Vehicle blind spot detection display system

• US 5,929,786 A
• Filed: 07/20/1998
• Issued: 07/27/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Schofield, Kenneth, Lynam, Niall R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LA, ANH V
• Application Number:
  US09/119,532
• Time in Patent Office: 372 Days
• Field of Search: 340/435, 340/903, 340/901, 340/904, 340/465, 340/475, 340/461
• US Class Current: 340/903
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01526 using piezoelectric elements
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01564 Manually or key-actuated inhibition switches
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01566 Devices for warning or indicating mode of inhibition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1004 Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means using door lock sensors B60R25/1001
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9315 Monitoring blind spots
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9323 Alternative operation using light waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9324 Alternative operation using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/93274 on the side of the vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/06 Cathode-ray tube displays or other two dimensional or three-dimensional displays

Abstract

A vehicle blind spot detection display system displays indications from a blind spot detector. The system includes a first indicator assembly positioned on the vehicle in the vicinity of an exterior mirror and adapted to producing an indication at least of the presence of an object adjacent the corresponding side of the vehicle. A second indicator assembly is provided on the vehicle interior mirror assembly and adapted to producing an indication at least of the presence of an object adjacent the same corresponding side of the vehicle. In this manner, redundant indications are provided at both the interior and exterior mirrors in order to assist the driver in a premaneuver evaluation of conditions surrounding the vehicle.

Claims

1. A blind spot detection display system for displaying indications from a blind spot detector system in a vehicle having a passenger compartment and a windshield forward of said passenger compartment, comprising:

a heads up display producing a first indication from a blind spot detector system of a first event including at least one of a first other vehicle approaching the one side of the vehicle, the first other vehicle being adjacent the one side of the vehicle, and the first other vehicle receding from the one side of the vehicle, a second indication from the blind spot detector system of a second event including at least one of a second other vehicle approaching the other side of the vehicle, the second other vehicle being adjacent the other side of the vehicle, and the second other vehicle receding from the other side of said vehicle and a display of at least one other vehicle function, wherein said heads up display displays said first and second indications for view trough the vehicle windshield physically associated with the respective first and second events in a manner that provides cognitive association between the indications and the events being indicated by framing said display of at least one other vehicle function with said first and second indications on opposite sides of said display of at least one other vehicle function and wherein said heads up display displays said first indication on the side of said display of at least one other vehicle function closest to said one side of the vehicle and wherein said heads up display displays said second indication on the side of said display of said at least one other vehicle function closest to said other side of the vehicles.

2. The system in claim 1 wherein said another vehicle function displayed by said heads up display is vehicle speed.

3. The system in claim 1 wherein said heads up display combines said first and second indications with a display of respective vehicle turn signal operation.

4. The system in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second indications is displayed by said heads up display on the side of the display of the at least one other vehicle function that is closest to the event being indicated and wherein said at least one other vehicle function is selected from the group consisting of vehicle speed and vehicle turn signal operation.

5. The system in claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and second indications change in size, shape, color or strobe/flash to alert the driver of objects approaching the vehicle.

6. The system in claim 5 wherein at least one of said indications change in proportion to the proximity of the other vehicles to the vehicle.