Vehicular visual assistance system

• US 20050168695A1
• Filed: 12/28/2004
• Published: 08/04/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
• Inventors: Kimura, Junichi, Ooba, Yasuyuki
• Granted Patent: US 7,520,616 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 353/13
• 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 1/25 to the sides of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/202 displaying a blind spot scene on the vehicle part responsible for the blind spot
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/30 characterised by the type of image processing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/802 for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views

Abstract

A vehicular visual assistance system includes: a retro-reflective surface formed on an inside face of a pillar that is in a position obstructing the view of a vehicle driver seated on a driver'"'"'s seat within a vehicle compartment; a camera mounted on the vehicle outside the vehicle compartment for taking an image outward from the pillar in a direction that is substantially the same as the line of vision of the vehicle driver on the driver'"'"'s seat; and a projector for projecting in real time the image taken by the camera toward the retro-reflective surface of the pillar. The projector is fixedly disposed within the vehicle compartment at a position close to the eyes of the vehicle driver on the driver'"'"'s seat. Thus, it is possible to eliminate a blind spot due to the pillar, thereby enhancing safety of driving.

Claims

1. A vehicular visual assistance system comprising:

a retro-reflective surface formed on an inside face of a pillar that is in a position obstructing the view of a vehicle driver seated on a driver'"'"'s seat within a vehicle compartment;

a camera mounted on the vehicle outside the vehicle compartment for taking an image outward from the pillar in a direction that is substantially the same as the line of vision of the vehicle driver on the driver'"'"'s seat; and

a projector for projecting in real time the image taken by the camera toward the retro-reflective surface of the pillar, the projector being fixedly disposed within the vehicle compartment at a position close to the eyes of the vehicle driver on the driver'"'"'s seat.

2. The vehicular visual assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the camera is mounted on a door mirror.

3. The vehicular visual assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the camera is mounted on an outer face of a vehicle body at a position in the proximity of the pillar.

4. The vehicular visual assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the projector is mounted on a rear view mirror.

5. The vehicular visual assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the projector is mounted on a roof.

6. The vehicular visual assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the projector is mounted on a headrest of the driver'"'"'s seat.