Vehicle viewing system

• US 4,968,124 A
• Filed: 03/29/1989
• Issued: 11/06/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lumitex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Poly-Optical Products Incorporated (RSL Fiber Systems, LLC)
• Inventors: Saunders, Greg, Deckert, Curt, Myers, J. Michael, Demmer, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Arnold, Bruce Y.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US07/329,999
• Time in Patent Office: 587 Days
• Field of Search: 350/574, 350/501, 350/503, 350/506, 350/96.24, 350/96.25, 350/96.27, 350/642
• US Class Current: 359/435
• 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 1/002 specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle, e.g. for viewing tyres, bumpers or the like integrated in the windows B60R1/001; combined with rear-view mirrors B60R1/08
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/23 with a predetermined field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/30 providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision

Abstract

A vehicle viewing system for use on vehicles to enhance the vehicles'"'"' safe operation by minimizing blind spots. The system has an objective assembly mountable on the vehicle with its field of view substantially encompassing a blind spot. The images within the field of view are carried from the objective assembly to a viewer assembly via an image relay system. The image relay system may be a conventional fiber optic cable or a periscope assembly mounted between two fiber optic cables to extend the image transmission. The periscope assembly utilizes a lens assembly to relay images. The viewer assembly is mountable in an easy-to-see location on the vehicle suitable for viewing by the vehicle operator. The objective assembly has a lens system to enable the system to present continuous color images for viewing.

Claims