JP2008148276A - Optical unit, imaging device using optical unit, and on-vehicle image display device using imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lens unit or the like with improved ability to capture proper images by reducing the likelihood that water droplets will adhere to the lens surface and change the refractive index. <P>SOLUTION: A surface of a lens portion 1 is imparted with a water-repellent property and a surface of a non-lens portion 2, surrounding the lens portion 1, is imparted with a hydrophilic property. Thus, if droplets on the surface of the lens portion 1 contact the non-lens portion 2, the droplets are guided from the water-repellent surface of the lens portion 1 to the hydrophilic surface of the non-lens portion 2, thereby reducing the number of droplets residing on the lens portion 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical unit, an imaging device using the optical unit, and a vehicle image display device using the imaging device.

  In recent years, a system has been provided in which a camera is mounted on a vehicle to detect objects around the host vehicle. For example, the pixel position of the peripheral object in the captured image is specified by performing image recognition processing on the image captured by the in-vehicle camera. Then, using information such as the installation position of the in-vehicle camera, the angle, and the angle of view of the lens, the pixel position of the peripheral object in the captured image is converted to the actual position (distance and direction from the vehicle to the peripheral object). I do.

  Since the in-vehicle camera is installed outside the vehicle, it is in an environment where water droplets are likely to adhere to the lens. When water droplets adhere to the lens, light refraction occurs due to the water droplets, resulting in a great adverse effect on the captured image. In general, a water repellent coat is applied to the lens surface to prevent water rash (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, the water repellent coat tends to form water droplets and has a great influence on a photographed image. .

On the contrary, when a hydrophilic coat is applied to the lens surface, a water film is formed on the entire lens surface, thereby changing the refractive index. For this reason, the photographed image looks out of focus, and this also has a problem that the image cannot be correctly captured.
JP-A-5-232565

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and makes it difficult for water droplets to adhere to the lens, so that the inconvenience that a correct image cannot be captured due to a change in refractive index can be suppressed. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is an optical unit including a light transmission part and a non-light transmission part formed around the light transmission part,
The surface of the light transmissive part is a water repellent region, and the surface of the non-light transmissive part is a hydrophilic region.

  Thereby, the water droplet formed on the surface of the water repellent light transmitting portion is guided to the surface of the hydrophilic non-light transmitting portion, and the residence of the water droplet on the light transmitting portion can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the movement of water droplets held in the non-light transmitting portion to the light transmitting portion can also be suppressed.

  Here, “hydrophilic region” refers to a region having a water contact angle of 40 degrees or less, and “water-repellent region” refers to a region having a water contact angle of greater than 40 degrees. In the present invention, the “hydrophilic region” preferably has a water contact angle of 20 degrees or less, and the “water-repellent region” preferably has a water contact angle of 60 degrees or more.

Further, the present invention is an optical unit comprising a light transmission part and a non-light transmission part formed around the light transmission part,
Of the surface of the light transmission part, the first region is a water-repellent region, and the second region other than the first region is a hydrophilic region.

  As a result, when a water droplet formed in the first region of the light transmission part contacts the second region, the water droplet is guided from the water repellent first region to the hydrophilic second region, Water droplets can be prevented from staying in the area. In addition, movement of water droplets attached to the second region to the first region can also be suppressed. The optical unit of the present invention is used in an imaging device as will be described later. The surface of the light transmission part corresponding to the use image part in the obtained captured image is defined as the water repellent area as the first area. If the surface of the light transmission portion corresponding to the used image portion is a hydrophilic region as the second region, water droplets are less likely to adhere to the first region using the photographed image, and the correct image can be obtained by changing the refractive index. The inconvenience that it cannot be copied can be suppressed.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the surface of the said non-light-transmissive part is a hydrophilic region. As a result, the water droplets formed in the first region of the light transmitting part can be guided from the second region to the surface of the non-light transmitting part, and more effectively suppress the water droplets from staying in the first region. be able to.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the first region is a central region of the lens portion, and the second region is a peripheral region other than the central region.

  In the present invention, the hydrophilic region is preferably subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. Specifically, the hydrophilic region is provided with a hydrophilic coat, or is subjected to a surface modification treatment so as to have hydrophilicity. It can be formed and is suitable.

  In the present invention, the water repellent region is preferably subjected to a water repellent treatment. Specifically, the water-repellent region is provided with a water-repellent coating or is subjected to a surface modification treatment so as to have water repellency. Is preferable.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a water repellent coat is applied from the surface of the light transmitting portion to the surface of the non-light transmitting portion, and in the hydrophilic region, a hydrophilic coat is applied to the water repellent coated surface. Thereby, a water-repellent process and a hydrophilic process can be appropriately performed in a predetermined place. In addition, since there is a water-repellent region below the hydrophilic region, water droplets do not penetrate into the interior from the gap between the light transmitting portion and the non-light transmitting portion, for example, and the water droplets are held on the surface of the hydrophilic region. It is possible to suppress defects.

  Further, in the present invention, the hydrophilic region has a difference in hydrophilicity depending on the position, and more effectively, the residence of water droplets to the light transmitting portion can be suppressed and the hydrophilic region is held by the non-light transmitting portion. Further, it is possible to suppress the movement of water to the light transmitting portion, which is preferable.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the non-light transmitting portion is a presser crown of the light transmitting portion.
In the present invention, it is preferable that a drainage structure for draining from the surface of the non-light transmissive part to the outside of the unit is connected to the non-light transmissive part. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the amount of water held in the non-light transmitting part from being excessively increased, and it is possible to further suppress the movement of the water droplets held in the non-light transmitting part to the light transmitting part.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the hydrophilicity of the surface of the said non-light-transmissive part is so high that it is close to the said drainage structure. Thereby, the water droplet adhering to the surface of the light transmission part can be appropriately led from the surface of the non-light transmission part to the drainage structure, and the amount of water retained in the non-light transmission part is effectively suppressed. be able to.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the said drainage structure is comprised with a thin tubular member. It is possible to effectively absorb water droplets held on the surface of the non-permeation part by capillary action.

  In the present invention, the drainage structure is preferably composed of a linear member having a hydrophilic surface. As a result, water droplets held on the surface of the non-light transmitting portion can be effectively drained to the outside of the unit through the linear member.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the groove part is provided in the surface of the said non-light transmissive part. Thereby, the water droplet led to the surface of the non-light transmitting portion can be held in the groove portion, and the movement of the water droplet held in the non-light transmitting portion to the light transmitting portion can be further suppressed.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the said groove part is equipped with the open groove part connected to the outer peripheral part of the said non-light transmissive part. This makes it easier to drain the water droplets accumulated in the groove from the open groove to the outside of the unit.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the said groove part is formed along the outer periphery of the said light transmissive part. Thereby, even if a water droplet is guide | induced from which direction from the surface of a light transmissive part to the surface of a non-light transmissive part, a water drop can be appropriately guide | induced into the said groove part.

  Moreover, in this invention, the said light transmissive part is applicable to the structure provided with the lens part and the said lens part is exposed to the surface of the said light transmissive part. In the present invention, the residence of water droplets on the surface of the lens unit can be effectively suppressed effectively in the optical unit in which the lens unit surface is exposed in this way.

  An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the optical units described above and an image pickup element provided on the opposite side of the surface of the light transmission portion. According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience that water droplets are less likely to adhere to the surface of the light transmission portion and the image cannot be correctly captured due to a change in the refractive index as compared with the conventional case.

  Further, the vehicle image display device according to the present invention attaches the imaging device described above to a predetermined location of the vehicle, captures at least a part of the periphery of the vehicle, performs image processing on the captured image, and performs vehicle surrounding information. It is characterized by obtaining. According to the present invention, it is difficult for water droplets to adhere to the surface of the light transmission part as compared with the prior art, and a change in refractive index due to the water droplets can be suppressed, and thus vehicle surrounding information can be obtained correctly.

  In the present invention, the first region is a captured image region necessary for obtaining the vehicle surrounding information, and the second region is a captured image region unnecessary for obtaining the vehicle surrounding information. It is preferable. Thereby, it becomes difficult for water droplets to adhere to the captured image area necessary for obtaining the vehicle surrounding information, and the vehicle surrounding information can be obtained correctly.

  In the present invention, when the imaging device is attached to the vehicle so that the light transmission portion of the imaging device is obliquely downward or horizontal with respect to the ground, the upper portion of the hydrophilic region is changed to the lower portion. It is preferable that the hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic region has a difference so that the hydrophilicity gradually increases.

  In the present invention, when the imaging device is attached to the vehicle so that the light transmission part of the imaging device is directed to a downward direction that is the ground direction, the hydrophilicity is opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is preferable that the hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic region has a difference so that the hydrophilicity gradually increases from the front part to the rear part of the hydrophilic region. As a result, when obtaining vehicle surrounding information, water droplets are effectively prevented from adhering to the surface of the light transmission part of the imaging device attached to the vehicle, and the vehicle surrounding information can be obtained correctly compared to the conventional case. become.

  In the present invention, when the imaging device is attached to the vehicle so that the light transmission portion of the imaging device is obliquely downward or horizontal with respect to the ground, the drainage structure is located below the hydrophilic region. It is preferable to be connected to the part.

  According to the present invention, when the imaging device is attached to the vehicle so that the light transmission part of the imaging device is directed in a direction directly below the ground, the drainage structure is opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is preferable to be connected to the rear portion of the non-light region. As a result, when obtaining vehicle surrounding information, water droplets are effectively prevented from adhering to the surface of the light transmission part of the imaging device attached to the vehicle, and the vehicle surrounding information can be obtained correctly compared to the conventional case. become.

  According to the present invention, when the imaging device is attached to the vehicle so that the light transmission portion of the imaging device is directed obliquely downward or horizontally with respect to the ground, the open groove is below the hydrophilic region. It is preferable to form in the part.

  According to the present invention, when the imaging device is attached to the vehicle so that the light transmission portion of the imaging device is directed in a direction directly below the ground, the open groove portion is opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is preferable that it is formed in the back part of the said light transmissive part. As a result, when obtaining vehicle surrounding information, water droplets are effectively prevented from adhering to the surface of the light transmission part of the imaging device attached to the vehicle, and the vehicle surrounding information can be obtained correctly compared to the conventional case. become.

  In the present invention, when a plurality of the image pickup devices are attached to different positions of the vehicle and used to obtain vehicle surrounding information having a virtual viewpoint directly above the vehicle, the vehicle surrounding information (top view) is used. Display) can be obtained correctly.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, the water droplets formed in the light transmission part are guided from the water-repellent light transmission part to the hydrophilic non-light transmission part, and the water droplets reside in the light transmission part. Can be suppressed. In addition, the movement of water droplets held in the non-light transmitting portion to the light transmitting portion can also be suppressed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the water droplets formed in the first region of the light transmission part are guided from the water-repellent first region to the hydrophilic second region, Water droplets can be prevented from staying in the area. In addition, movement of water droplets attached to the second region to the first region can also be suppressed. Further, the optical unit of the present invention can be used in an imaging apparatus, but the surface area of the light transmission portion corresponding to the used image portion of the obtained captured image is set as the water repellent region as the first region, and the unused image portion is used. If the surface area of the corresponding light transmitting portion is the hydrophilic area as the second area, water droplets are less likely to adhere to the first area using the photographed image, the change in the refractive index can be suppressed, and the correct image can be obtained. Can be copied.

  Further, for example, when a drainage structure is provided in the non-light transmissive part, the amount of water retained on the surface of the non-light transmissive part can be prevented from excessively increasing, and water droplets retained on the surface of the non-light transmissive part. To the light transmitting portion can be further suppressed.

  Also, according to the imaging device of the present invention, compared to the conventional case, water droplets are less likely to adhere to the surface of the light transmission part, the change in refractive index can be suppressed, and an image can be correctly captured.

  Further, according to the vehicle image display device of the present invention, water droplets are less likely to adhere to the surface of the light transmission part compared to the prior art, the change in refractive index can be suppressed, and an image can be correctly captured. Ambient information can be obtained.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus 20 including a lens unit (optical unit) 10 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a top view of the lens unit 10 and (b) is an imaging apparatus 20. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lens unit 10 according to the first embodiment includes a lens part (light transmission part) 1 and a non-lens part (non-light transmission part) 2 formed around the lens part (light transmission part) 1. In the present embodiment, the non-lens portion 2 is constituted by a presser crown that is in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the lens portion 1.

  The lens unit 1 is formed of existing glass or plastic. The non-lens portion 2 is formed of resin, metal or the like.

  For example, when the lens unit 1 is made of glass, the glass depends on the material, but generally has a small contact angle with water (about 20 to 30 degrees) and tends to be hydrophilic. In this specification, “hydrophilic” means that the contact angle with water is 40 degrees or less. On the other hand, the resin generally has a large contact angle with water (about 70 to 90 degrees) depending on the material, and tends to be “water-repellent”.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the surface of the lens unit 1 is subjected to water repellency treatment. Further, the non-lens portion 2 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the water contact angle on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 that is the “hydrophilic region” is 40 degrees or less and the surface of the lens portion 1 that is the “water-repellent region” in an appropriate and simple manner. The water contact angle can be made larger than 40 degrees. In the present embodiment, the water contact angle on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 that is the “hydrophilic region” is 20 degrees or less, and the water contact angle on the surface of the lens portion 1 that is the “water repellent region” is More preferably, it is 60 degrees or more.

  The surface of the lens portion 1 is provided with a water repellent coat made of a water repellent material containing, for example, a fluorine compound or a silicone compound. The water-repellent coat may be formed by applying a water-repellent paint, or a coating with a coating seal or coating film attached thereto. Alternatively, the surface of the lens unit 1 may be subjected to a surface modification treatment to have water repellency.

  The surface of the non-lens portion 2 is provided with a hydrophilic coat made of a hydrophilic material containing, for example, polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylamide. The hydrophilic coat may be formed by applying a hydrophilic paint, or may be one having a coating seal or a coating film attached thereto. Alternatively, the surface of the non-lens portion 2 may be subjected to a surface modification treatment to make it hydrophilic.

  For example, if the non-lens portion 2 is formed of a resin having excellent hydrophilicity from the beginning, the necessity of the hydrophilic treatment is eliminated, but the non-lens portion 2 has characteristics required in addition to hydrophilicity. It is preferable that the material is made of a material with the highest priority, and a hydrophilic coat is applied to the surface of the non-lens portion 2 to adjust the hydrophilicity on the surface of the non-lens portion 2.

  In this embodiment, a water repellent coat is applied to the entire surface of the non-lens portion 2 from the surface of the lens portion 1, and a hydrophilic coat is applied to the surface of the non-lens portion 2 that has been water repellent coated. It is preferable that it is a form. Thereby, a water-repellent process and a hydrophilic process can be appropriately performed in a predetermined place. Further, since the non-lens portion 2 is provided with a water-repellent coat under the hydrophilic coat, the water droplet does not penetrate into the inside from the gap between the non-lens portion 2 and the lens portion 1, and the water droplet is a hydrophilic region. It is possible to suppress problems caused by being held on the surface of the non-lens portion 2.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a result when one water droplet is dropped on the surface of the lens unit 1 which is a water-repellent region. Here, in order to easily understand the effect of applying the hydrophilic coat on the surface of the non-lens portion (presser crown) 2, the surface of the non-lens portion 2 is provided with a portion with and without the hydrophilic coat. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the side where the non-lens portion 2 is coated with a hydrophilic coat (the right side in the figure), when water droplets on the surface of the lens section 1 come into contact with the surface of the non-lens section 2, they are guided to the hydrophilic coat. Thus, the water droplet moves to the non-lens portion 2 and extends away from the lens portion 1. On the other hand, on the side where the hydrophilic coating is not applied to the non-lens portion 2 (the left side in the figure), a part of the lens portion 1 remains so that a water droplet covers it.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a result when water drops are applied to the non-lens portion (presser crown) 2 of the lens unit 10 facing downward, and FIG. 3A shows that the surface of the non-lens portion 2 is not coated with a hydrophilic coat. In the case, (b) shows a case where a hydrophilic coat is applied to the surface of the non-lens portion 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when a hydrophilic coat is not applied to the surface of the non-lens portion 2, water droplets adhering to the surface of the non-lens portion 2 are repelled, and the lens portion 1 is caused by gravity. Will move to the surface. For example, when the imaging device 20 including the lens unit 10 is installed downward in the vehicle, water droplets attached to the surface of the non-lens part 2 due to vibrations associated with traveling or the like easily move to the surface of the lens part 1. On the other hand, when a hydrophilic coat is applied to the surface of the non-lens portion 2, water droplets are easily held on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 as shown in FIG. The movement of water droplets to is suppressed.

  As described above, according to the lens unit 10 according to the first embodiment, water droplets attached to the surface of the lens unit 1 that is a water-repellent region easily move to the surface of the non-lens unit 2 that is a hydrophilic region. Further, water droplets attached to the surface of the non-lens part 2 are difficult to move to the surface of the lens part 1 and are easily held on the surface of the non-lens part 2. As a result, adhesion of water droplets to the surface of the lens unit 1 can be suppressed. Thereby, when the imaging device 20 provided with the lens unit 10 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle, the influence of water droplets on the captured image can be reduced even when it is used on a rainy day.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lens unit 10 of the present embodiment constitutes a part of the imaging device 20. The lens unit 10 is supported on the surface side of a housing (lens barrel) 15. The housing 15 is provided with an image sensor 16 which is on the optical axis of the lens unit 10 and outputs an electric signal of an image formed by receiving the light condensed by the lens unit 10. Yes.

  For example, the lens unit 1 is a fish-eye lens, and a plurality of lenses are housed in the housing (lens barrel) 15.

  In the imaging device 20 shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the lens unit 1 is an exposed surface. In the present embodiment, even in the lens unit 10 where the surface of the lens unit 1 is exposed as described above, it is possible to appropriately suppress the residence of water droplets on the lens unit 1.

  Further, for example, a transparent cover member (a part of the light transmitting portion, not shown) is provided on the surface of the lens portion 1 in order to suppress damage or the like on the surface of the lens portion 1. Then, the surface of the cover member is adjusted to the above water-repellent region.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the lens unit 30 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lens unit 30 according to the second embodiment includes a lens unit (light transmission unit) 11 and a non-lens unit (non-transmission unit) 2 that is a presser crown formed around the lens unit (light transmission unit) 11. ing. In the first embodiment described above, a water repellent coating is applied to the entire surface of the lens unit 1 and a hydrophilic coating is applied to the surface of the outer non-lens unit 2. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the central region 31 on the surface of the lens unit 11 has water repellency and the peripheral region 32 other than the central region 31 has hydrophilicity. I have to.

  Usually, the central region 31 of the lens unit 11 is a region through which subject light of an actually used image portion passes through the captured image, and the central region 31 is the most protruding portion, and water droplets are present. Since it is a part that easily adheres, the central region 31 of the lens unit 11 is water-repellent and the peripheral region 32 of the lens unit 11 is hydrophilic. On the other hand, the peripheral area 32 is an area through which subject light of an image portion that is not actually used out of all the areas of the captured image is transmitted. Therefore, even if water droplets are attached to the peripheral area 32, there is no influence on the actually used portion of the photographed image. Therefore, a hydrophilic coat is applied to the peripheral area 32 so that the water drops attached to the central area 31 can easily move to the peripheral area 32. To induce. As described above, in the form of FIG. 4, the water droplets easily move from the central region 31 of the lens unit 11 to the peripheral region 32, and the water droplets are in the central part 31 of the lens unit 11 that is the actually used captured image region. Adhesion can be appropriately suppressed. In the case of the second embodiment, since there is a central region 31 having water repellency and a peripheral region 32 having hydrophilicity on the surface of the same lens portion 11, there is no vibration associated with traveling of the vehicle or the like. In addition, the water droplets easily move from the central region 31 to the peripheral region 32 of the lens unit 11.

  Although an example in which the water repellent coat is applied to the central region 31 and the hydrophilic coat is applied to the peripheral region 32 has been described here, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, if a water repellent coat is applied to the first area where the subject light of the image portion that is actually used passes, and a hydrophilic coat is applied to the second area that passes the subject light of the image portion that is not actually used, This area may not be the central area and the second area may not be the peripheral area.

  In the form of FIG. 4, the surface of the non-lens portion (presser crown) 2 is preferably a hydrophilic region, as described with reference to FIG. 1. As a result, water droplets formed in the central region 31 of the lens unit 11 can be guided from the peripheral region 32 to the surface of the non-lens unit 2, and water droplet residence in the central region 31 can be more effectively suppressed.

  Further, in the above configuration, by making the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens portion 2 higher than the hydrophilicity of the peripheral region 32, water droplets are more easily guided from the peripheral region 32 to the surface of the non-lens portion 2, Furthermore, the residence of water drops in the central region 31 can be effectively suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the lens unit 40 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5A is a top view of the lens unit 40, and FIG. 5B is an installation state of the imaging apparatus 20 including the lens unit 40. An example is shown. In FIG. 5, components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the lens unit 40 according to the third embodiment, the non-lens portion (presser crown) 2 is provided with a drainage structure 3 for draining from the surface of the non-lens portion 2 to the outside of the unit. In the present embodiment, the drainage structure 3 is composed of, for example, a thin tubular member. When the drainage structure 3 is constituted by a thin tubular member, water droplets held on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 by so-called capillary phenomenon can be effectively sucked. The capillary phenomenon is a phenomenon in which the liquid inside the thin tubular object rises (sometimes falls) in the tube. Since the height of the liquid rise is determined by the surface tension and the ease of wetting of the wall surface, the tubular member may be formed using a member having a high surface tension or a member that easily wets.

  As described in the first embodiment, for example, when a hydrophilic coat is applied to the surface of the non-lens part 2 on the outer peripheral part of the lens part 1, the surface of the non-lens part 2 retains water droplets. The water droplet movement to the can be effectively suppressed. However, if the amount of water retained on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 becomes too large, water droplets may move to the surface of the lens portion 1. Therefore, by connecting the drainage structure 3 to the non-lens portion 2 as shown in FIG. 5, the amount of water held on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 does not increase excessively, and water droplet movement to the surface of the lens portion 1 is suppressed. The effect can be further enhanced.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the imaging device 20 having the lens unit 40 is attached to a vehicle so that the lens unit 1 of the lens unit 40 faces obliquely downward with respect to the ground, the drainage structure 3 is preferably connected to the lower part 2 a of the non-lens part 2. If it does in this way, it will become easy to move the water droplet adhering to the surface of the said non-lens part 2 toward the lower drainage structure 3 by own gravity. Thereby, the effect which drains the water droplet hold | maintained on the surface of the non-lens part 2 outside by the drainage structure 3 can further be heightened.

  Moreover, you may make it give a difference in the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens part 2. FIG. For example, in FIG. 5 (a), from the upper part 2c (the upper side of FIG. 5 (a)) that is farthest from the drainage structure 3 to the lower part 2a (the lower side of FIG. 4 (a)) that is closest. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens portion 2 so that the hydrophilicity gradually increases. If it does in this way, the water droplet attached to the upper side of the surface of the non-lens part 2 will move to the lower side of the surface of the non-lens part 2 with higher hydrophilicity, and will move easily toward the drainage structure 3. Thereby, the effect which drains the water droplet hold | maintained on the surface of the non-lens part 2 outside by the drainage structure 3 can further be heightened.

  Moreover, although the drainage structure 3 in FIG. 5 was comprised by the thin tubular member, as shown in FIG. 6, the drainage structure 4 in which the surface was comprised by the hydrophilic linear member is on the surface of the non-lens part 2. It may be connected. Also according to this configuration, water droplets held on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 can be drained to the outside of the unit through the linear member, and the amount of water held on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 does not increase too much, and the lens portion The effect of suppressing water droplet movement to the surface of 1 can be further enhanced.

  In the same manner as described in FIG. 5B, as shown in FIG. 6B, the imaging having the lens unit 50 so that the lens unit 1 of the lens unit 50 faces obliquely downward with respect to the ground. When the device 20 is attached to a vehicle, the drainage structure 4 is preferably connected to the lower part 2a of the non-lens part 2. If it does in this way, it will become easy to move the water droplet adhering to the surface of the said non-lens part 2 toward the lower drainage structure 4 by own gravity. Thereby, the effect which drains the water droplet hold | maintained on the surface of the non-lens part 2 outside by the drainage structure 4 can further be heightened.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 5A, also in the form of FIG. 6, the lower portion 2 a (the lower portion 2 a (the upper side of FIG. 6A) that is farthest from the drainage structure 4 is the closest to the upper portion 2 c. It is preferable to adjust the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens part 2 so that the hydrophilicity gradually increases toward the lower side of FIG.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the lens unit 60 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7A is a top view of the lens unit 60, and FIG. 7B is an installation state of the imaging device 20 including the lens unit 60. An example is shown. In FIG. 7, components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the lens unit 60 according to the fourth embodiment, the groove portion 64 is provided on the surface of the non-lens portion (presser crown) 61. The groove portion 64 is connected to the ring-shaped groove portion 62 formed along the outer periphery of the lens portion 1 and the ring-shaped groove portion 62, and leads from the ring-shaped groove portion 62 to the outer peripheral portion 61 d of the non-lens portion 61. And an open groove 63. Both the wall surface and the bottom surface of the groove portion 64 are hydrophilic.

  Accordingly, the water droplets guided from the surface of the lens unit 1 to the surface of the non-lens unit 61 can be appropriately held in the groove portion 64, and the movement of the water droplets held by the non-lens unit 61 to the lens unit 1 can be prevented. Further suppression is possible.

  In the form of FIG. 7, the non-lens portion 61 has a ring-shaped groove portion 62 formed on the outer periphery of the lens portion 1. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately guide the water droplet into the groove portion 64 regardless of the direction from which the water droplet is guided from the surface of the lens portion 1 to the non-lens portion 61.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, since the groove portion 64 is formed with an open groove portion 63 that communicates with the outer peripheral portion 61d of the non-lens portion 61, the water accumulated in the groove portion 64 is released. Water can be appropriately drained from the groove 63 to the outside of the unit.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, for example, the imaging device 20 having the lens unit 60 is attached to the vehicle so that the lens unit 1 of the lens unit 60 faces obliquely downward with respect to the ground. When the open groove portion 63 is formed in the lower portion 61a of the non-lens portion 61, it is preferable that water can be effectively drained from the open groove portion 63 to the outside of the unit.

  In the form shown in FIG. 7, for example, if the hydrophilicity in the groove portion 64 is higher than the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens portion 61, water droplets are easily guided into the groove portion 64, and the surface of the non-lens portion 61 The amount of water held in the lens portion 1 can be reduced, and the effect of suppressing water droplet movement to the surface of the lens unit 1 can be further enhanced.

  The form of the groove 64 is not limited to the form of FIG. For example, the groove part 64 may be constituted only by the ring-shaped groove part 62 or may be constituted only by the open groove part 63. In addition, when the ring-shaped groove 62 is formed intermittently, or when the imaging device 20 is installed obliquely downward as shown in FIG. You may provide the said groove part only in the area | region below half.

  As described above, the imaging device 20 including the lens units 10, 30, 40, 50, 60 described in the first to fourth embodiments, for example, attaches the imaging measure 20 to a predetermined place of the vehicle, and It is used in an image display device for a vehicle for photographing the surroundings and processing the captured image to obtain information on the surroundings of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the imaging device (vehicle-mounted camera) 20 of the present embodiment is attached to each of a front part, a rear part, a left part, and a right part of the vehicle. The lens unit 1 of each imaging device 20 is a fisheye lens, and the imaging range of each imaging device 20 is shown in FIG.

  The vehicle image display device includes a storage unit for storing a captured image obtained by each imaging device 20, a data unit for the own vehicle image, a viewpoint conversion unit for converting a virtual viewpoint, and vehicle surrounding image generation. Part, control part, etc.

  For example, the vehicle image display device synthesizes the captured images obtained from the respective imaging devices 20, and at this time, the vehicle surrounding image information (top view display) in which the viewpoint conversion unit places the virtual viewpoint directly above the vehicle. Is to get.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the imaging devices 20 attached to the left part and the right part of the vehicle respectively have a lower surface 70 a of a side mirror 70 and a surface directly below the surface of the lens unit 1 in the ground direction. It is attached to face. The lens unit 1 of the imaging device 20 is exposed to the outside from the lower part 70 a of the side mirror 70.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the lens unit 1 of the imaging device 20 faces the front side of the vehicle and obliquely downward with respect to the ground, for example, below the bumper unit 71 at the front part of the vehicle. It is attached. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the lens portion 1 of the imaging device 20 is attached to the rear portion of the vehicle, for example, below the number plate 72 so that the lens portion 1 of the imaging device 20 faces the rear side of the vehicle and obliquely downward with respect to the ground. It is done.

  FIG. 11 shows, for example, a captured image captured by the imaging device 20 attached to the rear part of the vehicle. Of the captured images, only the captured image area 75 in the shaded area in FIG. 11 is a captured image necessary for top view display, and the captured image area 76 in the non-shaded area is unnecessary image capture in top view display. In the case of an image, the first region 31 that is the water-repellent region on the surface of the lens unit 11 constituting the lens unit 30 described with reference to FIG. 4 corresponds to the substantially central captured image region 75 shown in FIG. The second area 32 that is an area preferably corresponds to a captured image area 76 around the captured image area 75.

  As a result, it is difficult for water droplets to adhere to the captured image region 75 necessary for obtaining the top view display, and it is possible to correctly capture the image and to obtain the top view display correctly.

  Note that the first region 31 is formed to be slightly larger than the captured image region 76 that corresponds to the non-hatched portion, so that the captured image region 75 necessary for obtaining the top view display is more effective for water droplets. Is preferable because it is difficult to adhere.

  Further, when the hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic region of the lens unit is made different, it is preferable to adjust as follows for each imaging device 20 having a different installation location and installation direction.

  When the imaging device 20 is attached to the front part and the rear part of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 10 so that the lens unit 1 faces obliquely downward with respect to the ground as shown in FIG. It is preferable to adjust the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens part 2 so that the hydrophilicity gradually increases in the direction.

  Thereby, the water droplet led from the surface of the lens portion 1 to the surface of the non-lens portion 2 can be easily guided downward with higher hydrophilicity, and the water droplet accumulated in the lower portion 2a of the surface of the non-lens portion 2 Is more likely to be drained downward by gravity rather than returning to the surface of the lens unit 1 again, and the stay of water droplets on the surface of the lens unit 1 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, since water droplets are less likely to adhere to the lens unit 1 as compared with the conventional art, it is possible to correctly obtain vehicle surrounding information (top view display).

  FIG. 12B shows that when the imaging device 20 is attached to the side mirror 70 of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 9 so that the lens unit 1 of the imaging device 20 faces in a direction directly below the ground. It is preferable to adjust the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens part 2 so that the hydrophilicity increases in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle.

  Here, the “traveling direction” refers to the forward direction of the vehicle shown in FIG. That is, it does not mean the rear direction (back travel) of the vehicle.

  When the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-lens part 2 is adjusted as shown in FIG. 12B, wind pressure is applied to the lens part 1 and the non-lens part 2 during traveling, so that the non-lens part from the surface of the lens part 1 is added. The water droplets led to 2 are further led to the rear part 2b of the surface of the non-lens part 2, and the water droplets accumulated in the rear part 2b of the surface of the non-lens part 2 are more particularly more likely to return to the surface of the lens part 1 again. Receiving wind pressure during traveling, the water tends to be drained backward, and water droplets staying on the surface of the lens unit 1 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, since water droplets are less likely to adhere to the lens unit 1 as compared with the conventional art, it is possible to correctly obtain vehicle surrounding information (top view display).

  In addition, among the imaging devices 20 described in FIG. 12A, the imaging device 20 attached to the front portion of the vehicle has the lens portion 1 and the non-lens when traveling because the lens portion 1 faces the front side of the vehicle. Although the wind pressure is easily applied to the portion 2, the lower portion 2a having a high hydrophilicity on the surface of the non-lens portion 2 is located on the opposite side of the vehicle traveling direction as compared to the upper portion 2c having a low hydrophilicity. By receiving wind pressure, water droplets are likely to collect in the lower part 2a having higher hydrophilicity, and the water droplets led to the lower part 2a on the surface of the non-lens part 2 are drained to the rear of the imaging device 20 particularly during traveling. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the amount of water accumulated in the lower portion 2a of the non-lens portion 2.

  Subsequently, when the imaging device 20 including the lens units 40 and 50 having the drainage structures 3 and 4 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is used, the following adjustment is made for each imaging device 20 having a different installation location and orientation. It is preferable to do.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (b) and 6 (b), the imaging device 20 is mounted on the front part and the rear part of the vehicle described in FIG. 10 so that the lens part 1 faces obliquely downward with respect to the ground. When attached, the drainage structures 3 and 4 are preferably connected to the lower part 2 a of the surface of the non-lens part 2.

  Accordingly, water droplets guided from the surface of the lens unit 1 to the surface of the non-lens unit 2 can be easily drained from the surface of the non-lens unit 2 to the outside through the drainage structures 3 and 4. Residing water droplets on the surface can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, since water droplets are less likely to adhere to the lens unit 1 as compared with the conventional art, it is possible to correctly obtain vehicle surrounding information (top view display).

  Further, the imaging device 20 attached to the front part of the vehicle has the lens part 1 facing the front side of the vehicle, so that wind pressure is easily applied to the lens part 1 and the non-lens part 2 during traveling. Since the lower part 2a of the part 2 is located on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle as compared with the upper part 2c, it receives wind pressure, so that water droplets are drained to the rear of the imaging device 20 via the drainage structures 3 and 4. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the amount of water accumulated in the lower portion 2a of the non-lens portion 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the imaging device 20 is attached to the side mirror 70 of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 9 so that the lens unit 1 of the imaging device 20 faces in a direction directly below the ground direction, The drainage structure 3 (and the drainage structure 4) is preferably connected to a rear part 2b on the surface of the non-lens part 2 that is opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle.

  As a result, the wind pressure applied to the lens unit 1 and the non-lens unit 2 during traveling causes water droplets guided from the surface of the lens unit 1 to the non-lens unit 2 to be a rear part 2b of the surface of the non-lens unit 2. From there, it is easy to drain to the rear of the imaging device 20 through the drainage structures 3, 4, and the stay of water droplets on the surface of the lens unit 1 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, since water droplets are less likely to adhere to the lens unit 1 as compared with the conventional art, it is possible to correctly obtain vehicle surrounding information (top view display).

  Subsequently, when the imaging device 20 including the lens unit 60 having the groove portion 64 on the surface of the non-lens portion 61 illustrated in FIG. 7 is used, the following adjustment is performed for each imaging device 20 having a different installation location and orientation. Is preferred.

  When the imaging device 20 is attached to the front part and the rear part of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 10 so that the lens unit 1 faces obliquely downward with respect to the ground as shown in FIG. The open groove 63 constituting the groove 64 is preferably formed in a lower part 61 a on the surface of the non-lens part 61.

  Thus, water droplets guided from the surface of the lens unit 1 to the surface of the non-lens unit 2 and further retained in the groove 64 can be easily drained from the open groove 64 of the groove 64 to the outside. Residue of water droplets on one surface can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, since water droplets are less likely to adhere to the lens unit 1 as compared with the conventional art, it is possible to correctly obtain vehicle surrounding information (top view display).

  In addition, the imaging device 20 attached to the front part of the vehicle has the lens part 1 facing the front side of the vehicle, so that wind pressure is easily applied to the lens part 1 and the non-lens part 61 during traveling. Since the lower part 61a of the part 61 is located on the side opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle as compared with the upper part 61c, water drops are more easily drained from the open groove part 63 to the rear of the imaging device 20, It is possible to effectively reduce the amount of water accumulated on the surface of the non-lens portion 2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when the imaging device 20 is attached to the side mirror 70 of the vehicle described with reference to FIG. 9 so that the lens unit 1 of the imaging device 20 faces in a direction directly below the ground direction, The open groove portion 63 is preferably formed in a rear portion 63b of the surface of the non-lens 2 that is opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle.

  As a result, the wind pressure applied to the lens unit 1 and the non-lens unit 61 during traveling causes water droplets guided from the surface of the lens unit 1 to the non-lens unit 61 to be a rear portion 61b of the surface of the non-lens unit 61. It is easy to drain to the rear of the imaging device 20 from the open groove 63 provided in the lens, and water droplets can be effectively prevented from staying on the surface of the lens unit 1. Therefore, since water droplets are less likely to adhere to the lens unit 1 as compared with the conventional art, it is possible to correctly obtain vehicle surrounding information (top view display).

  In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle surrounding information has been described as the top view, but the present embodiment can be applied to any of the front view, the side view, and the back view.

  In the above description, the imaging device 20 has been described in a preferred form by taking the case where the lens unit 1 is attached to a vehicle so as to face obliquely downward with respect to the ground or directly below the ground. For example, when the imaging device 20 is attached to a vehicle so that the lens unit 1 is oriented horizontally with respect to the ground, the configuration is the same as when the lens unit 1 is oriented obliquely downward with respect to the ground. Is preferred. However, for example, when the imaging device 20 is mounted on a vehicle so that the lens unit 1 is oriented horizontally with respect to the ground, unnecessary sky images and the like are captured in a large area in the vehicle surrounding information. Normally, the imaging device 20 is attached to the vehicle so that the lens unit 1 is directed obliquely downward with respect to the ground or directly below the ground.

  In the above-described embodiment, the imaging apparatus 20 has been described for an in-vehicle camera. However, the imaging apparatus 20 can be applied to various cameras such as a surveillance camera, a digital camera, and a digital video camera. Among these, it is particularly useful for an in-vehicle camera or a surveillance camera that is difficult for a person to wipe off water droplets.

  In addition, each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the imaging device provided with the lens unit (optical unit) by 1st Embodiment, (a) is a top view of a lens unit, (b) is a side view of an imaging device, The schematic diagram which shows the result when one drop of water drops on the lens part by 1st Embodiment, It is a figure which shows a result when a non-lens part (presser crown) has a water drop in the state which faced down the imaging device provided with the lens unit by 1st Embodiment, (a) is the surface of a non-lens part Side view of the imaging device when the hydrophilic coating is not applied to the surface, (b) is a side view of the imaging device when the hydrophilic coating is applied to the surface of the non-lens portion, An upper surface of the lens unit showing a configuration example of the lens unit according to the second embodiment; It is a figure which shows the structural example of the lens unit by 3rd Embodiment, (a) is a top view of a lens unit, (b) is a side view of an imaging device, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a lens unit different from FIG. 5, (a) is a top view of the lens unit, (b) is a side view of the imaging device, It is a figure which shows the structural example of the lens unit by 4th Embodiment, (a) is a top view of a lens unit, (b) is a side view of an imaging device, The top view of the vehicle which shows the example of installation of the imaging device (vehicle camera) of this embodiment, The figure of a side mirror and the imaging device (vehicle-mounted camera) attached to the side mirror, A diagram of a vehicle and imaging devices (vehicle cameras) attached to the front and rear of the vehicle, An imaging screen shot by the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment; (A) (b) is a side view of an imaging device showing the state of hydrophilicity of the surface of a preferred non-lens part for each imaging device with different installation locations and orientations attached to the vehicle, A side view of the imaging device showing a preferred installation state of the imaging device provided with a drainage structure, A side view of the imaging device showing a preferable installation state of the imaging device in which a groove is formed on the surface of the non-lens portion;

Explanation of symbols

1,11 Lens part 2,61 Non-lens part (presser crown)
3, 4 Drain structure 10, 30, 40, 50, 60 Lens unit 15 Case (lens tube)
16 Image sensor 20 Image pickup device 31 Central region of lens part (first region to which water-repellent coating is applied)
32 Peripheral area of lens part (second area to which hydrophilic coating is applied)
62 Ring-shaped groove portion 63 Open groove portion 64 Groove portion 70 Side mirror 71 Bumper portion 72 Number plate 75 Captured image area necessary for vehicle surrounding information 76 Captured image region unnecessary for vehicle surrounding information

Claims (31)

An optical unit comprising a light transmission part and a non-light transmission part formed around the light transmission part,
The optical unit is characterized in that the surface of the light transmission part is a water-repellent region and the surface of the non-light transmission part is a hydrophilic region. An optical unit comprising a light transmission part and a non-light transmission part formed around the light transmission part,
Of the surface of the light transmission part, the first region is a water-repellent region, and the second region other than the first region is a hydrophilic region.   The optical unit according to claim 2, wherein a surface of the non-light transmitting portion is a hydrophilic region.   4. The optical unit according to claim 2, wherein the first region is a central region of the lens unit, and the second region is a peripheral region other than the central region.   The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic region is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.   6. The optical unit according to claim 5, wherein a hydrophilic coat is applied to the hydrophilic region.   6. The optical unit according to claim 5, wherein the hydrophilic region is subjected to a surface modification treatment to impart hydrophilicity.   The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the water repellent region is subjected to a water repellent treatment.   9. The optical unit according to claim 8, wherein the water repellent region is provided with a water repellent coat.   9. The optical unit according to claim 8, wherein the water repellent region is subjected to a surface modification treatment to impart water repellency.   The water repellent coat is applied from the surface of the light transmitting portion to the surface of the non-light transmitting portion, and the hydrophilic coat is applied to the water repellent coated surface in the hydrophilic region. 5. The optical unit according to any one of 4 to 4.   The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic region has a difference in hydrophilicity depending on a position.   The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the non-light transmitting portion is a presser crown of the light transmitting portion.   The optical unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a drainage structure for draining water from the surface of the non-light transmissive part to the outside of the unit is connected to the non-light transmissive part.   The optical unit according to claim 14, wherein the hydrophilicity of the surface of the non-light-transmitting portion is higher as it is closer to the drainage structure.   16. The optical unit according to claim 14, wherein the drainage structure is configured by a thin tubular member.   The optical unit according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the drainage structure is composed of a linear member having a hydrophilic surface.   The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein a groove portion is provided on a surface of the non-light transmission portion.   The optical unit according to claim 18, wherein the groove portion includes an open groove portion that leads to an outer peripheral portion of the non-light transmission portion.   The optical unit according to claim 18, wherein the groove is formed along an outer periphery of the light transmission part.   21. The optical unit according to claim 1, wherein the light transmission part includes a lens part, and the lens part is exposed on a surface of the light transmission part.   An image pickup apparatus comprising: the optical unit according to claim 1; and an image pickup device provided on a side opposite to a surface of the light transmission unit.   An image pickup apparatus according to claim 22 is attached to a predetermined location of a vehicle, and at least a part of the periphery of the vehicle is photographed, and the captured image is image-processed to obtain vehicle surrounding information. Image display device.   5. The imaging apparatus comprising the optical unit according to claim 2, wherein the first area corresponds to a captured image area necessary to obtain the vehicle surrounding information, and the second area The vehicle image display device according to claim 23, wherein the region corresponds to a captured image region that is unnecessary for obtaining the vehicle surrounding information.   13. The imaging apparatus comprising the optical unit according to claim 12, wherein the imaging apparatus is attached to a vehicle such that a light transmission portion of the imaging apparatus is directed obliquely downward or horizontally with respect to the ground. 25. The hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic region is made different so that the hydrophilicity gradually increases from the upper part to the lower part of the hydrophilic region. Vehicle image display device.   13. The image pickup apparatus comprising the optical unit according to claim 12, wherein the image pickup apparatus is attached to the vehicle so that a light transmission portion of the image pickup apparatus is directed directly below the ground direction. The hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic region is different so that the hydrophilicity gradually increases from the front part to the rear part of the hydrophilic region, which is opposite to the traveling direction. The vehicle image display device according to claim 23 or 24.   18. An image pickup apparatus comprising the optical unit according to claim 14, wherein the image pickup apparatus is attached to a vehicle such that a light transmission portion of the image pickup apparatus is directed obliquely downward or horizontally with respect to the ground. The vehicular image display device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein, when attached, the drainage structure is connected to a lower portion of the hydrophilic region.   18. The imaging apparatus comprising the optical unit according to claim 14, wherein the imaging apparatus is attached to a vehicle so that a light transmission portion of the imaging apparatus is directed to a downward direction that is a ground direction. 27. The vehicular image display device according to claim 23, wherein the drainage structure is connected to a rear portion of the light transmission portion opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle.   20. The image pickup apparatus comprising the optical unit according to claim 19, wherein the image pickup apparatus is attached to a vehicle such that a light transmission portion of the image pickup apparatus is directed obliquely downward or horizontally with respect to the ground. 28. The vehicular image display device according to claim 23, wherein the open groove portion is formed in a lower portion of the non-light transmission portion.   20. The image pickup apparatus comprising the optical unit according to claim 19, wherein the open groove portion is mounted when the image pickup apparatus is attached to a vehicle so that a light transmission portion of the image pickup apparatus is directed to a downward direction that is a ground direction. 29. The vehicular image display device according to claim 23, 24, 26, or 28, wherein the vehicular image display device is formed in a rear portion of the non-light transmissive portion opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle.   31. The image pickup device according to claim 23, wherein a plurality of the image pickup devices are attached to different positions of the vehicle, and are used to obtain vehicle surrounding information with a virtual viewpoint directly above the vehicle. Vehicle image display device.

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