Auxiliary visual interface for vehicles

• US 20050192725A1
• Filed: 03/01/2004
• Published: 09/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Shih-Hsiung Li
• Original Assignee: Shih-Hsiung Li
• Inventors: Li, Shih-Hsiung
• Application Number:
  US10/788,286
• Publication Number:
  US 20050192725A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/36
• 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 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/103 using camera systems provided with artificial illumination device, e.g. IR light source
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• 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 2300/307 virtually distinguishing relevant parts of a scene from the background of the scene
• 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 2300/8053 for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic

Abstract

An auxiliary visual interface for a vehicle is disclosed, which is designed to expand the traffic view of the driver beyond the driver compartment. The visual interface consists of four video cameras respectively installed at four corners of the vehicle. Through two switching elements, video images from the front-end or rear-end video cameras are simultaneously brought onto two LCD displays arranged on the dash board to enable the driver to preview the traffic conditions around the corner before making the turn or backing out of an alley. The main controller can also be connected to a speed recorder, whereby the upper and lower speed limits are preset to control different display modes. The main controller can also be connected to a back-up detector to measure the relative distance of any object approaching from behind. The present invention promotes driving safety on the road.

Claims

1. An auxiliary visual interface for a vehicle, comprising:

four video cameras (11-14), being respectively installed at four corners of the vehicle, left front corner, right front corner, left rear corner and right rear corner, to capture video images around the vehicle;

two LCD displays (21) (22), being fixed on two sides of a dash board of the vehicle, to present video images captured by the video cameras (11-14);

two switching elements (31) (32), each having one output and two inputs, wherein the outputs are connected to respective LCD displays (21) (22), and the inputs of the first switching element (31) are connected to a pair of left front and left rear video cameras (11) (12), while the inputs of the second switching element (32) are connected to a pair of right front and right rear video cameras (13) (14); and

a main controller (30), being connected to all the four video cameras (11-14) and the two switching elements (31) (32), to control video output through the switching elements (31) (32).

2. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 1, wherein the main controller (30) is further connected to a speed recorder (40).

3. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 1, wherein the main controller (30) is further connected to a back-up detector.

4. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 1, wherein the video cameras (11-14) are CCD cameras.

5. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 1, wherein the video cameras (11-14) are CMOS image sensors.

6. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 3, wherein the main controller (30) is to use output signals of the back-up detector to control video output from the rear-end video cameras (12) (14) through the switching elements (31) (32).

7. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 1, wherein the main controller (30) is to use signals from left and right turn lights to control video output from the front-end video cameras (11) (13) through the two switching elements (31) (32).

8. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 2, wherein the main controller (30) is to use signals from the speed recorder (40) to control video output from the front-end video cameras (11) (13) through the switching elements (31) (32).

9. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 2, wherein the main controller (30) is to use the signals from the speed recorder (40) to control video output from the rear-end video cameras (12) (14) through the switching elements (31) (32).

10. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 1, wherein the main controller (30) is to use reverse gear signals from a gearbox of the vehicle to control video output from the rear-end video cameras (12) (14) through the switching elements (31) (32).

11. The auxiliary visual interface according to claim 1, wherein the four video cameras (11-14) are installed inside holders of headlights and taillights of the vehicle, towards outside corners and diagonally oriented, whereby the cameras (11-14) are able to capture wide angle views of the traffic conditions.