Patent Application
20140247349
The subject invention relates to a lighting, camera and sensor unit. Specifically, the disclosure relates to an integrated lighting, camera and sensor unit for installation on a vehicle.
Sensor units may be used on vehicles to identify when objects are in close proximity to front or rear fascias of the vehicles. In some cases, an audible sound may alert an operator when an object is detected proximate the vehicle, such as during parking of the vehicle. In some cases, a plurality of sensors are positioned across the fascia to detect objects proximate all portions of the front or rear of the vehicle. Manufacturing, assembling and replacing these sensors can be time consuming and costly due to the wiring and positioning required for each of the sensor units.
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an integrated assembly for a vehicle includes a body, a light and a sensor configured to detect objects proximate the integrated assembly. The assembly also includes a camera, wherein the light, sensor and camera are housed by the body within the integrated assembly. The assembly includes a connector on the body to provide signal communication with the light, sensor and camera.
In another exemplary embodiment of the invention an integrated assembly for a vehicle fascia includes a light, a sensor configured to detect objects proximate the integrated assembly, a camera and a shell, wherein the light, sensor and camera are positioned within the shell. The assembly also includes a connector configured to provide signal communication with the light, sensor and camera.
In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a vehicle includes a fascia and an integrated assembly located in the fascia. The integrated assembly includes a body, a light, a sensor configured to detect objects proximate the integrated assembly and a camera, wherein the light, sensor and camera are housed by the body within the integrated assembly. A connector on the body provides signal communication with the light, sensor and camera.
The above features and advantage and other features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of embodiments, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which:
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. As used herein, the terms controller and module refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In embodiments, a controller or module may include one or more sub-controllers or sub-modules.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
In embodiments, the shell 216 is composed of a suitable material and thickness to allow the sensor 206 to detect objects that are proximate the integrated assembly 200. In embodiments, the sensor 206 may be any suitable proximity sensor including, but not limited to, the following sensor types: capacitive, capacitive displacement sensor, Doppler-effect (i.e., sensor based on the effect), eddy-current, inductive, laser rangefinder, magnetic (including magnetic proximity fuse), passive optical (e.g., charge-coupled devices), passive thermal infrared, photocell (reflective), radar, sonar (active or passive) and ultrasonic. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 206 is an ultrasonic sensor that emits and detects sonic waves, where the sonic waves are reflected when an object is proximate the sensor 206. In another embodiment, the sensor 206 is a laser rangefinder-type sensor that sends a laser pulse in a narrow beam towards an object and measures the time taken by the pulse to be reflected off the object and returned to the sensor 206. The sensor 206 may also use a Doppler effect to determine if the object is moving relative to the integrated assembly 200. The sensor 206 may be used for a variety of applications, such as for parking assistance or for adaptive cruise control, where the sensor 206 determines a location of a vehicle relative to the integrated assembly to maintain a selected distance between the vehicles. The camera 208 may be used for any suitable purpose, such as for parking assistance (e.g., back-up camera), to provide blind spot visibility for vehicles or to provide night vision images.
In an embodiment, a face 212 of the sensor 206 abuts the shell 216. In another embodiment, the face 212 is recessed from the shell 216 (not shown). Similarly, in one embodiment, a face 214 of the camera 208 abuts the shell 216. In another embodiment, the face 214 is recessed from the shell 216 (not shown). Regardless of the positioning of the sensor face 212 and the camera face 214, the body 204 provides a substantially protected environment within the integrated assembly 200 by substantially sealing against the shell 216 to enclose the sensor 206 and camera 208. An exemplary ultrasonic sensor 206 is a sealed sensor unit that is not affected by moisture around or on the face 212 of the sensor. In embodiments, a guide 218 may extend from or be a portion of the body 204 to direct and reflect light waves emitted by the light 202 as the waves travel to the shell 216. The guide 218 also provides a substantially protected environment for the light 202. By providing a protected environment for the light 202, sensor 206 and camera 208, the protected devices are insulated from exposure to dirt, debris, moisture and other factors that may adversely affect operation of the light 202, sensor 206 and camera 208. In an embodiment, the camera 208 is positioned between the light 202 and sensor 206. In other embodiments, the sensor 206 is positioned between the light 202 and camera 208. As depicted, the body 204 also includes a connector 210 that provides communication for signals and power to the light 202, sensor 206 and camera 208 in a single input or coupling. The connector 210 provides simplified wiring and assembly to reduce cost while simplifying repair and manufacturing processes. In other embodiments where the light, sensor and camera are separate assemblies on a fascia, separate wiring harnesses are required to provide signals to each assembly, where each assembly has a connector or plug. In contrast, an embodiment of the connector 210 connects to a single wiring harness that provides signals that are communicated to and from the light 202, sensor 206 and camera 208, thus simplifying the assembly and process.
While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the application.
