Vehicle imaging apparatus, vehicle monitoring apparatus, and rearview mirror

• US 20030040851A1
• Filed: 08/13/2002
• Published: 02/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai RIKA Denki Seisakusho
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai RIKA Denki Seisakusho
• Inventors: Ichikawa, Takashi, Suyama, Terumasa
• Granted Patent: US 7,136,091 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/002 specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle, e.g. for viewing tyres, bumpers or the like integrated in the windows B60R1/001; combined with rear-view mirrors B60R1/08
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/25 to the sides of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/30 characterised by the type of image processing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/302 combining image information with GPS information or vehicle data, e.g. vehicle speed, gyro, steering angle data
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/70 characterised by an event-triggered choice to display a specific image among a selection of captured images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 for bad weather conditions or night vision

Abstract

A vehicle imaging apparatus for generating a picture of a wide are in an inexpensive manner without affecting the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The vehicle imaging apparatus generates a picture of a predetermined area outside a vehicle having a rearview mirror. The vehicle imaging apparatus includes a reflection mirror arranged in the rearview mirror and having a curved surface. An imaging device is arranged in the rearview mirror to generate a picture from an image reflected on the reflection mirror. The rearview mirror is located on the passenger side of the vehicle and has a housing. The reflection mirror is arranged in a lower portion of the rearview mirror so that an upper portion of the reflection mirror is covered by the housing and a portion excluding the upper portion is exposed.

Claims

1. A vehicle imaging apparatus for generating a picture of a predetermined area outside a vehicle having a rearview mirror, the vehicle imaging apparatus comprising:

a reflection mirror arranged in the rearview mirror and having a curved surface; and

an imaging device arranged in the rearview mirror to generate a picture from an image reflected on the reflection mirror.

2. The vehicle imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rearview mirror has a housing and is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, and wherein the reflection mirror is arranged in a lower portion of the rearview mirror so that an upper portion of the reflection mirror is covered by the housing and a portion excluding the upper portion is exposed.

3. The vehicle imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflection mirror is generally conical, has an apex facing a basal portion of the rearview mirror, and is located closer to a distal end of the rearview mirror than the imaging device.

4. A vehicle monitoring apparatus for monitoring a predetermined area outside a vehicle having a rearview mirror, the vehicle monitoring apparatus comprising:

a vehicle imaging apparatus arranged in the rearview mirror, wherein the vehicle imaging apparatus includes a reflection mirror having a curved surface and an imaging device for generating a picture from an image reflected on the reflection mirror;

a processor for receiving the picture from the imaging device and processing the picture; and

a display connected to the processor to display a processing result of the processor;

wherein the processor selects a certain section of the picture in accordance with a driving condition of a vehicle and shows the selected section on the display.

5. The vehicle monitoring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor selects a first section corresponding to an area close to the front of the vehicle when the vehicle is moved toward the front, a second section corresponding to an area close to the middle of the vehicle when the vehicle is turned in the direction of the passenger side of the vehicle, and a third area corresponding to an area close to the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is moved toward the rear.

6. The vehicle monitoring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor performs a correction that decreases the curvature of a curved portion of the picture.

7. The vehicle monitoring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the rearview mirror has a housing and is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, and wherein the reflection mirror is arranged in a lower portion of the rearview mirror so that an upper portion of the reflection mirror is covered by the housing and a portion excluding the upper portion is exposed.

8. The vehicle imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reflection mirror is generally conical, has an apex facing a basal portion of the rearview mirror, and is located closer to a distal end of the rearview mirror than the imaging device.

9. A rearview mirror of a vehicle comprising:

a reflection mirror having a curved surface; and

an imaging device for generating a picture from an image reflected on the reflection mirror.

10. The rearview mirror according to claim 9, further comprising:

a housing for accommodating the reflection mirror and the imaging device;

wherein the rearview mirror is arranged on the passenger side of the vehicle; and

wherein the reflection mirror is arranged in a lower portion of the rearview mirror so that an upper portion of the reflection mirror is covered by the housing and a portion excluding the upper portion is exposed.

11. The rearview mirror according to claim 9, wherein the reflection mirror is generally conical, has an apex facing a basal portion of the rearview mirror, and is located closer to a distal end of the rearview mirror than the imaging device.

12. A vehicle imaging apparatus for generating a picture of a predetermined area outside a vehicle having an exterior mirror, the vehicle imaging apparatus comprising:

a reflection mirror arranged in the exterior mirror and having a curved surface; and

an imaging device arranged in the exterior mirror to generate a picture from an image reflected on the reflection mirror.