Imaging apparatus for taking images of objects in a plurality of directions and vehicle incorporating the same

Abstract

The invention relates to an imaging apparatus that is capable of taking images of objects in at least three directions on a single imaging device, has a wide imaging angle of view and can easily be made compact, and a vehicle incorporating it. The imaging apparatus comprises a single imaging device 30 and at least three imaging optical systems 101, 102 and 103 that are located in juxtaposition to form on an imaging plane of the imaging device 30 at least three images in varying imaging directions. Of the three imaging optical systems 101, 102 and 103, at least two 101 and 102 reflect axial chief rays from objects in the right-and-left direction intersecting the direction of juxtaposition, and each have a curved reflecting surface of concave shape.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.