Multiple camera system on single monitor display

• US 20040119822A1
• Filed: 12/20/2002
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Estate of Heinz Hermann Thiele)
• Original Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Estate of Heinz Hermann Thiele)
• Inventors: Waltz, Mark, Custer, Robert J., Matko, Mark A.
• Application Number:
  US10/325,083
• Publication Number:
  US 20040119822A1
• 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 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/30 providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/205 using a head-up display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/30 characterised by the type of image processing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A monitor system used on a vehicle for displaying multiple video signals simultaneous on a single monitor screen. The system includes cameras, video instrumentation amplifiers, video image processors, and monitors for displaying separate or combined camera views.

Claims

1. a monitor control system used on a vehicle for displaying multiple video signals on a single screen comprising:

at least two cameras for outputting individual video signals;

at least one monitor for receiving video signals outputted by said cameras and for visually displaying said video signals as images on said screen;

and a video image processor connected to each monitor for processing said individual video signals and for processing and combining said individual signals into one standard video signal.

2. The monitor control system according to claim 1 wherein said cameras are mounted at different views on the exterior of said vehicle.

3. The monitor control system according to claim 1 wherein said monitor displays either one selected said individual video signal or selected said combined video signal.

4. The monitor control system according to claim 1 further comprising a controller connected to said video image processor for selecting either an individual video signal or a combined video signal.

5. The monitor control system according to claim 1 further comprising a user interface for selecting either said individual signal or said combined signal to display.

6. A method of displaying multiple images from a camera on one screen comprising the steps of:

generating separate video signals from more than one camera;

converting and amplifying said separate video signals for compatibility with a video image processor;

and combining at least two separate video signals into one single standard video output signal.

7. The method according to claim 6 further comprising selecting said one single standard video output signal for displaying on one screen of a monitor.

8. A monitor control system for a commercial truck with a trailer comprising:

four cameras for generating individual video signals, wherein said cameras are mounted on the exterior of a truck with an attached trailer, at least one video image processor for combining said individual video signals from said cameras, at least one monitor for displaying said individual video signals or said combined video signals connected to said video image processor, and selector for selecting which signals to display on said monitor.

9. The monitor control system according to claim 8 wherein said cameras are mounted on the front of the truck.

10. The monitor control system according to claim 8 wherein said cameras are mounted on the back end of the trailer.

11. The monitor control system according to claim 8 wherein said cameras are mounted on the side view mirror of the truck.

12. The monitor control system according to claim 8 wherein said cameras are mounted on a cab-top of the truck.

13. The monitor control system according to claim 8 further comprising multiple monitors for displaying said individual or combined video signals.

14. The monitor control system according to claim 13 further comprising a video instrumentation amplifier for outputting two amplified signals.

15. The monitor control system according to claim 8 wherein said cameras are wireless.