Vehicle vision system

• US 8,564,662 B2
• Filed: 06/27/2007
• Issued: 10/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yanfeng Czechia Automotive Interior Systems s.r.o.
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Busch, David B., Deuel, Eric S., Chutorash, Richard J., Laux, Peter C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Etienne, Ario
• Assistant Examiner(s): Williams, Clayton R
• Application Number:
  US12/306,498
• Publication Number:
  US 20090284598A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,309 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 348/148
• 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 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/23 with a predetermined field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• 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 2300/305 merging camera image with lines or icons
• 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 2300/8013 for child monitoring
• 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 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8086 for vehicle path indication

Abstract

The present vehicle vision system enhances visibility internally and externally with respect to the vehicle. A vision system is provided which is configured to switch between a plurality of modes. The system further includes a far-field effect which alters the focal length of the display in the vision system so as to reduce driver eye strain during operation. The vision system may be incorporated into various locations throughout the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle overhead console).

Claims

1. An overhead console for use in a motor vehicle at least partially housing a vision system having a camera mounted on the motor vehicle, comprising:

a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted within the overhead console;

a first screen portion attached to the motor vehicle configured to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a first mode;

a second screen portion adjacent the first screen portion and a part of a same rear view mirror assembly as the first screen portion, the second screen portion comprising a mirror portion for reflecting images; and

wherein the display source is configured to project video images onto the first screen portion, and wherein the first screen portion is configured to reflect the video images such that the video images appears to a person within the motor vehicle to be at a distance greater than the distance between the display source and the first screen portion, wherein the first screen portion is selectively deformable to alter a focal point of the reflected video images, wherein the motor vehicle automatically selectively deforms the first screen portion to alter the focal point of the reflected video images in response to a predetermined condition associated with the motor vehicle, and wherein the automatic deformation is caused to occur without direct manual deformation of the first screen portion.

2. The overhead console of claim 1, further comprising:

a mounting bracket coupling the display source and the first screen portion so that the display source is parallel with respect to the first screen portion.

3. The overhead console of claim 1, wherein the second screen portion is deformable.

4. The overhead console of claim 1, wherein the first screen portion is selectively deformable from a substantially flat position to a substantially concave position.

5. The overhead console of claim 1, wherein the display source includes a receiver configured to wirelessly receive video signals from the camera.

6. The overhead console of claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a retraction of a headrest.

7. The overhead console of claim 1 further comprising:

an intermediate screen portion, wherein the intermediate screen portion reflects the projected video images of the display source toward the first screen portion.