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

• US 20020113415A1
• Filed: 03/22/2002
• Published: 08/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Pochmuller, Werner
• Granted Patent: US 7,726,434 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/727
• 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

Proposed is 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 for a camera on a vehicle, the holding fixture (4, 9) being attached to the body shell of the vehicle,

wherein the holding fixture (4, 9) can be drawn out of the body shell.

2. The holding fixture as recited in claim 1,

wherein, in addition to the camera, the holding fixture accommodates a further device.

3. The holding fixture as recited in claim 2,

wherein the further device is a wiper device.

4. The device as recited in claim 2,

wherein the further device is a trunk handle.

5. The holding fixture as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the holding fixture (4, 9) can be drawn out as a function of a speed signal.

6. The holding fixture as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the holding fixture can be drawn out as a function of a transmission-setting signal.

7. The holding fixture as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the holding fixture (4, 9) can be drawn out as a function of a signal from a control element.

8. The holding fixture as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the holding fixture (4, 9) is attached to the roof edge or the trunk edge of the vehicle.

9. The holding fixture as recited in one of the preceding claims,

wherein the holding fixture can be mounted in the vehicle front end, and/or in the vehicle rear end, and/or in the vehicle roof.

10. The holding fixture as recited in one of the preceding claims,

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

12. The method as recited in claim 10,

wherein the different holding fixtures having cameras are simultaneously extended, and a display of each of the cameras on the holding fixtures takes place in the direction of travel.

11. A method for monitoring the surrounding area of a vehicle, using at least one camera,

wherein a holding fixture for the at least one camera is drawn out of a body shell of the vehicle.

13. The method as recited in claim 11 or 12,

wherein the at least one camera is extended in response to the vehicle traveling in reverse, and is retracted again in response to forward travel, and in response to a predefined speed value being exceeded.

14. The method as recited in claim 11 or 12,

wherein the at least one camera is drawn out in response to traveling in reverse, and is retracted in response to traveling forward.