Patent Application
20140139669
This invention relates to vehicle safety devices, and more particularly to visual displays that enhance vehicle safety.
Each year, thousands of people die or are badly injured in automobile accidents. One situation that causes needless accidental deaths and injury arises when a car moves into a street or motorway from a position that is perpendicular to the axis of that street or motorway. This can occur when a vehicle is moving out of a street, parking garage or parking space. Drivers pulling in to oncoming traffic from such a position must begin by placing the front end of their vehicle far enough out into the street that they can now directly view the oncoming traffic. Cars parked along the side of the street can impair that visual “read” of the traffic, forcing the driver to protrude ever farther into the oncoming traffic, at increasing risk to life, limb and vehicle to pedestrians, cyclist, animals and other motorists.
The present state of the art for vehicle safety includes the use of cameras mounted on the rear of vehicles to reduce collisions occurring as a result of a vehicle backing up. These systems utilize a small, pre-positioned stationary camera on the rear exterior of the vehicle and a visual display within the driver's compartment. This can be accompanied by alarm devices that utilize modern proximity alert devices (for example, infrared technology) to detect an unseen obstacle (such as a child or a housecat) and call the driver's attention to the display and the obstacle.
However, such systems have a limited field of view and are easily damaged or knocked off the vehicle. Likewise, they often require a dedicated display that adds further distraction to the driver. In addition, such cameras often remain activated longer than needed. Moreover, such cameras are not mounted to contemplate particular hazardous situations, such as the pull out into traffic to execute a turn or a traffic merge.
This invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing in a vehicle, a flush-mounted front left vehicle camera system and method for operating the same. The camera is linked to an onboard computer and a navigation display that is placed within the passenger compartment of the automobile. The driver receives a visual description on the display of any oncoming traffic in the form of motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals and the like. The camera system is furnished with a speed sensor that detects when the automobile reaches a threshold speed of 3 miles per hour. The front left vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically, based on the selected threshold speed. The camera system activation and de-activation process begins with the vehicle that includes the camera being shifted into the “Drive” gear. The video signal is transmitted to the navigation display and displayed thereon in place of the ordinary navigation screen, in single or split screen. As soon as the driver accelerates to the threshold speed, a signal is sent to the computer to shut off the camera. The computer now shuts down the camera and instructs the navigation display to return its screen display to the ordinary navigation display.
This system advantageously improves safety for vehicles moving into a line of traffic (turn) from a position that is perpendicular to the flow of that traffic and that are pulling out of a side street, building, garage or parking spot (merge). Often, such vehicles face hazards in performing these maneuvers because the driver must pull far enough forward to visually observe the near lane of traffic from his or her vantage point—which is typically several feet behind the front end of the vehicle. Illustratively, a protrusion of 4-6 feet or more is desirable in order for the driver to view the lane and determine whether to proceed or wait. During the movement to the protruded position, the front end of the car is vulnerable to being struck by other vehicles that are unseen to the driver, resulting in numerous accidents. The illustrative system and method provides a flush-mount camera at the specific location on the vehicle to minimize this hazard by transmitting an image of the scene of oncoming traffic to the driver from a vantage point that is essentially as far forward as possible.
Illustratively, the camera is located in and is flush with the left front quarter panel. The front quarter panel is the outer portion of the vehicle forward of the passenger compartment along the left and right sides and typically includes a marker light and headlight assembly. The camera is generally free of any external protrusion relative to the vehicle body and/or its quarter panel, thereby avoiding potential damage to the camera and/or a restricted field of view. The illustrative camera can image a field of view within an arc of approximately 90 degrees in both the horizontal and vertical axes (thereby defining a viewing cone). Other cross sectional geometries—e.g. a geometry defining an elliptical cone with a wider horizontal axis—are also contemplated. In various embodiments, an associated camera lens can define a field of greater or lesser than 90 degrees in the horizontal and/or vertical axes. It is contemplated that the system can allow the driver to select the desired angle and/or range of view via an interface or other adjustment mechanism within the vehicle. The camera can also include a preset or variable zoom lens, thereby allowing the driver to focus over a greater or lesser distance.
This display can also be accompanied by a proximity alert. In alternate embodiments, the visual display can use a heads-up projected display system, the onboard computer display, a separate and dedicated display or a link to a head-mounted glasses display worn by the driver. In other embodiments, there can be a plurality of two (or more) cameras mounted in each of the front quarter panels, one of the left side as described above, and one on the right side, for vehicles entering a one-way street with traffic travelling from right to left relative to the driver or vehicles that may be transported between the United Kingdom and Europe, and back, or vice-versa. It is contemplated that such a camera system as set forth above can be fitted onto trucks of all sizes, recreational vehicles, tractors, heavy equipment, cycles and motorcycles, quadricycles, military vehicles (such as tanks and other armored vehicles with limited visibility and massive height), or other vehicles.
In an illustrative embodiment, a system and method for providing front-oriented visual information to a vehicle driver includes a flush-mounted camera located at least in the left front quarterpanel. Alternatively, or additionally, a flush-mounted camera can be mounted on the right front quarterpanel. A speed sensor detects vehicle speed. This speed sensor can be based upon an existing vehicle system, such as the braking system and/or the speedometer or can be a separate sensor. A display (e.g. a screen or projection) within the vehicle provides the driver with at least one of images and video feed of a scene imaged by the camera. An onboard computer (or other processing device) processes the detected vehicle speed selectively allows the images and video feed to be displayed on the display based upon whether the vehicle speed is less than a threshold speed. In general, the computer instructs the camera system and or certain connected components to activate and deactivate depending on the relative vehicle speed. Illustratively, the display can comprise an onboard navigation screen. The camera can image a field of view of approximately 90 degrees in at least one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. Where two cameras are employed (i.e. on each of the left front and right front quarter panel), the display of images and/or video from one camera and the display images and/or video from the other camera is performed using a split screen image.
The camera can also include a user-controllable zoom lens that allows the driver to vary the field of view and/or magnification. Either or both cameras can include a co-mounted proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be constructed and arranged to detect a near object, and cause a visual alert message to be displayed on the display and/or an audible alert to be played via a speaker. Illustratively, the threshold speed can be approximately 3 miles per hour as such speed is considered sufficiently low that the driver can react appropriately while interacting with the display screen. This threshold can be user-adjustable via an interface within the vehicle in various embodiments. More generally some or all of the functions of the system can be operated using voice activation.
The camera system can be provided with a proximity and speed sensor that determines the range of an oncoming object and transmits the data to the computer. The computer provides an alert when the object is at least one of (a) within a predetermined distance and (b) approaching at a predetermined speed. The camera can be retrofitted into an existing front headlight pod and includes a wireless link to communicate with at least one of the display and computer. The system can include a solar power assembly that powers the camera and wireless.
The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:
When a motor vehicle driver is situated so as to be perpendicular to the flow of traffic and pulling out of a side street, building, garage or parking spot, there is a danger to that driver and other operators. In order to see traffic in the oncoming lane, the driver has to pull far enough forward to visually observe the near lane of traffic. Other vehicles and objects placed along a roadway and other obstructions can prevent a clear view and necessitate a driver pulling forward into the near lane. Given that most vehicles have a front end that includes a motor or a storage compartment with a length of about 2-4 feet and that a driver typically sits another 2 feet or more from the dashboard, a protrusion of 4-6 feet or more is desirable in order for the driver to view the lane and determine whether to proceed or wait. During the movement to the protruded position, the front end of the car is vulnerable to being struck by other vehicles that are unseen to the driver. This results in numerous accidents. The installation of the front left vehicle system reduces the protrusion of the vehicle to about six inches. In the present application, the term “front left” refers to an American-style roadway in which the oncoming traffic approaches from the left relative to the driver when entering the nearest lane on a two-way street. It is expressly contemplated that in an English-style system, in which the oncoming traffic approaches from the right relative to the driver that the camera will be mounted on the front right of the vehicle.
The 3 miles per hour threshold speed is determined in part by the transmission after the vehicle is put into the “Drive” gear setting 110 and is communicated both to the speed sensor 108 and the computer 104 simultaneously via wired or wireless communication. It is contemplated that the threshold speed can be set by the driver to a higher or lower speed, or to a range, depending on the driver's requirements. For example, a driver can require a range of 2-4 miles per hour, 3-5 miles per hour or 5-10 miles per hour, depending on the desired start-up velocity. In a situation where the traffic is moving quickly, a higher range can be desired. The threshold speed sensor can interface with any number of the systems within the vehicle that measure speed. These include the speedometer, anti-lock braking system, the door lock system, engine rpm, GPS (ground positioning satellite) or combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the activation and de-activation can be voice-activated by the driver. It is further contemplated that this camera system can be retrofitted into older vehicles.
The computer 104 can include an optional voice activation process 107 that is accessed via a microphone 109. The computer 120 can also be provided with a memory application 120 that records events and pullouts for records or later analysis. Activating the various settings for threshold speed and other settings can be accomplished via the display screen, a touch screen interface, a remote control or other device. In a further embodiment, the vehicle can be equipped with a level detection device 134 that determines the attitude of the vehicle relative to the horizon. The vehicle camera(s) can be equipped with one or more servo motors (or another type of actuator of conventional design, such as a stepper) to orient at least one of the cameras, as will be described more fully below. The computer 104 can be provided with a process for receiving the information from the level detection device 134 that determines the optimal attitude for the cameras and a camera attitude control process 132 instructs the camera servo motors to make the proper adjustments. This attitude adjustment control can be manually operated 136 by the user.
In a further embodiment, the computer 104 can be provided with a process for receiving and acting upon data from proximity sensors, as described more fully below. The proximity sensors transmit data to the computer 104 that includes the detected proximity and speed of the nearest vehicle 140 in the traffic lane and processes that information 142 for display. In an additional embodiment, the vehicle has a proximity alert, as set forth more fully below, that is activated by the proximity speed process 142 and generates an alert 144.
The front left vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in
As stated above, the camera projects an image of the roadway within the field of view and assists the driver in looking for oncoming traffic. This is projected as a single screen or, in the case of cameras mounted on each front corner, as a split screen or alternating. It is contemplated that the driver might see in one or both directions, or selectively view one or the other. The camera can be provided with a preset or variable zoom lens, allowing the driver to focus over a greater or lesser distance.
The optical axis can be adjusted on the vertical axis. In an embodiment, the optical axis can be raised approximately 30 degrees and lowered approximately 10 degrees relative to the horizon. This vertical adjustment can be useful with approaching a hillside road from an entry that is relatively level. Adjustment of the camera elevation can compensate for the slope of the traffic lane and avoid potential blind spots.
The use of proximity sensors to automatically select one or the other camera for display is shown in
As further shown in
The displayed view from the cameras can be displayed on the navigational device display, as set forth above.
The front-end camera system can be provided as part of a kit and can be retrofitted into existing vehicle headlight pod assemblies.
It is expressly contemplated that the front-end camera can be provided with a built-in sensor that detects the speed and distance of an oncoming vehicle. This can be added to a system having a camera and a proximity sensor or to a system that is a camera on its own. In the latter case, the data from the detected range and speed of the oncoming traffic can be used to trigger a proximity sensor, based on pre-set parameters. Vehicular front-end cameras equipped with laser rangefinders use commercially available devices, including laser, radar parallax, and/or other technologies.
It should be clear that the system described above enhances the safety of the driver under ordinary traffic conditions and in more challenging situations. The system desirably avoids undue distraction and can be applied readily to re-manufacture or retrofit applications.
It should also be clear that the system can employ conventional, commercially available components, and/or customized components in a manner known to those of skill in the art. Also, as used herein the terms “process” and/or “processor” should be taken broadly to include a variety of electronic hardware and/or software based functions and components. Moreover, a depicted process or processor can be combined with other processes and/or processors or divided into various sub-processes or processors. Such sub-processes and/or sub-processors can be variously combined according to embodiments herein. Likewise, it is expressly contemplated that any function, process and/or processor here herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, software consisting of a non-transitory computer-readable medium of program instructions, or a combination of hardware and software.
The camera system as set forth above can include a solar-based power supply that includes a solar power collector and a power storage battery, enabling the system to be fully or partially powered by solar power.
The camera system described above can be equipped with cameras that operate both in daylight conditions and at night. It is expressly contemplated that the system can be provided with a night-time application that utilizes existing night vision technology (for example, infrared, passive, photomultiplier devices or other night vision system that acquires information in various wavelengths). This can be utilized to detect non-lighted objects in the motor way, including but not limited to trashcans, pedestrians, animals, wrecked vehicles and other hazards.
The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above can be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, the visual display can use a heads-up projected display system, the onboard computer display, a separate and dedicated display or a link to a head-mounted glasses display worn by the driver. In other embodiments, there can be two cameras mounted in each of the front quarter panels, one of the left side as described above, and one on the right side, for vehicles entering a one-way street with traffic travelling from right to left relative to the driver or vehicles that may be transported between the United Kingdom and Europe, and back, or vice-versa. It is further contemplated that GPS systems can be used to determined the national driving customs based on location and to automatically preset the cameras. The GPS location can also be used to preset based on information of traffic patterns based on location and the latest available street traffic directions. It is contemplated that such a camera system as set forth above can be fitted onto trucks of all sizes, recreational vehicles, tractors, heavy equipment, cycles and motorcycles, quadricycles, military vehicles (such as tanks or other armored vehicles), or other vehicles. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/592,505, filed Jan. 30, 2012, entitled A FRONT LEFT VEHICLE CAMERA ALLOWING SAFETY PULLING OUT SHOWING ONSCREEN VISUAL TO DRIVER, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61592505 | Jan 2012 | US |
