Holding device and method for detecting a vehicle environment with at least one camera

• US 7,726,434 B2
• Filed: 02/24/2001
• Issued: 06/01/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Pochmuller, Werner
• Primary Examiner(s): Restifo; Jeffrey J
• Application Number:
  US09/979,349
• Publication Number:
  US 20020113415A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,384 Days
• Field of Search: 280/762, 280/761, 180/281, 180/286, 180/289, 180/167, 296/15, 239/284.1, 239/284.2, 340/937, 340/932.2, 348/149, 348/148, 348/118, 348/151, 348/143, 362/527
• US Class Current: 180/281
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/005 using a video camera
• 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 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• 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 2300/404 triggering from stand-by mode to operation mode
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 for aiding parking

Abstract

A holding fixture for a camera and a method for monitoring the surrounding area of a vehicle, using at least one camera, which is used to draw a holding fixture out of the body shell of a vehicle, as needed. The holding fixture is extended as a function of a speed signal or a transmission-setting signal, and, in addition to a camera, the holding fixture has a further device, in particular a washer device or a trunk handle. Furthermore, the holding fixture can be drawn out as a function of a signal from a control element. Holding fixtures having cameras can be attached at various positions of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A holding fixture system for a camera on a vehicle, comprising:

a camera;

a holding fixture for the camera, the holding fixture being attached to a body shell of the vehicle, wherein the camera is mounted on the holding fixture, and wherein the holding fixture is configured to be selectively drawn out of the body shell as a function of a speed signal; and

in addition to the camera, the holding fixture accommodates a further device, the further device being one of a wiper device and a trunk handle.

2. The holding fixture system according to claim 1, wherein:

the further device is the wiper device.

3. The holding fixture system according to claim 1, wherein:

the further device is the trunk handle.

4. The holding fixture system according to claim 1, wherein:

the holding fixture is attached to one of a roof edge and a trunk edge of the vehicle.

5. The holding fixture system according to claim 1, wherein:

the holding fixture is mounted in at least one of a front end of the vehicle, a rear end of the vehicle, and a roof of the vehicle.

6. The holding fixture system according to claim 1, wherein:

the holding fixture is integrated into a vehicle-manufacturer emblem that is attached to a trunk lid.

7. A method for monitoring a surrounding area of a vehicle using at least one camera, comprising the step of:

drawing out of a body shell of the vehicle a holding fixture for the at least one camera, wherein the camera is mounted on the holding fixture;

wherein the at least one camera is retracted in response to a predefined speed value being exceeded.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of:

simultaneously extending different holding fixtures having cameras; and

causing a display of each of the cameras on the holding fixtures to take place in a direction of travel.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein:

the at least one camera is extended in response to the vehicle traveling in reverse; and

the at least one camera is retracted again in response to forward travel.

10. A device for a vehicle, comprising:

a first holding fixture which is retractable into a first well in a body of the vehicle and extendible beyond the body of the vehicle;

a first camera attached to the first holding fixture and directed to a rear of the vehicle;

a second holding fixture which is retractable into a second well in the body of the vehicle and extendible beyond the body of the vehicle; and

a second camera attached to the second holding fixture and directed to a front of the vehicle;

wherein the first holding fixture is extended and the first camera is powered when the vehicle is in reverse; and

wherein the second holding fixture is extended and the second camera is powered when the vehicle is in forward and traveling at a low rate of speed.

11. A holding fixture system for a camera on a vehicle, comprising:

a camera;

a holding fixture for the camera, the holding fixture being attached to a body shell of the vehicle, wherein the camera is mounted on the holding fixture, and wherein the holding fixture is configured to be selectively drawn out of the body shell, and wherein the holding fixture is integrated into a vehicle-manufacturer emblem that is attached to a trunk lid, and wherein the vehicle-manufacturer emblem is configured to selectively open to enable the holding fixture to be drawn out of the body shell, the holding fixture being extended in response to the vehicle traveling in reverse, and the holding fixture being retracted again in response to (a) forward travel and (b) a predefined speed value being exceeded.

12. The holding fixture system according to claim 11, wherein:

the holding fixture is drawn out as a function of a transmission-setting signal.

13. The holding fixture system according to claim 11, wherein:

the holding fixture is drawn out as a function of a signal from a control element.

14. A holding fixture system for a camera on a vehicle, comprising:

a camera;

a holding fixture for the camera, the holding fixture being attached to a body shell of the vehicle, wherein the camera is mounted on the holding fixture, and wherein the holding fixture is configured to be selectively drawn out of the body shell as a function of a speed signal, and wherein the holding fixture is integrated into a vehicle-manufacturer emblem that is attached to a trunk lid.