JPH10261200A - Periphery visually confirming device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform utilization in not only left and right safety confirmation at the intersection of an obstructed view or the like but also in the safety confirmation of contact prevention by changing the focus position of an image pickup means for picking up the image of a side view field corresponding to the peripheral environment of a vehicle. SOLUTION: Under the control of a nose view selection control function 16, a left and right visual field synthesis control function 17 displays visual field images at the front, back, left and right side parts of the vehicle image picked-up and inputted by cameras 11 and 12 at a display 13 and presents them to a driver. Also, a camera focus proximity control function 18 receives an instruction by the manual operation of a proximity selection switch or the like and changes and sets the focus of the cameras 11 and 12 normally set to a standard focus position to a proximate focus position. A learning part 19 learns the operation conditions of a noise view function corresponding to the intersection and the operation conditions of the camera focus proximity control function 18 corresponding to specified operation conditions such as the take-in and take-out of the vehicle to/from a garage, etc., for instance. The learned result is utilized for the automatic control of the respective functions 16-18 in a nose view system 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle peripheral visual recognition device that captures a field of view on the left and right sides of a vehicle with a camera mounted on the vehicle and presents left and right side view images to a driver.

[0002]

[Related Background Art] Recently, a camera mounted on a front portion or a rear portion of a vehicle captures an image of the field of view on the left and right sides of the vehicle,
Development of a vehicle periphery visual recognition device that displays an image using a display provided in the interior of the vehicle has been promoted. According to this type of device, for example, as shown in FIG.
When the vehicle 1 enters an intersection from an alley, a road (alley)
The view is blocked by the walls 2 and the like on both sides, and the left and right views in front of the vehicle, which cannot be directly seen by the driver, can be confirmed from the image obtained by the camera provided at the front of the vehicle. Effects such as an increase in safety when approaching an intersection can be obtained.

[0003]

A fixed focus lens is usually incorporated in a camera used in this kind of vehicle peripheral visual recognition device. Then, with this fixed focus lens, the left and right side images between the subject distances of about 1 to 20 m,
The image pickup input is performed by a so-called pan focus.
In other words, an image between a wide range of object distances is captured and input without defocusing using the depth of field of the fixed focus lens.

[0004] For this reason, although it is possible to confirm the safety of the side by obtaining a visual field image on the left and right sides of the vehicle, it is difficult to make a turn on a narrow road, for example, as shown in FIG. In such a case or in a garage, an image of an obstacle such as a wall along a road cannot be clearly captured due to defocus. That is, since the distance to an obstacle such as a wall is too short, the image is out of focus with respect to the fixed focus lens incorporated in the camera, and the left and right images themselves are very unclear. For this reason, there is a problem that images on the left and right sides cannot be used for safety confirmation for preventing contact.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide left and right side view images of a vehicle.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and practical vehicle periphery visual recognition device that can be used not only for left and right safety confirmation at an intersection with poor visibility, but also for contact prevention safety confirmation.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for visually recognizing a periphery of a vehicle, which is mounted on a front portion or a rear portion of a vehicle and captures a side view of the vehicle. A focus position for changing a focus position of the imaging means in accordance with a surrounding environment of the vehicle, particularly including means for displaying a field-of-view image of the side of the vehicle imaged by the imaging means on a display provided in the interior of the vehicle. It is characterized in that a change means is provided.

That is, by manual operation of the selection switch,
Alternatively, according to the surrounding environment of the vehicle determined by the environment detection means, the focus position of the imaging means, a standard focus position that can ensure a wide depth of field by pan focus,
Alternatively, it is characterized in that it is selectively set to a near focus position where an image at a short distance but with a small depth of field can be clearly captured.

[0008]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle surroundings visual recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a nose-view device that captures the field of view on the left and right sides of the vehicle with a camera provided at the front of the vehicle will be described as an example. The same applies to a vehicle rear left / right view device that captures an image of the field of view.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a nose view device. Reference numerals 11 and 12 denote left visual fields as image pickup means mounted on a front portion of a vehicle to capture images of left and right visual fields of the vehicle. Camera and right-view camera. These cameras 11 and 12 are provided, for example, so as to protrude from the front surface of a front grill, and each of the cameras 11 and 12 captures an image of the field of view of the front left and right sides of the vehicle 10 as shown in FIGS. It has become something.

Here, two independent cameras 11, 11,
The description will be made assuming that the left and right sides are imaged and input at 12, respectively. However, the left and right side images are optically combined using a mirror or a prism, and the images are captured by one camera. Is also good. In addition, each of the cameras 11 and 12
May be separately incorporated into, for example, the front side of the front fender of the vehicle, particularly, in a notch portion on the extension of the front bumper, for example, so as to image the front left and right lateral views of the vehicle 10 respectively.

The imaging viewing angle of each of the cameras 11 and 12 is set in a range of, for example, a natural visual field (a visual field that can be visually recognized by a human being) of less than 90 ° in the horizontal direction. Is determined as the viewing angle corresponding to. Each of the cameras 11 and 12 having such a viewing angle
Thus, the left and right lateral fields of view at the front of the vehicle 10 can be collectively imaged with almost no geometric distortion in the viewing direction (horizontal direction).

The focal point of the lens system can be selectively set in two stages, for example, a standard focal position and a close focal position. As shown schematically in FIG. 2, the standard focus position L1 is a focus at which a lateral image having a wide subject distance D1 of, for example, about 1 to 20 m can be imaged and input without blurring by so-called pan focus. Also, the close focus position L
Numeral 2 is set, for example, by attaching a close-up lens to a lens system fixedly set to a standard focus, or by extending the lens system to a close focus position L2. By setting such a near focus position, the depth of field of the lens system is reduced, but on the contrary, the cameras 11 and 12 are set to be able to clearly capture an image in the limited close distance range D2. . That is, each camera 11, 1
Reference numeral 2 is configured to be selectable and settable in two stages of a standard focus position and a close focus position.

On the other hand, the display 13 as an image display means is incorporated in the interior of the vehicle 10, especially in an instrument panel or console panel in front of the driver's seat, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display 13 is used for displaying the left and right side view images described above, and also for displaying navigation information (map information indicating a road around the own vehicle, a position of the own vehicle, and the like) by a navigation system 14 described later, and the like. Is also used.

A feature of this apparatus is that a nose view system 15 constructed by a microprocessor or the like has a nose view selection control function 1 in particular.
6, a left and right visual field image synthesizing control function 17 and a camera focal point proximity control function 18; and a learning unit (memory) 19 as an auxiliary function. The nose view selection control function 16 includes the camera 11,
A function of controlling whether or not to execute image display based on the front and left and right side view images of the vehicle 10 imaged by the display 12 using the display 13, which is provided from the navigation system 14 as described later. The selection control is executed based on information on intersections, instruction information from a nose view selection switch, and the like. Under the control of the nose view selection control function 16, the left and right visual field image synthesis control function 1
7 is driven. And the right and left visual field image synthesizing control function 17
Forms a single display image by arranging the front and left and right side view images of the vehicle 10 captured and input by the cameras 11 and 12, displays the display image on the display 13, and presents the display image to the driver. Take a role.

The camera focus proximity control function 18 is driven, for example, in response to an instruction from a manual operation of a proximity selection switch, or according to a specific running state of the vehicle 10 indicated by a vehicle speed signal, an R range selection signal, or the like. The camera 1 which is normally set at the standard focus position
It plays the role of changing and setting the focal points 1 and 12 to the close focal position.

The learning section 19 includes the above functions 16,
The operation modes (operating states) of 17, 18 are learned in accordance with, for example, the driving environment obtained from the navigation system 14. The learning section 19 learns, for example, the operating conditions of the nose-view function corresponding to the intersection and the operating conditions of the above-described camera focal point control function 18 corresponding to the specific operating conditions such as putting the vehicle 10 in and out of the garage. You. This learning result is used for the functions 16, 17, 18 in the nose-view system 15 thereafter.
Used for automatic control of

The characteristic functions and operation of the vehicle peripheral visual recognition device (nose-view device) constructed in this manner will be described in more detail according to the basic control flow shown in FIG. Specifically, the process is started by determining whether or not the nose view selection switch has been selected (turned on) [step S1]. If the nose-view selection switch is not selected (off), this processing is stopped until the nose-view selection switch is selected (on), or the learning by the learning unit 19 is performed, although no control flow is shown. The nose view control is executed based on the result. Nose view control based on this learning result will be described later.

If the nose view selection switch is selected (turned on), it is then determined based on the vehicle speed signal whether the vehicle speed at that time is a low speed of 20 km / h or less, for example [ Step S2]. This judgment is
The driving environment that requires a nose view is, for example, when approaching an intersection with poor visibility or when driving at low speeds such as entering a garage. Standing on In other words, when it is necessary to check the left and right visibility of the front of the vehicle, the vehicle naturally decelerates,
It is based on running at low speed or in a stopped state. Therefore, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at high speed, the nose view processing is stopped.

The nose-view selection control function 16 controls the selection of the nose-view selection switch based on the ON / OFF determination of the nose-view selection switch and the vehicle speed determination. When the nose-view selection control function 16 determines the necessary conditions for operating the nose-view function, it is next determined whether or not the proximity selection switch is operated (ON) [step S3]. The proximity selection switch is not operated (off)
If it is, it is further determined whether or not the gear position of the vehicle 10 is set to the reverse mode (R range) [Step S4].

When the proximity selection switch is operated (ON), or when it is confirmed by the R range selection signal that the reverse mode (R range) is set, the camera focus proximity control function 18 The camera 1 which is normally set at the standard focus position by operating
The focal points 1 and 12 are changed and set to the close focal position [Step S5]. In other words, when the nose view is instructed and the proximity selection is instructed or the R range is set,
It is determined that this is the mode of lateral confirmation of contact prevention,
The focus of the cameras 11 and 12 is changed and set to the close focus position, and an image of the close area on the side of the vehicle is captured clearly.

The conditions for setting the change of the focus of the cameras 11 and 12 to the close focus position are stored in the learning unit 19 in association with, for example, position information or the like obtained by the navigation system 14 at that time. And learning part 1
No. 9 learns the operation mode of this kind of nose view in association with the position information of an intersection, a garage, and the like, and provides it as information for performing automatic control thereafter.

On the other hand, in the case where the proximity selection switch is not operated and the R range is set, and only the nose view is instructed, this is changed to a normal intersection. It is determined that the mode is the side safety confirmation mode in such as the above, and the focus of the cameras 11 and 12 is kept at a normal standard focus position to clearly capture a side image within a predetermined distance range (depth of field range). [Step S
6].

Even when the nose view selection switch is not operated (turned on), the current position of the vehicle 10 enters a specific intersection according to, for example, position information obtained from the navigation system 14. When it is indicated that the vehicle is a point, or when it is indicated that the vehicle 10 is taken in or out of the garage, the learning unit 19 automatically operates according to the information on the operation mode of the nose view. What is necessary is just to perform the process shown in said step S2-S6. If such an automatic control mode is provided, the trouble of frequently operating the nose view selection switch can be eliminated. Conversely, the automatic nose view function activates attention such as side confirmation and proximity confirmation. Can be evoked.

Therefore, according to the present apparatus, the nose-view function used for side confirmation when approaching an intersection with poor visibility is effectively used, and safety for preventing contact with obstacles when entering a garage or the like is provided. The confirmation can be performed effectively. Moreover, by simply changing the focus of the cameras 11 and 12 from the standard focus position to the close focus position, a clear image of the close area can be obtained, thereby facilitating confirmation of an obstacle present at the close position on the side of the vehicle. obtain. Furthermore, the camera 1
The change from the standard focus position of 1,12 to the close focus position is
As described above, the control can be easily performed by mounting the close-up lens or a certain amount of extension of the lens system, and the configuration is also simple.

Incidentally, it is conceivable to perform autofocus control on the cameras 11 and 12, but in order to perform autofocus control, it is necessary to measure, for example, the distance to a subject (obstacle). It is undeniable that it will be considerably complicated. Measuring the distance itself is equivalent to performing a check to prevent contact, so adjusting the focal position of the camera based on the measured distance and capturing a clear image is wasteful in a sense. (Excessive) work. Therefore, according to the present apparatus in which the image of the close area is clearly obtained only by changing to the close focus position as described above, it is not necessary to measure the distance to the subject (obstacle), and the side image can be effectively used. The practical advantage is great, as it can be used to check the side of contact prevention.

Further, as shown in the above-described embodiment, since the close-up image is displayed based on the R range selection signal, an obstacle on the front side which is easily overlooked when the vehicle 10 retreats is reliably grasped. And its practical effect is very large. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a camera is incorporated in the outer quarter panel at the rear of the vehicle. The left and right lateral views at the rear of the vehicle may be similarly imaged and displayed. When displaying the image of the proximity area, a message to that effect may be displayed at the same time to clearly indicate that it is different from the normal left and right side view images.
In addition, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.

[0027]

As described above, according to the present invention, a camera attached to the front or rear of a vehicle captures an image of the field of view of the side of the vehicle and displays the side image on a display. In particular, the focus of the camera is changed from the standard focus position to the close focus position to obtain a clear image of the close area, which is used for lateral confirmation of contact prevention. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively utilize the function of confirming the left and right visibility at an intersection or the like to detect an obstacle in an adjacent area on the side of the vehicle. A great effect can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional schematic configuration diagram of a nose view device that is an example of a vehicle periphery recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an imaging range (depth of field range) at a standard focus position and a close focus position of a camera incorporated in the nose view device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of a basic control procedure in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing functions of a nose view device at an intersection.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a lateral visual field detected by a nose view device and an obstacle such as a wall when entering a narrow road or a garage;

[Description of Signs] 10 Vehicle 11 Left View Camera 12 Right View Camera 13 Display 14 Navigation System 15 Nose View System 16 Nose View Selection Control Function 17 Left and Right View Image Synthesis Control Function 18 Camera Focus Proximity Control Function 19 Learning Unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means attached to a front portion or a rear portion of a vehicle to image a field of view on the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively, and a left and right field of view provided in the interior of the vehicle and obtained by the image pickup means. A perimeter recognition device for a vehicle, comprising: display means for displaying an image; and focus position changing means for changing a focus position of the imaging means according to a surrounding environment of the vehicle. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the focus position changing unit selectively sets the focus position of the imaging unit to a standard focus position or a close focus position in accordance with an instruction from a manually operated selection switch. A perimeter visual recognition device for a vehicle as described in the above. 3. The focus position changing means includes environment detecting means for detecting a surrounding environment of the vehicle, and changes a focal position of the image pickup means to a standard focus position or a close focus position in accordance with information obtained by the environment detecting means. 2. The vehicle periphery recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the device is selectively set. 4. The vehicle surrounding visual recognition device according to claim 3, wherein the environment detecting means obtains bottleneck information indicated in navigation information or driving history.