JP2009182858A - On-vehicle wireless image reception apparatus, wireless image transmission apparatus, and wireless image communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an on-vehicle wireless image transmission apparatus etc. which can automatically display on a monitor when necessary an image obtained from a camera installed outside a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: In the on-vehicle wireless image reception apparatus, an imaging means installed separately from a vehicle is equipped with an imaged image data reception means for receiving the identification information of the vehicle to transmit it by radio, an identification information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information of the vehicle, and a displaying means for starting display of the image of the imaged image data when the reception means receives the imaged image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus, a wireless image transmission apparatus, and a wireless image communication system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an application development of an in-vehicle navigation system, an in-vehicle driving support information display system that presents not only destination guidance but also useful information that contributes to driving a vehicle to a vehicle driver and passengers is known. Yes.

  Such a vehicle-mounted navigation system obtains and recognizes the current position information of the vehicle from current position detection confirmation means such as a GPS receiver or a gyro sensor. Then, map information stored in advance in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive is read out, temporarily stored in the image temporary storage means, and the map information near the current position is displayed together with the recognized vehicle current position information, such as a liquid crystal display. It is displayed on a display device.

  In addition, the route search means searches for a recommended route from the departure point of the host vehicle to the destination, and when the driver approaches the direction to proceed from the current position information of the vehicle and the recommended route, voice and It can also be presented by being guided by guidance means such as a screen display.

  In addition, facility information such as public facilities, fast food restaurants, and railway stations can be displayed. Moreover, as a map display near the current position, not only two-dimensionally displayed on the screen, but also a three-dimensional bird view display of the landscape seen from the driver, the displayed map and the actual driving It is also possible to provide a bird's-eye view that makes it easy to understand the correspondence with other roads at a glance.

  Further, in-vehicle driving support information display devices, typically an in-vehicle navigation system, can detect current position information about the vehicle, but the relationship between the vehicle and other vehicles and obstacles around the vehicle. It was difficult to obtain such information.

  Information such as the relationship between the vehicle and other vehicles and obstacles around the vehicle is usually obtained from the rearview mirror and side mirror. In recent years, the rear monitor camera installed in the vehicle There is also known a vehicle rear safety confirmation device that captures and displays the image on a display. However, it is only used as an alternative system for rearview mirrors and side mirrors, and it is difficult to say that it sufficiently supports the driver of the vehicle.

An example of such an in-vehicle driving support system is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-114048

  In the conventional vehicle rear safety confirmation device, since only an image from a monitor camera mounted on the vehicle can be obtained, the camera viewpoint and field of view are limited, and there is a concern that a blind spot is generated around the vehicle.

  Further, when displaying the image of the in-vehicle camera on the monitor, it is necessary for the driver of the vehicle to perform some operation. Further, this operation has to be performed between driving operations, and there is a concern that the operation itself is complicated and troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a wireless image transmission device and the like that can automatically display an image obtained from a camera installed outside the vehicle on a monitor as needed. For the purpose.

  In the in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus according to the present invention, an imaging unit installed separately from a vehicle receives reception image data that is wirelessly transmitted by receiving vehicle identification information, and a reception unit receives the captured image data. Display means for starting the display of the image of the captured image data when receiving the received image data.

  The in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus according to the present invention preferably includes an identification information transmitting means for transmitting vehicle identification information.

  In the in-vehicle wireless image receiving device according to the present invention, more preferably, the captured image data received by the receiving means is captured image data acquired by capturing an image of a subject including a rear left and right corner portion of the vehicle. And

  Further, in the in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus according to the present invention, more preferably, the display means includes an image of the image data around the vehicle acquired by the in-vehicle imaging means included in the vehicle and the captured image data received by the receiving means. It is a display means which displays simultaneously these images.

  Further, the in-vehicle wireless image receiving device according to the present invention is preferably an imaging unit that receives the vehicle identification information transmitted when the captured image data received by the receiving unit is set to the reverse gear, When the vehicle is set to the reverse gear, the display means wirelessly transmits the image data of the rear image of the vehicle acquired and acquired by the in-vehicle imaging means for imaging the rear of the vehicle included in the vehicle; It is a display means which displays simultaneously the image of the captured image data which the receiving means received.

  In the wireless image transmission apparatus according to the present invention, an identification information receiving unit that receives vehicle identification information and whether the vehicle identification information received by the identification information receiving unit is identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle. When the vehicle identification information collating unit and the vehicle identification information collating unit determine that the vehicle identification information is identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle, the imaging means installed separately from the vehicle is a rear part of the vehicle. And a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits captured image data acquired by imaging a subject including left and right corner portions.

  In addition, the wireless image communication system according to the present invention receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle and, when detecting that the predetermined vehicle is approaching, the image capturing unit provided separately from the vehicle captures and acquires the image. A transmission device that transmits captured image data, an in-vehicle reception device that receives captured image data transmitted by the transmission device, an image of image data around the vehicle that is captured and acquired by an in-vehicle imaging unit included in the vehicle, and in-vehicle It is provided with the vehicle-mounted display apparatus which displays simultaneously the image by the captured image data received with the receiver.

  According to the present invention, an image obtained from a camera installed outside the vehicle can be a wireless image transmission device or the like that can automatically display an image on a monitor as needed.

  The in-vehicle wireless image communication system exemplified in this embodiment is a system that automatically displays image data acquired from an outside camera installed above a garage on a liquid crystal display device in the car when entering the garage.

  With this system, the driver of the vehicle can check the clearance of the left and right side rear portions of the vehicle, which is a blind spot from the driver's seat, by an image from the camera viewpoint outside the vehicle. In other words, since the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device is an image taken from the garage side, the degree of freedom of the viewpoint and the visual field is widened, and even if it is difficult to confirm from the driver's seat or the vehicle side, the driver can Is easily visible.

  Moreover, the vehicle outside camera of the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system installed in the garage uses a solar cell or the like as a power source. Moreover, the camera outside the vehicle transmits image data after confirming vehicle identification information (vehicle ID) for distinguishing whether or not the vehicle in the garage is the own vehicle.

  Therefore, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system does not always transmit image data, and does not consume power when it is not needed, such as when the host vehicle is not in the vicinity of the garage. For this reason, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system transmits image data to a necessary vehicle only when necessary such as when the own vehicle is put in a garage, so that it can be a power saving system.

  The in-vehicle wireless image communication system will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 shown in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, an in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 includes a camera unit 101 installed outside a vehicle and a display side unit 102 installed in the vehicle. The camera unit 101 includes a transmission interface 11, and the display side unit 102 includes a reception interface 12. And between the camera unit 101 and the display side unit 102, image data etc. are transmitted / received by radio | wireless communication.

  The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 includes an imaging unit 1 configured with a CCD or a CMOS image sensor. The imaging unit 1 is installed at a fixed position outside the vehicle where the surroundings of the vehicle that becomes a blind spot can be photographed when entering the garage. Typically, the imaging unit 1 is installed on a rear ceiling portion or the like that is capable of photographing the rear portion of the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle, such as above the garage.

  In addition, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 includes an illumination unit 2 that illuminates a subject so that photographing by the imaging unit 1 can be performed more easily. The analog subject image data output from the imaging unit 1 is digitally converted by the AD conversion unit 3. The image data digitally converted by the AD conversion unit 3 is subjected to desired image processing such as white balance and luminance correction by the image processing unit 4.

  On the other hand, the camera unit 101 includes an identification information receiving unit 10 that receives vehicle identification information (so-called vehicle ID number) transmitted from the display-side unit 102 mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 10 is compared with own vehicle identification information (own vehicle ID) stored in advance in the storage unit 8 in the vehicle identification information collating unit 6 of the camera unit CPU 5.

  Moreover, the vehicle identification information collation part 6 collates and recognizes whether the vehicle which transmits vehicle identification information is an own vehicle. Further, the vehicle identification information transmitted from the display unit 102 side mounted on the vehicle has a radio wave intensity that can reach approximately within 10 meters. Therefore, when the own vehicle approaches within a range of about 10 meters, the camera unit 101 detects the approach of the own vehicle.

  When the camera unit 101 detects the approach of its own vehicle, power is supplied from the power supply unit 9 to the transmission interface 11. The transmission interface 11 wirelessly transmits the image data acquired from the imaging unit 1 and subjected to appropriate image processing in a predetermined transmission format.

  The camera unit 101 includes a flash memory 7 that stores a drive program for the camera unit CPU 5. In addition, the camera unit 101 may include an external interface (not shown) that enables access to the flash memory 7 so that the program memory can be rewritten or upgraded. Accordingly, the camera unit CPU 5 is preferable because it can perform an operation process that is appropriately changed, updated, and customized.

  In the display side unit 102, after the identification information transmission unit 13 transmits the vehicle identification information, the image data transmitted after the self-vehicle is confirmed from the camera unit 101 side is received via the reception interface 12.

  Here, the identification information transmission unit 13 is not necessarily included in the display side unit 102. For example, when the own vehicle already has another vehicle identification information transmission function such as a so-called keyless entry, the other vehicle identification information can be used.

  The display side unit 102 displays the image data received by the reception interface 12 on the display unit 18 configured by a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL, or the like. In the display side unit 102, the display side CPU 14 and the drawing processing unit 17 perform desired processing on the image data received by the reception interface 12 into an image data format suitable for display.

  In addition, an operation signal is input to the display side CPU 14 from an operation unit 15 that is operated and set by a driver of the vehicle. Further, the display side CPU 14 is configured to receive reverse gear setting information from the reverse gear 16 of the vehicle. When a trigger indicating that the vehicle is in a reverse state is input from the reverse gear 16, the display side CPU 14 transmits vehicle identification information from the identification information transmission unit 13.

  Note that the radio wave transmitted by the identification information transmitter 13 is weak and has a reception range of about 10 meters at most. For this reason, the power consumed by the identification information transmitter 13 is very small. Therefore, the vehicle identification information may always be transmitted regardless of the presence or absence of the trigger from the reverse gear 16.

  Thereby, the time when the vehicle moves backward and enters the garage is taken as a typical example, and the captured image can be displayed on the display unit 18 when the vehicle needs to approach the garage. The display side unit 102 includes an audio output unit 19 and notifies the driver of the status, contents, category, and the like of the display image on the display unit 18.

  The operation unit 15 is configured to allow various setting inputs from a vehicle driver or the like. The operation unit 15 allows the driver to instruct the display-side unit 102 to transmit vehicle identification information, for example, by manual operation. When the display unit 18 is configured as a touch panel or the like, the operation unit 15 can be combined with the display unit 18.

  Further, the display unit 18 or the display side unit 102 may be configured to be easily removable from the vehicle and may be configured to be freely portable. Thereby, after putting a vehicle into a garage, the display part 18 grade | etc., Can be carried in home and the condition of a vehicle, etc. can be monitored from home. That is, since it can be used as a vehicle monitoring device or a garage monitoring device, it is preferable from the viewpoint of vehicle security.

  Next, the operation of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a first operation flow outline of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100.

(Step S21)
The camera unit CPU 5 of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 determines whether the identification information receiving unit 10 has received the vehicle identification information. When the identification information receiving unit 10 receives the vehicle identification information, the process proceeds to step S22. If the identification information receiving unit 10 does not receive the vehicle identification information, the process waits in step S21.

  In this operation example, the vehicle identification information is always transmitted from the identification information transmission unit 13 of the display unit 102 regardless of the gear setting information of the reverse gear 16.

(Step S22)
The vehicle identification information matching unit 6 of the camera unit CPU 5 reads and compares the received vehicle identification information and the predetermined vehicle identification information preset and stored in the storage unit 8. Then, collation and recognition as to whether or not the vehicle is a predetermined vehicle (for example, the own vehicle) is performed.

  By this process, the camera unit 101 determines that the vehicle that transmits the vehicle identification information is a predetermined vehicle. That is, the camera unit 101 recognizes that a predetermined vehicle is approaching within a predetermined range of the camera unit 101 (for example, within about 10 meters).

  If the vehicle identification information matching unit 6 of the camera unit CPU5 determines that the identification information is a predetermined vehicle, the process proceeds to step S23. Moreover, if the vehicle identification information collation part 6 of camera unit CPU5 does not judge that it is the identification information of a predetermined vehicle, it will return to step S21.

(Step S23)
The camera unit CPU 5 instructs the imaging unit 1 such as a camera installed above the garage to output the captured subject image. The imaging unit 1 is installed so as to capture the situation around the vehicle, which is difficult to confirm from the driver's seat or the vehicle side viewpoint, such as the clearance on the left and right lateral sides of the vehicle, from an easily viewable position outside the vehicle.

(Step S24)
The camera unit CPU 5 supplies power from the power supply unit 9 to the transmission interface 11 and causes the transmission interface 11 to wirelessly transmit camera image data. As described above, the camera unit CPU 5 identifies and recognizes only when a predetermined vehicle approaches within a predetermined range, and instructs the transmission interface 11 to wirelessly transmit image data.

  For this reason, the camera unit 101 can reduce power consumption due to unnecessary image data transmission processing or the like. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system 100 with reduced power consumption as a whole can be obtained.

  Note that the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 1 may be always performed regardless of whether or not the vehicle is approaching. Thereby, it is not necessary to wait for the start-up equivalent time required for the power-up of the imaging unit 1 including the camera. Therefore, it is preferable because the camera unit 101 can start transmitting camera image data quickly in response to the approach of the vehicle.

(Step S25)
The display unit 102 receives the image data transmitted from the camera unit 101 in step S24 via the reception interface 12. If the reception interface 12 of the display unit 102 receives the image data, the process proceeds to step S26. If the reception interface 12 of the display unit 102 does not receive image data, the process waits in step S25.

(Step S26)
The display unit 102 processes the received image data into image data suitable for display by the drawing processing unit 17 and the like, and then displays the image data on the display unit 18. Further, when the display side CPU 14 is turned off when receiving the image data, the display side CPU 14 turns on the display unit 18 regardless of whether or not the operation is performed from the operation unit 15. Force the image to be displayed.

  Thus, the vehicle driver is not bothered by the operation of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100, and the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 can automatically display an image. In particular, when entering a garage, the driver of the vehicle is required to perform advanced driving operations that are complicated and require experience and skill, such as reversing and turning over the vehicle and shifting the width of the vehicle. For this reason, from the viewpoint of driving assistance to the vehicle driver and from the viewpoint of user friendliness, it is preferable to adopt a system configuration that automatically displays when necessary.

(Step S27)
The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 ends the operation when it is determined that the vehicle has stopped for a certain period of time and the garage entry is completed. On the other hand, if the vehicle has not been stopped for a certain period of time and it cannot be determined that garage entry has been completed, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 does not end the operation and returns to step S21.

  In the first operation flow shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 always intermittently transmits identification information regardless of whether the vehicle is moving backward or forward. Accordingly, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 can automatically transmit and receive camera images and display them on a monitor when a predetermined vehicle approaches a predetermined range to a camera installed outside the vehicle.

  For this reason, the driver of the vehicle is not bothered by the operation for displaying the camera image, and safety can be confirmed with the image of the camera installed separately from the vehicle regardless of the traveling direction of the vehicle. Therefore, it is preferable.

  In particular, it is preferable that an in-vehicle camera of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 is installed in advance in a place where the left and right safety of the road can be checked in preparation for when the vehicle leaves the home garage on a road with poor visibility. This enables in-vehicle wireless image communication to automatically display a camera image of a different viewpoint from the vehicle on the left-right direction of the road, when the vehicle is left out, in the left-right direction of the road where it is difficult to confirm safety from the viewpoint of the vehicle. Since the system 100 can be used, a further safety effect can be expected.

  Next, an example of the operation of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 that transmits and receives camera image data and displays it in conjunction with the reverse gear of the vehicle will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a second operation flow diagram for explaining an outline of an operation example in which the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 detects the reverse gear setting of the vehicle and continuously transmits the vehicle identification information. Note that the description of the operation process overlapping with the first operation flow shown in FIG. 2 is omitted or simplified.

(Step S31)
The display-side CPU 14 of the display-side unit 102 determines whether the vehicle is in the reverse gear setting state based on the reverse gear setting information input from the reverse gear 16. If the display side CPU 14 determines that the vehicle is set to the reverse gear, the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the display side CPU 14 determines that the vehicle is not set to the reverse gear, the display side CPU 14 stands by in step S31.

(Step S32)
If the display side CPU 14 determines that the vehicle gear is set to the reverse gear, the display side unit 102 transmits vehicle identification information from the identification information transmission unit 13. The vehicle identification information transmitted from the identification information transmission unit 13 can be stored in advance in a memory (not shown). The vehicle identification information may be arbitrarily selected or set by the vehicle driver by an input operation from the operation unit 15.

(Step S33)
The camera unit CPU 5 of the camera unit 101 determines whether or not the vehicle identification information transmitted in step S <b> 32 has been received via the identification information receiving unit 10. If the identification information receiving unit 10 does not receive the vehicle identification information, the camera unit CPU 5 determines that there is no vehicle approaching the camera unit 101. If the identification information receiving unit 10 does not receive the vehicle identification information, the camera unit CPU 5 determines that the reverse gear 16 is not set even if there is a vehicle approaching the camera unit 101.

  If the identification information receiving part 10 receives the identification information of a vehicle, it will progress to step S34. Moreover, if the identification information receiving part 10 has not received the vehicle identification information, it waits in step S33.

(Step S34) to (Step S38)
Since the operation process of each step from step S34 to step S38 overlaps with step S22 to step S26 shown in the first operation flow, the description is omitted here.

(Step S39)
The display side CPU 14 causes the audio output unit 19 to announce predetermined guidance in order to notify the driver of the image display mode and the image display status of the display unit 18. For example, the voice output unit 19 makes an announcement such as “displaying an image of a camera installed outside the vehicle” to alert the driver and inform the driver of the display status.

  As a result, the driver of the vehicle can perceive whether the image of the camera outside the vehicle is currently being displayed or not from the voice without dropping the line of sight on the display unit 18. The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 automatically processes the transmission and verification processing of vehicle identification information, the start of communication of camera image data, monitor display, and the like as needed based on programs and algorithms. For this reason, it is difficult for the driver of the vehicle to recognize and grasp various operation processing statuses and processing progress statuses of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 in real time.

  Therefore, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 notifies the driver by voice whether the camera image is currently displayed or whether the camera image is not currently displayed. Thus, the driver does not need to perform an unnecessary operation such as visually confirming the display unit 18 and confirming whether the display is present or not, even though the camera image is not displayed when the vehicle moves backward. Thereby, the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system 100 that performs driver assistance in consideration of safety can be obtained.

(Step S3a)
The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 ends the operation when it is determined that the vehicle has stopped for a certain period of time and the garage entry is completed. On the other hand, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 returns to step S32 without ending the operation when the vehicle has not been stopped for a certain period of time and it is not determined that the garage has been completed.

  In the second operation flow of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100, once the vehicle mission is set to the reverse gear 16 and display of the camera image is started, the reverse gear 16 is set until the vehicle stops for a certain period or longer. The camera image continues to be displayed even if released from.

  Therefore, for example, even when it is necessary to switch the vehicle, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 does not frequently switch the display of the display unit 18 and continues to display until the vehicle stops for a certain period. Therefore, the driver can more easily and quickly view the camera image on the display unit 18, and the time and opportunity for confirming the camera image are increased, which is preferable for safety confirmation.

  Next, a typical example of installing the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the camera of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 is installed in a home garage or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 includes a display device 43, an image reception device 41, and a reception antenna 42 in a vehicle 40 that enters the home garage. The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 includes a power supply device 47 connected to a solar cell panel 48 installed on the roof of a home garage.

  The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 includes an outside installation camera 44 that is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 47, a transmission device 46 that transmits image data of the outside installation camera, and a transmission antenna 45.

  The outside-installation camera 44 starts imaging in response to the receipt of the vehicle 40. Alternatively, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 starts transmission of image data captured by the outside installation camera 44 in response to the entry of the vehicle 40.

  Further, the solar cell panel 48 generates solar power during the day and charges the power supply device 47. Accordingly, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 not only has the minimum required low power consumption, but can be charged frequently, so there is no need to connect a separate power supply cable or the like.

  Thereby, the freedom degree of installation locations, such as the camera 44 installed outside a vehicle, increases. Further, the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system 100 that reliably determines whether or not the vehicle 40 is its own registered vehicle and transmits image data based on the determination can be provided.

  The driver of the vehicle 40 obtains an image from a different viewpoint separated from the vehicle 40 instead of the viewpoint from the vehicle 40, and confirms the blind spot which is difficult to see from the driver seat of the vehicle 40 by visual recognition on the display device 43. Can be done. For this reason, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 can perform vehicle driver support with higher safety.

  Next, a second embodiment describes a system configuration example in which the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 displays an image of a so-called in-vehicle back monitor that performs vehicle rearward confirmation.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 5 shows an in-vehicle display capable of displaying a back monitor image by a vehicle rearward confirmation device 502 mounted on a vehicle and an outside camera image by a camera unit 501 on a single display unit 518 by a picture-in-picture (PinP) process. FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram showing a configuration outline of a wireless image communication system 500 for an automobile.

  In the following description, in the configuration of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500, the description overlapping with the configuration of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 shown in the first embodiment is omitted or simplified. To do.

  The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 includes a vehicle rear confirmation device 502. The vehicle rear confirmation device 502 includes a back monitor camera 5b that can image the vicinity of the rear of the vehicle behind the vehicle.

  Moreover, the vehicle rear confirmation apparatus 502 is provided with the illumination part 5c which irradiates the vehicle rear. An image captured by the back monitor camera 5b that images the rear of the vehicle irradiated by the illumination unit 5c is converted into a digital signal by the AD conversion unit 5d, and then subjected to gamma correction or the like by the image processing unit 5e configured by an ASIC or the like. The desired processing is performed.

  In addition, each operation process in the vehicle rear confirmation device 502 is based on an instruction from the back monitor camera CPU 5f. The back monitor camera CPU 5f performs an operation process based on a processing program stored in the flash memory 5g.

  Further, the vehicle rearward confirmation device 502 includes a storage unit 5h that stores setting values relating to image processing in the image processing unit 5e. Then, if necessary, the back monitor camera CPU 5f reads and processes parameters and the like necessary for image processing from the storage unit 5h, so that the image processing unit 5e performs appropriate processing using the parameters.

  The vehicle rear confirmation device 502 performs image processing on the image data captured from the back monitor camera 5b as appropriate, and sequentially transmits the image data via the wireless interface 5i. The transmitted image data of the back monitor camera 5 b is received by the display side unit 503 and displayed on the display unit 518.

  Since the configuration and operation of the camera unit 501 overlap with those described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  The display unit 503 includes a PinP processing unit 5a in the display CPU 514. The PinP processing unit 5a performs a two-screen process for simultaneously displaying the images of both the camera unit 501 and the vehicle rearward confirmation device 502 received by the reception interface 512 on the display unit 518.

  A processed image in the PinP processing unit 5a will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a typical example of a display image subjected to PinP processing or the like displayed on the display unit 518.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the image processed by the PinP processing unit 5a and displayed on the display unit 518 is an image displayed by using the back monitor camera 5b as a main screen 91. In addition, an image captured by the imaging unit 51 that is a camera outside the vehicle is displayed as a sub-screen 92.

  Accordingly, the driver of the vehicle uses the same vehicle rear image from the back monitor camera 5b as the camera viewpoint and the vehicle left and right side rear image from the bird's-eye viewpoint by the imaging unit 51 installed above the garage. It can be confirmed simultaneously as a parent-child screen in the display screen.

  FIG. 9B illustrates an example in which the display-side CPU 514 performs three-screen display instead of the processing in the PinP processing unit 5a. As shown in FIG. 9B, the imaging unit 51, which is a camera outside the vehicle, is assumed to be two cameras respectively installed at two locations that can image the left and right clearances behind the vehicle.

  The vehicle rear left clearance image is displayed as a left rear image 94 on the upper left of the display unit 518. Further, an image of the vehicle rear right side clearance is displayed as a right rear image 95 on the upper right side of the display unit 518. Further, the image by the back monitor camera 5b is displayed as a rear image 93 on the lower side of the display unit 518.

  Further, FIG. 9C is an image for explaining another example in which the display-side CPU 514 causes the three-screen display instead of the processing in the PinP processing unit 5a as in FIG. 9B. As shown in FIG. 9 (c), the imaging units 51 that are cameras outside the vehicle are respectively installed at two locations that can individually image the left and right clearances behind the vehicle.

  The vehicle rear left clearance image is displayed on the left side of the display unit 518 as a left rear image 97. Further, the vehicle rear right clearance image is displayed as the right rear image 98 on the right side of the display unit 518. Further, the image by the back monitor camera 5 b is displayed as a rear image 96 in the center of the display unit 518.

  In any of the display examples shown in FIG. 9, in any case, the vehicle driver can visually recognize a plurality of images from different camera viewpoints that show the situation around the vehicle in a single display screen. For this reason, the driver can grasp the situation around the vehicle more accurately and in many ways.

  Note that the other configuration and operation processing of the display side unit 503 are the same as those of the display side unit 102 described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, operation processing of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 illustrates a first operation flow of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500.

(Step S61)
The camera unit CPU 55 of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 determines whether or not the identification information receiving unit 510 has received the vehicle identification information. When the identification information receiving unit 510 receives the vehicle identification information, the process proceeds to step S62. If the identification information receiving unit 510 does not receive the vehicle identification information, the process waits in step S61.

  Note that the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 is configured to always transmit vehicle identification information from the identification information transmission unit 513 of the display side unit 503 regardless of the input signal of the gear setting information of the reverse gear 516.

(Step S62)
The vehicle identification information collation unit 56 of the camera unit CPU 55 reads and compares the received vehicle identification information and the predetermined vehicle identification information preset and stored in the storage unit 58. Then, collation and recognition as to whether or not the vehicle is a predetermined vehicle is performed.

  By this processing, the camera unit 501 determines whether or not the vehicle that transmits the vehicle identification information is a predetermined vehicle. That is, by this process, the camera unit 501 can recognize that a predetermined vehicle is approaching within a predetermined range of the camera unit 501.

  If the vehicle identification information matching unit 56 of the camera unit CPU 55 determines that the received vehicle identification information is identification information of a predetermined vehicle, the process proceeds to step S63. If the vehicle identification information matching unit 56 of the camera unit CPU 55 does not determine that the received vehicle identification information is identification information of a predetermined vehicle, the process returns to step S61.

(Step S63)
The camera unit CPU 55 instructs the imaging unit 51, which is a camera or the like installed above the garage, to output the captured subject image. The imaging unit 51 is installed so as to capture the situation around the vehicle, which is difficult to confirm from the driver's seat or the vehicle side viewpoint, such as the clearance on the left and right lateral sides of the vehicle, from an easily viewable position outside the vehicle.

  The imaging unit 51 may be configured by a plurality of cameras and installed at a plurality of locations instead of a single location. If the imaging units 51 are installed as a plurality of cameras outside the vehicle at a plurality of locations, the camera viewpoint is increased, and therefore, it is more preferable because safety can be visually confirmed from various aspects in many ways. Further, the system may be configured such that the driver of the vehicle can select an arbitrary camera image from the vehicle exterior cameras of the plurality of imaging units 51 by an operation input from the operation unit 515.

(Step S64)
The camera unit CPU 55 supplies power from the power supply unit 59 to the transmission interface 511 and causes the transmission interface 511 to transmit camera image data. As described above, the camera unit CPU 55 identifies and recognizes only when a predetermined vehicle approaches a predetermined range, and instructs the transmission interface 511 to transmit image data.

  For this reason, the camera unit 501 can reduce wasteful power consumption due to unnecessary image data transmission processing. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system 500 with reduced power consumption as a whole can be obtained.

  Note that the imaging of the subject by the imaging unit 51 may be always performed regardless of whether or not the vehicle is approaching. Thereby, it is not necessary to wait for the start-up equivalent time required for power-up of the imaging unit 1 including the camera. Therefore, the camera unit 501 is preferable because it can quickly start transmitting camera image data in response to the approach of the vehicle.

(Step S65)
The display side unit 503 determines whether the image data transmitted in step S64 is received via the reception interface 512. If the reception interface 512 of the display unit 503 receives the image data, the process proceeds to step S66. If the reception interface 512 of the display unit 503 does not receive image data, the process waits in step S65.

(Step S66)
The display side unit 503 determines whether or not the image data of the back monitor camera 5b transmitted from the vehicle rearward confirmation device 502 is received via the reception interface 512. If the reception interface 512 of the display unit 503 receives the image data, the process proceeds to step S67. If the reception interface 512 of the display unit 503 does not receive image data, the process proceeds to step S69.

  It should be noted that the system configuration may be employed between the vehicle rear confirmation device 502 and the display-side unit 503 not only for image data transmission by wireless transmission but also for image data transmission by wired transmission. Since both the vehicle rear confirmation device 502 and the display side unit 503 are mounted on the vehicle, the transmission distance, the transmission range, and the transmission position are also fixed and limited.

  Therefore, a configuration in which image data transmission is performed by wired connection between the vehicle rearward confirmation device 502 and the display-side unit 503 is preferable because a system configuration that can perform reliable image transmission more quickly can be obtained.

(Step S67)
The PinP processing unit 5a of the display-side CPU 514 synthesizes the rear image by the vehicle rear confirmation device 502 and the image of the camera outside the vehicle by the camera unit 501. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the PinP processing unit 5a performs a two-screen composition process so that a plurality of camera images can be substantially displayed as one screen. The PinP processing unit 5a can perform image processing using, for example, a PinP processing dedicated LSI.

(Step S68)
The display side CPU 514 causes the display unit 518 to display the images of the plurality of cameras that have been subjected to the two-screen composition processing by the PinP processing unit 5a in step S67. When displaying on the display unit 518, the display side CPU 514 causes the drawing processing unit 517 to perform various processes on image data suitable for drawing.

  In addition, the display unit 503 performs voice guidance for guiding the type of image displayed on the display unit 518 from the voice output unit 519. The voice guidance performed by the voice output unit 519 can be, for example, “three images of the camera image outside the vehicle and the back monitor image are displayed on one screen”.

(Step S69)
The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 cannot capture an image behind the vehicle from the vehicle rear confirmation device 502 unless the vehicle is set to the reverse gear. In this case, only the received image of the outside camera transmitted from the camera unit 501 is displayed on the display unit 518.

  If the display unit 518 is used together with, for example, a navigation system and becomes a map guidance display or the like, the display side CPU 514 switches the display from the map guidance display or the like to the received image of the camera outside the vehicle. When the display unit 518 is turned off, the display-side CPU 514 forcibly turns on the display unit 518 and causes the display unit 518 to automatically display the received image of the camera outside the vehicle.

(Step S6a)
When the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system 500 determines that the vehicle has stopped for a certain period of time and has been parked, the operation processing ends. Further, in the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500, when the camera unit 501 cannot receive the vehicle identification information, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 may end the operation process.

  In other words, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 is in a state where the predetermined vehicle does not exist within the predetermined distance range of the camera unit 501 or is continuously parked or stopped for a certain period of time even if it exists. If it is, the operation is terminated.

  When the vehicle is parked or stopped for a certain period or longer, the identification information transmission unit 513 stops the transmission of the vehicle identification information, or the identification information reception unit 510 of the camera unit 501 receives the vehicle identification information. Will not be received. Then, the camera unit 501 stops data transmission of the camera image outside the vehicle of the imaging unit 51.

  Next, an operation example of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 that displays an image that has been subjected to PinP processing or multiple screen display processing in conjunction with the reverse gear will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates a second operation flow of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when it is detected in step S71 that the vehicle gear setting is set to the reverse gear, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 detects the vehicle exterior side (camera unit 501) and the back monitor side (rear vehicle confirmation). At the same time with the device 502), acquisition of each image is started.

  Since each process in the camera unit 501 in steps S72 to S77 overlaps with the processing contents described above, the description is omitted here.

(Step S78)
The back monitor camera CPU 5f causes the back monitor camera 5b mounted on the rear side of the vehicle to start imaging. Further, the back monitor camera CPU 5f causes the back monitor camera 5b to start outputting image data captured by the back monitor camera 5b.

(Step S79)
The vehicle rear confirmation device 502 transmits image data captured by the back monitor camera 5b to the display side unit 503. In the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 shown in FIG. 5, an example is shown in which image transmission is performed from the vehicle rearward confirmation device 502 to the display side unit 503 by wireless transmission. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The image data captured by the back monitor camera 5b may be transmitted to the display side unit 503 by wired connection.

(Step S7a)
The display side unit 503 receives the image of the back monitor camera 5b transmitted from the vehicle rearward confirmation device 502.

(Step S7b)
The PinP processing unit 5a performs a multi-screen composition process. Note that the description of this process overlaps with the content of the process already described in step S67, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(Step S7c)
The processed image in step S7a is displayed on the display unit 518. Note that the description of this process overlaps with the contents of the process already described in step S68, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

(Step S7d)
The voice output unit 519 announces voice guidance for display on the display unit 518.

(Step S7e)
If the vehicle stops for a certain period or parks or the like, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 completes the operation. If the vehicle does not stop for a certain period of time or does not park or the like, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 does not complete the operation and returns to step S72 and step S78.

  An installation example in which such an in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 is installed in a home garage or the like is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example in which the in-vehicle wireless image communication system according to the second embodiment is installed in a home garage or the like. In FIG. 8, the description of the components already described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 8, a vehicle 80 includes a back monitor camera 89 fixed to the rear portion of the trunk. The image captured by the back monitor camera 89 is transmitted to the display device 83 side via the transmission unit 8a and the antenna 8b corresponding to the reverse gear setting of the vehicle.

  The display device 83 displays a plurality of camera image data received by the receiving device 81 via the receiving antenna 82 by a sub-screen display or PinP processing.

  The in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 and the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 have a blind spot where it is difficult to confirm safety by direct visual confirmation or confirmation by an image of the back monitor camera when the vehicle is stored in a garage or the like. Take pictures with a camera installed outside the car. In addition, image data captured by a camera installed outside the vehicle is transmitted to the vehicle by wireless communication. Then, the image data transmitted to the vehicle by wireless communication is received in the vehicle, and the image of the received image data is displayed on a monitor mounted on the vehicle. As a result, the driver can check the blind spot portion from the image displayed on the monitor while sitting in the driver's seat in the vehicle. Therefore, it is preferable because the driver can more easily and safely confirm the safety when entering the garage.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system 100 and the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system 500 are configured so that a part of the display-side unit including the display unit can be easily detached from the vehicle. Thereby, as long as the image data transmission radio wave reaches outside the vehicle, it is possible to view the image of the camera outside the vehicle.

  In addition, the vehicle identification information transmitters 13, 513, and the like can be configured separately from the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 and the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500. The configuration may be such that the vehicle identification information transmitters 13, 513, etc. are used in combination with an ID radio wave transmitter of a keyless entry system. In this case, the vehicle identification information can always be transmitted from the vehicle intermittently at a constant cycle.

  Moreover, ID etc. which transmit / receive between the identification information transmission parts 13 and 513 of a vehicle and the identification information reception parts 10 and 510 of a vehicle are ID which recognizes that the said predetermined vehicle. In addition, it is preferable that the camera image data transmitted and received between the camera unit and the display side unit is configured by a wireless transmission method that can be transmitted and received one-on-one only with the predetermined vehicle. Thereby, even when other vehicles exist around the vehicle, the confusion that image data is received or displayed on the other vehicles can be suppressed.

  Further, the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 100 and the in-vehicle wireless image communication system 500 are not limited to the description in this embodiment, and the configuration is appropriately changed within the obvious range, and the operation processing is appropriately changed. Can be used. The technical idea disclosed in the embodiments is not limited to transmission by wireless connection, and may be applied to transmission of image data by wired connection.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an in-vehicle wireless image communication system according to a first embodiment. It is a 1st operation | movement flowchart of the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system of 1st embodiment. It is a 2nd operation | movement flowchart of the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system of 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which installs the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system of 1st embodiment in a home garage. It is a block diagram of the configuration of the in-vehicle wireless image communication system of the second embodiment. It is a 1st operation | movement flowchart of the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system of 2nd embodiment. It is a 2nd operation | movement flowchart of the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system of 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which installs the vehicle-mounted wireless image communication system of 2nd embodiment in a home garage. It is a figure which shows the typical example of the display image by which the PinP process etc. which are displayed on a display part were performed.

Explanation of symbols

1 .. Imaging unit, 2. Illumination unit, 3. AD conversion unit, 4. Image processing unit, 5. Camera unit CPU, 5a, PinP processing unit, 5b, Back monitor camera, 5c,. Lighting unit, 5d ·· AD converter, 5e · · Image processing unit, 5f · · Back monitor camera CPU, 5g · · Flash memory, 5h · · · Storage unit, 5i · · Wireless interface, 6 · · Vehicle identification information verification , 7 .. flash memory, 8 .. storage unit, 8 a .. transmission unit, 8 b .. antenna, 9 .. power supply unit, 10 .. identification information reception unit, 11 .. transmission interface, 12. , 13... Identification information transmission unit, 14... Display side CPU, 15 .. Operation unit, 16 .. Reverse gear, 17 .. Drawing processing unit, 18 ... Display unit, 19.

Claims (7)

An imaging means installed separately from the vehicle, receiving means for receiving captured image data for wirelessly transmitting identification information of the vehicle; and
An in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus comprising: a display unit that starts displaying an image of the captured image data when the receiving unit receives the captured image data. The in-vehicle wireless image receiving device according to claim 1,
An in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus comprising: identification information transmitting means for transmitting the vehicle identification information. In the in-vehicle wireless image receiving device according to claim 1 or 2,
The in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus, wherein the captured image data received by the receiving unit is captured image data acquired by capturing an image of a subject including a rear left and right corner portion of the vehicle. The in-vehicle wireless image receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The display means includes
Display means for simultaneously displaying an image of image data around the vehicle acquired and acquired by an in-vehicle imaging means included in the vehicle, and an image of the captured image data received by the receiving means;
An in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus. The in-vehicle wireless image receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The captured image data received by the receiving means is captured image data wirelessly transmitted by the imaging means that has received the vehicle identification information transmitted when the vehicle is set to a reverse gear,
When the vehicle is set to a reverse gear, the display means receives an image of image data behind the vehicle acquired by an in-vehicle imaging means that images the rear of the vehicle included in the vehicle, and the receiving means receives the image data. Display means for simultaneously displaying the image of the captured image data,
An in-vehicle wireless image receiving apparatus. An identification information receiving unit for receiving the identification information of the vehicle;
A vehicle identification information collating unit that determines whether or not the vehicle identification information received by the identification information receiving unit is identification information indicating a predetermined vehicle;
When the vehicle identification information matching unit determines that the vehicle identification information is identification information indicating the predetermined vehicle,
A wireless transmission unit configured to wirelessly transmit captured image data acquired by capturing an image of a subject including a rear left and right corner portion of the vehicle by an imaging unit installed separately from the vehicle;
A wireless image transmission apparatus comprising: A transmission device that receives the identification information of the vehicle transmitted from the vehicle and detects captured image data acquired by an imaging unit provided separately from the vehicle when detecting that the vehicle is approaching;
A vehicle-mounted receiving device that receives the captured image data transmitted by the transmitting device;
A vehicle-mounted display device that simultaneously displays an image of image data around the vehicle acquired by the vehicle-mounted imaging means included in the vehicle and an image of the captured image data received by the vehicle-mounted receiving device; A wireless image communication system.

Images