Rearview obstruction camera system and associated method
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring potential obstruction of rearview mirror and implementing a rearview camera in a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a sensor assembly comprising a first sensor located on a first face of the rearview mirror to detect ambient light forward, a second sensor located on a second face of the rearview mirror opposite the first face to detect ambient light rearward; and
a processor configured to;
receive and compare signals obtained from the first and second sensors to determine whether there is a potential rearward view obstruction, andactivate the rearview camera for displaying a rearward view of the vehicle in response to detecting that the ambient light rearward is less than the ambient light forward.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A rearview obstruction camera system provides rearward view if visibility to a driver as a result of cargo impacts a view directly out the rear windshield. Likewise, an occupant(s) sitting in the rear seats can obstruct the view of the driver out the rear the vehicle. In both instances the rearward view is potentially compromised. By using a sensor(s), the rearview obstruction camera system can detect if the line of sight of the driver out the rear of the vehicle is obstructed. If obstructed, the rearview camera captures a live feed of traffic behind a vehicle and the image is displayed in front of the driver (e.g. on the rearview mirror, navigation display, or the like).
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring potential obstruction of rearview mirror and implementing a rearview camera in a vehicle, the system comprising:
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a sensor assembly comprising a first sensor located on a first face of the rearview mirror to detect ambient light forward, a second sensor located on a second face of the rearview mirror opposite the first face to detect ambient light rearward; and a processor configured to; receive and compare signals obtained from the first and second sensors to determine whether there is a potential rearward view obstruction, and activate the rearview camera for displaying a rearward view of the vehicle in response to detecting that the ambient light rearward is less than the ambient light forward. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of assisting an associated vehicle driver with monitoring a rearward view, the method comprising:
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sensing a rearward line of sight of a vehicle driver by at least detecting ambient light forward via a first sensor located on a first face of a rearview mirror of a vehicle and detecting ambient light rearward via a second sensor located on a second face of the rearview mirror opposite the first face; and displaying an image from a rearview camera in response to detecting at least a partial obstruction based at least upon detecting that the ambient light rearward is less than the ambient light forward. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification