input to in-car processing equipment which is not illustrated and an image is displayed on an in-car monitor.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicular image pickup device, and more particularly to a vehicular image pickup device used for picking up an image of a vehicle peripheral view and displaying it on a monitor screen in a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When driving a vehicle, there are many places such as a rear side and a rear side that are out of the driver's view from the driver's seat. Conventionally, a fender mirror or a rearview mirror is generally used to compensate for such a driver's blind spot. Furthermore, in recent years, it has been considered to install a camera in a vehicle for the purpose of driving assistance such as supplementing a driver's blind spot. That is, using the camera installed in the vehicle, the surroundings of the vehicle are imaged, the obtained image is displayed on the monitor screen,
It is considered to assist the driver in operating the vehicle. For example, in the invention disclosed in JP-A-2-36417, a vehicle camera that monitors the rear of the vehicle is used in order to assist the driver's operation when the vehicle moves backward. It is conceivable that such an imaging device for a vehicle is installed at various positions of the vehicle depending on its use.

[0003]

The conventional image pickup apparatus as described above is installed in a state of being embedded in the vehicle body. However, due to the configuration embedded in the vehicle body, the imaging device is restricted in terms of installation position, viewpoint position, and the like. Due to such restrictions, the imaging device may not be designed to capture a desired image.

As an example, consider the case where an image pickup device is used to prevent contact with an obstacle around the vehicle. In this case, it is preferable that the image pickup device picks up an image from a viewpoint overlooking from above the vehicle so that the positional relationship between the obstacle and the own vehicle can be easily grasped. Therefore, it is desirable that the imaging device be installed, for example, near the ceiling of the vehicle. However, considering the space of the ceiling and the size of the imaging device, it is difficult to embed the imaging device in the vicinity of the ceiling of the vehicle, and the installation position of the imaging device is limited near the bumper or license plate.

Further, in order to easily grasp the positional relationship between the obstacle and the host vehicle, it is desirable to image both the host vehicle and the obstacle. For that purpose, it is desirable to set the viewpoint of the imaging device at a position away from the host vehicle. However, in the conventional configuration in which the imaging device is embedded, the position of the viewpoint of the imaging device is limited to the vehicle surface, and it is impossible to design the viewpoint of the imaging device at a position away from the host vehicle.

As described above, since the installation position and the position of the viewpoint are limited, the image pickup device embedded in the vehicle cannot obtain a desired image, that is, an image from the viewpoint viewed from above the vehicle. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an image picked up by a conventional image pickup device installed near a license plate of a vehicle. The image shown in FIG. 14 is significantly different from the image from the viewpoint looking down from above the vehicle. In this case, it can be said that the imaging device cannot obtain a desired image. As mentioned above,
The conventional image pickup device may not be able to design the position and direction so as to obtain a desired image due to the restrictions caused by the configuration embedded in the vehicle.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle imaging device which can be designed to obtain a field of view from any position and direction.

[0008]

A first aspect of the present invention is a vehicle image pickup apparatus for picking up an image of a vehicle surroundings, which includes a pedestal portion to be installed on a vehicle body and an image of the vehicle surroundings. And a rod-shaped holding portion that is connected to the pedestal portion, has a tip portion protruding to a predetermined position, and holds the lens so as to face a predetermined direction in the vicinity of the tip portion. An image sensor for inputting the obtained image and generating an image signal is included.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the position and direction of the lens are freely designed by setting the holding portion to have a desired length and holding the lens so as to face the desired direction. Therefore, by appropriately setting the mounting position of the pedestal part, the length of the holding part, and the orientation of the lens, it is possible to provide an imaging device that can be designed to obtain a field of view from any position and direction. . This makes it possible for the vehicle imaging device to capture an easily viewable image from a viewpoint suitable for the application, regardless of the application.

A second invention is according to the first invention, and comprises an image guide fiber for transmitting an image coupled by a lens and an eyepiece lens for coupling the image transmitted by the image guiding fiber. In addition,
The image pickup device is installed in the vicinity of the pedestal portion, inputs an image combined by the eyepiece lens, and generates an image signal.

According to the second aspect of the invention, light is transmitted between the lens and the image pickup device by the image guide fiber and the eyepiece lens. With such a configuration, only the objective lens and the image guide fiber having a small mass can be installed in the holding portion. Therefore, the weight of the holding portion can be further reduced, and the structure of the holding portion can be simplified.

A third invention is according to the second invention, wherein the holding portion includes an antenna conductor used as a vehicle antenna, and the image pickup device is installed away from the vicinity of the antenna conductor.

According to the third aspect, the antenna used in the vehicle and the image pickup device for the vehicle can be integrated. Here, the performance of the antenna is significantly deteriorated by the presence of another conductor in the vicinity of the antenna conductor. Therefore, if the image pickup element, which is a conductor, is installed in the vicinity of the holding portion including the antenna conductor in order to integrate the antenna and the image pickup apparatus, the performance of the antenna is significantly deteriorated. Therefore, in the third aspect of the present invention, by using the non-conductor image guide fiber, the conductor does not exist near the holding portion including the antenna conductor. As a result, the vehicle antenna and the vehicle imaging device can be integrated without degrading the performance of the antenna.
Furthermore, by integrating the vehicle antenna and the vehicle image pickup device, the vehicle image pickup device can be installed without destroying the design of the vehicle.

A fourth invention is according to the third invention, and further includes a modulation circuit for modulating an image signal generated by the image pickup device into a signal having a frequency communicable with the antenna conductor. .

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the image signal generated by the image pickup device can be transmitted using the vehicle antenna. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform wireless communication between the processing device connected to the monitor in the vehicle and the vehicle imaging device. As described above, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the wiring between the in-vehicle device and the vehicular image pickup device is unnecessary, so that the vehicular image pickup device can be easily installed.

A fifth invention is according to any one of the second to fourth inventions, in which the holding portion has a structure capable of expanding and contracting, and the image guide fiber is divided into a plurality of parts. , Further comprising a fiber connecting lens disposed between each of the plurality of image guide fibers and transmitting light between the image guide fibers.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the plurality of image guide fibers are connected by the fiber connecting lens, the holding portion can expand and contract. If the holding unit simply has the expansion / contraction mechanism, the image guide fiber installed inside does not have the expansion / contraction mechanism, so that the holding unit cannot expand / contract. Therefore, the image guide fiber is divided into a plurality of parts, and light is transmitted between them by using a fiber connecting lens. As a result, a space is created between the fiber connecting lenses, so that the holding portion can expand and contract. Therefore, the holding portion can be reduced in size when it becomes an obstacle without using the imaging device, such as when washing the vehicle. Further, by expanding and contracting the holding portion, it is possible to obtain an image of a desired area by changing the line-of-sight direction of imaging or changing the visual field area.

A sixth aspect of the invention is an invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the invention, wherein the holding portion is movable at a connecting portion with the pedestal portion for changing a connecting attitude with the pedestal portion. It has a mechanism.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the holder is movable, it is possible to capture images from a plurality of viewpoints. In the conventional imaging device embedded in the vehicle body, it is impossible to use one imaging device for a plurality of purposes because only one imaging device can capture an image from one viewpoint. In other words, conventionally, when capturing images from a plurality of viewpoints, the number of image capturing devices is required. On the other hand, in the sixth invention,
By capturing images from a plurality of viewpoints, one vehicle imaging device can be used for a plurality of purposes. Furthermore, in the case where the holding portion is configured to include the antenna conductor,
Since the holding unit is movable, the antenna position can be moved. Therefore, when the transmission and reception of radio waves is poor,
By moving the antenna position, the transmission / reception state can be improved.

A seventh invention is an invention according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, in which the holding portion is made of a soft body, and the position and direction of the lens are changed by deforming the shape.

According to the seventh aspect, by changing the position of the lens, it is possible to pick up images from a plurality of viewpoints with a single image pickup device. Since the conventional imaging device embedded in the vehicle body can only capture an image from one viewpoint per imaging device, it is impossible to use one imaging device for a plurality of purposes. On the other hand, in the seventh aspect of the invention, one vehicle imaging device can be used for a plurality of purposes by capturing images from a plurality of viewpoints.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, a vehicle image pickup apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1
It is a figure which shows the structure of the imaging device for vehicles which concerns on embodiment of this. In FIG. 1, the vehicle imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a pedestal 101, a rod-shaped portion 102, and a movable portion 1.
03, a lens 104, an image sensor 105, a signal processing circuit 106, and an image signal cable 107. The pedestal 101 is installed on the vehicle body 100. The rod-shaped portion 102 is connected to the pedestal 101 by the movable portion 103. The lens 10 is provided near the tip of the rod-shaped portion 102.
4 is installed. Further, the rod-shaped portion 102 has a tubular shape, and the image pickup element 105, the signal processing circuit 106, and the image signal cable 107 are provided therein. Image sensor 1
05 is installed near the lens 104. The signal processing circuit 106 is connected to the image sensor 105. The image signal cable 107 connected to the signal processing circuit 106 passes through the inside of the rod-shaped portion 102, extends to the pedestal 101 via the movable portion 103, and is connected to a not-shown in-vehicle processing device. With the above configuration, the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment can be installed at the viewpoint of the imaging device, that is, at the position of the lens 104 away from the vehicle body.

Next, the operation of the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. The image combined by the lens 104 is input to the image sensor 105,
Is output as an image signal. The image signal output from the image sensor 105 is converted into a signal of a desired image format by the signal processing circuit 106. The image signal converted into a signal of a desired image format by the signal processing circuit 106 is output from the vehicle imaging device by the image signal cable 107. The output image signal is input to a not-shown in-vehicle processing device, and an image is displayed on the in-vehicle monitor. With the above operation, the vehicular imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment can display an image from the viewpoint of a position away from the vehicle on the monitor inside the vehicle.

Next, the operation of the rod-shaped portion of the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the rod-shaped portion of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, the rod-shaped portion 202 includes the movable portion 20 installed on the pedestal 201.
Rotate around 3. Rod shape part 202
, Even if it only performs rotational motion in a single plane,
It may be movable in multiple directions. In addition, the rod-shaped portion 203 is, as shown in FIG.
It may be a rotary motion about the axis 3.

Further, in another embodiment, the rod-shaped portion may be capable of bending the tip as shown in FIG. 2 (c). In the configuration of FIG. 2C, for example, the rod-shaped portion 204 is made of a soft material, and the wire 205 and the wire 20 connected to the tip of the rod-shaped portion 204.
This can be realized by using the winding mechanism 206 that winds up 5.

Further, in another embodiment, the rod-shaped portion may have a mechanism capable of expanding and contracting, as shown in FIG. 2 (d). In the configuration of FIG. 2D, for example, the rod-shaped portion 207 and the rod-shaped portion 207, each of which has a structure in which the distal end portion can expand and contract by sliding in the axial direction
It can be realized by a configuration having a wire 208 connected to the tip of the wire 208 and a winding mechanism 209 for winding the wire 208.

In the first embodiment described above,
The movable portion 203 is used to join the rod-shaped portion 202 and the pedestal 201, but it is not always necessary. By using the movable portion 203, it becomes possible to direct the lens in the direction of the desired visual field, or to bring the rod-shaped portion 202 into a tilted state when the imaging device is not used, such as when washing a car. In addition, the mechanism for realizing the operation of the rod-shaped portion 202 described above is shown in FIG.
Not limited to the mechanism shown in (1), any mechanism may be used as long as it realizes a desired operation. Further, the rod-shaped portion 202 may be manually operated or may be operated by some kind of power mechanism.

Next, an example of a system using the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system using the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the image obtained by the vehicle imaging device 300 is displayed on the monitor 302 via the processing device 301. Here, by using the steering angle sensor 303 to superimpose and display the predicted traveling path of the host vehicle on the image displayed on the monitor 302, the driving operation by the driver becomes easier.

Next, the position where the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment is attached to the vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting position of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment when it is mainly used to obtain an image of the rear part of the vehicle. In the case of obtaining an image of the rear of the vehicle, FIG.
As shown in (a), in the case of a wagon type vehicle, a one-box vehicle, or the like, the vehicle imaging device 401 is installed at the rear portion of the vehicle roof. Here, in order to facilitate contact determination between the vehicle and an obstacle in the vicinity of the vehicle, it is desirable that the viewpoint of the vehicle imaging device 401, that is, the position of the lens is set to a high position. When obtaining images on both the left and right sides near the corner of the rear part of the vehicle, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, two vehicle imaging devices 401 may be installed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image when the vehicle image pickup device is attached to the position shown in FIG. 4B.
It is very easy to grasp the distance between the own vehicle and the adjacent vehicle which is an obstacle, and it can be said that the image is easy for the driver to perform a driving operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the mounting position of the vehicle image pickup device according to the first embodiment when used for the purpose of obtaining an image of the periphery of the rear part of the vehicle. Figure 6
As shown in (a), for the purpose of obtaining an image of the rear of the vehicle, if the vehicle has a convex rear portion when viewed from the side such as a sedan type vehicle, the vehicle imaging The device 401 is installed on the upper part of the trunk. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the vehicle imaging device 40
1 is installed on the side surface of the rear part of the vehicle. Also in the case of FIG.
As in the case of, the vehicle imaging device 401 is preferably installed at a position as high as possible.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the mounting position of the vehicle image pickup device according to the first embodiment when the vehicle image pickup device is used for the purpose of obtaining an image of the periphery of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 7A, when it is intended to obtain an image of a vehicle front side, particularly a vehicle front corner, the vehicle imaging device 401 according to the first embodiment is provided on a side surface of a vehicle front portion. Is installed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the purpose is to obtain an image of the side of the vehicle, the vehicle imaging device 401 is installed in the front pillar portion of the vehicle.

Next, the relationship between the mounting position of the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment, the operation of the rod-shaped portion, and the image pickup range will be described. Here, a case where the vehicle imaging device is installed in the center of the rear part of the roof of the vehicle will be described as an example. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the rod-shaped portion of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment and an imaging range of the vehicle imaging device in that case. In FIG. 8A, the rod-shaped portion of the vehicle imaging device 501 is shown in FIG.
In the direction of the arrow shown in (a), that is, the direction of the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the rotating operation is performed around the movable portion. At this time, the image capturing range of the vehicle image capturing apparatus 501 according to the first embodiment is the range of the hatched portion shown in FIG. 8B, that is, the vicinity of the vehicle rear portion and the distance behind the vehicle. Therefore, by making the rod-shaped portion movable, it is possible to obtain a wider image even if the imaging range of the imaging device itself is limited. This allows the driver to see the desired direction in each driving scene, for example, when the vehicle is operating at low speed, such as during parking, when the vehicle is near, and when driving normally, the image is taken at a distance from the vehicle. Becomes In this case, the vehicle imaging device may further be configured to operate the movable part based on the data from the vehicle speed sensor and automatically operate the movable part.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the operation of the rod-shaped portion of the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment and an image pickup range of the vehicle image pickup apparatus in that case. Figure 9
In (a), the rod-shaped portion of the vehicular imaging device 502 performs a rotation operation around the axis of the rod-shaped portion, that is, in the direction of the solid arrow shown in FIG. 9 (a). At this time, the image capturing range of the vehicle image capturing apparatus 502 according to the first embodiment is the range of the hatched portion shown in FIG. 9B, that is, the vicinity of the left and right corners of the vehicle rear portion. Note that, even when the rod-shaped portion performs the rotation operation about the movable portion in the direction of the dotted arrow shown in FIG. 9A, that is, in the left-right direction of the vehicle, the vehicle imaging device The imaging range of 502 is almost the same.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image pickup range of the vehicle image pickup device when the rod-shaped portion performs the operation shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the vehicle image pickup device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 10A, the vehicle imaging device 503.
The rod-shaped portion of FIG. 10 shows the rotational movement about the movable portion and the rotational movement about the axis of the rod-shaped portion in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. To do. At this time, the vehicle imaging device 503
The lens installed on the rod-shaped portion can be directed to both the left and right directions behind the vehicle and to the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10B, the imaging range of the vehicle imaging device 501 is the range of the shaded portion shown in FIG. 10B, that is, near the corners on the left and right sides of the rear part of the vehicle, at the far side behind the vehicle, , Ahead of the vehicle. In this way, by capturing not only the rear of the vehicle but also the front from a high point of view, the driver can grasp the situation in front of the road on which the vehicle is scheduled to travel, for example, during a traffic jam.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicular imaging device according to the second embodiment is a form in which the vehicular imaging device according to the present invention is incorporated into an antenna used in a vehicle. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle imaging device according to the second embodiment. Less than,
The configuration of the vehicle imaging device according to the second embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIG. 11, the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment has a base 601 and a signal processing circuit 602.
An antenna holding mechanism 603, a movable part 604, an image sensor 605, an eyepiece 606, and an antenna conductor 60.
7, an objective lens 608, a pedestal side image guide fiber 609, a first fiber connecting lens 610, a second fiber connecting lens 611, a tip side image guide fiber 612, and a reflector 613. . Note that a matching circuit or the like may be required to obtain the output signal from the antenna conductor 607, but it is not shown in FIG.

The pedestal 601 is installed on the vehicle body 600.
A signal processing circuit 602 is provided on the pedestal 601. The antenna holding mechanism 603 is configured such that the pedestal 60 is movable by the movable portion 604.
Connected with 1. The antenna holding mechanism 603 has a cylindrical shape, and the imaging element 605 and the eyepiece lens 606 are provided inside thereof.
Is provided. The image sensor 605 includes a signal processing circuit 602.
Connected with. The antenna conductor 607 is held by the antenna holding mechanism 603.
An objective lens 608 is installed near the tip of the. Further, the antenna conductor 607 has a tubular shape, and inside thereof, the pedestal side image guide fiber 609, the first fiber connecting lens 610, the second fiber connecting lens 611, the tip side image guide fiber 612 and the reflector 613.
Is provided.

The vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment is
As described above, by installing the image pickup element 605, which is a conductor, outside the antenna conductor 607, it is possible to incorporate the vehicle image pickup device in the antenna without deteriorating the performance of the antenna. Further, in another embodiment, the image sensor 605 may be installed outside the antenna conductor and near the ground of the antenna. This makes it possible to further prevent deterioration of antenna performance.

Next, the operation of the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The image combined by the objective lens 608 is reflected by the reflector 613, and then is incident on the tip side image guide fiber 612. The image incident on the tip side image guide fiber 612 is the second fiber connecting lens 611 and the first fiber connecting lens 61.
It is output to the pedestal side image guide fiber 609 via 0. Here, as the first and second fiber connecting lenses 610 and 611, it is desirable to use a coupling lens having a sin or tan surface.

The images input to the pedestal side image guide fiber 609 are combined by the eyepiece lens 606 and input to the image pickup device 605. The image input to the image sensor 605 is output as an image signal by the image sensor 605. The image signal output from the image sensor 605 is converted into a signal of a desired image format by the signal processing circuit 602. The image signal converted into a signal of a desired image format by the signal processing circuit 602 is output from the vehicle imaging device. The output image signal is input to a not-shown in-vehicle processing device, and an image is displayed on the in-vehicle monitor. With the above operation, the vehicular imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment can display an image from the viewpoint of a position away from the vehicle on the monitor inside the vehicle.

The vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment has a reflector 613. As a result, the line-of-sight direction of the image to be captured, that is, the optical axis of the objective lens 608 and the optical axis of the tip-side image guide fiber 612,
It is possible to fit in a small space. Note that in another embodiment, the vehicle imaging device includes a reflector 613.
The configuration may be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the antenna conductor 607 has a stretchable structure, but in other embodiments, the antenna conductor 607 does not have to have a stretchable structure. . When the antenna conductor 607 does not have a stretchable structure, the vehicle imaging device shown in FIG.
First and second fiber connecting lenses 610 and 61
Alternatively, the configuration may be such that there is no one and a plurality of image guide fibers. Further, in FIG. 11, the antenna conductor 6
There is only one place where 07 expands and contracts, but there may be multiple expandable parts.

The antenna conductor 607 has a length of ¼ wavelength, ⅜ wavelength, etc., depending on the desired frequency. Here, in the second embodiment, the antenna conductor 6
The shape of 07 is a long cylindrical conductor, but the shape is not limited thereto. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the antenna conductor 607 in the second embodiment. The antenna conductor 607 shown in FIG. 11 may be not only a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 12A, but also an antenna having a helical structure as shown in FIG. 12B, for example. Alternatively, FIG. 12 (c)
The structure shown in FIG. In the structure shown in FIG. 12C, the conductor having the shape shown in FIG.
It has a structure that is rolled into a cylindrical shape in the direction of the arrow shown in (d).
As described above, with the structure as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the antenna can be miniaturized for a desired frequency. Further, when the vehicle image pickup device integrated with the antenna is installed on both left and right sides of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 4B, in addition to being able to take an image near the corner of the rear part of the vehicle, the antenna operates in a space diversity configuration. Can be made.

Next, a modification of the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the vehicle imaging device according to the second embodiment. Figure 1
The vehicle imaging device shown in FIG. 3 has a form in which an image signal is wirelessly transmitted using an antenna. In FIG. 13, the vehicle imaging device includes a base 601, a signal processing circuit 602, an antenna holding mechanism 603, a movable portion 604, and an imaging element 6.
05, an eyepiece lens 606, an antenna conductor 607,
Objective lens 608 and pedestal side image guide fiber 6
09, a first fiber connecting lens 610, a second fiber connecting lens 611, a tip side image guide fiber 612, a reflector 613, a modulation circuit 614, and a transmission circuit 615. In addition, in FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. 11 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The modulation circuit 614 is provided inside the pedestal 601 and is connected to the signal processing circuit 602. Transmission circuit 6
15 is provided inside the pedestal 601 and includes a modulation circuit 614.
And antenna conductor 607. With the above configuration, it is possible to configure a vehicle imaging device capable of wirelessly communicating with the in-vehicle processing device.

Next, the operation of the vehicle image pickup device shown in FIG. 13 will be described. The image signal converted into a signal of a desired image format by the signal processing circuit 602 is supplied to the modulation circuit 61.
4 is input. The image signal input to the modulation circuit 614 is modulated to a frequency that can be transmitted using the antenna conductor 607. The image signal modulated by the modulation circuit 614 is transmitted via the transmission circuit 615 to the antenna conductor 60.
7 is transmitted to a processing device (not shown) in the vehicle. With the above operation, it is possible to wirelessly communicate with the processing device in the vehicle using the antenna.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle imaging device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the rod-shaped portion of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a system using the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting position of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment when mainly used for obtaining an image of a rear portion of a vehicle.

5 is a diagram showing an example of an image when the vehicle imaging device is attached to the position shown in FIG. 4 (b).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the mounting position of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment when used mainly for obtaining an image of the rear part of the vehicle.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting position of the vehicle image pickup apparatus according to the first embodiment when the vehicle image pickup apparatus is used for the purpose of obtaining an image of the periphery of the vehicle side.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an attachment position and an operation of a rod-shaped portion of the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment, and an imaging range of the vehicle imaging device in that case.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the mounting position of the vehicle imaging device and the operation of the rod-shaped portion according to the first embodiment, and an imaging range of the vehicle imaging device in that case.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an imaging range of the vehicle imaging device when the rod-shaped portion performs the operations shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the vehicle imaging device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle imaging device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an antenna conductor 607 according to the second embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the example of a structure.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the vehicle imaging device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an image captured by a conventional imaging device.

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 600 ... Car body 101, 201, 601, ... Pedestal 102, 202, 204, 207 ... Rod-shaped part 103, 203, 604 ... Movable part 104 ... Lens 105, 605 ... Imaging element 106, 602 ... Signal processing circuit 107 ... Image Signal cables 205, 208 ... Wires 206, 209 ... Winding mechanism 300, 401, 501, 502, 503 ... Vehicle imaging device 301 ... Processing device 302 ... Monitor 303 ... Steering angle sensor 603 ... Antenna holding mechanism 606 ... Eyepiece 607 ... Antenna conductor 608 ... Objective lens 609 ... Pedestal side image guide fiber 610 ... First fiber connection lens 611 ... Second fiber connection lens 612 ... Tip side image guide fiber 613 ... Reflector 614 ... Modulation circuit 615 ... Transmission circuit

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/225 C 7/18 7/18 J (72) Inventor Akira Ishida 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Address Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Nobuhiko Yasui No. 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture F-Term (Reference) 5C022 AA04 AB62 AC01 AC27 AC42 AC54 AC69 5C054 AA01 CA04 CC07 CE04 CF01 DA03 FA00 HA30 5H180 AA01 CC04 LL01

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle image pickup device for picking up an image of the surroundings of a vehicle, comprising: a pedestal part for installation on a vehicle body; a lens for obtaining the image of the surroundings of the vehicle; and a pedestal part connected to the pedestal part. , A tip portion protruding to a predetermined position, and a rod-shaped holding portion for holding the lens so as to face a predetermined direction in the vicinity of the tip portion, and an image obtained via the lens is input, and an image signal is input. An image pickup device for a vehicle, comprising: 2. An image guide fiber for transmitting the image combined by the lens, and an eyepiece lens for combining the image transmitted by the image guide fiber, wherein the image sensor is installed near the pedestal. The image pickup device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the image signal generated by the eyepiece lens is input to generate an image signal. 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the holding unit includes an antenna conductor used as a vehicle antenna, and the imaging element is installed away from the vicinity of the antenna conductor. Imaging device. 4. The vehicle image pickup apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a modulation circuit that modulates an image signal generated by the image pickup element into a signal having a frequency with which the antenna conductor can communicate. 5. The holding unit has a structure capable of expanding and contracting, the image guide fiber is divided into a plurality of pieces, and the image guide fibers are arranged between the plurality of image guide fibers.
The vehicle image pickup device according to claim 2, further comprising a fiber connection lens that transmits light between the image guide fibers. 6. The vehicle image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit has a movable mechanism at a connection portion with the pedestal unit for changing a connection posture with the pedestal unit. . 7. The holding portion is made of a flexible material,
7. The vehicle image pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the position and the direction of the lens are changed by deforming the shape.