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Stereo type vehicle monitoring apparatus with a fail-safe function

  • US 6,310,546 B1
  • Filed: 07/12/2000
  • Issued: 10/30/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A stereo type vehicle monitoring apparatus with a fail-safe function, the apparatus comprising:

  • a pair of cameras taking pictures of scenes outside of a vehicle;

    a stereo image producer producing a first image and a second image respectively based on pictures taken by said cameras;

    a calculator calculating a level of brightness of a first monitor area in the first image produced by said stereo image producer and a level of brightness of a second monitor area in the second image produced by said stereo image producer, the second monitor area positionally corresponding to the first monitor area; and

    a fail decision unit for determining a failure of said vehicle monitoring apparatus when a difference between the brightness level of the first monitor area and the brightness level of the second monitor area exceeds a predetermined value.

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