Rearview vision system with indicia of backup travel

• US 6,222,447 B1
• Filed: 05/17/1999
• Issued: 04/24/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Schofield, Kenneth, Vadas, Keith J., Larson, Mark L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieu, Julie
• Application Number:
  US09/313,139
• Time in Patent Office: 708 Days
• Field of Search: 340/461, 340/435, 340/436, 340/438, 340/901, 340/903, 348/118, 348/148, 345/7, 345/9, 701/300, 701/301, 701/302
• US Class Current: 340/461
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/14 having dimming means
• 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 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: B60Q 2300/056 Special anti-blinding beams, e.g. a standard beam is chopped or moved in order not to blind
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/21 Manual control
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/314 Ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/3321 Detection of streetlights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/41 preceding vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/42 oncoming vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/008 for anti-collision purposes
• 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 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/30 providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• 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 2300/105 : using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 : using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/107 : using stereoscopic cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/205 : using a head-up display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/207 : using multi-purpose displays, e.g. camera image and navigation or video on same display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/30 : characterised by the type of image processing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/302 : combining image information with GPS information or vehicle data, e.g. vehicle speed, gyro, steering angle data
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/303 : using joined images, e.g. multiple camera images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/304 : using merged images, e.g. merging camera image with stored images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/305 : merging camera image with lines or icons
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/307 : virtually distinguishing relevant parts of a scene from the background of the scene
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/404 : triggering from stand-by mode to operation mode
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/50 : characterised by the display information being shared, e.g. external display, data transfer to other traffic participants or centralised traffic controller
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 : for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8026 : in addition to a rear-view mirror system
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/804 : for lane monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 : for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 : for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 : for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8086 : for vehicle path indication
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8093 : for obstacle warning
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0822 : characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0844 : including a camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0885 : the sensor being integrated in a rear-view mirror module
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/4204 : with determination of ambient light solar light G01J2001/4266
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/4228 : arrangements with two or more detectors, e.g. for sensitivity compensation
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/167 : Driving aids for lane monitoring, lane changing, e.g. blind spot detection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/239 : using two 2D image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance H04N13/243 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2013/0081 : Depth or disparity estimation from stereoscopic image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 : Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 : for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes an image capture device mounted at the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view directed rearwardly of the vehicle. A display system is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The display system displays a rearward image output of the image capture device. A graphic overlay is superimposed on the rearward image when the gear actuator of the vehicle selects a reverse gear. The graphic overlay may include indicia of the anticipated path of travel of the vehicle. The graphic overlay may be disabled when the gear actuator of the vehicle is not in reverse gear.

Claims

1. A rearview vision system for a vehicle having a gear actuator, comprising:

an image capture device mounted at the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view directed rearwardly of the vehicle;

a display system viewable by a driver of the vehicle which displays a rearward image output of said image capture device;

a graphic overlayer superimposed on said rearward image when the gear actuator of the vehicle selects a reverse gear; and

wherein said graphic overlayer includes indicia of the anticipated path of travel of the vehicle.

2. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said indicia responds to the direction of turn of the vehicle.

3. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said indicia responds to at least one of the vehicle'"'"'s steering system, the vehicle'"'"'s differential system and a compass.

4. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said graphic overlayer is not superimposed on said rearward image when the gear actuator of the vehicle does not select a reverse gear.

5. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said indicia comprise markings that provide indication of distance behind the vehicle.

6. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said indicia comprise markings superimposed at intervals on said rearward image corresponding to the boundaries of the lane in which the vehicle is reversing.

7. The rearview system of claim 6 wherein said graphic overlayer is responsive to a signal indicative of the rate of turn of the vehicle.

8. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said graphic overlayer is responsive to a signal indicative of the rate of turn of the vehicle.

9. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said graphic overlayer comprises markings that move laterally on said rearward image, with reduced separation, to correspond to positions of a curved lane boundary and vertically on said rearward image to compensate for the difference between distances along a straight and curved path.

10. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said rearview vision system includes a distance-sensing system.

11. The rearview system of claim 10 wherein said distance-sensing system is selected from the group consisting of a radar, an ultrasonic sensing, and an infrared detection distance-measuring system.

12. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said image capture device has a field of view which is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

13. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said image capture device comprises a pixilated imaging array.

14. The rearview system of claim 13 wherein said pixilated array comprises a CMOS imaging array.

15. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said graphic overlayer has a form that is a function of at least one of the direction of travel and speed of the vehicle.

16. The rearview system of claim 15 wherein said indicia comprises at least one mark superimposed on said rearward image.

17. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said rear vision system includes a monitoring device for monitoring vehicle turning.

18. The rearview system of claim 17 wherein said monitoring device comprises one of a monitor of movement of the vehicle'"'"'s steering system, a monitor of an output of an electronic compass and a monitor of the vehicle'"'"'s differential drive system.

19. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said display system comprises one of a flat panel display and a cathode ray tube.

20. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said display system comprises a flat panel display.

21. The rearview system of claim 20 wherein said flat panel display comprises one of a liquid crystal display, a plasma display and a field emission display.

22. The rearview system of claim 20 wherein said flat panel display comprises a liquid crystal display.

23. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said display system is positioned within the field of view of the driver without obstructing the view through the windshield.

24. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said display system is mounted to one of the dashboard, facia, header and windshield of the vehicle.

25. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said display system is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror.

26. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said display system comprises a display of one of a projected and a virtual image.

27. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said display system comprises a heads-up display.

28. The rearview system of claim 1 wherein said indicia comprises at least one mark superimposed on said rearward image.

29. The rearview system of claim 28 wherein said at least one mark superimposed on said rearward image comprises a plurality of marks superimposed on said rearward image at rearward intervals.

30. The rearview system of claim 29 wherein said plurality of marks superimposed on said rearward image are positioned to correspond to boundaries of the lane in which the vehicle is traveling.

31. The rearview system of claim 29 wherein said plurality of marks are moved laterally to correspond to positions of curved lane boundaries when the vehicle is turning.

32. A rearview vision system for a vehicle having a gear actuator, comprising:

an image capture device mounted at the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view directed rearwardly of the vehicle;

a display system viewable by a driver of the vehicle which displays a rearward image output of said image capture device;

a graphic overlayer superimposed on said rearward image when the gear actuator of the vehicle selects a reverse gear; and

wherein said graphic overlayer is disabled when the gear actuator of the vehicle is not in reverse gear.

33. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said graphic overlayer includes indicia of the anticipated path of travel of the vehicle.

34. The rearview system of claim 33 wherein said indicia responds to at least one of the vehicle'"'"'s steering system, the vehicle'"'"'s differential system and a compass.

35. The rearview system of claim 33 wherein said indicia responds to the direction of turn of the vehicle.

36. The rearview system of claim 33 wherein said indicia comprise markings that provide indication of distance behind the vehicle.

37. The rearview system of claim 33 wherein said indicia comprise markings superimposed at intervals on said rearward image corresponding to the boundaries of the lane in which the vehicle is reversing.

38. The rearview system of claim 37 wherein said graphic overlayer is responsive to a signal indicative of the rate of turn of the vehicle.

39. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said graphic overlayer is responsive to a signal indicative of the rate of turn of the vehicle.

40. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said indicia comprise markings that move laterally on said rearward image, with reduced separation, to correspond to positions of a curved lane boundary and that move vertically on said rearward image to compensate for the difference between distances along a straight and curved path.

41. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said rearview vision system includes a distance-sensing system.

42. The rearview system of claim 41 wherein said distance-sensing system is selected from the group consisting of a radar, an ultrasonic sensing, and an infrared detection distance-measuring system.

43. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said image capture device has a field of view which is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

44. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said image capture device comprises a pixilated imaging array.

45. The rearview system of claim 44 wherein said pixilated array comprises a CMOS imaging array.

46. The rearview system of claim 33 wherein said graphic overlayer has a form that is a function of at least one of the direction of travel and speed of the vehicle.

47. The rearview system of claim 46 wherein said indicia comprises at least one mark superimposed on said rearward image.

48. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said rear vision system includes a monitoring device for monitoring vehicle turning.

49. The rearview system of claim 48 wherein said monitoring device comprises one of a monitor of movement of the vehicle'"'"'s steering system, a monitor of an output of an electronic compass and a monitor of the vehicle'"'"'s differential drive system.

50. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said display system comprises one of a flat panel display and a cathode ray tube.

51. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said display system comprises a flat panel display.

52. The rearview system of claim 51 wherein said flat panel display comprises one of a liquid crystal display, a plasma display and a field emission display.

53. The rearview system of claim 51 wherein said flat panel display comprises a liquid crystal display.

54. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said display system is positioned within the field of view of the driver without obstructing the view through the windshield.

55. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said display system is mounted to one of the dashboard, facia, header and windshield of the vehicle.

56. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said display system is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror.

57. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said display system comprises a display of one of a projected and a virtual image.

58. The rearview system of claim 32 wherein said display system comprises a heads-up display.

59. The rearview system of claim 33 wherein said indicia comprises at least one mark superimposed on said rearward image.

60. The rearview system of claim 59 wherein said at least one mark superimposed on said rearward image comprises a plurality of marks superimposed on said rearward image at rearward intervals.

61. The rearview system of claim 60 wherein said plurality of marks superimposed on said rearward image are positioned to correspond to boundaries of the lane in which the vehicle is traveling.

62. The rearview system of claim 60 wherein said plurality of marks are moved laterally to correspond to positions of curved lane boundaries when the vehicle is turning.

63. A rearview vision system for a vehicle having a gear actuator, comprising:

an image capture device mounted at the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view directed rearwards of the vehicle;

a display system viewable by a driver of the vehicle;

said image capture device utilizing a wide angle optical system in order to provide a wide angle view of an area rearwards of the vehicle wherein said wide angle optical system comprises non-symmetrical optics; and

wherein said display system displays a rearward image output of said image capture device when the gear actuator of the vehicle selects a reverse gear to operate the vehicle in reverse and wherein said display of said rearward image output of said image capture device is disabled when the vehicle'"'"'s gear actuator is not in reverse gear.

64. The rearview system of claim 63 wherein said wide angle view comprises a view at a lower portion of said rearwards directed field of view of said image capture device.

65. The rearview system of claim 64 wherein said wide angle view comprises an area at the back of the vehicle.

66. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein the output of said image capture device is corrected for distortion in the image captured by said wide angle optical system.

67. The rearview system of claim 66 wherein said correction of said distortion is achieved electronically.

68. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said rearview vision system includes a distance-measuring system.

69. The rearview system of claim 68 wherein said distance-measuring system is selected from the group consisting of a radar, an ultrasonic sensing, and an infrared detection distance-measuring system.

70. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said image capture device has a field of view which is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

71. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said image capture device comprises a pixelated imaging array.

72. The rearview system of claim 71 wherein said pixelated array comprises a CMOS imaging array.

73. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said display system comprises one of a flat panel display and a cathode ray tube.

74. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said display system comprises a flat panel display.

75. The rearview system of claim 74 wherein said flat panel display comprises one of a liquid crystal display, a plasma display and a field emission display.

76. The rearview system of claim 75 wherein said flat panel display comprises a liquid crystal display.

77. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said display system is positioned within the field of view of the driver without obstructing the view through the windshield.

78. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said display system is mounted to one of the dashboard, facia, header and windshield of the vehicle.

79. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said display system is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror.

80. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said display system comprises display of one of a projected and a virtual image.

81. The rearview system of claim 65 wherein said display system comprises a heads-up display.

82. A rearview vision system for a vehicle having a gear actuator, comprising:

an image capture device mounted at the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view directed rearwards of the vehicle;

a display system viewable by a driver of the vehicle;

said image capture device utilizing a wide angle optical system comprising non-symmetrical optics in order to provide a wide angle view of an area rearwards of the vehicle; and

wherein said display system displays a rearward image output of said image capture device when the gear actuator of the vehicle selects a reverse gear to operate the vehicle in reverse.

83. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said wide angle view comprises a view at a lower portion of said rearwards directed field of view of said image capture device.

84. The rearview system of claim 83 wherein said wide angle view comprises an area at the back of the vehicle.

85. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display of said rearward image output of said image capture device is disabled when the vehicle'"'"'s gear actuator is not in reverse gear.

86. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein the output of said image capture device is corrected for distortion in the image captured by said wide angle optical system.

87. The rearview system of claim 86 wherein said correction of said distortion is achieved electronically.

88. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said rearview vision system includes a distance-measuring system.

89. The rearview system of claim 88 wherein said distance-measuring system is selected from the group consisting of a radar, an ultrasonic sensing, and an infrared detection distance-measuring system.

90. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said image capture device has a field of view which is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

91. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said image capture device comprises a pixelated imaging array.

92. The rearview system of claim 91 wherein said pixelated array comprises a CMOS imaging array.

93. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display system comprises one of a flat panel display and a cathode ray tube.

94. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display system comprises a flat panel display.

95. The rearview system of claim 94 wherein said flat panel display comprises one of a liquid crystal display, a plasma display and a field emission display.

96. The rearview system of claim 95 wherein said flat panel display comprises a liquid crystal display.

97. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display system is positioned within the field of view of the driver without obstructing the view through the windshield.

98. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display system is mounted to one of the dashboard, facia, header and windshield of the vehicle.

99. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display system is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror.

100. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display system comprises display of one of a projected and a virtual image.

101. The rearview system of claim 82 wherein said display system comprises a heads-up display.