STAND ALONE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM

• US 20140015972A1
• Filed: 07/11/2013
• Published: 01/16/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Hoek, Steven G., Bauer, Frederick T., Lisowski, Michael F.
• Granted Patent: US 9,767,695 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/148
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/007 specially adapted for covering the lateral blind spot not covered by the usual rear-view mirror
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/167 Driving aids for lane monitoring, lane changing, e.g. blind spot detection

Abstract

A blind spot detection system for a vehicle having an external rearview device including a substrate having an at least partially transmissive portion. An imaging device positioned behind the at least partially transmissive portion and including a field of view that extends through the substrate at an angle away from the vehicle in the general direction of a vehicle blind spot.

Claims

1. A blind spot detection system for a vehicle comprising:

an external rearview device including a substrate having an at least partially transmissive portion; and

an imaging device positioned behind the at least partially transmissive portion and including a field of view that extends through the substrate at an angle away from the vehicle in the general direction of a vehicle blind spot.

2. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, further comprising:

a carrier plate that includes a circuit board coupled to a vehicle interface system.

3. The blind spot detection system of claim 2, further comprising:

a circuit board coupled to a blind spot detection indicator proximate an outer edge of the substrate.

4. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes a field of view that extends approximately 40 degrees.

5. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, wherein the imaging device is directed approximately 20 degrees downward.

6. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, further comprising:

a heater assembly disposed proximate the imaging device.

7. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, wherein the imaging device includes one of a single element lens and a multi element lens.

8. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one of a hydrophobic coating and a hydrophilic coating applied to the substrate.

9. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes an electrochromic mirror construction having a first element, a second element, and an electrochromic material disposed therebetween.

10. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes a first element defining first and second surfaces, and a second element defining third and fourth surfaces, and wherein the imaging device is disposed adjacent the fourth surface.

11. The blind spot detection system of claim 1, wherein the at least partially transmissive portion is defined by a window adjacent a lens of the imaging device.

12. An external rearview assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a substrate including an image display portion and an at least partially transmissive portion, wherein the image display portion provides a rearward field of view to a vehicle driver; and

an imaging device positioned behind the at least partially transmissive portion and including a field of view that extends through the substrate and covers an area disposed between the rearward field of view of the image display portion and a peripheral line of vision extending from inside the vehicle.

13. The external rearview assembly of claim 12, wherein the imaging device is positioned adjacent a top corner of the substrate proximate an edge of the substrate.

14. The external rearview assembly of claim 12, wherein the field of view extends approximately 40 degrees.

15. The external rearview assembly of claim 12, wherein the imaging device is directed approximately 20 degrees downward.

16. The external rearview assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least partially transmissive portion is defined by a window adjacent a lens of the imaging device.

17. An external rearview assembly for a vehicle comprising:

an electrochromic substrate that includes a first element defining first and second surfaces, and a second element defining third and fourth surfaces, wherein a portion of the electrochromic substrate includes an at least partially transmissive window proximate a top inside corner of the electrochromic substrate, and wherein the electrochromic substrate is configured to provide a driver with a first field of view; and

an imaging device proximate the at least partially transmissive window and defining a second field of view that extends through the electrochromic substrate and covers an area generally disposed between a side of the vehicle and the first field of view.

18. The external rearview assembly of claim 17, wherein the imaging device covers an area disposed between the first field of view and a line defining a peripheral line of vision extending from a driver position inside the vehicle.

19. The external rearview assembly of claim 17, wherein the second field of view extends approximately 40 degrees.

20. The external rearview assembly of claim 17, wherein the imaging device is directed approximately 20 degrees downward.