Digital imaging rear view mirror system

• US 20030090568A1
• Filed: 04/23/2001
• Published: 05/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Thomas Michael Pico
• Original Assignee: Thomas Michael Pico
• Inventors: Pico, Thomas Michael
• Application Number:
  US09/839,092
• Publication Number:
  US 20030090568A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• 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 1/26 to the rear of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/30 characterised by the type of image processing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/301 combining image information with other obstacle sensor information, e.g. using RADAR/LIDAR/SONAR sensors for estimating risk of collision
• 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 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0891 Video recorder in combination with video camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

The Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System Utilizes a digital camera located low in the rear of a motor vehicle and cameras located on the sides of a vehicle all connected to a small flat panel display (e.g., LCD) located in front of the driver. The images from the cameras are to be digitally integrated so as to provide a seamless rear and side view. The Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System incorporates a recorder that records 15 to 20 minute continuous segments while the vehicle is in operation and stops recording a few minutes after a collision. The System also incorporates a sensor that displays in real time on the LCD and on the recording the distance of objects and vehicles behind the vehicle equipped with a Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System, the speed of the vehicle equipped with a Digital Imaging Rear View Mirror System and the time.

Claims

1. I claim as my invention the use of digital cameras for rear and side view imaging for motor vehicles.

2. I claim as my invention the use of a flat panel display of the views along the sides and behind a motor vehicle.

3. I claim as my invention the use of a flat panel display with an integrated seamless image of the views along side and behind a motor vehicle.

4. I claim as my invention the use of a recording device to capture the camera views along the sides and behind a motor vehicle.

5. I claim as my invention the use of a distance sensor incorporated with the camera views and recording device capturing the views along the sides and behind a motor vehicle.

6. I claim as my invention the use of a speed sensor incorporated with the camera views and recording device capturing the views along the sides and behind a motor vehicle.

7. I claim as my invention the use of a timer incorporated with the camera views and recording device capturing the views along the sides and behind a motor vehicle.