Monitoring device for a motor vehicle

• US 20040056955A1
• Filed: 09/24/2003
• Published: 03/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Hohe GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Weis, Tim, Seitz, Edwin, Berberich, Wolfgang
• Granted Patent: US 6,989,736 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/25 to the sides of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/48 combined with, or convertible into, other devices or objects, e.g. bumpers combined with road brushes, bumpers convertible into beds
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 19/483 with obstacle sensors of electric or electronic type
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/103 using camera systems provided with artificial illumination device, e.g. IR light source
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/207 using multi-purpose displays, e.g. camera image and navigation or video on same display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/404 triggering from stand-by mode to operation mode
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 for aiding parking

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring device (1) for a motor vehicle (2), consisting of at least one display device (6) located in the interior of the vehicle, and at least one camera (4, 5) arranged in the front and/or rear area of the vehicle (2), with which the area to the sides of the vehicle (2) can be monitored and displayed on the display device (6), whereby the camera (4, 5) is arranged on a carrier unit located centrally on the vehicle (2), and whereby the carrier unit can be withdraw into the bodywork when not in use and can be extended when required.

Claims

1. A monitoring device for a motor vehicle, the device comprising:

at least one display device located in an interior of the vehicle; and

at least one camera arranged in front and/or rear part(s) of the vehicle, with which areas to sides of the vehicle can be observed and displayed on the display device, wherein the camera is arranged on a carrier unit mounted centrally on the vehicle, whereby the carrier unit, if not being used, is retracted into bodywork of the vehicle and can be extended if required.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier unit is integrated into a bumper of the vehicle.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier unit is mounted on an axis such as to pivot.

4. The monitoring device according to claim 1 characterized in that the camera is a CCD camera.

5. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the carrier unit can at least be locked into a position of rest in order to provide protection against damage or theft.

6. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein two cameras are arranged at the carrier unit, whereby the one camera can cover an area to the right of the vehicle, and whereby, the other camera can cover an area to the left of the vehicle.

7. The monitoring device according to claim 6, wherein image data transferred by the two cameras can be displayed next to one another in two areas on the display device.

8. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device interacts with a lighting device.

9. The monitoring device according to claim 8, wherein the lighting device is arranged on the carrier device.

10. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the camera is capable of processing light signals in an infra-red range.

11. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a navigation display.

12. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device is initially equipped with a control device, with which the extension and retraction of the carrier unit or a lighting device respectively can be controlled and/or regulated.

13. The monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device can be used as a parking aid.