Anti-Collision, Accident Prevention Car Safety Systems to Provide Visibility when Passing, Pulling or Backing out of Parking Spaces/Driveways and Entering or Crossing Intersections

• US 20180040248A1
• Filed: 08/04/2017
• Published: 02/08/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2016
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Herman L. Bigham
• Original Assignee: Herman L. Bigham
• Inventors: Bigham, Herman L.
• Application Number:
  US15/669,248
• Publication Number:
  US 20180040248A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/141 Activation of instrument input devices by approaching fingers or pens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/173 Reversing assist
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/141 Activation by approaching fingers or pens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/152 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/173 Reversing assist
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/193 for improving awareness
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/777 on or in sun visors
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/22 Display screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/28 characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/27 providing all-round vision, e.g. using omnidirectional cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/20 characterised by the type of display used
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/301 : combining image information with other obstacle sensor information, e.g. using RADAR/LIDAR/SONAR sensors for estimating risk of collision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 : using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 : for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8093 : for obstacle warning
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/08 : Waterproof bodies or housings
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 29/00 : Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects combinations with flash apparatus G03B15/03
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 37/00 : Panoramic or wide-screen photography; Photographing extended surfaces, e.g. for surveying; Photographing internal surfaces, e.g. of pipe
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/58 : Recognition of moving objects or obstacles, e.g. vehicles or pedestrians; Recognition of traffic objects, e.g. traffic signs, traffic lights or roads
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0962 : having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/166 : for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/168 : Driving aids for parking, e.g. acoustic or visual feedback on parking space
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4316 : for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 : End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 : by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 : Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/90 : Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 : for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A vehicle safety system that provides a clear view of blind spots, approaching motor vehicles in oncoming and peripheral lanes when attempting to pass on a two-lane highway consists of a pair of side mirror-mounted cameras, a split viewing screen/monitor, a plurality of controls, and a microcontroller. The visual data received from the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras is displayed on the split viewing screen/monitor. Thus, the user can view oncoming motor vehicles. Preferably, the split viewing screen/monitor is mounted adjacent to a rear-view mirror of a motor vehicle. The plurality of controls allows the user to control the content displayed on the split viewing screen/monitor. When front-facing cameras and rear-facing cameras are available, the user is provided with information regarding obstacles surrounding the motor vehicle. The pair of front-facing cameras and the pair of rear-facing cameras are especially beneficial when backing out of parking spaces and driving through intersections.

Claims

1. A system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections comprises:

a pair of side mirror-mounted cameras;

a split viewing screen/monitor;

a plurality of controls;

a microcontroller;

the split viewing screen/monitor comprises a first display area and a second display area;

the first display area being positioned adjacent the second display area;

each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras being electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller;

the plurality of controls being electronically connected to the microcontroller; and

the plurality of controls being positioned adjacent the split viewing screen/monitor.

2. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a pair of front-facing cameras; and

the pair of front-facing cameras being electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller, wherein each of the pair of front-facing cameras is mounted onto a front bumper of a motor vehicle.

3. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a pair of rear-facing cameras; and

the pair of rear-facing cameras being electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller, wherein each of the pair of rear-facing cameras is mounted onto a rear bumper of a motor vehicle.

4. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 3 further comprises:

a lighting source; and

the lighting source being positioned adjacent to each of the pair of rear-facing cameras.

5. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 3 further comprises:

a wireless transceiver;

each of the pair of rear-facing cameras being communicably coupled with the wireless transceiver; and

the wireless transceiver being communicably coupled with the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller.

6. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

a proximity sensor;

a visual indicator;

the proximity sensor being communicably coupled with the visual indicator through the microcontroller;

the visual indicator being mounted onto the split viewing screen/monitor; and

the proximity sensor being integrated into each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras.

7. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises:

an external rechargeable battery unit; and

the rechargeable battery unit being electrically connected to the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras, the microcontroller, and the split viewing screen/monitor.

8. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of side-mirror mounted cameras is waterproof.

9. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of side-mirror mounted cameras is shockproof.