Patent ID: 7656423

Claim:
An imaging device for a visual recognition support system that provides visual recognition support to a driver when driving a first vehicle at night, the imaging device comprising: an image pickup device which stores and photoelectric-converts incoming light from an object of which an image is to be captured and which is sensitive to a near-infrared light; and an output control device which controls an output level of a picture signal obtained by signal processing an image signal output from the image pickup device, wherein the output control device controls the output level of the picture signal output from the imaging device such that the peak value becomes 50 to 70 IRE when a predetermined test pattern is captured under a standard condition, so that an effect from the halation of headlights is reduced while sufficient visibility of pedestrians is ensured if there is a pedestrian and an oncoming, second vehicle with its headlight on in a captured image, and a final picture, based on the picture signal, having the peak value of 50 to 70 IRE, is displayed in the first vehicle.