Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus and drive assisting method

• US 9,789,818 B2
• Filed: 04/16/2013
• Issued: 10/17/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
• Original Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
• Inventors: Nakata, Takatoshi, Okada, Takahiro
• Primary Examiner(s): Owens, Tison B
• Application Number:
  US14/395,601
• Publication Number:
  US 20150070486A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,645 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/307 virtually distinguishing relevant parts of a scene from the background of the scene
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0962 having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/16 Anti-collision systems road vehicle drive control systems for predicting or avoiding probable or impending collision otherwise than by control of a particular sub-unit B60W30/08
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/165 for passive traffic, e.g. including static obstacles, trees
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/168 Driving aids for parking, e.g. acoustic or visual feedback on parking space
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0613 The adjustment depending on the type of the information to be displayed
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0666 for control of colour parameters, e.g. colour temperature
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2340/12 Overlay of images, i.e. displayed pixel being the result of switching between the corresponding input pixels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/10 Automotive applications
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/02 characterised by the way in which colour is displayed details of colour display specific for CRTs G09G1/28; specific for flat matrix panels other than liquid crystal displays G09G3/2003; specific for liquid crystal displays G09G3/3607

Abstract

An image processing apparatus includes an I/F, a synthesizer, and a color determinator. The I/F obtains a captured image, which is generated by imaging a subject in the vicinity of a vehicle. The synthesizer superimposes an indicator on the captured image. The color determinator, when color of the captured image is similar to a first color, changes color of the indicator from the first color.

Claims

1. An image processing apparatus comprising:

a receiver that receives a captured image generated by imaging a subject in a vicinity of a vehicle;

a synthesizer that superimposes an indicator on the captured image; and

a color determinator that changes color of the indicator from a first color when color of the captured image is similar to the first color, wherein the receiver is capable of receiving a lighting signal for lighting up a brake lamp of the vehicle that emits illumination light in the first color to the vicinity of the vehicle, said lighting signal being braking information indicating a braking state, and the color determinator, when receiving the lighting signal, changes the color of the indicator to a second color.

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a detector for detecting color of the subject based on the captured image generated while the brake lamp is lit up, wherein the color determinator, when the color of the subject that is detected is similar to the second color, changes the color of the indicator to a third color.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the color determinator, at least one of when the superimposition of the indicator is carried out at nighttime and when the vehicle is located indoors, changes the color of the indicator from the first color.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a detector that detects the color of the subject based on the captured image.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the color determinator changes the color of the indicator such that at least one of hue, brightness, and intensity of the color of the indicator differs from those of the color of the captured image.

6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

the color determinator changes the color of the indicator to complementary color of the color of the subject.

7. An imaging apparatus comprising:

an imager for generating a captured image by imaging a subject in a vicinity of a vehicle;

a synthesizer that superimposes an indicator on the captured image; and

a color determinator, when color of the captured image is similar to a first color, that changes color of the indicator from the first color; and

a receiver is capable of receiving a lighting signal for lighting up a brake lamp of the vehicle that emits illumination light in the first color to the vicinity of the vehicle, said lighting signal being braking information indicating a braking state, wherein the color determinator, when receiving the lighting signal, changes the color of the indicator to a second color.

8. A drive assisting method comprising:

generating a captured image by imaging a subject in a vicinity of a vehicle;

comparing color of the subject to a first color;

changing color of an indicator from the first color when the color of the subject is similar to the first color;

superimposing, on the captured image, the indicator in the first color or in color after the change at the changing step;

receiving a lighting signal for lighting up a brake lamp of the vehicle that emits illumination light in the first color to the vicinity of the vehicle, said lighting signal being braking information indicating a braking state, and the when receiving the lighting signal, changing the color of the indicator to a second color.