JP2006298318A - Periphery monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly and certainly perform monitoring of a visual field in a wide range from a vehicle by switching a visual line direction of a photographing means using a light adjustment mirror. <P>SOLUTION: The periphery monitoring device is constituted such that the present state of the vehicle 2 is detected, the state of the light adjustment mirror 6 positioned in the visual line direction of a camera 3 is varied in the transparent state (see Fig. 2 (A)) and in the mirror state (see Fig. 2 (B)) by electrochemical action based on the detection result and the visual line direction of the camera is switched. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a periphery monitoring device that monitors the periphery of a vehicle by displaying an image of the periphery of the vehicle imaged by an imaging unit installed in the vehicle on a display device in a vehicle interior, and in particular, imaging using a dimming mirror The present invention relates to a periphery monitoring device that can quickly and accurately monitor a visual field over a wide range from a vehicle by switching the line-of-sight direction of the means.

In recent years, with the spread of navigation systems, an increasing number of vehicles are equipped with a periphery monitoring device that displays the state of the periphery of the vehicle on a display device in the passenger compartment. The situation around the vehicle includes, for example, the position of other vehicles, the situation of obstacles, road markings such as the center line and stop line, etc., but the blind spots such as the rear of the vehicle and under the front bumper and corners are It is difficult for ordinary drivers to recognize. Accordingly, the periphery monitoring device captures the surrounding situation in the blind spot with an imaging device such as a camera installed in the vehicle, and displays it on the display device when the vehicle is turned to the right, left, back, etc. Is to assist.
Such a peripheral monitoring device is intended to reduce the burden on the driver when driving the vehicle, and in view of the large amount of information that the driver needs to acquire during driving, it is excellent in visibility and without a sense of incongruity. It is desirable to display an image capable of acquiring an image that allows the driver to acquire necessary information at a glance. Of course, it is desirable that the field of view of the image is wide. Here, in general, the human still body visual field is about 200 degrees with one eye gazing at one point. Of these, it is said that it can be confirmed up to about 70 degrees including colors such as red, blue and yellow. Further, the moving object visual field when the object is viewed while moving is narrowed according to the moving object speed, and the vehicle speed is about 40 km / h, which is about 100 degrees, which is half of the static object visual field. To compensate for this, the driver usually tries to keep a wide viewing angle without gazing at a single point, but the peripheral monitoring device as described above is suitable for such physiological limits and efforts of human beings. It is hoped that it will complement

However, the viewing angle of an image photographed by a camera is generally as narrow as about 50 to 65 degrees, and a sufficient viewing angle cannot be obtained simply by installing the camera in a vehicle. Various methods have been proposed to compensate for this. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-272418 discloses that the imaging angle of the camera device can be switched by controlling the camera drive mechanism unit based on the operation of the camera direction selector switch provided on the control panel of the driver's seat, There is described a vehicle periphery confirmation device capable of confirming both the front of the vehicle body and the front wheel periphery by a limited viewing angle of the camera device.
JP 2000-272418 A (page 3 to page 4, FIGS. 1 to 4)

However, in the vehicle periphery confirmation device described in Patent Literature 1 described above, a camera drive mechanism unit that drives the camera device must be installed in the vehicle together with the camera device, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the vehicle. . Further, a structure for supporting the camera device so as to be rotatable with respect to the vehicle is required, and it is difficult to maintain the strength of the support structure portion as compared with other portions. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a trouble occurs in the drive mechanism of the camera device due to an external impact.
Furthermore, in the vehicle periphery confirmation device described in Patent Document 1, since the angle of the camera device is gradually changed by mechanical drive means using a drive motor, a certain time is required for switching the displayed image. However, it is inappropriate to use it for driving a vehicle that requires a driver's instantaneous judgment under various circumstances.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and by quickly and accurately monitoring a visual field over a wide range from a vehicle by switching the line-of-sight direction of the image pickup means using a dimming mirror. It is an object of the present invention to provide a periphery monitoring device that makes it possible.

  In order to achieve the above object, a periphery monitoring device according to claim 1 of the present application includes an image capturing unit that is disposed in a vehicle and captures the periphery of the vehicle, and an image display unit that displays an image captured by the image capturing unit. In the periphery monitoring device for monitoring the periphery of the vehicle by the image display means, the transmittance can be changed by placing a predetermined voltage or introducing a predetermined gas, which is arranged in the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means. It has a light control mirror, and a switching means for changing the line-of-sight direction of the image pickup means to a plurality of directions by changing the transmittance of the light control mirror at a predetermined timing.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a periphery monitoring device according to the first aspect, further comprising a state detection unit that detects the state of the vehicle, and the switching unit is configured to detect the detection result of the state detection unit. Based on this, the transmittance of the light control mirror is changed.
Here, the “vehicle state” means, for example, the traveling speed of the vehicle, the turning angle, the position of the vehicle on the map (such as a parking lot or an intersection), and obstacles (people or bicycles) located around the vehicle. Including distance.

  The periphery monitoring device according to claim 3 is the periphery monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein the state detection means includes direction detection means for detecting a traveling direction of the vehicle, and the switching means is the direction. When the detection unit detects that the vehicle makes a right turn or a left turn, the transmittance of the light control mirror is changed so that the line-of-sight direction of the imaging unit is switched from the rear to the side of the vehicle.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a periphery monitoring device according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a switching operation unit operable by a driver, wherein the switching unit includes the switching unit. The transmittance of the light control mirror is changed based on the operation of the operation unit.

  Further, the periphery monitoring device according to claim 5 is the periphery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dimming mirror is configured such that the angle of the reflecting surface with respect to the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means is not vertical. It is characterized by being.

  Further, the periphery monitoring device according to claim 6 is the periphery monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dimming mirror is an inclination angle of a reflection surface with respect to a line-of-sight direction of the imaging unit. And the switching means switches the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means to a plurality of directions by changing the transmittance of each of the plurality of dimming mirrors.

The periphery monitoring device according to claim 1, having the above-described configuration, includes a dimming mirror that is arranged in the line-of-sight direction of the imaging unit and that can change the transmittance by loading a predetermined voltage or introducing a predetermined gas. Since the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means is switched to a plurality of directions by changing the transmittance of the light control mirror at a predetermined timing, it becomes possible to quickly and accurately monitor the visual field over a wide range from the vehicle. Prevent contact accidents (people, bicycles, etc.).
Further, when switching the image picked up by the image pickup means, a drive mechanism for driving the image pickup means is not required, so that durability is improved.

  Further, in the periphery monitoring device according to the second aspect, since the state of the vehicle is detected and the transmittance of the light control mirror is changed based on the detection result, an image with an accurate line-of-sight direction can be obtained according to the current state of the vehicle. Imaging can be performed. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately monitor the visual field over a wide range from the vehicle, and to prevent an accident of contact with an obstacle (such as a person or a bicycle).

  Further, in the periphery monitoring device according to claim 3, when the vehicle is detected to make a right turn or a left turn, the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means is switched from the rear to the side of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to capture an image in a precise line-of-sight direction. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately monitor the visual field over a wide range from the vehicle, and prevent an accident involving the obstacle (such as a person or a bicycle) or a contact accident.

  Further, in the periphery monitoring device according to the fourth aspect, the driver has a switching operation unit that can be operated by the driver, and changes the transmittance of the light control mirror based on the operation of the switching operation unit. Since it is possible to switch the screen that captures the surroundings, it is possible to switch an appropriate image under a more complicated situation, and convenience is improved.

  In the periphery monitoring device according to claim 5, since the angle of the dimming mirror with respect to the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means of the reflecting surface is other than vertical, it is possible to quickly and accurately monitor the visual field over a wide range from the vehicle And prevent accidents of contact with obstacles (people, bicycles, etc.).

  Furthermore, the periphery monitoring device according to claim 6 has a plurality of light control mirrors having different reflection surface inclination angles with respect to the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means, and changes the transmittance of the plurality of light control mirrors, respectively. Thus, the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means is switched to a plurality of directions, so that it is possible to quickly and accurately monitor the field of view from a vehicle, and to prevent an accident with contact with an obstacle (such as a person or a bicycle).

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a periphery monitoring device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on first and second embodiments that are embodied.

(First embodiment)
First, a schematic configuration of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a camera (imaging unit) 3, an image processing unit 4, a liquid crystal display (image display unit) 5 installed on a vehicle 2. The light control mirror 6, the light control mirror control section (switching means) 7, the vehicle ECU (state detection means, direction detection means) 8, and the like.

  The camera 3 uses a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD, for example, and is fixed substantially horizontally in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the left side surface portion of the vehicle 2. And in the periphery monitoring apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, it is possible to switch and image the image of 2 directions of the back and side of a vehicle via the light control mirror 6 mentioned later, and the captured image Data is transmitted to the image processing unit 4.

  The image processing unit 4 receives image data picked up by the camera 3 and performs predetermined image processing on the received image data to generate appropriate image data that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Device.

The liquid crystal display 5 is provided on the center console or the panel surface in the room of the vehicle 2 and displays a captured image of the camera 3. The liquid crystal display 5 may also be used for a navigation device.
Therefore, the image picked up by the camera 3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 installed in the vehicle as a result of image processing in the image processing unit 4. Then, the driver can check the information around the vehicle by looking at the monitor image.

  The light control mirror 6 is a thin plate member that can change the optical reflectance, and the transmittance can be changed by controlling the atmosphere of hydrogen / oxygen, electrochemical action, or the like. Then, the state can be freely changed between a mirror state that reduces the transmittance and reflects the incident light like a mirror, and a transparent state that increases the transmittance and transmits the incident light like transparent glass. It is possible to change. The light control mirror 6 is fixed in a mirror case 10 provided on the side of the vehicle 2 at a position where the reflection surface 6A forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the viewing direction of the camera 3 (see FIG. 2 (A) and FIG. 2 (B)).

Hereinafter, the light control mirror 6 will be described in more detail. There are two types of light control mirrors, one is a gas chromic method using a gas containing hydrogen and oxygen, and the other is using an electrolyte. This is an electrochromic system that performs electrical switching.
In the gas chromic method, first, a pair of glass and a spacer are laminated together so that the surface on which the magnesium-nickel alloy thin film is deposited is on the inside. When hydrogen diluted to about 1% with argon is introduced therein, hydrogenation occurs and the state changes to a transparent state. When a gas containing oxygen is introduced, dehydrogenation occurs and returns to the mirror state.
On the other hand, in the electrochromic method, for example, NaOH or the like is enclosed between two glasses as an electrolytic solution, and the transmittance is changed by applying a voltage to the conductive film deposited on the surface of each glass. And in the state which loaded the voltage, it changes to a transparent state by an electrochemical reaction. Moreover, it returns to a mirror state in the state which does not load a voltage. The light control mirror 6 according to the first embodiment uses an electrochromic method in particular. Here, since the electrochromic method can be electrically switched, there is an advantage that the controllability is improved as compared with the gas chromic method. Since the specific internal structure of the light control mirror 6 is already known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  On the other hand, the dimming mirror control unit 7 is a control unit that controls the transmittance of the dimming mirror 6 based on the state of the vehicle 2 and the operation signal of the changeover switch (switching operation unit) 11. For example, in the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle 2 has started a left turn based on a detection result of a vehicle ECU 8 described later, a voltage is applied to the dimming mirror 6 and transmitted. When it is determined that the left turn is completed, the voltage to the dimming mirror 6 is canceled and the transmittance is lowered to the original mirror state. Further, the voltage is loaded or released based on the switching operation of the changeover switch 11.

A vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 8 is an electronic control unit of the vehicle 2 that controls the operation of the engine, transmission, brake, and the like, and is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 12 and a steering angle sensor 13. . Here, the vehicle speed sensor 12 includes an active wheel speed sensor attached to the wheel of the vehicle 2, detects the rotational speed of the wheel, and outputs a speed signal to the vehicle ECU 8. The steering angle sensor 13 is attached to the inside of the steering device, detects a steering angle when the steering wheel is steered, and outputs a steering angle signal to the vehicle ECU 8. Here, the steering angle sensor 13 is configured to detect the rotation amount of the steering column shaft by an optical sensor or the like.
As a result, the vehicle ECU 8 detects the current vehicle speed of the vehicle 2 based on the output signal of the vehicle speed sensor 12 and detects the steering angle of the vehicle 2 based on the output signal of the steering angle sensor 13.

  Next, the line-of-sight direction switching structure of the camera 3 using the dimming mirror 6 of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. 2A and 2B are image diagrams of line-of-sight conversion of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dimming mirror 6 has a reflective surface 6 </ b> A with respect to the mirror case 10 at a position where the reflecting surface 6 </ b> A forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the direction A <b> 1 that is the viewing direction of the camera 3. Is fixed. Further, the mirror case 10 is provided with photographing windows 15 and 16 on the wall surfaces located on the side and the rear of the vehicle 2, respectively.

  FIG. 2A shows the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 when a voltage is applied to the dimming mirror 6 by the dimming mirror control unit 7 to increase the transmittance of the dimming mirror 6 to make it transparent. Show. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the light control mirror 6 is in a transparent state, the viewing direction of the camera 3 passes through the light control mirror 6 and becomes the A1 direction. Therefore, the camera 3 takes an image of the side of the vehicle 2.

On the other hand, FIG. 2B shows the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 when the dimming mirror control unit 7 does not apply a voltage to the dimming mirror 6 and lowers the transmittance of the dimming mirror 6 to be in a mirror state. Indicates. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the dimming mirror 6 is in the mirror state, the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 is changed by the dimming mirror 6 and becomes the A2 direction perpendicular to the A1 direction. . Therefore, the camera 3 takes an image of the rear of the vehicle 2.
In the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment, the dimming mirror 6 is fixed at a position where the reflecting surface 6A forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the A1 direction that is the viewing direction of the camera 3. The angle need not be 45 degrees, and may be any angle (for example, 30 degrees) as long as the angle is not vertical.

Next, the structure which concerns on the control system of the periphery monitoring apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 3, the control system of the periphery monitoring device 1 is configured based on each control unit of the image processing unit 4, the light control mirror control unit 7, and the vehicle ECU 8, and predetermined peripheral devices are provided for each control unit. Is connected.

  Here, the light control mirror control unit 7 will be described in particular. The light control mirror control unit 7 is configured with a CPU as a core, and further, a ROM and a RAM as storage means are connected to the CPU. The ROM stores a dimming mirror automatic switching processing program, a dimming mirror manual switching processing program, and other various programs necessary for controlling the dimming mirror 6, a data table, and the like. The RAM is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by the CPU.

Further, the dimming mirror 6 and the changeover switch 11 are connected to the dimming mirror control unit 7, and the image processing unit 4 has transmitted a detection signal for detecting that the vehicle 2 has started a left turn from the vehicle ECU 8. At this time, a voltage is applied to the dimming mirror 6 so that the dimming mirror 6 is in a transparent state (see FIG. 2A). On the other hand, when a detection signal for detecting that the vehicle 2 has finished the left turn is transmitted from the vehicle ECU 8, the voltage is released with respect to the dimming mirror 6, and the dimming mirror 6 is in a mirror state (FIG. 2B )).
The changeover switch 11 is a switch that can select either “side” or “rear”, and “side” is selected based on an operation signal from the changeover switch 11. Is determined, the dimming mirror control unit 7 applies a voltage to the dimming mirror 6, and makes the dimming mirror 6 in a transparent state (see FIG. 2A). On the other hand, when it is determined that “rear” is selected, the dimming mirror control unit 7 releases the voltage to the dimming mirror 6 to enter the mirror state (see FIG. 2B).

  Further, the camera 3 and the liquid crystal display 5 are connected to the image processing unit 4, and the image processing unit 4 converts image data captured by the camera 3 into image data that can be appropriately displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Then, the liquid crystal display 5 displays an image captured by the camera 3 based on the converted image data.

  A vehicle speed sensor 12 and a steering angle sensor 13 are connected to the vehicle ECU 8, and the current vehicle speed and steering angle of the vehicle 2 are determined based on the speed signal and the steering angle signal transmitted from each sensor 12, 13. To detect. Here, in particular, when it is detected that the vehicle 2 has started making a left turn and has finished making a left turn, a corresponding detection signal is transmitted to the dimming mirror control unit 7.

  Next, a dimming mirror automatic switching processing program executed by the dimming mirror control unit 7 of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the dimming mirror automatic switching processing program in the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is stored in a ROM, a RAM, or the like provided in the dimming mirror control unit 7.

  Here, the dimming mirror automatic switching processing program changes the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 6 based on the detection result of the vehicle ECU 8, and displays an image around the vehicle 2 displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 behind the vehicle 2. A process of automatically switching between the displayed image and the image displaying the side of the vehicle 2 is performed.

  In the dimming mirror automatic switching process, first, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the dimming mirror control unit 7 determines whether or not the vehicle 2 has started a left turn based on a detection signal from the vehicle ECU 8. To do.

  If it is determined that the vehicle 2 has not started a left turn (S1: NO), the vehicle 2 is on standby until it is determined that a left turn has been started, while a left turn is determined to have been started (S1: YES), the process proceeds to S2.

  In S2, the dimming mirror controller 7 applies a voltage to the dimming mirror 6, and changes the dimming mirror 6 from the mirror state (see FIG. 2B) to the transparent state (see FIG. 2A). To do. Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an imaging state of the camera 3 before the vehicle 2 starts a left turn at the intersection. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an imaging state of the camera 3 while the vehicle 2 is making a left turn at an intersection.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, before the vehicle 2 makes a left turn at an intersection, the dimming mirror controller 7 does not apply a voltage to the dimming mirror 6, and the dimming mirror 6 is in a mirror state. (See FIG. 2B). Therefore, the rear side of the vehicle 2 can be imaged by the camera 3, and the traveling bicycle 41 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. As a result, the driver can easily determine that the bicycle 41 is located behind the vehicle 2 before the vehicle 2 turns left, and can prevent an accident involving a left turn.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle 2 is making a left turn at an intersection, the dimming mirror controller 7 applies a voltage to the dimming mirror 6, and the dimming mirror 6 is in a transparent state (FIG. 2). (See (A)). Accordingly, it is possible to take an image of the left side of the vehicle 2 with the camera 3, and the liquid crystal display 5 enters the pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian 42 who walks to the front side of the pedestrian crossing provided on the left side of the intersection. The bicycle 41 is displayed. Accordingly, the driver can easily determine that the pedestrian 42 is located on the pedestrian crossing in the traveling direction and the bicycle 41 will soon pass the pedestrian crossing when the vehicle 2 turns left. Contact accidents can be prevented.

  Subsequently, in S3, the dimming mirror control unit 7 determines whether or not the vehicle 2 has completed a left turn based on a detection signal from the vehicle ECU 8.

  When it is determined that the vehicle 2 has not completed the left turn (S3: NO), the vehicle 2 is on standby until it is determined that the left turn has been completed, whereas when it is determined that the left turn has been completed (S3: YES), the process proceeds to S4.

  In S4, the dimming mirror control unit 7 releases the voltage to the dimming mirror 6, and the dimming mirror 6 is changed from the transparent state (see FIG. 2A) to the mirror state (see FIG. 2B). Return. Thereafter, the process returns to the determination process of S1, and the above processes are repeated and performed. Here, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an imaging state of the camera 3 after the vehicle 2 completes a left turn at the intersection.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, at the stage after the vehicle 2 completes a left turn at an intersection, the dimming mirror control unit 7 releases the voltage to the dimming mirror 6, and the dimming mirror 6 is in a mirror state (see FIG. 7). 2 (B)). Therefore, it is possible to capture the rear of the vehicle 2 with the camera 3, and the pedestrian 42 after crossing the pedestrian crossing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5.
Then, when the vehicle 2 makes a left turn at an intersection or the like next time, an obstacle (a person, a bicycle, or the like) located behind the vehicle 2 can be easily determined.

  Next, a dimming mirror manual switching process program executed by the dimming mirror control unit 7 of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the dimming mirror manual switching processing program in the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is stored in a ROM, a RAM, or the like provided in the light control mirror control unit 7.

  The dimming mirror manual switching processing program is executed at regular time intervals, for example, every 4 ms, during the processing of the dimming mirror automatic switching processing program. Then, when the changeover switch is operated, the voltage applied to the dimming mirror 6 is changed based on the changeover switch, and the image around the vehicle 2 displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is displayed on the rear side of the vehicle 2, and the vehicle The switching operation is performed to switch between the image displayed on the side of 2.

  In the dimming mirror manual switching process, first, in S11, the dimming mirror control unit 7 determines whether or not the changeover switch 11 has been input to the “side” based on the operation signal from the changeover switch 11. And when it determines with having input into "side" (S11: YES), it transfers to S12.

  In S12, it is determined whether or not the voltage is applied to the dimming mirror 6, and the voltage is applied, that is, the dimming mirror 6 is in a transparent state (see FIG. 2A). If it is determined that the image of the side of the vehicle 2 has already been displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S12: YES), the dimming mirror manual switching process is terminated in that state.

  On the other hand, when the voltage is not loaded, that is, the dimming mirror 6 is in the mirror state (see FIG. 2B), and the image behind the vehicle 2 is currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. When the determination is made (S12: NO), the dimming mirror controller 7 applies a voltage to the dimming mirror 6, and makes the dimming mirror 6 in a transparent state (see FIG. 2A) (S13). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the input has not been made to “side” (S11: NO), it is subsequently determined in S14 whether the changeover switch 11 has been input “rear”. And when it determines with having input into "rear" (S14: YES), it transfers to S15.

  In S15, it is determined whether or not the voltage is applied to the dimming mirror 6, and the voltage is not loaded, that is, the dimming mirror 6 is in a mirror state (see FIG. 2B). If it is determined that the image behind the vehicle 2 has already been displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S15: NO), the dimming mirror manual switching process is terminated in that state.

  On the other hand, the voltage is applied, that is, the dimming mirror 6 is in a transparent state (see FIG. 2A), and the image of the side of the vehicle 2 is currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Is determined (S15: YES), the dimming mirror control unit 7 releases the voltage to the dimming mirror 6 and puts the dimming mirror 6 into a mirror state (see FIG. 2B) (see FIG. 2B). S16). Thereafter, the dimming mirror manual switching process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the input has not been made to “rear” (S14: NO), the dimming mirror manual switching process is ended.
Accordingly, it is possible to switch between a screen that captures the rear of the vehicle 2 and a screen that captures the side by manual operation of the driver. Improves.

As described above in detail, in the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment, the current state of the vehicle 2 is detected, and the state of the dimming mirror 6 positioned in the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 is detected based on the detection result. Since the state is changed between the transparent state (see FIG. 2A) and the mirror state (see FIG. 2B) by the electrochemical action, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed from the rear image of the vehicle 2 to the side image. It is possible to quickly switch between images. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately monitor the field of view from the vehicle 2 and to prevent an accident of contact with an obstacle (such as a person or a bicycle).
Further, since a drive mechanism for driving the camera 3 is not required when switching images, durability is improved.
When the vehicle 2 makes a left turn at an intersection or the like, the dimming mirror control unit 7 automatically displays an image behind the vehicle 2 and then displays an image on the left side of the vehicle 2 after starting the left turn. Therefore, the driver can easily determine that an obstacle is located behind the vehicle 2 before the vehicle 2 turns left, and can prevent an accident involving a left turn. Further, when the vehicle 2 turns left, the driver can easily determine that an obstacle is located on a pedestrian crossing or the like in the traveling direction, and a contact accident at the time of left turn can be prevented.
Furthermore, the operation of the changeover switch 11 can arbitrarily switch between a screen imaged from the rear of the vehicle 2 and a screen imaged from the side at the will of the driver, so that an appropriate image can be obtained in a more complicated situation. Can be switched, and convenience is improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the configuration of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 8 denote the same or corresponding parts as the configuration of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment. It is shown.

The schematic configuration of the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are also substantially the same as those in the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured such that the dimming mirror 6 in which the reflection surface 6A is positioned at a predetermined angle (45 degrees in the first embodiment) with respect to the viewing direction of the camera 3 with respect to the viewing direction. However, in the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment, the four reflection planes in which the respective reflecting surfaces are positioned in the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 are inclined at different angles from the line-of-sight direction. It differs from the periphery monitoring apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that a light control mirror is arranged.

First, the structure which concerns on the control system of the periphery monitoring apparatus 50 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 9, the control system of the periphery monitoring device 50 is configured with each control means of the image processing unit 4, the dimming mirror control unit 7, and the vehicle ECU 8 as the core, similarly to the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment. A predetermined number of peripheral devices are connected to each control means.

  The dimming mirror controller 7 includes four dimming mirrors (first dimming mirror 51, second dimming mirror 52, third dimming mirror 53, fourth dimming mirror 54) and a changeover switch 55. It is connected. Here, the changeover switch 55 is a switch that can select any one of “front”, “rear”, “side”, “oblique front”, and “oblique rear”. As will be described later, the dimming mirror control unit 7 applies a voltage to only a predetermined dimming mirror among the dimming mirrors 51 to 54 based on an operation signal from the changeover switch 55, and Each of the optical mirrors 51 to 54 is in a transparent state (see FIG. 2A) or a mirror state (see FIG. 2B).

  Next, a schematic configuration of the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment and a structure for switching the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 using four dimming mirrors (first dimming mirror 51 to fourth dimming mirror 54). Will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of line-of-sight conversion of the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment, the first dimming mirror 51 is at a position where the reflecting surface 51 </ b> A forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the B <b> 1 direction that is the viewing direction of the camera 3. It is fixed to the mirror case 10. The second dimming mirror 52 is fixed to the mirror case 10 at a position where the reflecting surface 52A forms an angle of −45 degrees with respect to the B1 direction that is the viewing direction of the camera 3. The third dimming mirror 53 is fixed to the mirror case 10 at a position where the reflecting surface 53A forms an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the B1 direction that is the viewing direction of the camera 3. Further, the fourth dimming mirror 54 is fixed to the mirror case 10 at a position where the reflecting surface 54 </ b> A forms an angle of −30 degrees with respect to the direction B <b> 1 that is the viewing direction of the camera 3.
The configuration is the same as that of the periphery monitoring device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that four dimming mirrors are provided.

  When the dimming mirror control unit 7 detects that the changeover switch 55 is input to the “side”, all the dimming mirrors of the first dimming mirror 51 to the fourth dimming mirror 54 are detected. On the other hand, a voltage is applied, and the transmittance is increased to make it transparent. Thereby, the viewing direction of the camera 3 passes through the first dimming mirror 51 to the fourth dimming mirror 54 and becomes the B1 direction. Therefore, the camera 3 takes an image of the side of the vehicle 2.

  Further, when the dimming mirror control unit 7 detects that the changeover switch 55 is input “inclined forward”, a voltage is applied to the first dimming mirror 51 to the third dimming mirror 53. Then, the voltage to the fourth dimming mirror 54 is released. As a result, the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 passes through the first dimming mirror 51 to the third dimming mirror 53, and is changed from the B1 direction to the B2 direction 60 degrees forward by the fourth dimming mirror 54. Therefore, the camera 3 captures an image of the vehicle 2 obliquely in front.

  When the dimming mirror control unit 7 detects that the changeover switch 55 is input “behind obliquely”, a voltage is applied to the first dimming mirror 51 to the second dimming mirror 52. The voltage to the third dimming mirror 53 to the fourth dimming mirror 54 is released. As a result, the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3 passes through the first dimming mirror 51 to the second dimming mirror 52 and is changed by the third dimming mirror 53 from the B1 direction to the B3 direction 60 degrees forward. Therefore, the camera 3 takes an image of the rear side of the vehicle 2.

  Further, when the dimming mirror control unit 7 detects that the changeover switch 55 is input “forward”, a voltage is applied to the first dimming mirror 51 and the second dimming mirrors 52 to 52 are applied. The voltage for the fourth dimming mirror 54 is released. As a result, the viewing direction of the camera 3 passes through the first dimming mirror 51 and is changed to the B4 direction by the second dimming mirror 52. Therefore, the camera 3 images the front of the vehicle 2.

  Further, when the dimming mirror control unit 7 detects that the changeover switch 55 is input “rear”, the voltage to the first dimming mirror 51 to the fourth dimming mirror 54 is released. Thereby, the viewing direction of the camera 3 is changed to the B5 direction by the first dimming mirror 51. Therefore, the camera 3 takes an image of the rear of the vehicle 2.

As described above in detail, in the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of dimming mirrors 51 to 54 are arranged in the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3, and the state of the dimming mirrors 51 to 54 is changed to an electrochemical action. By switching to the transparent state (see FIG. 2A) or the mirror state (see FIG. 2B), the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is quickly switched between the images in the five directions of the vehicle 2. It becomes possible. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately monitor the field of view from the vehicle 2 and to prevent an accident of contact with an obstacle (such as a person or a bicycle).
Further, since a drive mechanism for driving the camera 3 is not required when switching images, durability is improved.
Further, by operating the change-over switch 55, it is possible to switch a screen in which a plurality of directions of the vehicle 2 are imaged at the driver's will, so that an appropriate image can be switched under a more complicated situation, and convenience is improved. improves.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, a navigation device having a vehicle position detection function is added as a component to the periphery monitoring devices 1 and 50, and the dimming mirror control unit 7 is located at the current vehicle position information (for example, at an intersection) on the map. The light control mirror may be controlled based on the fact that the camera is positioned in a parking lot, and the line-of-sight direction of the camera may be switched.

Moreover, in the periphery monitoring apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the camera 3 and the light control mirror 6 are provided in the left side surface of the vehicle 2, and when the vehicle 2 turns left (S1: YES), the light control mirror 6 is a mirror state ( 2 (see FIG. 2 (B)) is changed to the transparent state (see FIG. 2 (A)) (S2), and when the vehicle 2 completes the left turn (S3: YES), the mirror state is changed to the transparent state again (S4). ), The left side of the vehicle 2 is imaged from the left rear side, but a camera and a dimming mirror may be provided on the right side of the vehicle 2 to perform the same processing. Specifically, when the vehicle 2 turns right, the dimming mirror provided on the right side is changed from the mirror state to the transparent state, and when the vehicle 2 completes the right turn, the right side is changed from the transparent state to the mirror state again. It becomes possible to image the right side from the right rear side of the vehicle 2 by the camera provided on the surface. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent a contact accident at the time of a right turn.
Further, when the camera and the light control mirror are provided on both the left side surface and the right side surface, the image captured by the camera provided on the left side surface is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 when turning left, and when turning right In this case, it is preferable that an image captured by a camera provided on the right side is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Furthermore, the screen of the liquid crystal display 5 may be divided into left and right, and images captured by the left side camera and the right side camera may be displayed simultaneously.

  In the periphery monitoring device 50 according to the second embodiment, the dimming mirror control unit 7 changes the transmittance of the dimming mirrors 51 to 54 based on the operation of the changeover switch 55 and switches the line-of-sight direction of the camera 3. However, the dimming mirror control unit 7 may change the transmittance of the dimming mirrors 51 to 54 based on the detection result of the vehicle speed and the steering angle of the vehicle ECU 8.

It is a schematic block diagram of the periphery monitoring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) is a diagram showing the line-of-sight direction of the camera when the dimming mirror is in a transparent state, and (B) is a diagram showing the line-of-sight direction of the camera when the dimming mirror is in a mirror state. It is a block diagram which shows typically the control system of the periphery monitoring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the light control mirror automatic switching process program in the periphery monitoring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic diagram which showed the imaging state of the camera before a vehicle starts the left turn in an intersection. It is the schematic diagram which showed the imaging state of the camera in the middle of the vehicle making the left turn in the intersection. It is the schematic diagram which showed the imaging state of the camera after the vehicle completed the left turn in the intersection. It is a flowchart of the light control mirror manual switching process program in the periphery monitoring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the control system of the periphery monitoring apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an image figure of the line-of-sight conversion of the periphery monitoring apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 50 Perimeter monitoring apparatus 2 Vehicle 3 Camera 5 Liquid crystal display 6 Light control mirror 7 Light control mirror control part 8 Vehicle ECU
11, 55 selector switch 51 1st light control mirror 52 2nd light control mirror 53 3rd light control mirror 54 4th light control mirror

Claims (6)

An imaging means disposed in the vehicle for imaging the periphery of the vehicle;
Image display means for displaying an image picked up by the image pickup means,
In the periphery monitoring device that monitors the periphery of the vehicle by the image display means,
A dimming mirror that is arranged in the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means and is capable of changing the transmittance by loading a predetermined voltage or introducing a predetermined gas;
A periphery monitoring device comprising: a switching unit that switches a line-of-sight direction of the imaging unit to a plurality of directions by changing a transmittance of the light control mirror at a predetermined timing. Having state detecting means for detecting the state of the vehicle;
The periphery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit changes the transmittance of the dimming mirror based on a detection result of the state detection unit. The state detecting means includes direction detecting means for detecting a traveling direction of the vehicle,
The switching means changes the transmittance of the light control mirror so as to switch the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means from the rear to the side of the vehicle when the direction detection means detects that the vehicle turns right or left. The perimeter monitoring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: It has a switching operation part that can be operated by the driver,
The periphery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit changes the transmittance of the dimming mirror based on an operation of the switching operation unit.   5. The periphery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the dimming mirror has an angle of a reflection surface with respect to a line-of-sight direction of the imaging unit other than vertical. The dimming mirror is composed of a plurality of dimming mirrors having different reflection angles with respect to the line-of-sight direction of the imaging means,
6. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the line-of-sight direction of the imaging unit to a plurality of directions by changing transmittances of the plurality of dimming mirrors, respectively. Perimeter monitoring device.

Images