# US 2019/0320159 A1 · Stereo camera > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0320159 A1 - Document ID: US20190320159A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/470,639 - Filed: 2017-12-21 - Published: 2019-10-17 - Earliest claimed: 2017-01-06 - Assignees: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. - Applicants: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. - Inventors: Mieko ISHII; Atsushi KAZAMA; Seiichi KATOU; Kengo SUZUKI; Hidenori SHINOHARA; Hiroaki NAGAI; Kenichi TAKEUCHI - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190320159A1 ## CPC - H04N 13/239: using two two-dimensional [2D] image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance (H04N13/243 takes precedence) - G03B 15/00: Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor - G03B 17/02: Bodies - G03B 17/55: with provision for heating or cooling, e.g. in aircraft - H04N 23/45: for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images - H04N 23/51: Housings - H04N 23/52: Elements optimising image sensor operation, e.g. for electromagnetic interference [EMI] protection or temperature control by heat transfer or cooling elements - H05K 7/2039: {characterised by the heat transfer by conduction from the heat generating element to a dissipating body (arrangements for increasing/decreasing heat-transfer, e.g. fins details, F28F13/00)} - H10W 40/43: by flowing gases, e.g. forced air cooling - H10W 40/60: Securing means for detachable heating or cooling arrangements, e.g. clamps - H04N 2213/001: Constructional or mechanical details - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D) - H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS - H10W: GENERIC PACKAGES, INTERCONNECTIONS, CONNECTORS OR OTHER CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF DEVICES COVERED BY CLASS H10 ## Abstract The present invention provides a highly reliable stereo camera in which it is possible to prevent the heat generated by an image processing element from contributing to an increase in the temperature of an image sensor, even if the stereo camera is made more compact and the heat density is thus increased inside the stereo camera. The present invention includes: a pair of image sensors 106 that have respective imaging elements disposed at the same height with a space therebetween; image processing elements 109 that are disposed between the image sensors and process image signals captured by the image sensors 106; a casing 105 that has the image processing elements and the image sensors incorporated therein, and in the area between the image sensors, has an inclined surface that is inclined from the image sensors 106 downward toward the imaging direction of the image sensors 106; an airflow path 301 that is defined so as to extend along the inclined surface of the casing 105 toward the imaging direction; and heat dissipating parts 120 that are thermally connected to the respective image processing elements 109 and disposed on the inclined surface so as to face the airflow path. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A stereo camera comprising: a pair of image sensors that have respective imaging elements disposed at a same height with a space therebetween; image processing elements that are disposed between the image sensors and process image signals captured by the image sensors; a casing that has the image processing elements and the image sensors incorporated therein, and in an area between the image sensors, has an inclined surface that is inclined from the image sensors downward toward an imaging direction of the image sensors; an airflow path that is defined so as to extend along the inclined surface of the casing toward the imaging direction; and heat dissipating parts that are thermally connected to the respective image processing elements and disposed on the inclined surface so as to face the airflow path. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The stereo camera according to claim 1, wherein the image processing element is disposed on an inner side relative to the image sensors in a direction between the image sensors. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The stereo camera according to claim 1, wherein a heat transfer member is provided at a contact portion between the image processing element and the heat dissipating part. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The stereo camera according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipating part has a fin structure that is provided along the airflow path. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The stereo camera according to claim 1, wherein airflow that passes the heat dissipating part is separated from airflow that passes over the image sensor. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The stereo camera according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface on which the heat dissipating part is arranged includes a recessed portion that brings the casing closer to the image processing element. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The stereo camera according to claim 6, wherein the inclined surface is extended to a casing part on a back surface of the image sensor, and the heat dissipating part of the recessed portion is formed across the entire inclined surface. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The stereo camera according to claim 6, wherein the heat dissipating part of the recessed portion is formed to have a width that widens from below to above the inclined surface. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The stereo camera according to claim 1, wherein a heat insulating member that separates a central part of the casing from a surrounding part of right and left image sensors is arranged on the casing. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The stereo camera according to claim 1, wherein the casing is covered with a cover member having an aperture and is disposed in a vicinity of a windshield of a vehicle. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The stereo camera according to claim 10, wherein an airflow path is formed between the inclined surface of the casing and the cover member. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The stereo camera according to claim 10, wherein a light shielding member is formed on a surface of the cover member facing the windshield. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The stereo camera according to claim 10, wherein an airflow path is formed between the stereo camera and the light shielding member and between the light shielding member and the windshield. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The stereo camera according to claim 10, wherein a position adjustment mechanism is arranged on the cover member.