Method and apparatus of maintaining a video signal through brief interruptions of a related control signal

• US 20040119866A1
• Filed: 12/20/2002
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Estate of Heinz Hermann Thiele)
• Original Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Estate of Heinz Hermann Thiele)
• Inventors: Johnson, Duane R., Matko, Mark A., Haehn, Craig S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,355,628 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/333.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/65 Control of camera operation in relation to power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/33 Transforming infrared radiation cameras or camera modules for generating image signals from infrared radiation H04N23/20; circuitry of SSIS for transforming infrared radiation into image signals H04N25/20

Abstract

A night vision system that allows a video camera to continue to be operational after a power control signal, such as a headlamp switch, to the camera has been temporarily interrupted. The system is designed to avoid a camera calibration or equalization process every time the power control signal from the camera or a display unit is disrupted.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a camera for a vision system used on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

generating a control signal that corresponds to a selected condition for operating said camera;

turning said camera on in response to said control signal to display a video signal from said camera, said camera remaining on in response to continued presence of said control signal; and

maintaining said camera on during a temporary interruption of said control signal.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of maintaining said camera on includes the step of delaying turning off said camera during a temporary interruption of said control signal, with said camera being turned off when said interruption is for more than a predetermined time.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said control signal indicates headlamps of said vehicle are on.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein said control signal indicates a video display is opened.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said temporary interruption includes turning off headlamps of said vehicle.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein said temporary interruption includes closing a video display.

8. A method of controlling a camera for a vision system used on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

generating a control signal that corresponds to a selected operating condition of said vehicle;

turning said camera on in response to said control signal to display a video signal from said camera, said camera remaining on in response to continued present of said control signal; and

maintaining said camera on during a temporary interruption of said control signal.

9. A method of turning on a night vision system used on a vehicle comprising the steps of:

starting the ignition of a vehicle connected to a battery; and

turning on headlamps of said vehicle which will power-up a camera and display unit for the night vision system.

10. A vision system for use on a vehicle to be used in nighttime driving comprising:

a power source for turning on a camera and display unit;

a control signal for allowing said power source to activate said camera and display unit for said camera to calibrate in order to send a complete video signal to said display unit;

a means for disrupting said control signal; and

a means for maintaining said video signal during said disruption.

11. The vision system according to claim 10 wherein said control signal is a headlamp switch on a vehicle.

12. The vision system according to claim 11 wherein said means for disrupting said control signal is opening said headlamp switch.

13. The vision system according to claim 10 wherein said means for disrupting said control signal is said display unit in a closed position.

14. The vision system according to claim 10 wherein said means for maintaining said video signal is a programmed logic circuit connected to said power source designed to keep power to said camera and display unit for a temporary time period.

15. A vision system for use on a vehicle to be used in nighttime driving comprising:

a battery of the vehicle connected to a display unit;

a camera connected to said display unit, wherein said battery is for sourcing power to said camera and display unit, wherein said camera is sourced through said display unit;

a control signal for allowing said power source to activate said camera and display unit for said camera to calibrate in order to send a complete video signal to said display unit;

a logic circuit connected to said battery and display unit for maintaining said video signal during an interruption in said control signal.