Methods and systems for providing a rearward field of view for use with motorcycles

• US 7,353,086 B2
• Filed: 11/18/2003
• Issued: 04/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Timothy James Ennis
• Original Assignee: Timothy James Ennis
• Inventors: Ennis, Timothy James
• Primary Examiner(s): Black; Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): Louie; Wae Lenny
• Application Number:
  US10/715,698
• Publication Number:
  US 20040143373A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,596 Days
• Field of Search: 348/115, 340/937, 701/1, 359/550
• US Class Current: 701/1
• 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 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/30 providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision
• 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 2300/30 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 2300/406 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/70 characterised by an event-triggered choice to display a specific image among a selection of captured images
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8073 for vehicle security, e.g. parked vehicle surveillance, burglar detection
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 29/00 Adaptations or arrangements of mirrors for use on cycles
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 43/30 for providing power to equipment other than for propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 50/22 electronic, e.g. displays

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for using a camera and display screen to provide a vehicle operator with an image of all or part of the area surrounding the vehicle. A camera is attached to the vehicle that is in communication with a display screen viewable by the operator. A system for inverting the image from the camera makes the image more readily understandable to the operator when the operator is looking forward and the camera is pointed backward. The camera and display screen may be wired into a vehicle network. The network may comprise many other devices for added convenience and functionality. Many other advantages can be added to the basic system, for example an operator controlled zoom, automatic changes of camera angle, quick-release components, magnetic security keys, and the like.

Claims

1. A vision system for use with a motorcycle, comprising:

a camera mountable to the motorcycle;

an angle adjusting component for changing the angle of the camera mountable to the motorcycle;

a display screen mountable above a gas tank of said motorcycle that displays an image from the camera mountable to the motorcycle;

at least one of a suction cup, a threaded post, and an interlocking fabric for mounting the display screen above said gas tank; and

a link between the turn signals of the motorcycle and the angle adjusting component for changing the angle of the camera mountable to the motorcycle, wherein activation of the turn signals of the motorcycle activates the angle adjusting component for changing the angle of the camera mountable to the motorcycle.

4. The vision system of claim 1, wherein the display screen mountable to the motorcycle is mountable underneath a substantially horizontal windshield.

5. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a sun hood for shading the display screen mountable to the motorcycle.

6. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a transflective layer on the display screen mountable to the motorcycle.

7. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a water diffuser film on the display screen mountable to the motorcycle.

8. The vision system of claim 1, wherein the display screen mountable to the motorcycle is removable without the use of conventional tools.

9. The vision system of claim 1, wherein the display screen mountable to the motorcycle is a personal device that provides portable information to a carrier of said display screen mountable to the motorcycle.

10. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising infrared capability that allows for enhanced nighttime vision.

11. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a zoom function that allows an operator of the motorcycle to adjust the magnification of objects displayed on the display screen mountable to the motorcycle.

12. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising an image adjust function that allows for adjustment of at least one of the contrast, the intensity, and the color of an image displayed on the display screen mountable to the motorcycle.

13. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a splitter function that allows an operator of the motorcycle to split an image displayed on the display screen mountable to the motorcycle such that inputs from more than one camera are displayed simultaneously.

14. The vision system of claim 1, wherein said display screen mountable to the motorcycle is connected to an electronic vehicle network and is capable of providing information about the motorcycle to the motorcycle operator.

15. The vision system of claim 14, further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) that is attached to the vehicle network.

16. The vision system of claim 15, wherein said display screen displays GPS data supplied by said GPS.

17. The vision system of claim 15, wherein said GPS comprises a GPS antenna operably coupled to said electronic vehicle network.

18. The vision system of claim 14, further comprising a radar detection system that is attached to the vehicle network.

19. The vision system of claim 14, further comprising data acquisition sensors attached to the vehicle network for gathering information about the motorcycle.

20. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a recording system for recording any images displayed on the display screen mountable to the motorcycle.

21. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a lock and key system for turning the vision system power on.

22. The vision system of claim 1, further comprising a momentary change-function switch for temporarily changing an image displayed on the display screen mountable to the vehicle.

2. A vision system for use with a motorcycle, comprising:

a camera mountable to the motorcycle;

an angle adjusting component for changing the angle of the camera mountable to the motorcycle;

a display screen mountable above a gas tank of said motorcycle that displays an image from the camera mountable to the motorcycle;

at least one of a suction cup, a threaded post, and an interlocking fabric for mounting the display screen above said gas tank; and

a link between the transmission of the motorcycle and the angle adjusting component for changing the angle of the camera mountable to the motorcycle, wherein switching said transmission from one gear to another activates the angle adjusting component for changing the angle of the camera mountable to the motorcycle.

3. A display screen that provides an image to a motorcycle operator, comprising:

two or more cameras mountable to a motorcycle;

a display screen mountable above a gas tank of said motorcycle and viewable a motorcycle operator, wherein said display screen simultaneously displays to the motorcycle operator images from more than one of said two or more cameras mountable to said motorcycle, and wherein said images are stitched together to form a single continuous image;

at least one of a suction cup, a threaded post, and an interlocking fabric for mounting the display screen above said gas tank.