VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM

• US 20120062741A1
• Filed: 03/14/2011
• Published: 03/15/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: CVG Management Corporation (Commercial Vehicle Group Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: CVG Management Corporation (Commercial Vehicle Group Incorporated)
• Inventors: Stimel, William E. Jr., Overton, Keith A.
• Application Number:
  US13/047,111
• Publication Number:
  US 20120062741A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• 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 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• 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 2300/103 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 2300/602 with an adjustable viewpoint
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8046 for replacing a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

This innovation discloses the use of cameras in lieu of side-view minors on the outside of a truck cab. In operation, the images can be captured via aerodynamically positioned cameras and displayed upon monitors (e.g., LCD (liquid crystal display), LED (light emitting diode)) within the dash area of the driver. In one aspect, the monitors can be manually repositioned (or tilted) thereby effecting movement of the cameras. Other aspects can employ joysticks or buttons to move the camera positions. Yet other aspects include a peripheral view option. Still other aspects include a step light-up option. Still further, the camera assembly can include an object detection/warning system that notifies the driver of objects and other obstructions in the path of the truck. Moreover, video and/or images can be captured, for example for accident recovery or security scenarios.

Claims

1. A system that facilitates image capture, comprising:

an aerodynamic image capture system disposed upon a vehicle, wherein the image capture system includes one or more camera devices; and

a view selection component that facilitates selection of a plurality of view perspectives based in part upon a user preference.

2. The system of claim 1, the plurality of view perspectives includes a rearward view and a periphery view.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a motion detection system that triggers image capture upon detection of a moving object.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a notification system that alerts of detection of the moving object.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the image capture system stores video for at least one of security, accident reconstruction, driver evaluation or driver training.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rendering component that includes one or more displays, wherein each of the one or more displays facilitates adjustment of view area of each of the one or more camera devices.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a light source that illuminates an area desired by a user or as a function of a field of view, wherein the light source is embodied within the one or more camera devices.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the view selection component communicates with one of a smartphone or portable device that renders associated images for a user to visualize.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an audio device the enables a capture of audio that corresponds to video collected via the one or more cameras.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rendering component that displays one or more images captured via the one or more cameras.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the rendering component facilities adjustment of a subset of the one or more cameras.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the rendering component enables pinching to adjust a zoom characteristic of a view.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the rendering component is embodied within a smartphone.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising an illumination system that facilitates illumination of an area for image detection.

15. A method of capturing images, comprising:

adjusting a camera mounted to a vehicle;

selecting a viewing area;

capturing one or more images via the camera; and

rendering the one or more images via a display device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the images are still images or motion picture video.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the act of adjusting includes manipulating a touch sensitive display screen.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising trigging the capture of the one or more images via motion detection means.

19. A vehicle camera system, comprising:

means for adjusting a camera as a function of direction or viewing area;

means for detecting motion in proximity of the camera;

means for trigging the capture of motion video via the camera upon detection of motion;

means for capturing audio that corresponds to the motion video; and

means for rendering the captured motion video and corresponding audio.

20. The system of claim 19 further comprises means for illuminating an area for one of security or image detection.