VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM

• US 20170072880A1
• Filed: 11/28/2016
• Published: 03/16/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Higgins-Luthman, Michael J., Lu, Yuesheng
• Granted Patent: US 11,091,105 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/1423 Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/143 combined with another condition, e.g. using vehicle recognition from camera images or activation of wipers
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/054 Variable non-standard intensity, i.e. emission of various beam intensities different from standard intensities, e.g. continuous or stepped transitions of intensity
• 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 1/062 with remote control for adjusting position B60R1/0607 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/23 with a predetermined field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0236 for economical driving
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/03 for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for circuit arrangements for charging batteries H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/307 virtually distinguishing relevant parts of a scene from the background of the scene
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8093 for obstacle warning
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2552/00 Input parameters relating to infrastructure
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2552/30 Road curve radius
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2552/40 Coefficient of friction
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2552/53 Road markings, e.g. lane marker or crosswalk
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/16 Control of distance between vehicles, e.g. keeping a distance to preceding vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/06 Road conditions
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/0097 Predicting future conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/56 : exterior to a vehicle by using sensors mounted on the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/10 : Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 : provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 : by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/65 : Control of camera operation in relation to power supply
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 : Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A vehicle vision system for a vehicle includes an image sensor having a field of view and capturing image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle. A monitor monitors electrical power consumption of the vehicle. At least one lighting system draws electrical power from the vehicle when operated. An image processor processes image data captured by the image sensor. The electrical power drawn by the at least one lighting system is varied at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor in order to adjust fuel consumption by the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle vision system for a vehicle, said vehicle vision system comprising:

an image sensor having a field of view and capturing image data of a scene exterior of a vehicle equipped with said vision system;

a monitor monitoring electrical power consumption of the equipped vehicle;

at least one lighting system that draws electrical power from the vehicle when operated;

an image processor processing image data captured by said image sensor; and

wherein the electrical power drawn by said at least one lighting system is varied at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by said image processor in order to adjust fuel consumption by the equipped vehicle.

2. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein the electrical power drawn by said at least one lighting system is reduced at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by said image processor in order to reduce fuel consumption by the equipped vehicle.

3. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle vision system reduces the light generated by said vehicle lighting system during driving conditions when less vehicle lighting is desired while directing light at areas where it is determined that light is desired.

4. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said image sensor has a forward field of view and captures image data of a scene forward of the equipped vehicle and in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle.

5. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle vision system is operable to detect situations in which said at least one lighting system can be turned off or operated under reduced electrical power consumption.

6. The vehicle vision system of claim 5, wherein said vehicle vision system detects said situations at least in part via processing of captured image data by said processor.

7. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said at least one lighting system comprises a headlight of the equipped vehicle.

8. The vehicle vision system of claim 7, wherein the headlight comprises multiple light emitting diodes, and wherein said vehicle vision system controls an orientation and intensity of light emitted by the multiple light emitting diodes.

9. The vehicle vision system of claim 8, wherein said vehicle vision system controls the multiple light emitting diodes to provide a tailorable lighting system that is tailorable responsive to determination of other vehicles present ahead of the equipped vehicle.

10. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle vision system estimates a separation gap between the equipped vehicle and a leading vehicle.

11. The vehicle vision system of claim 10, wherein said separation gap is adjusted based on a current driving condition.

12. The vehicle vision system of claim 10, wherein said vehicle vision system adjusts said separation gap based on a driving capability of the driver of the equipped vehicle.

13. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle vision system determines movement of an object within said field of view.

14. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle vision system is part of an adaptive cruise control system of the equipped vehicle.

15. The vehicle vision system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle vision system is operable to adjust an adaptive cruise control system of the equipped vehicle responsive to determination of a road condition ahead of the equipped vehicle.

16. The vehicle vision system of claim 15, wherein said vehicle vision system is operable to change a separation gap between the equipped vehicle and a vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle based, at least in part, on an estimated stopping distance of the equipped vehicle.

17. A vehicle vision system for a vehicle, said vehicle vision system comprising:

an image sensor having a forward field of view and capturing image data of a scene forward of a vehicle equipped with said vision system and in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle;

a monitor monitoring electrical power consumption of the equipped vehicle;

at least one lighting system that draws electrical power from the vehicle when operated;

wherein said at least one lighting system comprises a headlight of the equipped vehicle;

an image processor processing image data captured by said image sensor;

wherein the electrical power drawn by said at least one lighting system is varied at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by said image processor in order to adjust fuel consumption by the equipped vehicle;

wherein the electrical power drawn by said at least one lighting system is reduced at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by said image processor in order to reduce fuel consumption by the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said vehicle vision system reduces the light generated by said vehicle lighting system during driving conditions when less vehicle lighting is desired while directing light at areas where it is determined that light is desired.

18. The vehicle vision system of claim 17, wherein the headlight comprises multiple light emitting diodes, and wherein said vehicle vision system controls an orientation and intensity of light emitted by the multiple light emitting diodes.

19. The vehicle vision system of claim 18, wherein said vehicle vision system controls the multiple light emitting diodes to provide a tailorable lighting system that is tailorable responsive to determination of other vehicles present ahead of the equipped vehicle.

20. A vehicle vision system for a vehicle, said vehicle vision system comprising:

an image sensor having a forward field of view and capturing image data of a scene forward of a vehicle equipped with said vision system and in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle;

a monitor monitoring electrical power consumption of the equipped vehicle;

at least one lighting system that draws electrical power from the vehicle when operated;

wherein said at least one lighting system comprises a headlight of the equipped vehicle;

an image processor processing image data captured by said image sensor;

wherein the electrical power drawn by said at least one lighting system is varied at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by said image processor in order to adjust fuel consumption by the equipped vehicle;

wherein said vehicle vision system is operable to detect situations in which said at least one lighting system can be turned off or operated under reduced electrical power consumption; and

wherein said vehicle vision system detects said situations at least in part via processing of captured image data by said processor.