SYSTEM AND METHOD THAT MINIMIZES HAZARDS OF BLIND SPOTS WHILE DRIVING
First Claim
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1. A blind-spot detection and collision avoidance system for an automobile comprising:
- a blind-spot camera integrated into a side-view mirror assembly between a side-view mirror and a driver-side of the automobile adjacent to a driver-side window, said blind-spot camera being oriented by greater than 180°
relative to said side-view mirror so as to provide a different visual operating range than said side view mirror;
a rear view mirror assembly that includes a mirrored portion and a display portion, said display portion configured to presents a visual representation of an object detected in a blind spot covered by the visual operating range of the blind-spot camera;
a tracking processor that receives an image captured by the blind-spot camera, said tracking processor includingan object detector configured to detect the object when the object is positioned within a field of view of the blind-spot camera and within a predetermined range from the blind-spot camera, anda display processor that sends a display signal to the display portion of the rear view mirror assembly in response to the object detector determining that the object is detected to be in the blind spot, whereinsaid object detector is responsive to an external signal indicating that the automobile is preparing to change driving lanes.
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Abstract
A blind-spot detection and collision avoidance system and method employ a blind-spot camera located between a side-view mirror and an automobile body. A rear view mirror has an integrated display that displays an indication of objects detected in blind spots. Side and rear view cameras are also included and images captured by these cameras are used to track objects as they are moved about the perimeter of the driver'"'"'s automobile. Additional sensors are used to detect when the automobile is expected to change lanes so the collision avoidance system may be activated.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A blind-spot detection and collision avoidance system for an automobile comprising:
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a blind-spot camera integrated into a side-view mirror assembly between a side-view mirror and a driver-side of the automobile adjacent to a driver-side window, said blind-spot camera being oriented by greater than 180°
relative to said side-view mirror so as to provide a different visual operating range than said side view mirror;a rear view mirror assembly that includes a mirrored portion and a display portion, said display portion configured to presents a visual representation of an object detected in a blind spot covered by the visual operating range of the blind-spot camera; a tracking processor that receives an image captured by the blind-spot camera, said tracking processor including an object detector configured to detect the object when the object is positioned within a field of view of the blind-spot camera and within a predetermined range from the blind-spot camera, and a display processor that sends a display signal to the display portion of the rear view mirror assembly in response to the object detector determining that the object is detected to be in the blind spot, wherein said object detector is responsive to an external signal indicating that the automobile is preparing to change driving lanes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for detecting and avoiding an object in a blind-spot of an automobile comprising:
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capturing an image from a blind-spot camera that is integrated into a side-view mirror assembly, said blind-spot camera being disposed between a side-view mirror and a driver-side part of the automobile adjacent to a driver-side window, said blind-spot camera being oriented by greater than 180°
relative to said side-view mirror so as to provide a different visual operating range than said side view mirror;presenting a visual representation of the object once detected on a rear view mirror assembly that includes a display portion; receiving the image at a tracking processor; determining at an object detector portion of the tracking processor that the object is detected to be in the blind spot when the object is within a field of view of the blind-spot camera and within a predetermined range from the blind-spot camera, and sending from a display processor a display signal to the display portion of the rear view mirror assembly in response to the object detector determining that the object is detected to be in the blind spot, wherein said determining is triggered in response to an external signal indicating that the automobile is preparing to change driving lanes. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification