Rear View Mirror Simulation

• US 20180334108A1
• Filed: 05/22/2017
• Published: 11/22/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Original Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Inventors: Rotzer, Ilka, Herrmann, Andreas, Eder, Oliver, Linsenmaier, Frank, Mualla, Firas
• Granted Patent: US 10,703,299 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/004 outside the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/306 using a re-scaling of images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8026 in addition to a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8046 for replacing a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8093 for obstacle warning
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 37/04 with cameras or projectors providing touching or overlapping fields of view
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 3/047 Fisheye or wide-angle transformations
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/56 exterior to a vehicle by using sensors mounted on the vehicle
• 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

Abstract

A method is shown to indicate to a driver of a vehicle the presence of an object moving relative to the vehicle. The method begins by collecting data using a camera or other such image capturing device. The data is analyzed to detect a hazard created by the presence of the object, regardless of whether it is moving or not. A warning associated with the hazard is created. Both the hazard and the warning are displayed using the display device.

Claims

1. A method for indicating to a driver of a vehicle the presence of an object at least temporarily moving relative to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

collecting data using at least one camera;

analyzing the data to detect a hazard created by the presence of the object;

creating a warning associated with the hazard; and

displaying the hazard and the warning using at least one display device.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of displaying includes the step of enhancing the hazard detected by the step of analyzing the data collected by at least one camera to assist the driver in recognizing the hazard.

3. A method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the step of enhancing the hazard includes the step of creating audio signals to alert the driver.

4. A method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the step of enhancing the hazard includes the step of marking the hazard to represent a warning as to the presence of the hazard.

5. A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein the step of marking includes the step of marking with a color.

6. A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein the step of marking the hazard with a color includes changing the color of the hazard as the object and the vehicle move relatively closer to each other.

7. A method as set forth in claim 2 including dividing at least one of the at least one display devices into at least two regions.

8. A method as set forth in claim 7 including the step of rectifying an image shown on one of the at least two regions.

9. A method as set forth in claim 8 including the step of presenting an image as captured by at least one camera on at least one of the other of the at least two regions.

10. A method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the step of enhancing the image includes the step of displaying an alphanumeric and/or graphical warning on at least one display device.

11. A method a set forth in claim 10, wherein the alphanumerical and/or graphical warning is displayed adjacent and/or surrounding and/or in close proximity to a spotter area

12. A method for indicating to a driver of a vehicle the presence of a plurality of objects all at least temporarily moving relative to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

collecting data using at least one camera;

analyzing the data to detect a plurality of hazards, each of the plurality of hazards associated with each of the plurality of objects;

identifying a rating for each of the plurality of hazards;

prioritizing each of the plurality of hazards based on the rating thereof;

creating a plurality of warnings each associated with each of the plurality of hazards; and

displaying the plurality of hazards and warning using at least one display device, wherein only the highest rated hazard and warning of the plurality of hazards and warnings of the highest rated is displayed until the object is no longer present.

13. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein the step of displaying includes the step of enhancing the hazard detected by the step of analyzing the data collected by at least one camera to assist the driver in recognizing the hazard.

14. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the step of enhancing the hazard includes the step of creating audio signals to alert the driver.

15. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein the step of enhancing the hazard includes the step of marking the hazard with a color designated to represent a warning as to the presence of the hazard.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15 wherein the step of marking the hazard with a color includes changing the color of the hazard as the object and the vehicle move relatively closer to each other.

17. A method as set forth in claim 13 including dividing at least one of the at least one display devices into at least two regions.

18. A method as set forth in claim 17 including the step of rectifying an image shown on one of the at least two regions.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18 including the step of presenting an image as captured by at least one camera on at least one of the other of the at least two regions.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein the step of enhancing the image includes the step of displaying an alphanumeric warning on at least one display device.

21. A method for indicating to a driver of a vehicle the presence of a plurality of objects or parts of objects all at least temporarily moving relative to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

collecting data using at least one camera;

analyzing the data to detect a plurality of objects or parts of objects;

identifying a distance for each of the plurality of objects or part of objects relative to the vehicle;

associating a color with each of the distances; and

displaying the plurality of objects or parts of objects with the associated color of the respective distance using at least one display device.

22. A method for indicating to a driver of a vehicle the presence of an object at least temporarily moving relative to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

collecting data using at least one camera;

analyzing the data to detect a hazard created by the presence of the object;

creating a warning associated with the hazard from a group of warnings consisting of haptics, acoustics, odors, chemicals and/or other forms of electromagnetic fields; and

displaying the hazard using at least one display device.