Patent ID: 7437066
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A stereo optical module comprising: a first light leading portion for generating a first object image seen from a first viewpoint with respect to an object; a second light leading portion for generating a second object image seen from a second viewpoint different from the first viewpoint with respect to the object; a first light deflecting mechanism which forms an image of all or a large part of the first object image obtained by a light beam which has entered from the first light leading portion on a first half surface portion which is located in a first direction orthogonal to a reference line connecting respective centers of the first light leading portion and the second light leading portion and an incidence direction of the light beam; a second light deflecting mechanism which forms an image of all or a large part of the second object image obtained by a light beam which has entered from the second light leading portion on a second half surface portion which is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction with the reference line therebetween; and an imaging element which captures the first object image generated by the first light leading portion and the second object image generated by the second light leading portion, wherein at least one of a peripheral circuit of the imaging element, a temperature sensor, a rain drop sensor, an illumination sensor, a GPS antenna, an ETC card system, and an electric signal output circuit which outputs an electric signal, is arranged in at least one of a first space region which is located substantially behind the first light leading portion and in a direction which is orthogonal to the reference line and the incidence direction of the light beam with respect to the first light deflecting mechanism and along which the second light deflecting mechanism deviates from the first light deflecting mechanism, and a second space region which is located substantially behind the second light leading portion and in a direction which is orthogonal to the reference line and the incidence direction of the light beam with respect to the second light deflecting mechanism and along which the first light deflecting mechanism deviates from the second deflecting mechanism.