JP2004136760A - Inner mirror - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inner mirror causing no flare (a white blur) of an image even if a light emitting part is arranged inside the inner mirror together with an imaging device. <P>SOLUTION: In the inner mirror 10, the infrared light irradiated from an infrared LED 24 is intercepted by the outer periphery of a cylindrical light shielding member 30 even if the light turns in the direction directly incident on a lens 22 between a base board 16 and a filter 26 to thereby check incidence on the lens 22 of the infrared light irradiated from the infrared LED 24. The reflected light reflected by the filter 26 by being irradiated from the infrared LED 24 is intercepted by the outer periphery of the cylindrical light shielding member 30 even if the light turns in the direction indirectly incident on the lens 22 between the base board 16 and the filter 26 to thereby check incidence on the lens 22 of the reflected light reflected by the filter 26 by being irradiated from the infrared LED 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inner mirror, and more particularly, to an inner mirror incorporating a monitoring device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a vehicle in which an imaging device is provided inside an inner mirror of a vehicle (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to the inner mirror of Patent Literature 1, by providing the imaging device inside the inner mirror, the imaging device can be arranged in the vehicle cabin so as not to disturb the driver. Then, the image pickup device provided inside the inner mirror can capture a face image of the vehicle driver, monitor a change in the face image, and respond.
[0003]
Further, there is a vehicle in which an image pickup device is provided inside an inner mirror of a vehicle, and a light emitting unit for emitting light other than visible light is provided outside the inner mirror in a protruding manner (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
According to the inner mirror of Patent Literature 2, by providing an imaging device inside the inner mirror, when the driver sits on the seat and adjusts the inner mirror, the optical axis of the imaging means is automatically adjusted. Thereby, the driver can be reliably photographed regardless of the physique and the seat position of the driver. By irradiating light other than visible light, for example, infrared light, the driver can be photographed even at night or in a tunnel.
[0005]
By the way, if the light emitting unit that emits infrared light or the like is installed inside the inner mirror together with the imaging device, the driver's view is better than when the light emitting unit is provided to protrude outside the inner mirror. Become.
[0006]
However, when the light emitting unit is installed inside the inner mirror together with the imaging device, the light emitted from the light emitting unit and the reflected light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the filter enter the lens of the imaging device, Image flare (blur) may occur. When the flare occurs, the image becomes blurred and is useless as an image of the monitoring device. In particular, when a manufacturing dimensional error or warpage occurs in each component of the inner mirror, a space is generated between the filter and the lens of the imaging device, and light from the light emitting unit leaks out of the space, thereby causing unnecessary light. Is more likely to enter the lens of the imaging device.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-12199 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-331653
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of the above facts, the present invention does not cause unnecessary light to enter the lens of the imaging device and cause flare (white blur) of the image even if the light emitting unit is installed inside the inner mirror together with the imaging device. It is intended to provide an inner mirror.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, an inner mirror according to the present invention according to claim 1 includes a filter that reflects visible light and transmits at least light other than the visible light, and is provided on a back surface side of the filter, An imaging device having a lens facing the front side, a light emitting unit provided near the imaging device and irradiating light other than the visible light toward the front side of the filter, a lens of the imaging device, and the light emission A light-blocking member that is provided between the light-emitting unit and a light-blocking member that prevents the light emitted from the light-emitting unit and the light that is emitted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by the filter from being incident on the lens. I have.
[0010]
In the inner mirror according to the first aspect, visible light is reflected by the filter. For example, if the front side of the filter is directed toward the vehicle driver, the visible light reflected by the filter allows the vehicle driver to check behind.
[0011]
On the other hand, light other than visible light emitted from the light emitting section toward the front side of the filter is transmitted from the back side to the front side of the filter. Light other than visible light transmitted through the filter is irradiated to the vehicle driver, and further, reflected light other than visible light reflected by the vehicle driver is transmitted again from the front side of the filter to the back side, and the front of the filter is removed. The light enters the lens of the imaging device facing the side. Thereby, the vehicle driver is monitored.
[0012]
Here, the light emitted from the light emitting unit is also blocked by the light shielding member provided between the image capturing device and the light emitting unit in the direction in which the light is directly incident on the lens of the image capturing device. This prevents irradiation light from the light emitting unit from entering the lens of the imaging device.
[0013]
Further, the reflected light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the filter is also blocked by the light blocking member provided between the image pickup device and the light emitting unit in a direction in which the reflected light is indirectly incident on the lens of the image pickup device. This prevents reflected light emitted from the light emitting unit and reflected by the filter from entering the lens of the imaging device.
[0014]
As described above, in the inner mirror according to the first aspect, even if the light emitting unit is installed inside the inner mirror together with the imaging device, unnecessary light is prevented from entering the lens of the imaging device. No flare (white blur) occurs.
[0015]
In the inner mirror according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the light shielding member has a compressibility, and is provided between the imaging device and the filter in a compressed state. , Is characterized.
[0016]
In the inner mirror according to the second aspect, in addition to the function and effect obtained by the first aspect, the light shielding member is provided so as to be sandwiched between the imaging device and the filter in a compressed state. To prevent the formation of gaps. Therefore, even when a manufacturing error occurs in the interval between the imaging device and the filter, a gap is formed between the light shielding member, the imaging device, and the filter, and unnecessary light does not leak from the gap. Such light is prevented from entering the lens of the imaging device.
[0017]
As described above, in the inner mirror according to the second aspect, even when there is a manufacturing error in each of the constituent members of the inner mirror, the generation of the gap between the respective constituent members is prevented by the light shielding member. It becomes easy to manufacture each component.
[0018]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the inner mirror according to the first or second aspect, the light shielding member has a cylindrical shape having an inner circumference larger than an outer circumference of a lens of the imaging device, and the light of the lens is It is provided concentrically with the shaft.
[0019]
In the inner mirror according to the third aspect, in addition to the functions and effects obtained by the first or second aspect, the light-shielding member is formed in a cylindrical shape having an inner circumference larger than the outer circumference of the lens of the imaging device. Since it is provided concentrically with the optical axis, the field of view of the lens of the imaging device facing the front side of the filter is secured.
[0020]
On the other hand, the irradiation light from the light emitting unit is also blocked by the outer periphery of the cylindrical light-blocking member in the direction directly incident on the lens of the imaging device. Also, the reflected light radiated from the light emitting unit and reflected by the filter is blocked by the outer periphery of the cylindrical light blocking member in the direction in which the reflected light is indirectly incident on the lens of the imaging device.
[0021]
Thus, in the inner mirror according to the third aspect, the field of view of the lens of the imaging device can be effectively secured. Further, since the light-shielding member is formed in a cylindrical shape, the light-shielding member can be made as small as possible and can be easily manufactured.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
One embodiment of an inner mirror of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an inner mirror 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a main part of the inner mirror 10 in a sectional view.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, the inner mirror 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 has a substantially rectangular dish shape having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall, and has an open front side (the arrow A side in FIG. 1).
[0025]
A stay 14 is provided at the longitudinal center of the bottom wall of the housing 12 on the back side (the side opposite to the arrow A in FIG. 1). The stay 12 fixes the housing 12 to a ceiling or the like in the vehicle interior.
[0026]
A substantially rectangular flat plate-shaped substrate 16 is provided in the opening of the housing 12. The board 16 is fitted into the opening of the housing 12 and is supported by a support member protruding inside the housing. The back side of the substrate 16 is covered with the housing 12.
[0027]
A through hole 18 is provided on one side of the substrate 16 in the longitudinal direction (the right side in FIG. 1). The through-hole portion 18 is a circular hole through which the substrate 16 penetrates in the thickness direction.
[0028]
An infrared camera 20 serving as an imaging device is provided on the back side of the base 16. The infrared camera 20 is covered with the housing 12 and the substrate 16.
[0029]
The infrared camera 20 has a lens 22, and the lens 22 is concentric with the through hole 18. The lens 22 is exposed from the through hole 18 to the front side.
[0030]
On the front side of the substrate 16, infrared LEDs 24 are provided on both sides of the through hole 18 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 16. The infrared LED 24 is a light emitting unit and emits infrared light toward the front side. The infrared LED 24 enables shooting at night or in a tunnel.
[0031]
A filter 26 is provided on the front side of the base 16. The filter 26 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape, and covers the front side of the substrate 16 and the infrared LED 24 with the filter 26. The filter 26 is a filter that reflects visible light and transmits infrared light.
[0032]
A cover 28 is provided on the front side of the filter 26. The cover 28 has a substantially rectangular shape having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The cover 28 has a frame shape in which a central portion of the bottom wall is partially opened, and is fixed to an opening edge of the housing 12. The outer edge of the filter 26 is held by the cover 28, and the front side of the filter 26 is exposed from the opening of the cover 28.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, a light blocking member 30 is provided between the through hole 18 and the infrared LED 24. The light shielding member 30 is a compressible short cylinder having an inner diameter slightly larger than the hole diameter of the through hole 18, is concentric with the through hole 18, and is sandwiched between the substrate 16 and the filter 26 in a compressed state. ing. The view of the lens 22 of the infrared camera 20 is secured by the inner periphery of the light blocking member 30.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
[0035]
In the inner mirror 10 having the above configuration, if the front side of the filter 26 is directed, for example, toward the vehicle driver, the vehicle driver can confirm the rear by the visible light reflected by the filter 26.
[0036]
On the other hand, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 24 is transmitted from the back side to the front side of the filter 26. The infrared light transmitted through the filter 26 is radiated to the vehicle driver, and the infrared light reflected by the vehicle driver is transmitted again from the front side to the back side of the filter 26, so that the inside of the cylinder of the light shielding member 30 is removed. And enters the lens 22 exposed in the direction of the filter 26. Thus, the driver is monitored even at night or in a tunnel.
[0037]
Here, between the substrate 16 and the filter 26, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 24 is also blocked by the light blocking member 30 in a direction in which the infrared light is directly incident on the lens 22. This prevents the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 24 from entering the lens 22.
[0038]
Further, between the substrate 16 and the filter 26, the light emitted from the infrared LED 24 and reflected by the filter 26 is also blocked by the light blocking member 30 in a direction in which the reflected light is indirectly incident on the lens 22. Thus, the reflected light emitted from the infrared LED 24 and reflected by the filter 26 is prevented from entering the lens 22.
[0039]
As described above, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 24 and the reflected light emitted from the infrared LED 24 and reflected by the filter 26 are prevented from being incident on the lens 22 of the imaging device 20, so that the image flare is prevented. (Blur) does not occur.
[0040]
Further, a light-shielding member 30 is provided between the substrate 16 and the filter 26 in a compressed state, and is tightly attached to the substrate 16 and the filter 26 by its compressibility to prevent the generation of a gap. For this reason, even when a manufacturing error occurs in the interval between the substrate 16 and the filter 26, a gap is formed between the light shielding member 30 and the substrate 16 and the filter 26, and unnecessary light does not leak from the gap. In addition, unnecessary light is prevented from entering the lens 22 of the imaging device 20.
[0041]
As described above, in the inner mirror 10, even when there is a manufacturing error in each component of the inner mirror 10, such as the substrate 16 and the filter 26, the generation of the gap between the components is prevented by the light shielding member 30. Therefore, the manufacture of each component of the inner mirror 10 becomes easy.
[0042]
Further, since the light shielding member 30 is a short tube having an inner circumference larger than the hole diameter of the through hole 18 and provided concentrically with the through hole 18, the light shielding member 30 is exposed from the through hole 18 and the front surface of the filter 26 is exposed. The field of view of the lens 22 facing the side is secured.
[0043]
In addition, since the light shielding member 30 has a short cylindrical shape, the light shielding member 30 can be made as small as possible, and can be easily manufactured.
[0044]
As described above, in the inner mirror 10, even if the infrared LED 24 is installed inside the inner mirror 10 together with the infrared camera 20, unnecessary light is prevented from entering the lens 22 of the imaging device 20. No flare (white blur) occurs. Further, the manufacture of each component of the inner mirror 10 is facilitated. Further, the light-shielding member 30 can be made as small as possible and can be easily manufactured.
[0045]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various forms are possible. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the infrared camera 20 and the infrared LED 24 are provided on the right side of the substrate 16 in FIG. 1, but in the case of a left-hand drive vehicle, the infrared camera and the infrared LED are It is preferable to be provided on the left side of the substrate 16 in FIG.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the inner mirror of the present invention, even if the light-emitting unit is installed inside the inner mirror together with the imaging device, unnecessary light is prevented from entering the lens of the imaging device. No flare (white blur) occurs.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an inner mirror according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a main part of the inner mirror according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 inner mirror 20 infrared camera (imaging device)
24 infrared LED (light emitting unit)
26 Filter 30 Light shielding member

Claims (3)

A filter that reflects visible light and transmits at least light other than the visible light,
An imaging device provided on the back side of the filter and having a lens facing the front side of the filter,
A light emitting unit that is provided near the imaging device and emits light other than the visible light toward the front side of the filter.
A light-blocking member that is provided between the lens of the imaging device and the light-emitting unit, and that prevents light emitted from the light-emitting unit and light reflected from the filter that is irradiated from the light-emitting unit and reflected by the filter from entering the lens; ,
An inner mirror comprising: 2. The inner mirror according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding member has a compressibility, and is provided between the imaging device and the filter in a compressed state. 3. The said light-shielding member is a cylindrical shape which has an inner periphery larger than the outer periphery of the lens of the said imaging device, and is provided concentrically with the optical axis of the said lens, The Claims 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Inner mirror.

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