Vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system

• US 6,693,524 B1
• Filed: 06/02/1998
• Issued: 02/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: George R. Payne
• Original Assignee: George R. Payne
• Inventors: Payne, George R.
• Primary Examiner(s): GOINS, DAVETTA WOODS
• Application Number:
  US09/089,153
• Time in Patent Office: 2,086 Days
• Field of Search: 340/463, 340/436, 340/435, 340/460, 340/937, 340/932.2, 340/903, 340/431.A, 307/10.1, 307/10.7, 307/10.8, 364/108, 364/909, 348/148, 348/149, 348/118
• US Class Current: 340/463
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/005 using a video camera
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/006 using a distance sensor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/007 providing information about the distance to an obstacle, e.g. varying sound
• 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 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• 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 2300/207 using multi-purpose displays, e.g. camera image and navigation or video on same display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system which comprises a system of three closed circuit video cameras, three laser-based distance detection systems and an associated monitor is disclosed. A camera and a laser-based distance detection system are mounted on each side, as well as the rear of the motor vehicle or large truck, and coupled to one monitor, located by the driver, which displays all three images simultaneously. The distance to the closest object, displayed by each camera, as determined by the laser-based distance detection system, is superimposed over the respective object in the monitor. If any of these said distances fall below a minimum predetermined distance, the numeric representation will flash and an audible alarm will sound.

Claims

1. A vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system for assisting a trailer with its associated tractor in approaching a loading dock in a rearward or backing up fashion, said system comprising:

a rear detection module located on the rear of the trailer near the bottom, said rear detection module contains a small video camera, a laser-based distance detection module contains a small video camera, a laser-based distance detection system and a pair of high intensity lamps for increased rearward illumination over that normally provided by the reverse light provided on the trailer;

a driver'"'"'s side detection module mounted on the trailer approximately one-third of the way back from the front near the bottom on the driver'"'"'s side;

a passenger side detection module mounted in a manner symmetrical to the driver'"'"'s side detection module on the passenger side of the trailer;

a series of interconnecting cables routed from the rear detection module, the driver'"'"'s side detection module, and the passenger side detection module, under the trailer and up to the tractor, said interconnecting cables connecting a display monitor located near the head liner of the tractor in a position easily viewable by the driver;

said display monitor comprises a flat panel display mounted on a hinge and spring system, that is being folded up and away when not in use.

2. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of claim 1, wherein both said driver'"'"'s side detection module and said passenger side detection module are in electronic communication with said display.

3. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of claim 2, wherein said display monitor comprises three separate areas including a driver'"'"'s side display zone, a rear display zone, and a passenger side display zone, representing the three associated images as provided by the driver'"'"'s side detection module, the rear detection module and the passenger side detection module.

4. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of claim 3, further comprising a series of distance display indicators, one for each said display zones, for providing a distance indication for each object that is the closest in each respective zone.

5. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of claim 4, wherein said rear detection module, said the driver'"'"'s side detection module, and said passenger side detection module are each equipped with a video camera and a distance detection device.

6. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of claim 5, wherein each said distance detection device comprises a laser-based distance detection device, said laser-based distance detection device supplied with an emitter and a receiver.

7. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of claim 5, wherein the signals from the video camera are routed on a series of three video camera output cables to a video mixer, and wherein as said video mixer the corresponding video images are merged into one image that is eventually displayed on the display monitor.

8. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of claim 7, wherein signals from the laser-based distance detection device are routed on a series of three distance detection output cables to a distance conversion module, and wherein at said distance conversion module corresponding distance signals are interpreted and positioned via a series of x, y coordinates that is used later to display the actual distances on the display monitor.