Device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle

• US 20050073581A1
• Filed: 10/04/2004
• Published: 04/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Company LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Holz, Michael, Moisel, Joerg
• Granted Patent: US 7,151,439 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/00 Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/24 in front of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/30 providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision
• 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 2300/302 combining image information with GPS information or vehicle data, e.g. vehicle speed, gyro, steering angle data
• 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: G01S 17/89 for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/12 with means for image conversion or intensification
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/01 Head-up displays
• 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

The invention relates to a device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, having an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, having a display unit for displaying collected image data, and having a control unit for controlling the device. In this context, the control unit is embodied in such a way that the display is switched off after a predefined time period t has expired. This device ensures very safe operation for the user.

Claims

1. A device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, having

a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle,

an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings,

a display unit for displaying collected image data, and

a control unit for controlling the device,

wherein the control unit is embodied in such a way that the display is switched off after a predefined time period t has expired.

2. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is embodied in such a way that, in addition to the display, the camera and/or the radiation source can be switched off after a predefined time period t_k.

3. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein in addition to an on/off switch for the device, an additional switch is provided for switching on the display after switching off occurs.

4. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the additional switch is implemented in the region of the steering wheel, in particular by means of a headlamp flasher or a steering wheel rocker.

5. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display is switched off suddenly.

6. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the switching off of the display is gradual.

7. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is embodied in such a way that before the switching off takes place it causes the switching off to be signalled.

8. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 7, wherein a residual running time display is provided for the purpose of signalling.

9. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the time period t lies in the minute range, in particular in the range of half a minute.

10. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the time period t is adjustable.

11. The device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is embodied in such a way that switching off occurs when a vehicle velocity v above a predefined maximum velocity v_max is exceeded.