Driver observation system and method therefor

• US 20060181792A1
• Filed: 04/04/2006
• Published: 08/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Morgan Plaster
• Original Assignee: Morgan Plaster
• Inventors: Plaster, Morgan
• Granted Patent: US 7,380,951 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/857
• 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 2300/101 using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views

Abstract

A driver observation system has a plurality of camera modules mounted to a vehicle. Each camera module provides real time video images. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of camera modules. The control mechanism is used to adjust a position of each camera module and to switch between different camera modules for viewing. A display system is coupled to the control mechanism. The display mechanism is used to show the real time video images from each camera module.

Claims

9-1. A driver observation system in accordance with claim 9 further comprising an adjustable lens coupled to the at least one video camera.

16. A driver observation system comprising:

video means coupled to a vehicle for providing real time video images;

control means coupled to the video means to adjust a position of each video means mounted and to switch between different video means for viewing; and

display means coupled to the control means for show the real time video images from each video means.

17. A driver observation system in accordance with claim 16 further comprising an adjustable lens coupled to the video means the control mechanism allowing one to adjust the adjustable lens.

18. A driver observation system in accordance with claim 16 further comprising a wide angle lens coupled to the video means.

19. A driver observation system in accordance with claim 16 further comprising adjustment means coupled to the video for moving a position of the video means.

20. A driver observation system in accordance with claim 16 further comprising a tint applied to the video means to reduce glare from different light sources.

21. A driver observation system comprising:

video means coupled to a vehicle for providing real time video images;

control means coupled to the video means to switch between different video means for viewing and display means coupled to the control means for show the real time video images from each video means.