Vehicle Safety Device
First Claim
1. A visual safety system for a vehicle, comprising:
- at least a first and a second camera mounted substantially at or near the rear end of a vehicle, the first camera positioned such that it views traffic approaching the rear right side of the vehicle, and the second camera positioned such that it views traffic approaching the rear left side of the vehicle;
the first and second cameras outputting video data to a monitor;
the monitor mounted inside a vehicle in a position which allows it to be viewed by the driver;
the monitor having a video data input to receive video data from the first and second cameras and display areas for displaying the video data;
means to detect when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear; and
control means to automatically activate the first and second cameras and the monitor when the vehicle is in reverse gear;
whereby the vehicle driver is automatically presented with video information about oncoming traffic when the vehicle is in reverse.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle safety system that provides an improved line of sight for oncoming traffic as the vehicle is backed out of a parking space. A set of rear side looking cameras input video information to a display used by the vehicle driver. The cameras are positioned on the rear side portion of the vehicle and are directed generally to traffic coming from the rear left or right side of the vehicle. The camera is automatically activated when the transmission is placed in reverse. The camera video is input to a driver display that allows the driver to view oncoming traffic before the vehicle backs into the traffic lane. The system can also be used to monitor blind spots when a turn signal is activated prior to a lane change.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A visual safety system for a vehicle, comprising:
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at least a first and a second camera mounted substantially at or near the rear end of a vehicle, the first camera positioned such that it views traffic approaching the rear right side of the vehicle, and the second camera positioned such that it views traffic approaching the rear left side of the vehicle; the first and second cameras outputting video data to a monitor; the monitor mounted inside a vehicle in a position which allows it to be viewed by the driver; the monitor having a video data input to receive video data from the first and second cameras and display areas for displaying the video data; means to detect when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear; and control means to automatically activate the first and second cameras and the monitor when the vehicle is in reverse gear; whereby the vehicle driver is automatically presented with video information about oncoming traffic when the vehicle is in reverse. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A safety system for a vehicle, comprising:
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at least a first and a second radar detection device mounted substantially at or near the rear end of a vehicle, the first radar detection device positioned such that it detects traffic approaching the right side of the vehicle, and the second radar detection device positioned such that it detects traffic approaching the left side of the vehicle; the first and/or second radar detection devices outputting data to an alarm when an object is detected approaching the vehicle; an alarm inside the vehicle which activates under control of either if sonar detection device; means to detect when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear; and control means to automatically activate the first and second radar detection devices when the vehicle is in reverse gear; whereby the vehicle driver is automatically alerted about oncoming traffic when the vehicle is in reverse.
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18. A safety system for a vehicle, comprising:
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at least a first and a second sonar detection device mounted substantially at or near the rear end of a vehicle, the first sonar detection device positioned such that it detects traffic approaching the right side of the vehicle, and the second sonar detection device positioned such that it detects traffic approaching the left side of the vehicle; the first and/or second sonar detection devices outputting data to an alarm when an object is detected approaching the vehicle; an alarm inside the vehicle which activates under control of either sonar detection device; means to detect when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear; and control means to automatically activate the first and second sonar detection devices when the vehicle is in reverse gear; whereby the vehicle driver is automatically alerted about oncoming traffic when the vehicle is in reverse.
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Specification