JP2008238859A - On-vehicle imaging device, lamp device, and method of controlling on-vehicle imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the flexibility related to the installation position of an imaging device by installing it even near a lamp device by suppressing the effect of the light of the lamp device on the imaging device mounted on a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: A side marker 2 functioning as a lamp device and having a camera unit 33 for outputting image signals, detects the quantity of light around the camera unit 33 by a photo diode 32. According to the detected quantity of light, the side marker selectively performs a color imaging operation for outputting color image signals by the camera unit 33 and a black-and-white imaging operation for outputting black-and-white image signals by the camera unit 33. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle imaging device, a lighting device, and a control method for an in-vehicle imaging device mounted on a vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for mounting a camera as an imaging device on a vehicle and photographing the surroundings of the vehicle to help confirm safety is known. This camera is often installed in a front bumper or a rear bumper, for example, so as not to impair the aesthetics of the vehicle. However, the place where the camera can be installed so as not to be conspicuous is limited, and considering the beauty, it is difficult to avoid the vicinity of the headlamp of the vehicle. For this reason, there is a possibility that a good captured image cannot be obtained because the light from the headlamp or the turn indicator affects the camera. Thus, a method has been proposed in which the amount of received light for imaging is changed in accordance with the operation of a switch that turns on the vehicle light (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-177483 A

  However, if there is a camera near a lighting device that blinks in a short time, such as a turn indicator, or a lighting device that has a very large amount of light, such as a headlamp, the effect is avoided by only changing the amount of light received for imaging. It was difficult to do. Especially at night, the difference in brightness between when the lighting device is turned on and when it is turned off is so great that it is difficult to obtain an image that can withstand visual recognition following this change. Therefore, there is a problem that the installation position of the camera is severely restricted.

  Therefore, the present invention suppresses the influence of the light of the lighting device on the imaging device mounted on the vehicle so that the imaging device can be installed in the vicinity of the lighting device, and the degree of freedom related to the installation position of the imaging device is increased. With the goal.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides an imaging device that is disposed at a position for receiving light of a vehicle lighting device or reflected light thereof and outputs a video signal, and the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit. A light amount detection unit for detecting a peripheral light amount of the image, a color imaging operation for outputting a color video signal by the imaging device based on the light amount detected by the light amount detection unit, and a monochrome for outputting a monochrome video signal by the imaging device A vehicle-mounted imaging device comprising: a control unit that switches and executes an imaging operation.
According to this configuration, the video signal output by the imaging device is arranged at a position for receiving the light of the lighting device of the vehicle or the reflected light thereof, and according to the amount of light around the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit. Switch between color and monochrome. When capturing in monochrome, compared to capturing in color, noise is less likely to occur when the amount of light during imaging is reduced, and an image with good visibility can be obtained. For this reason, even if the amount of light detected by the imaging device is greatly reduced to suppress the influence of light from the lighting device, a video with good visibility can be obtained by switching the output video signal to a monochrome video signal. Since the switching between the color video signal and the monochrome video signal is performed based on the peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit, an accurate response according to the magnitude of the influence of the imaging device upon the lighting of the lighting device. Switching is possible. This significantly reduces the amount of light detected by the imaging device and suppresses the influence of light from the lighting device. Therefore, the imaging device can be installed in the vicinity of the lighting device or in the lighting device, and the installation position of the imaging device can be freely set. The degree can be greatly increased.

The said structure WHEREIN: Based on the light quantity detected by the said light quantity detection part, the said control part is good also as what performs the detected light quantity control operation which reduces the detected light quantity of the said imaging device during the lighting of the said lighting apparatus.
In this case, the influence of the light of the lighting device on the imaging device can be suppressed by reducing the detected light amount of the imaging device based on the peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit.

In the above-described configuration, the imaging apparatus detects the light and outputs an image signal, a detection time control unit that controls a light detection time of the imaging element, and the light amount received by the imaging element An automatic light amount adjustment unit that changes the light detection time by the detection time control unit, and the light detection time is changed by the detection time control unit according to the control of the control unit during execution of the detection light amount control operation by the control unit It is good also as what makes it.
In this case, the imaging apparatus includes a detection time control unit that controls the light detection time of the image sensor, and an automatic light amount adjustment unit that changes the light detection time by the detection time control unit according to the amount of light received by the image sensor. As for the light detection time, priority is given to the control based on the peripheral light amount of the imaging device. Thereby, even if the influence of the light of the lighting device is so large that it cannot be dealt with by the control according to the amount of light received by the image sensor, this influence can be reliably suppressed.

In the above configuration, the control unit performs a first operation mode in which the color imaging operation is performed based on the light amount detected by the light amount detection unit, and a first operation in which the detected light amount control operation is performed during the color imaging operation. The second operation mode and the third operation mode in which the detected light amount control operation is performed during the monochrome imaging operation may be switched and executed.
In this case, by switching the operation mode to three stages based on the peripheral light amount of the imaging device, the influence of the light of the lighting device is surely suppressed, while when the influence of the light of the lighting device is small, a normal color image is obtained. be able to. Thereby, without impairing convenience, the influence of the light of the lighting device can be suppressed only when necessary, and an image with good visibility can be obtained.

The said structure WHEREIN: At least the said imaging device is good also as a structure accommodated in the housing of the said lighting apparatus.
In this case, by housing the imaging device in the housing of the lighting device, it is possible to easily install the imaging device without separately securing a place for placing the imaging device in the vehicle. Furthermore, there is an advantage that the process and cost related to the installation of the imaging device can be very small.

In the above configuration, the colored lens constituting the housing of the lighting device is provided with a light receiving window made of an opening or a transparent member disposed in the opening, and the imaging device is formed from the light receiving window formed on the lens. It is good also as a structure arrange | positioned so that the incident light may be received.
In this case, since the imaging device can also be accommodated in the housing of the lighting device having a colored lens, it is possible to easily install the imaging device without separately securing a place for the imaging device in the vehicle. Furthermore, there is an advantage that the process and cost related to the installation of the imaging device can be very small.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a light source, an imaging device that is disposed at a position for receiving the light of the light source or reflected light thereof, and outputs a video signal, and the light source is not lit. A light amount detection unit that detects the peripheral light amount of the imaging device, a color imaging operation that outputs a color video signal by the imaging device based on the light amount detected by the light amount detection unit, and a monochrome video signal that is output by the imaging device There is provided a lighting device comprising: a control unit that switches and executes a monochrome imaging operation to be performed.
According to this configuration, the video signal output from the imaging device can be switched between color and monochrome according to the amount of light around the imaging device that the lighting device includes with the light source. Even if the amount of detected light is greatly reduced, an image with good visibility can be obtained. Since the switching between the color video signal and the monochrome video signal is performed based on the peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the light source is not lit, accurate switching according to the magnitude of the effect on the imaging device due to the lighting of the light source is possible. It becomes possible. This significantly reduces the amount of light detected by the imaging device and suppresses the influence of light from the lighting device. Therefore, the imaging device can be installed in the vicinity of the lighting device or in the lighting device, and the installation position of the imaging device can be freely set. The degree can be greatly increased.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention provides a control method for an in-vehicle image pickup apparatus including an image pickup apparatus that is disposed at a position for receiving light of a vehicle lighting device or reflected light thereof and outputs a video signal. A color imaging operation for detecting a peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit, outputting a color video signal by the imaging device based on the detected light amount, and outputting a monochrome video signal by the imaging device Provided is a control method for an in-vehicle imaging device, characterized by switching and executing a monochrome imaging operation.
According to this method, the video signal output by the imaging device is arranged in color according to the amount of light around the imaging device that is disposed at a position for receiving the light of the lighting device of the vehicle or its reflected light and outputs the video signal. Switch to monochrome. Since the switching between the color video signal and the monochrome video signal is performed based on the peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit, an accurate response according to the magnitude of the influence of the imaging device upon the lighting of the lighting device. Switching is possible. This significantly reduces the amount of light detected by the imaging device and suppresses the influence of light from the lighting device. Therefore, the imaging device can be installed in the vicinity of the lighting device or in the lighting device, and the installation position of the imaging device can be freely set. The degree can be greatly increased.

  Here, the lighting device may be any device that is mounted on a vehicle and emits light by a light source. For example, a headlight (so-called headlight), a backward light (so-called backlight), a taillight (so-called tail lamp, tail) Lights), brake lamps (stop lamps), fog lights (so-called fog lamps, rear fog lamps), and direction indicators (so-called blinkers, blinkers, turn signal lamps, flashers). It may be installed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the detection light quantity of an imaging device can be reduced significantly, the influence of the light of a lighting apparatus can be suppressed, and the freedom degree concerning the installation position of the imaging device mounted in a vehicle can be raised significantly.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of a side marker 2 in an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes various lighting devices such as a headlamp, a reverse lamp, a tail lamp, a brake lamp (stop lamp), a fog lamp, and a direction indicator. Among these, as a direction indicator, a front blinker 13 is disposed on a front bumper 11 attached to the front end of the vehicle body 10, and a rear blinker 14 is disposed on a rear bumper 12 attached to the rear end of the vehicle body 10. Side markers 2 are respectively disposed on both side surfaces of 10. In this embodiment, a case where the lighting device of the present invention is applied to the side marker 2 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the side marker 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the side marker 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the side marker 2 as a lighting device and an in-vehicle imaging device is configured by housing a bulb 31, a photodiode 32, and a camera unit 33 inside a housing 20. The housing 20 includes a translucent lens 21, and a base 22 that supports the bulb 31, the photodiode 32, and the camera unit 33, and that accommodates circuits connected to these components. The side marker 2 is fixed to the vehicle body 10 (FIG. 1) so that the lens 21 is exposed outside the vehicle body 10 (FIG. 1).

The lens 21 is a cover made of colored synthetic resin or glass such as yellow or orange or colorless. The inner surface of the lens 21 may be cut for diffusing the light from the bulb 31.
The bulb 31 is a light bulb that emits light by current supplied from a relay 36 described later. Instead of the bulb 31, a light emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode) may be used.
The photodiode 32 as a light amount detection unit is an element that receives light and generates electromotive force at both ends, and is arranged to receive external light incident through the lens 21.

  The camera unit 33 as an imaging device outputs an image sensor 34 that receives light and outputs a signal, and outputs a signal output from the image sensor 34 as a video signal, and controls an operation time of an electronic shutter in the image sensor 34. An imaging control unit 35 is incorporated. A base 33 </ b> A provided at the tip of the camera unit 33 is exposed to the outside from an opening 21 </ b> A as a light receiving window formed in the lens 21. For this reason, the camera unit 33 can capture an image without being affected by the color of the lens 21. A lens (not shown) is disposed inside the base 33A, and the joint between the lens and the base 33A and the joint between the base 33A and the opening 21A are designed to prevent water and dust from entering. It is desirable to be joined so as to maintain waterproofness, dripproofness, and dustproofness.

As shown in FIG. 3, a relay 36 that supplies a current to the valve 31 is connected to the valve 31. The relay 36 performs a switching operation in a state in which the winker operation signal input from the vehicle control unit 30 is ON, and periodically supplies a current to the valve 31. As a result, the bulb 31 is repeatedly turned on / off at a predetermined cycle and blinks.
Here, the vehicle control unit 30 is a control unit that controls the operation of the vehicle 1 and has a function of performing ignition control of an engine mounted on the vehicle 1, monitoring of detection states of various sensors mounted on the vehicle 1, and the like. However, only control related to the side marker 2 will be described here. The vehicle control unit 30 switches the winker operation signal output to the relay 36 to ON when the lighting of the side marker 2 is instructed by the operation of the driver who has boarded the vehicle 1. This blinker operation signal is output to the light quantity measurement control unit 37 together with the relay 36.

The photodiode 32 is connected to a light amount measurement control unit 37 that detects an electromotive force of the photodiode 32 and controls the imaging control unit 35 based on the detected value. When the winker operation signal input from the vehicle control unit 30 is switched ON, the light amount measurement control unit 37 as a control unit measures the peripheral light amount of the side marker 2 by detecting the electromotive force of the photodiode 32. . This measurement is performed at a timing when the bulb 31 is not lit. The light quantity measurement control unit 37 controls the imaging control unit 35 as will be described later based on the measured light quantity, and executes normal operation, forced light quantity correction operation, and monochrome imaging operation.
The camera unit 33 receives the light and outputs a signal, and outputs a signal output from the image sensor 34 as a video signal, and also controls an operation time of the electronic shutter in the image sensor 34 and the like. With.
The image sensor 34 is configured by, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or the like. The imaging control unit 35 generates and outputs a video signal of a moving image based on the signal output from the imaging element 34.

The imaging control unit 35 functions as a detection time control unit and an automatic light amount adjustment unit. Specifically, the imaging control unit 35 has a detection time control function for adjusting the imaging time by adjusting the time for acquiring a signal from the imaging element 34. This adjustment of the photographing time corresponds to the shutter opening time of the film camera, that is, the shutter speed. This photographing time is referred to herein as an electronic shutter time. The imaging control unit 35 determines the electronic shutter time based on the amount of light received per unit time by the imaging device 34, that is, the amount of light incident on the imaging device 34, and the electronic shutter time is determined by the detection time control function described above. It has an automatic light quantity adjustment function to adjust. Further, the imaging control unit 35 executes switching between an operation for outputting a color video signal and an operation for outputting a monochrome video signal.
Further, the imaging control unit 35 can execute switching between a normal operation, a forced light amount correction operation, and a monochrome imaging operation based on a control signal input from the light amount measurement control unit 37, and normally a color video signal. Is set to output.

The light quantity measurement control unit 37 outputs an electronic shutter forced control signal S1, an electronic shutter time setting value S2, and a monochrome output control signal S3 to the imaging control unit 35.
The electronic shutter forced control signal S1 adjusts the electronic shutter time in the imaging control unit 35 according to the electronic shutter time setting value S2 input from the light quantity measurement control unit 37, not the automatic light quantity adjustment function provided in the imaging control unit 35 itself. This is a signal for instructing the effect.
The electronic shutter time setting value S2 is a setting value of the electronic shutter time to be realized by the imaging control unit 35.
The monochrome output control signal S3 is a signal that instructs the imaging control unit 35 to output a monochrome video signal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the operation of the side marker 2, particularly the operations of the imaging control unit 35 and the light amount measurement control unit 37.
In the figure, the scale at the left end indicates the amount of light around the side marker 2, the scale at the center of the figure indicates the amount of light detected using the photodiode 32, and the right column in the figure indicates the imaging control unit 35 and the light amount measurement control unit 37. Indicates the operating state.
The imaging control unit 35 and the light amount measurement control unit 37 divide the light amount detected using the photodiode 32 into a range of three stages A to C, and switch the three operation modes according to the three steps of light amount. Execute.

  When the amount of light measured using the photodiode 32 is in the range of the maximum amount of light A, the imaging control unit 35 and the light amount measurement control unit 37 operate in the normal operation mode. In this normal operation mode, none of the electronic shutter forcing control signal S1, the electronic shutter time setting value S2, and the monochrome output control signal S3 is output from the light quantity measurement control unit 37 to the imaging control unit 35. In this case, a color video signal is output from the imaging control unit 35, and the electronic shutter time in the imaging element 34 is controlled by an automatic light amount adjustment function provided in the imaging control unit 35. The range of the light quantity A corresponds, for example, to a clear daytime to a light cloudy daytime.

  When the light amount measured using the photodiode 32 is in the range of the slightly smaller light amount B, the imaging control unit 35 and the light amount measurement control unit 37 operate in the forced light amount correction operation mode. In this forced light quantity correction operation mode, the electronic shutter forced control signal S1 and the electronic shutter time setting value S2 are output from the light quantity measurement control unit 37 to the imaging control unit 35. As a result, a color video signal is output from the imaging control unit 35, and the electronic shutter time in the imaging element 34 is adjusted according to the set value of the electronic shutter time set value S2. Here, the value of the electronic shutter time setting value S2 output from the light quantity measurement control unit 37 is a preset value stored in association with the light quantity detected and measured by the photodiode 32 in advance. The light amount measurement control unit 37 stores a measurement value of the light amount itself or a table in which the measurement value range is associated with the electronic shutter time setting value S2, and the electronic shutter time setting value S2 is determined according to this table. And output to the imaging control unit 35. That is, the value of the electronic shutter time setting value S2 in the forced light amount correction operation mode is a variable value corresponding to the light amount measured by the photodiode 32. The range of the light quantity B corresponds to, for example, a cloudy daytime to a sunny evening.

  When the light quantity measured using the photodiode 32 is in the range of the light quantity C that is very small, the imaging control unit 35 and the light quantity measurement control unit 37 operate in the monochrome imaging operation mode. In this monochrome imaging operation mode, an electronic shutter forced control signal S1, an electronic shutter time setting value S2, and a monochrome output control signal S3 are output from the light quantity measurement control unit 37 to the imaging control unit 35. As a result, a monochrome video signal is output from the imaging control unit 35, and the electronic shutter time in the imaging device 34 is adjusted according to the set value of the electronic shutter time set value S2. Here, the value of the electronic shutter time setting value S2 output from the light quantity measurement control unit 37 is a setting value stored in advance in association with the monochrome imaging operation mode, and is a fixed value corresponding to the monochrome imaging operation mode. I can say that. The range of the light quantity C corresponds to, for example, nighttime.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the side marker 2, and particularly shows the operation of the light quantity measurement control unit 37 and the imaging control unit 35.
When the winker operation signal input from the vehicle control unit 30 is switched ON (step ST11), the light amount measurement control unit 37 detects the electromotive force of the photodiode 32 and measures the light amount around the side marker 2. (Step ST12), it is determined which range of the light amounts A, B and C the measured light amount belongs to (Step ST13). The measurement in step ST12 is performed at a timing when the bulb 31 is not emitting light based on the winker operation signal input from the vehicle control unit 30.

  In step ST13, when the peripheral light amount is light amount A, the light amount measurement control unit 37 causes the imaging control unit 35 to perform a normal operation (step ST14). When starting this normal operation, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 does not output any of the electronic shutter forced control signal S1, the electronic shutter time setting value S2, and the monochrome output control signal S3, and automatic light quantity adjustment provided in the imaging control unit 35. The camera unit 33 takes an image according to the function and outputs a video signal.

On the other hand, when the peripheral light amount is light amount B in step ST13, the light amount measurement control unit 37 causes the imaging control unit 35 to perform a forced light amount correction operation (step ST15).
In step ST13, when the peripheral light amount is the light amount C, the light amount measurement control unit 37 causes the imaging control unit 35 to perform a monochrome imaging operation (step ST16).

  After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the normal operation in step ST14, the forced light amount correction operation in step ST15, and the monochrome imaging operation in step ST16, the light amount measurement control unit 37 turns off the blinker operation signal from the vehicle control unit 30. (Step ST17). If the winker operation signal is ON, the process returns to step ST12. If the winker operation signal is OFF, the imaging control unit 35 shifts to a state in which the normal operation is performed. (Step ST18), this process is terminated.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the forced light amount correction operation shown in step ST15 of FIG.
In this forced light quantity correction operation, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 measures the light quantity using the photodiode 32 (step ST21), and determines whether or not the bulb 31 is lit based on the measured light quantity (step ST21). ST22).
When the bulb 31 is lit, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 outputs an electronic shutter forced control signal S1 to the imaging control unit 35 (step ST23). Further, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 determines the set value to be output as the set value of the electronic shutter time based on the peripheral light quantity when the bulb 31 is not lit measured in step ST12 of FIG. 5 (step ST24). The determined setting value is output to the imaging control unit 35 as the electronic shutter time setting value S2 (step ST25). Since the set value of the electronic shutter time determined in step ST24 is an electronic shutter time for performing imaging in a bright state while the bulb 31 is lit, it is a short time as viewed from the peripheral light amount of the side marker 2. .

On the other hand, when it is determined from the light quantity measurement value that the bulb 31 is not lit, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 outputs the electronic shutter forced control signal S1 to the imaging control unit 35 (step ST26). Further, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 determines the set value to be output as the set value of the electronic shutter time based on the peripheral light quantity when the bulb 31 is not lit measured in step ST12 of FIG. 5 (step ST27). The determined set value is output to the imaging control unit 35 as the electronic shutter time set value S2 (step ST28). The set value of the electronic shutter time determined in step ST27 is a time corresponding to the peripheral light amount of the side marker 2 because it is an electronic shutter time for performing imaging in a dark state while the bulb 31 is turned off. This is longer than the electronic shutter time determined in step ST24.
With the operation illustrated in FIG. 6, the imaging control unit 35 can perform imaging with an electronic shutter time corresponding to the lighting state of the bulb 31.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing in detail the monochrome imaging operation shown in step ST16 of FIG.
In this monochrome imaging operation, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 first outputs a monochrome output control signal S3 to the imaging control unit 35, and switches the video signal output by the imaging control unit 35 to a monochrome video signal (step ST31). ).
Subsequently, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 measures the light quantity using the photodiode 32 (step ST32), and determines whether or not the bulb 31 is lit based on the measured light quantity (step ST33).
When the bulb 31 is lit, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 outputs an electronic shutter forced control signal S1 to the imaging control unit 35 (step ST34), and in addition as the electronic shutter time during which the bulb 31 is lit with the light quantity C in advance. The set value is output to the imaging control unit 35 as an electronic shutter time setting value S2 (step ST35). Since the value of the electronic shutter time setting value S2 output in step ST35 is an electronic shutter time for performing imaging in a bright state while the bulb 31 is lit, it is a short time as viewed from the peripheral light quantity of the side marker 2. It is.

On the other hand, if it is determined from the light quantity measurement value that the bulb 31 is not lit, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 outputs an electronic shutter forced control signal S1 to the imaging control unit 35 (step ST36). Further, a value set in advance as the electronic shutter time when the bulb 31 is turned off with the light amount C is output to the imaging control unit 35 as the electronic shutter time setting value S2 (step ST37). Since the value of the electronic shutter time setting value S2 output in step ST37 is an electronic shutter time for performing imaging in a dark state while the bulb 31 is turned off, the time corresponding to the peripheral light amount of the side marker 2 This is longer than the electronic shutter time output in step ST34.
With the operation illustrated in FIG. 7, the imaging control unit 35 can perform imaging with an electronic shutter time corresponding to the lighting state of the bulb 31.

  As described above, the side marker 2 according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied uses the camera unit 33 disposed at a position where the light of the bulb 31 blinking as a side marker lamp and / or the reflected light thereof is received. Control is performed by the measurement control unit 37. Here, the light amount measurement control unit 37 measures the peripheral light amount when the bulb 31 is not lit using the photodiode 32, and determines the peripheral light amount in three steps of light amounts A, B, and C based on this measurement value. . For example, when the peripheral light amount is very small, such as at night, a monochrome video signal is output from the camera unit 33. When capturing in monochrome, compared to capturing in color, noise is less likely to occur when the amount of light during imaging is reduced, and an image with good visibility can be obtained. For this reason, even if the electronic shutter time of the camera unit 33 is very short, an image with good visibility can be obtained. Therefore, even if the electronic shutter time is very short to suppress the influence of the light from the bulb 31, an image with good visibility can be obtained. Therefore, the influence of the blinking of the bulb 31 can be effectively suppressed, and the side marker 2 realizes a configuration in which the camera unit 33 is built in. By incorporating the camera unit 33 in the side marker 2 in this way, the degree of freedom relating to the installation of the camera unit 33 is greatly increased, the design of the vehicle body 10 is not discomforted, and the camera unit 33 is maintained while maintaining its aesthetic appearance. 33 can be installed in the vehicle body 10.

In addition, by accommodating the camera unit 33 in the housing 20 of the side marker 2, the camera unit 33 can be easily installed without separately securing a place for the camera unit 33 in the vehicle body 10. There is an advantage that the process and cost related to the above are very small.
Further, the side marker 2 has a configuration in which an opening 21A is provided in the lens 21 constituting the housing 20, and the camera unit 33 takes an image via a base 33A fitted into the opening 21A. The camera unit 33 can be accommodated in the housing 20 having the colored lens 21 colored in orange or red. If this configuration is applied, the camera can be easily used not only in the side marker 2, but also in a lighting device that emits colored light, such as a taillight, a front blinker 13 installed in the front bumper 11, and a rear blinker 14 installed in the rear bumper 12. A unit 33 can be installed.

Further, when the peripheral light amount is the light amount B or the light amount C, the light amount measurement control unit 37 outputs an electronic shutter time setting value S2 indicating a short electronic shutter time to the imaging control unit 35 while the bulb 31 is lit. . For this reason, the influence of the light of the bulb 31 on the camera unit 33 can be suppressed.
Furthermore, the camera unit 33 includes a detection time control function for adjusting the electronic shutter time and an automatic light amount adjustment function for determining the electronic shutter time based on the received light amount of the image sensor 34 as functions of the imaging control unit 35. Yes. When the peripheral light amount is the light amount B or the light amount C, the electronic shutter time is adjusted according to the electronic shutter time setting value S2 without using the automatic light amount adjustment function of the imaging control unit 35. For this reason, even if the flashing of the valve 31 causes an influence that cannot be dealt with by the automatic light amount adjustment function of the imaging control unit 35, for example, the electronic shutter time is significantly shortened to ensure the valve 31. The influence of light can be suppressed.
Further, when the peripheral light amount is the light amount A, the light amount measurement control unit 37 performs adjustment by the automatic light amount adjustment function of the imaging control unit 35. Therefore, when the influence of the light of the bulb 31 is small, an efficient operation is performed. Can be executed.

  As described above, the imaging control unit 35 performs the normal operation mode, the forced light amount correction operation mode, and the monochrome imaging operation mode based on the peripheral light amount when the bulb 31 is not lit according to the control of the light amount measurement control unit 37. Since switching is executed, the influence of the light from the bulb 31 is surely suppressed, while a normal color image can be obtained when the influence of the light from the bulb 31 is small. As a result, an operation that suppresses the influence of the light of the bulb 31 can be performed only when necessary without impairing convenience, and an image with always good visibility can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the camera unit 33 is accommodated in the housing 20 including the colored lens 21 by fitting the base 33A of the camera unit 33 into the opening 21A formed in the lens 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
8A and 8B are cross-sectional views showing another configuration example of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 8A shows a side marker 2 </ b> A provided with a colored lens 23, and FIG. 8B shows a colorless lens 24. The provided side marker 2B is shown.
A side marker 2A as a lighting device and an in-vehicle imaging device shown in FIG. 8A includes a housing 20A in which a bulb 31, a photodiode 32, and a camera unit 33 are accommodated. The lens 23 provided in the housing 20 </ b> A is a colored lens similarly to the lens 21. In the lens 23, an opening is formed at a position overlapping the imaging range of the camera unit 33, and a transparent lens portion 23 </ b> A is provided as a light receiving window in which a transparent lens is disposed so as to close the opening.

  In the configuration of FIG. 8A, since the camera unit 33 performs imaging through the transparent lens portion 23A, the imaging range of the camera unit 33 is not affected by the color of the lens 23. For this reason, the entire camera unit 33 including the base 33A can be accommodated in the housing 20A, and there is an advantage that waterproofness, dripproofness, and dustproofness can be realized more easily. Further, since the base 33A is not exposed on the surface of the side marker 2A, there is an advantage that when the side marker 2A is attached to the vehicle body 10, the camera unit 33 can be installed so as not to be unnoticeable with respect to the design. is there.

  8B includes a bulb 20, a photodiode 32, and a camera unit 33 in a housing 20 </ b> B having a colorless and translucent lens 24. The configuration is as follows. The lens 24 is colorless or pale white and has a sufficient translucency. Here, when cutting for diffusing the light of the bulb 31 is performed on the inner surface of the lens 24, it is desirable to have a configuration in which cutting is arranged in a portion overlapping the imaging range of the camera unit 33. In the side marker 2B having such a lens 24, the entire camera unit 33 including the base 33A can be accommodated in the housing 20B. Also in this case, waterproofing, drip-proofing, and dust-proofing can be more easily realized. The base 33A is not exposed on the surface of the side marker 2B, so that the design of the vehicle body 10 does not feel strange and is not very noticeable. There is an advantage that the camera unit 33 can be installed.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing still another example of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, and shows an example in which the camera unit 38 is provided outside the side marker 2C.
The side marker 2 </ b> C as a lighting device includes a housing 20 including a colored lens 21 and a base 22, and a bulb 31 and a photodiode 32 are accommodated in the housing 20. Next to the side marker 2C, a camera unit 38 as an imaging device having the same function as the camera unit 33 described above is disposed. The camera unit 38 is connected to a light amount measurement control unit 37 (FIG. 3) built in the base 22 via a circuit board (not shown). The base 38A of the camera unit 38 is desirably provided with waterproofness, dripproofness, and dustproofness.

  When the camera unit 38 is installed in the vicinity of the side marker 2C as a lighting device that lights or blinks like the side marker 2C and the camera unit 38, the light of the side marker 2C enters the imaging range of the camera unit 38, and the imaging is performed. May be affected. However, by applying the present invention and performing control similar to the operation described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 in the above embodiment, the camera unit 38 can always obtain an image with good visibility. If the configuration shown in FIG. 9 is applied, the installation position of the camera unit 38 is not limited to the inside of the housing of the side marker. For example, the camera unit 38 is placed beside the front blinker 13 of the front bumper 11 (FIG. 1). The camera units 38 may be installed side by side or at a location away from the front winker 13. That is, the installation position of the camera unit 38 is not limited to the configuration incorporated in the housing of the lighting device without considering the influence of the lighting device of the vehicle body 10, and thus has an advantage that the degree of freedom related to the installation position is extremely high. There is.

  In the above-described embodiment and another configuration example, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 is configured to operate based on ON / OFF of the blinker operation signal output from the vehicle control unit 30, but for example, the light quantity measurement control The unit 37 may detect the switch operation directly instructing the operation of the front winker 13, the rear winker 14, and the side marker 2 and perform the operation. Further, the light quantity measurement control unit 37 determines whether or not the bulb 31 is lit based on the light quantity measured using the photodiode 32 in the forced light quantity correction operation shown in FIG. 6 and the monochrome imaging operation shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the timing of turning on / off the valve 31 is detected based on ON / OFF of the current output from the relay 36 to the valve 31. It may be a thing.

  In the above embodiment and another configuration example, the case where the present invention is applied to the side markers 2, 2A, 2B and the camera unit 38 disposed in the vehicle body 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, the lighting device of the present invention may be applied to, for example, a headlamp, a reverse lamp, a tail lamp, a brake lamp (stop lamp), and a fog lamp. The lighting device in this case may be any device that is mounted on a vehicle and emits light from a light source. And if the imaging device of this invention is an imaging device installed in the place which receives the influence of the light of the said lighting apparatus, the installation position and the specific form of an imaging device will not be limited. Furthermore, it is of course possible to have a configuration in which a plurality of camera units 33 and 38 are installed in one vehicle 1, and the camera units 33 and 38 and a light amount measurement control unit 37 (FIG. 3) for controlling the camera units 33 and 38. May be connected via a circuit board (not shown) or wiring (not shown), or may be connected via a wireless communication path by applying a wireless communication technique, for example. In addition, the detailed configuration of the side marker 2 can be arbitrarily changed as a matter of course.

It is a figure which shows the installation state of the side marker in embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of a side marker. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a side marker. It is a figure which shows typically operation | movement of a side marker. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a side marker. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a side marker. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a side marker. It is a sectional view showing another example of composition of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is sectional drawing which shows another structural example of embodiment to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

1 Vehicle 2, 2A, 2B Side marker (lighting device, vehicle-mounted imaging device)
2C Side marker (lighting device)
10 Car body 20, 20A, 20B Housing 21, 23 Lens 21A Opening 22 Base (light receiving window)
23A Transparent lens (light receiving window)
30 Vehicle Control Unit 31 Bulb (Light Source)
32 Photodiode (light intensity detector)
33 Camera unit (imaging device)
33A base 34 imaging element 35 imaging control unit (detection time control unit, automatic light quantity adjustment unit)
36 Relay 37 Light quantity measurement control unit (control unit)
38 Camera unit (imaging device, in-vehicle imaging device)
38A base

Claims (8)

An imaging device that is disposed at a position for receiving light of a vehicle lighting device or reflected light thereof and outputs a video signal;
A light amount detection unit for detecting a peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit;
A control unit that switches between a color imaging operation for outputting a color video signal by the imaging device and a monochrome imaging operation for outputting a monochrome video signal by the imaging device based on the amount of light detected by the light amount detection unit; ,
An in-vehicle imaging device characterized by comprising: The control unit performs a detected light amount control operation for reducing the detected light amount of the imaging device during lighting of the lighting device, based on the light amount detected by the light amount detection unit;
The in-vehicle imaging device according to claim 1. The imaging device includes an imaging device that detects light and outputs a video signal, a detection time control unit that controls a light detection time of the imaging device, and the detection time control unit that corresponds to the amount of light received by the imaging device An automatic light amount adjustment unit that changes the light detection time by,
During the execution of the detection light amount control operation by the control unit, the light detection time is changed by the detection time control unit according to the control of the control unit,
The in-vehicle imaging device according to claim 2. The control unit is configured to execute a color imaging operation based on a light amount detected by the light amount detection unit, and a second operation mode performing the detected light amount control operation during the color imaging operation. Switching and executing a third operation mode in which the detected light amount control operation is performed during the monochrome imaging operation,
The in-vehicle imaging device according to claim 2, wherein: At least the imaging device is accommodated in a housing of the lighting device;
The in-vehicle imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The colored lens constituting the housing of the lighting device is provided with an opening or a light receiving window made of a transparent member disposed in the opening,
The imaging device is arranged to receive light incident from a light receiving window formed in the lens;
The in-vehicle imaging device according to claim 5. A light source;
An imaging device that is disposed at a position to receive the light of the light source or reflected light thereof and outputs a video signal;
A light amount detection unit for detecting a peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the light source is not lit;
A control unit that switches between a color imaging operation for outputting a color video signal by the imaging device and a monochrome imaging operation for outputting a monochrome video signal by the imaging device based on the amount of light detected by the light amount detection unit; ,
A lighting device characterized by comprising: In a control method for an in-vehicle image pickup apparatus provided with an image pickup apparatus that is arranged at a position for receiving light of a vehicle lighting device or reflected light thereof and outputs a video signal,
Detecting the peripheral light amount of the imaging device when the lighting device is not lit,
Switching between a color imaging operation for outputting a color video signal by the imaging device and a monochrome imaging operation for outputting a monochrome video signal by the imaging device based on the detected light amount;
A control method for an in-vehicle imaging device.

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