JP2009184557A - Vehicle periphery monitor device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle periphery monitor device capable of enlarging a monitor range by a single camera, restraining an increase in a mounting space of the camera small, and instantly switching a monitor display image when switching of the monitor display image is required. <P>SOLUTION: A vehicle periphery picture is displayed on a screen of a front display unit 2 set at a position that is visible from a driver based on picture data from a side blind monitor camera 1 which takes a picture of the vehicle periphery. The side blind monitor camera 1 has a prism 9 which bends an optical axis in a direction different from a camera optical axis L1 at a part on a front surface side of a camera lens 10 fixing an optical direction. An image pickup device 11 of the side blind monitor camera 1 obtains first picture data from a direction of the camera optical axis L1 which passes through the camera lens 10 and second picture data from a direction of a bent optical axis L2 which passes through the prism 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle periphery monitoring device that displays a vehicle periphery image on a monitor screen set at a position where a driver can visually recognize the image based on image data from a camera that captures the periphery of the vehicle.

Conventionally, there has been known a vehicle periphery monitoring device in which a camera device that is rotated by an electric motor is housed in a door mirror housing and can monitor not only the front wheels and their peripheral portions that become blind spots from the driver but also the situation in the front direction of the vehicle. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-62531 A

  However, the conventional vehicle periphery monitoring device is configured to rotate the camera body by driving an electric motor, and to switch between monitoring of the front wheel peripheral portion diagonally forward and lower and monitoring of the situation in the vehicle forward direction. For this reason, the rotation space of the camera body and the installation space of the electric motor are required, and the door mirror for housing the camera device is enlarged. Further, when switching the image displayed on the monitor, it is necessary to wait for the rotation of the camera body to end, and there is a problem that the display cannot be switched instantaneously.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problem, and while reducing the installation space of the camera while attempting to expand the monitoring range by a single camera, and when there is a request to switch the monitor display image, An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle periphery monitoring device capable of instantaneously switching a monitor display image.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the present invention, a vehicle periphery image is displayed on a monitor screen set at a position where the driver can visually recognize, based on video data from a camera that captures the periphery of the vehicle. In the camera, an optical device that refracts the optical axis in a direction different from the camera optical axis is disposed in a partial region on the front side of the camera lens in which the optical axis direction is fixed. Furthermore, the image pickup device of the camera is a means for acquiring first video data from the camera optical axis direction that has passed through the camera lens and second video data from the refractive optical axis direction that has passed through the optical device.

Therefore, in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the present invention, when imaging the periphery of the vehicle by the camera, as the video data, the first image data from the camera optical axis direction after passing through the camera lens with the fixed optical axis direction, and the camera The second image data from the direction of the refracting optical axis that has passed through the optical device arranged in a partial region on the front side of the lens can be acquired by the imaging device.
That is, the vehicle surroundings in two or more directions are imaged without using a plurality of cameras. For this reason, it is possible to expand the monitoring range by a single camera. Moreover, the camera body is not rotated only by setting the optical device. For this reason, the rotation space of a camera main body and the installation space of an electric motor are unnecessary, and the installation space of a camera can be restrained small. Further, the first video data and the second video data are simultaneously acquired by the imaging element of the camera. For this reason, for example, when there is a request for switching the monitor display image, it is possible to switch the monitor display image instantaneously by simply switching the selection of the video data.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the installation space of the camera while expanding the monitoring range by a single camera, and it is possible to instantaneously switch the monitor display image when there is a request to switch the monitor display image. .

  Hereinafter, the best mode for realizing the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the present invention will be described based on Example 1 and Example 2 shown in the drawings.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a one-box vehicle (an example of a vehicle) to which the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a door mirror to which a side blind monitor camera (an example of a camera) in the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the first embodiment is attached. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a door mirror to which a side blind monitor camera is attached in the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the structure of the side blind monitor camera in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the first embodiment, where (a) shows a front view of the camera and (b) shows a camera image sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a side blind monitor camera 1 (camera), a front display unit 2 (monitor), a side blind camera control unit 3 (monitor display switching means), And a side blind monitor switch 4.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the side blind monitor camera 1 is mounted in an embedded state in the left door mirror 5, and is a portion that becomes a left front image of the vehicle and a blind spot of a driver obliquely below the left front of the vehicle. Is displayed on the monitor display screen 2 a of the front display unit 2.
As the side blind monitor camera 1, an infrared CCD camera (color) or the like is employed which has a clear image even at night, has good visibility, and facilitates object recognition. Then, in order to ensure nighttime visibility, auxiliary lighting 6 (infrared LED) for irradiating infrared light obliquely downward to the left front of the vehicle is attached at a position adjacent to the side blind monitor camera 1 as shown in FIG. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the side blind monitor camera 1 is mounted at the position of the camera setting recess 8a at the lower front side of the vehicle in the door mirror housing 8 to which the rear mirror 7 set toward the rear of the vehicle is mounted. This side blind monitor camera 1 has a camera optical axis L1 in the direction of a refractive optical axis L2 different from the camera optical axis L1 in a partial region on the front side of the camera lens 10 with the direction of the camera optical axis L1 fixed in front of the vehicle. A refracting prism 9 (optical device) is arranged. When viewed from the front side of the camera, the prism 9 is set at a position covering the lower half area of the camera lens 10 as shown in FIG. The image sensor 11 of the side blind monitor camera 1 has a first video data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 10 and a second video from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 9. Get the data. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, the image sensor 11 (= CCD) includes a first video data acquisition area 11a for acquiring the first video data from the left front of the vehicle, and a first video data diagonally from the lower left front of the vehicle. It has the 2nd video data acquisition area 11b which acquires 2 video data.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the prism 9 is attached so that the set angle can be adjusted around the attachment shafts 9a and 9a. In other words, by changing the direction of the refracting optical axis L2 according to the prism setting angle, a region diagonally below the vehicle left front monitored by the monitor image can be adjusted in the vehicle front-rear direction. Note that the set angle of the prism 9 may be set to a fixed angle in accordance with a portion that becomes a blind spot of the driver.

  FIG. 5 is a control block diagram illustrating a side blind monitor control system of the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the side blind monitor control system of the first embodiment includes a side blind monitor camera 1, a front display unit 2, a side blind camera control unit 3, a side blind monitor switch 4, a vehicle speed sensor 12 ( Vehicle speed detecting means).

  For example, when the side blind monitor ON signal is input from the side blind monitor switch 4 included in the NAVI concentration switch, the side blind camera control unit 3 supplies the camera power to the side blind monitor camera 1 and also supplies the auxiliary lighting power. Supply. Then, the camera video data is input from the image sensor 11 of the side blind monitor camera 1, the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 12 is input, and the video signal and the camera video switching signal are output to the front display unit 2.

  That is, in the side blind camera control unit 3, the camera video data obtained from the image sensor 11 of the side blind monitor camera 1 is converted into the first video data from the direction of the camera optical axis L 1 that has passed through the camera lens 10, and the prism 9. The second video data from the direction of the refracted optical axis L2 that has passed is divided, one of the first video data and the second video data is selected, and the video displayed on the monitor display screen 2a of the front display unit 2 is converted into the video data. Switch the monitor display to switch according to the selection.

  In the first embodiment, a method of automatically switching the monitor display based on the vehicle speed information from the vehicle speed sensor 12 is adopted. In other words, the monitor display switching control is performed during normal driving, and when the vehicle speed detection value V is equal to or higher than the set vehicle speed (for example, 20 km / h), the vehicle front image is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a, and parking / stopping and width adjustment are performed. When the vehicle speed detection value V is less than the set vehicle speed, a vehicle front diagonally lower image is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the monitor display switching control process executed by the side blind camera control unit 3 according to the first embodiment. Each step will be described below (monitor display switching means).

  In step S1, it is determined whether or not a side blind monitor ON signal is input from the side blind monitor switch 4. If YES (monitor SW ON), the process proceeds to step S2. If NO (monitor SW OFF), the determination in step S1 is repeated.

  In step S2, following the determination that the side blind monitor ON signal is input from the side blind monitor switch 4 in step S1, the vehicle speed detection value V from the vehicle speed sensor 12 is set to the set vehicle speed Vo (for example, Vo = 20 km / h). It is determined whether this is the case. If YES (V ≧ Vo), the process proceeds to step S3. If NO (V <Vo), the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S3, following the determination in step S2 that V ≧ Vo, the first image data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 10 is selected, and the vehicle front image is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a. Display and move to return.

  In step S4, following the determination in step S2 that V <Vo, second image data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 9 is selected, and a vehicle front obliquely lower image is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a. Is displayed and shifts to return. When displaying the vehicle front diagonally lower image, a vehicle front guide line that makes it easier to capture the vehicle sensation of the left front of the vehicle and a vehicle side guide line that makes it easier to capture the vehicle sensation of the left side of the vehicle are superimposed on the monitor display screen 2a. indicate.

Next, the operation will be described.
The operation of the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the first embodiment will be described by dividing it into “vehicle periphery monitoring range expansion operation” and “monitor screen display switching operation”.

[Expansion of vehicle periphery monitoring range]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an imaging range in two directions of the vehicle left front range FE and the vehicle left front diagonally lower range SE by the side blind monitor camera 1 in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the first embodiment.

  At the time of imaging around the vehicle by the side blind monitor camera 1, as video data, the first video data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 after passing through the camera lens 10 with the fixed optical axis direction, and the lower front side of the camera lens 10 The second image data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 9 arranged in the half area can be acquired by the imaging device 11.

  Thus, while using one side blind monitor camera 1, as shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle left front range FE from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 and the vehicle left front diagonal from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 It is possible to take an image of the situation around the vehicle in the two ranges of the lower range SE.

  In other words, two sets of video data obtained by installing two fixed cameras, a front monitoring camera directed to the left front of the vehicle and a lateral blind spot monitoring camera directed obliquely downward to the left front of the vehicle, Without using a fixed camera, it can be obtained by the side blind monitor camera 1 which is a single fixed camera.

  Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the front monitoring camera is set alone or the case where the side blind spot monitoring camera is set alone, the monitoring range can be expanded by one side blind monitor camera 1. it can.

  Further, the side blind monitor camera 1 does not intend to expand the monitoring range by simply setting the prism 9 which is an optical device and rotating the camera body as in the prior art. For this reason, the rotation space of the camera body and the installation space for the electric motor, which are required in the case of the prior art, are unnecessary, and the installation space for the side blind monitor camera 1 can be kept small. Thereby, in the case of Example 1, the enlargement of the left door mirror 5 which accommodates the side blind monitor camera 1 can also be prevented.

[Monitor screen display switching action]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a video example of the monitor display screen 2a when the vehicle left front obliquely lower range SE by the side blind monitor camera 1 is selected in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the first embodiment.

  For example, when the side blind monitor switch 4 is turned on to check a person or an object on the left side of the vehicle while traveling on a wide road at a vehicle speed of 20 km / h or higher, step S1 → step S2 → step in the flowchart of FIG. The flow of S3 → Return is repeated. At this time, in step S3, the first image data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 10 is selected, and the vehicle front image by the vehicle left front range FE is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a.

  Therefore, the monitor display screen 2a can be used to display people and objects that are present in the front left side of the vehicle but are in the shadow of roadside trees, utility poles, etc. Can be confirmed.

  Then, when entering a narrow one-way road from a wide road, the vehicle speed is reduced to less than 20 km / h. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the flow of step S1 → step S2 → step S4 → return Repeated. At this time, in step S4, the second image data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 9 is selected, and the vehicle front obliquely lower image by the vehicle left front obliquely lower range SE is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a. . Then, when displaying this vehicle front diagonally lower image, as shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle front reference line FL that makes it easier to capture the vehicle sensation on the left front side of the vehicle, and the vehicle side that makes it easier to capture the vehicle sensation on the left side of the vehicle The reference line SL is superimposed on the monitor display screen 2a.

  Therefore, it is possible to confirm on the monitor display screen 2a the situation in the obliquely lower front of the vehicle that is a blind spot for the driver, for example, the positional relationship between the left front wheel tire and the side groove. In addition, since the vehicle front guide line FL and the vehicle side guide line SL are superimposed on the monitor display screen 2a, it becomes easier to grasp the position sensation of the vehicle on the left front side and the left side of the vehicle.

  Then, in the image pickup device 11 of the side blind monitor camera 1, the first video data viewed from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 and the second video data viewed from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 are simultaneously acquired. Therefore, for example, when there is a request for switching the image displayed on the monitor display screen 2a of the front display unit 2 according to the vehicle speed condition as in the first embodiment, the selection of the video data is acquired at the same time. It is only necessary to switch between the one video data and the second video data, and the image displayed on the monitor display screen 2a can be switched instantaneously.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.

  (1) A vehicle that displays a vehicle periphery image on the screen of a monitor (front display unit 2) set at a position where the driver can visually recognize the image based on image data from a camera (side blind monitor camera 1) that captures the periphery of the vehicle. In the periphery monitoring device, the camera has an optical device (prism 9) that refracts the optical axis in a direction different from the camera optical axis L1 in a partial region on the front side of the camera lens 10 with the optical axis direction fixed. The image pickup device 11 of the camera receives the first video data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 10 and the second video data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the optical device. get. For this reason, while expanding the monitoring range with a single camera (side blind monitor camera 1), the installation space of the camera can be kept small, and when there is a request for switching the monitor display image, the monitor display image is instantaneously displayed. Can be switched.

  (2) The optical device is a prism 9 arranged in a partial region on the front side of the camera lens 10. For this reason, the second video data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 can be acquired with a simple configuration in which the prism 9 is simply disposed in a partial region on the front side of the camera lens 10.

  (3) The video data obtained from the image sensor 11 of the camera (side blind monitor camera 1) includes the first video data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 10, and the optical device (prism 9). ) After passing through the direction of the refracting optical axis L2, and selecting one of the first video data and the second video data to display on the screen of the monitor (front display unit 2) Is provided with a monitor display switching means (FIG. 6) for switching according to the selection of the video data. For this reason, the image viewed from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 and the image viewed from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 can be separated and displayed on the monitor display screen 2a, and switching between the two images can be simultaneously acquired. This can be done instantaneously by selecting the selected video data.

  (4) The camera is attached to the door mirror housing 8 and has a side blind monitor camera 1 in which one of the direction of the camera optical axis L1 and the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 is directed to the front of the vehicle and the other is directed obliquely downward to the front of the vehicle. It is. For this reason, with one side blind monitor camera 1, it is possible to obtain a vehicle front image by the vehicle left front range FE and a vehicle front diagonal lower image by the vehicle left front diagonal lower range SE.

  (5) A vehicle speed sensor 12 for detecting the vehicle speed is provided, and the monitor display switching means (FIG. 6) displays a vehicle front image on the monitor display screen 2a when the vehicle speed detection value V is equal to or higher than the set vehicle speed Vo, thereby detecting the vehicle speed. When the value V is less than the set vehicle speed Vo, a vehicle front diagonally lower image is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a. For this reason, the vehicle front image is displayed when traveling on a wide road without requiring a display switching operation, and the vehicle front obliquely lower image is displayed when traveling slowly on a narrow road. In addition, it is possible to provide an occupant with a more appropriate image for monitoring the periphery of the vehicle side.

  The second embodiment is an example in which the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the present invention is applied to a back view monitor system including a back view monitor camera.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 9 is an overall perspective view illustrating a one-box vehicle (an example of a vehicle) to which the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a roof spoiler of a back door to which a back view monitor camera (an example of a camera) in the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the second embodiment is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a back view monitor camera 21 (camera), a front display unit 22 (monitor), a back view camera control unit 23 (monitor display switching means), A back view monitor switch 24.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the back-view monitor camera 21 is mounted in the roof spoiler 26 of the back door 25 in an embedded state, and becomes a rear image of the vehicle and a blind spot of the driver below the rear of the vehicle. The image of the part is displayed on the monitor display screen 22 a of the front display unit 22.
As the back view monitor camera 21, an infrared CCD camera (color) or the like is employed which has a clear image even at night and has good visibility and allows easy object recognition.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the back view monitor camera 21 is attached at the position of the camera setting recess 26 a adjacent to the stop lamp 27 in the roof spoiler 26. As shown in FIG. 10, the back view monitor camera 21 has a refractive optical axis L2 different from the camera optical axis L1 in the lower half area on the front side of the camera lens 30 with the direction of the camera optical axis L1 fixed to the rear of the vehicle. A prism 29 (optical device) that refracts the camera optical axis L1 is disposed in the direction of. The prism 29 is set at a position covering the lower half area of the camera lens 30 when viewed from the front side of the camera. The image sensor 31 of the back view monitor camera 21 has a first image data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 30 and a second image from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 29. Get the data.

  FIG. 11 is a control block diagram illustrating a back view monitor control system of the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the back view monitor control system of the second embodiment includes a back view monitor camera 21, a front display unit 22, a back view camera control unit 23, a back view monitor switch 24, and an inhibitor switch 32 ( Reverse running detection means) and a rudder angle sensor 33.

  For example, when the back view monitor ON signal is input from the back view monitor switch 24 included in the NAVI concentration switch, the back view camera control unit 23 supplies camera power to the back view monitor camera 21. Then, the camera image data is input from the image sensor 31 of the back view monitor camera 21, the reverse signal from the inhibitor switch 32 and the steering angle signal from the steering angle sensor 33 are input, and the video signal and the camera video switching signal are displayed on the front. Output to the display unit 22.

  That is, in the back view camera control unit 23, the camera image data obtained from the image sensor 31 of the back view monitor camera 21 is converted into the first image data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 30, and the prism 29. The second video data from the direction of the refracted optical axis L2 that has passed is divided into two, the first video data and the second video data are selected, and the video to be displayed on the monitor display screen 22a of the front display unit 22 is converted to the video data. Change the monitor display according to the selection.

  In the second embodiment, the monitor display switching is automatically switched based on the reverse signal (reverse information) from the inhibitor switch 32 that detects the position of the automatic transmission select lever. In other words, the monitor display switching control displays the vehicle rear image on the monitor display screen 22a when the vehicle is traveling forward or stopped and is not traveling backward, and is displayed when the vehicle is traveling backward such as during parking. The lower rear image of the vehicle is displayed on 22a. Note that the display image on the monitor display screen 22a is a mirror image that is reversed left and right in order to match the rear view with a rearview mirror.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the monitor display switching control process executed by the back view camera control unit 23 of the second embodiment. Each step will be described below (monitor display switching means).

  In step S21, it is determined whether or not a back view monitor ON signal is input from the back view monitor switch 24. If YES (monitor SW ON), the process proceeds to step S22. If NO (monitor SW OFF), the determination in step S21 is repeated.

  In step S22, following the determination that the back view monitor ON signal is input from the back view monitor switch 24 in step S21, it is determined whether or not there is no reverse signal input from the inhibitor switch 32 of the automatic transmission control system. . If YES (no reverse signal input), the process proceeds to step S23. If NO (reverse signal input is present), the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S23, following the determination that no reverse signal is input in step S22, the first image data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 30 is selected, and the vehicle rear image is displayed on the monitor display screen 22a. Display and move to return.

  In step S24, following the determination that the reverse signal is input in step S22, the second image data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 29 is selected, and the vehicle rear lower image is displayed on the monitor display screen 22a. Display and move to return. When the vehicle rear lower image is displayed, a reference line of the vehicle width and distance and an expected course line corresponding to the steering angle information are superimposed on the monitor display screen 22a.

Next, the operation will be described.
The operation of the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described by dividing it into “vehicle periphery monitoring range expansion operation” and “monitor screen display switching operation”.

[Expansion of vehicle periphery monitoring range]
FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an imaging range in two directions of a vehicle rear range RE and a vehicle rear lower range LE by the back view monitor camera 21 in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the second embodiment.

  At the time of imaging around the vehicle by the back view monitor camera 21, as video data, the first video data from the direction of the camera optical axis L 1 after passing through the camera lens 30 with the optical axis direction fixed, and the lower side on the front side of the camera lens 30 The second image data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 29 arranged in the half area can be acquired by the imaging element 31.

  In this way, while using one back view monitor camera 21, as shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle rear range RE from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 and the vehicle rear lower range LE from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 are used. The situation around the vehicle in the two directions can be imaged.

  In other words, the two fixed cameras are used for the two-way video data obtained by installing two fixed cameras, a rear monitoring camera facing the rear of the vehicle and a rear blind spot monitoring camera facing the rear of the vehicle. Without the rear view monitor camera 21 being a single fixed camera.

  Therefore, for example, when the rear monitoring camera is set alone or when the rear blind spot monitoring camera is set alone, the monitoring range can be expanded by one back view monitor camera 21. .

  Further, the back-view monitor camera 21 simply sets the prism 29 as an optical device, and does not attempt to expand the monitoring range by rotating the camera body as in the prior art. For this reason, the rotation space of the camera body and the installation space for the electric motor required in the case of the prior art are unnecessary, and the installation space for the back view monitor camera 21 can be kept small. Thereby, in the case of Example 2, the enlargement of the roof spoiler 26 which accommodates the back view monitor camera 21 can also be prevented.

[Monitor screen display switching action]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a video example of the monitor display screen 2a when the vehicle rear lower range LE by the back view monitor camera 21 is selected in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the second embodiment.
For example, when the back view monitor switch 24 is turned on in order to check the subsequent vehicle behind the vehicle during forward travel, the flow of step S21 → step S22 → step S23 → return is repeated in the flowchart of FIG. At this time, in step S23, the first video data from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 that has passed through the camera lens 30 is selected, and the vehicle rear image by the vehicle rear range RE is displayed on the monitor display screen 22a.

  Therefore, it is possible to confirm on the monitor display screen 2a an approaching object or obstacle that is approaching from behind the host vehicle and that is difficult to confirm in the field of view of the door mirror.

  When the host vehicle is to be parked in the parking lot frame by reverse running, the gear position selection of the transmission is set to the reverse position, so in the flowchart of FIG. 12, step S21 → step S22 → step S24 → return. The flow is repeated. At this time, in step S24, the second video data from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 that has passed through the prism 29 is selected, and the vehicle rear lower image by the vehicle rear lower range LE is displayed on the monitor display screen 2a. When the vehicle rear lower image is displayed, as shown in FIG. 14, a reference line WL of the vehicle width and distance and an expected course line TL corresponding to the rudder angle information from the rudder angle sensor 33 are displayed on the monitor display screen. 22a is superimposed and displayed.

  Therefore, the situation below the rear of the vehicle, which is a blind spot for the driver, for example, the positional relationship from the rear end of the vehicle to the curb can be confirmed on the monitor display screen 22a. In addition, since the reference line WL is superimposed on the monitor display screen 22a, the distance from the rear end of the vehicle to the stop position can be easily grasped while grasping the width of the vehicle, and the monitor display screen Since the predicted course line TL is displayed superimposed on 22a, it becomes easier to capture the sense of position when the host vehicle is moved backward.

  Then, in the image pickup device 31 of the back view monitor camera 21, the first video data viewed from the direction of the camera optical axis L1 and the second video data viewed from the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 are simultaneously acquired. For this reason, for example, when there is a request for switching the image displayed on the monitor display screen 22a of the front display unit 22 due to the reverse running condition as in the second embodiment, the selection of the video data is acquired at the same time. It is only necessary to switch between the first video data and the second video data, and the image to be displayed on the monitor display screen 22a can be switched instantaneously.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (3) of the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.

  (6) The camera is attached to the rear position of the vehicle, and is a back view monitor camera 21 in which one of the direction of the camera optical axis L1 and the direction of the refractive optical axis L2 is directed to the rear of the vehicle and the other is directed to the lower rear of the vehicle. is there. Therefore, the single rearview monitor camera 21 can obtain a vehicle rear image by the vehicle rear range RE and a vehicle rear lower image by the vehicle rear lower range LE.

  (7) An inhibitor switch 32 for detecting reverse travel is provided, and the monitor display switching means (FIG. 12) displays a vehicle rear image on the monitor display screen 22a when the vehicle is not traveling backward, and a monitor display when the vehicle is traveling backward. A vehicle rear lower image is displayed on the screen 22a. For this reason, a video that is more appropriate for monitoring the periphery of the rear side of the vehicle, such as displaying a rear image of the vehicle when traveling forward or stopping, and displaying a lower rear image of the vehicle when parking, without requiring a display switching operation. Can be provided to passengers.

  As mentioned above, although the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of this invention has been demonstrated based on Example 1 and Example 2, it is not restricted to these Examples about a concrete structure, Each claim of a claim Design changes and additions are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the lower half area of the front surface of the camera lens is blocked with a prism as the camera and image data in two directions is obtained is shown. However, the camera may be an example in which the upper half area of the front surface of the camera lens is closed with a prism or a reflection mirror to obtain video data in two directions. Further, as an example of the camera, the upper and lower partial areas of the front surface of the camera lens may be closed with a prism or a reflecting mirror, respectively, to obtain video data in three directions. Furthermore, for example, when the camera lens diameter is large, an example of obtaining video data in three or more directions may be used.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example in which a prism is used as an optical device is shown. However, as an optical device, for example, a reflection mirror, a refractive sheet, a combination lens, a combination mirror, or the like may be used. In short, any optical device that refracts the optical axis in a direction different from the camera optical axis may be used.

  In the first embodiment, an example in which the monitor display screen is automatically switched using the vehicle speed information as the monitor display switching means is shown. In the second embodiment, the monitor display is automatically displayed using the backward running information as the monitor display switching means. An example of switching screens was shown. However, as the monitor display switching means, for example, the monitor display screen may be switched by a switch operation by an occupant.

  In the first and second embodiments, the video data is divided for each direction of the camera optical axis and the bent optical axis, and an image in only one direction is displayed on the monitor display screen. However, it is also possible to display images in two directions on the monitor at the same time without separating video data from an image sensor such as CCD or CMOS. In this case, the monitor display screen may be divided into two screens and displayed in the respective screen frames, and one screen may be selected by a touch panel method so as to be enlarged to the entire monitor display screen.

  In Example 1, the example which applies the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of this invention to a side blind monitor system was shown, and in Example 2, the example which applies the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of this invention to a back view monitor system was shown. However, the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the present invention may be applied to the front view monitor system, or the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the present invention may be applied to the around view monitor system.

1 is an overall perspective view showing a one-box vehicle (an example of a vehicle) to which a vehicle periphery monitoring device according to a first embodiment is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the door mirror to which the side blind monitor camera (an example of a camera) in the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 1 was attached. It is sectional drawing which shows the door mirror to which the side blind monitor camera in the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 1 was attached. It is structure explanatory drawing of the side blind monitor camera in the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 1, (a) shows a camera front view, (b) shows a camera image pick-up element. It is a control block diagram which shows the side blind monitor control system of the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a monitor display switching control process executed by the side blind camera control unit 3 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an imaging range in two directions of a vehicle left front range FE and a vehicle left front diagonally lower range SE by the side blind monitor camera 1 in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image | video of the monitor display screen 2a when the vehicle left front lower diagonal range SE by the side blind monitor camera 1 is selected in the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 1. FIG. It is a whole perspective view which shows the one box vehicle (an example of a vehicle) to which the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 2 was applied. It is a perspective view which shows the roof spoiler of the back door to which the back view monitor camera (an example of a camera) in the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 2 was attached. It is a control block diagram which shows the back view monitor control system of the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a monitor display switching control process executed by a back view camera control unit 23 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating an imaging range in two directions of a vehicle rear range RE and a vehicle rear lower range LE by a back view monitor camera 21 in the vehicle periphery monitoring device of the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image | video of the monitor display screen 2a when the vehicle rear lower part range LE by the back view monitor camera 21 is selected in the vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus of Example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Side blind monitor camera (camera)
2 Front display unit (monitor)
2a Monitor display screen 3 Side blind camera control unit (monitor display switching means)
4 Side blind monitor switch 5 Left door mirror 6 Auxiliary illumination 7 Rear mirror 8 Door mirror housing 8a Camera setting recess 9 Prism (optical device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Camera lens 11 Image pick-up element 12 Vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed detection means)
21 Back view monitor camera (camera)
22 Front display unit (monitor)
22a Monitor display screen 23 Back view camera control unit (monitor display switching means)
24 Back view monitor switch 25 Back door 26 Roof spoiler 26a Camera setting recess 27 Stop lamp 29 Prism (optical device)
30 Camera lens 31 Image sensor 32 Inhibitor switch (reverse running detection means)
33 Rudder angle sensor
L1 camera optical axis
L2 refractive optical axis

Claims (7)

In a vehicle periphery monitoring device that displays a vehicle periphery image on a monitor screen set at a position that can be visually recognized by a driver, based on video data from a camera that captures the periphery of the vehicle,
In the camera, an optical device that refracts the optical axis in a direction different from the camera optical axis is arranged in a partial region on the front side of the camera lens in which the optical axis direction is fixed,
An image pickup device of the camera acquires first video data from a camera optical axis direction that has passed through the camera lens, and second video data from a refractive optical axis direction that has passed through the optical device. Perimeter monitoring device. In the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to claim 1,
The vehicle periphery monitoring device, wherein the optical device is a prism arranged in a partial region on the front side of the camera lens. In the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2,
The video data obtained from the image pickup device of the camera is divided into first video data from the camera optical axis direction that has passed through the camera lens and second video data from the refractive optical axis direction that has passed through the optical device, A vehicle periphery monitoring device comprising monitor display switching means for selecting one of the first video data and the second video data and switching a video to be displayed on the monitor screen in accordance with the selection of the video data. . In the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The camera periphery is a side blind monitor camera attached to a door mirror housing, wherein one of the camera optical axis direction and the refractive optical axis direction is directed to the front of the vehicle and the other is directed obliquely downward to the front of the vehicle. Monitoring device. In the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to claim 4,
Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed is provided;
The monitor display switching means displays a vehicle front image on the monitor screen when the vehicle speed detection value is greater than or equal to a set vehicle speed, and displays a vehicle front diagonally lower image on the monitor screen when the vehicle speed detection value is less than the set vehicle speed. A vehicle periphery monitoring device characterized by displaying. In the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The camera is a rear view monitor camera mounted at a rear position of the vehicle, wherein one of the camera optical axis direction and the refractive optical axis direction is directed to the rear of the vehicle and the other is directed downward to the rear of the vehicle. Monitoring device. In the vehicle periphery monitoring device according to claim 6,
Provide reverse running detection means for detecting reverse running,
The monitor display switching means displays a vehicle rear image on the monitor screen when the vehicle is not traveling backward, and displays a vehicle rear lower image on the monitor screen when the vehicle is traveling backward. apparatus.

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