Device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle

• US 7,151,439 B2
• Filed: 10/04/2004
• Issued: 12/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Company LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Moisel, Joerg, Holz, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US10/957,794
• Publication Number:
  US 20050073581A1
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 340/425.5, 340/426.6, 340/441, 340/433, 348/148, 348/164, 250/330, 250/334
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/21 using cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/21 using cameras
• 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 1/24 in front of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/30 providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/103 using camera systems provided with artificial illumination device, e.g. IR light source
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/302 combining image information with GPS information or vehicle data, e.g. vehicle speed, gyro, steering angle data
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/404 triggering from stand-by mode to operation mode
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8053 for bad weather conditions or night vision
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/12 with means for image conversion or intensification
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/01 Head-up displays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/33 Transforming infrared radiation cameras or camera modules for generating image signals from infrared radiation H04N23/20; circuitry of SSIS for transforming infrared radiation into image signals H04N25/20

Abstract

A device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle has a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, a display unit for displaying collected image data, and a control unit for controlling the device. The control unit is configured in such a way that the display is switched off after a predefined time period t has expired. This device ensures very safe operation for the user.

Claims

1. A device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle, comprising:

a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle,

an infrared-sensitive camera for collecting radiation reflected from at least part of the irradiated surroundings and converting the radiation into image data,

a display unit for displaying the image data, and

a control unit for controlling the device,

wherein the control unit has a switch for switching off the display after a predefined time period t has expired.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the switch, in addition to the display, switches off the camera and/or the radiation source after a predefined time period t_k.

3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an additional switch for switching on the display after switching off occurs.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the additional switch is implemented in a region of the steering wheel, in particular by a headlamp flasher or a steering wheel rocker.

5. The device for according to claim 1, wherein the display is switched off suddenly.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the switching off of the display is gradual.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured in such a way that before the switching off takes place the control unit causes the switching off to be signaled.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein a residual running time is displayed for the purpose of signaling.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the time period t lies in the minute range, in particular in the range of half a minute.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the time period t is adjustable.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is embodied in such a way that switching off occurs when a vehicle velocity v above a predefined maximum velocity v_max is exceeded.