United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11]
`
`Patent Number:
`
`5,289,321
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`USOO5289321A
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` Secor [45] Date of Patent: Feb. 22, 1994
`
`
`
`[54] CONSOLIDATED REAR VIEW CAMERA
`$I;gIBiSI§LAY SYSTEM FOR MOTOR
`
`5,027,200
`6/1991 Petrossian er al. ................ .. 358/103
`Primary Examiner—Loha Ben
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Wa11 and Roehrig
`
`ABSHMCI
`[57]
`A rear viewing arrangement is provided for a motor
`vehicle to permit the operator to view traffic conditions
`to rearward from left and right sides of the vehicle, as
`well as directly behind the vehicle. Left and right video
`cameras are mounted on the left and right sides of the
`motor Vehicle forwardly of the drivers position Each
`camera attachment has a miniature video camera view-
`me angle dieeeted generally eeeewerdee and a housing
`or shroud that is in the form of an aerodynamic fairing
`disgosed overethe zltlssociated carfnera to‘protect tlhe sailrlie
`?I‘om“ih‘Z“’;‘é‘é"§r‘nfe“$1132.°rfi2°}§;,?§Z"§fio“§‘3§idZ
`unnecessary airflow turbulence, thereby streamlining
`the vehicle, The images viewed from these camera
`assemblies reproduced on an LCD viewing screen,
`which is integrated with the instrument cluster on the
`1
`'
`"°h:;’.1fda5:’b°a’d‘ Thde°Pf1:a“t”h°:9 eastllydfisffvheistlgf
`°°“ ‘ ‘°‘“. ° rearwa’ W‘ °“
`3 mg °
`°
`1"” 31131110“ mm the mad ahead-
`
`13 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor:
`
`James 0. Secor 753 James St., Apt.
`912, Syracuse, i~1.Y. 13203
`
`[21] APP!‘ N°" 178308
`[22] Fued,
`Feb. 12, 1993
`
`Int. Cl.5 ...................... .. G02B 27/00; H04N 7/00
`[51]
`[52] US. C1. .................................... .. 359/896; 354/81;
`_
`354/2935 358/1183 358/149
`[58] Field of Search .............. .. 359/896; 358/103, 105,
`358/108’ 109’ 1255 354/811 293
`References cited
`U-S- PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,689,695
`9/1972 Rosenfield et a1.
`.
`4,214,266 7/1980 Myers ................................ .. 358/108
`4377304 7/ 1931 Robins“ ------
`353/103
`1?; "Cr}a1,1°Ytf“l’11-
`CICYS 8C 5 3
`,
`,
`358/108
`6/1989 Michetti .........
`4,843,463
`358/103
`4,884,135 11/1989 Schiffman .........
`358/103
`4,910,591
`3/1990 Petrossian et a1.
`358/103
`4,937,665
`6/1990 Schiffman ....... ..
`5,012,335
`4/1991 Cohodar ........................... .. 358/108
`
`
`
`[55]
`
`
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_001
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`Valeo Exhibit 1012_001
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 1994
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_002
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 1994
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`5,289,321
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_003
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 1994
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_004
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 1994
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 1994
`
`Sheet 5, of 6
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_006
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 22, 1994
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`5,289,321
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_007
`
`

`
`1
`
`
`
`CONSOLIDATED REAR VIEW CAMERA AND
`DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
`
`L
`the vehicle. Typical of these are the arrangements de-
`scribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,027,200; 4,910,591; and
`3,689,695. Video viewing arrangements for viewing
`from the rear of a tractor trailerare described in U.S.
`5 Pat. Nos. 4,214,266 and 4,277,804. A camera arranae- -
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates generally to devices for rear- ment from guiding a tractor or other farm vehicle is
`described in U.S. Pat. NO. 4,288,814. These previous
`ward viewing from vehicles such as passenger cars,
`proposals do not suggest any practical solution to the
`trucks, or the like. The invention is more particularly
`problems encountered with conventional outside mir-
`concerned with video camera and viewing screen sys-
`tems which can provide a driver or other vehicle opera- lo rors.
`tor a view of traffic conditions to rearwards, at-least
`OBJECTS AND SUMMARY O F THE
`from right and left sides of the vehicle.
`INVENTION
`Conventionally, passenger vehicles and trucks are
`It is an object of this invention to provide a video rear
`provided with outside Grrors disposed at the left
`(driver) side and right (passenger) side of the vehicle, l5 viewing arrangement for vehicles, which avoids the
`and in most cases with a rear view (center) mirror pro-
`drawbacks and disadvantages of conventional systems.
`viding a view through the rear windscreen. These mir-
`It is another object to consolidate the rearward views
`from left, center, and right at a central or common
`rors are necessary for safe vehicle operation and give
`the driver a view of traffic conditions behind the vehi-
`location in the vehicle.
`cle. The views from the right and left outside mirrors 20 It is a further object to eliminate the need for an
`are especially useful to detect another vehicle in an
`operator to look at mirrors located in three different
`adjacent lane, if the operator is planning to make a lane
`positions, or to divert his or her attention from the road
`change or turn.
`during busy or critical traffic conditions.
`These conventional mirrors have a number of draw-
`is still another object to provide a rear viewing
`backs. For example, in order to look at the rearward 25 system in which sensors can be located on the vehicle
`traffic conditions in the right side mirror, the operator
`body in positions where the sensors eliminate blind
`has to take his or her eyes off the road ahead and instead
`spots.
`divert his or her attention onto the small view provided
`Another object is to eliminate the problem of glare
`by the outside mirror. This is often done even while
`from the headlights of a following or overtaking vehi-
`trafic conditions ahead are rapidly changing. How- 30 cle.
`ever, for safe vehicle operation the need to divert one's
`Yet another object of the invention is to improve the
`attention from the road should be minimized. Also, the
`styling and aerodynamics of the vehicle by eliminating
`outside mirror adjustment depends on the operator
`the conventional outside mirrors with their accompany-
`position, and so if the driver adjusts the seat upwards or
`downwards, or back or forth, the outside mirrors also 35 ing wind drag.
`A still further object is to eliminate the need of reposi-
`have to be readjusted.
`tioning or adjustment of outside mirrors and rear view
`the mirrors in traffic can be a dangerous
`
`~
`~
`i
`~
`~
`d
`j
`~
`~
`seating
`mirrors because of a change of an
`maneuver. Also, objects or passengers in the vehicle
`position.
`can often block the driver's views through the center
`rear view mirror and the view of the right outside mir- 40 According to an aspect of this invention, left and
`right video camera arrangements are positioned on the
`ror.
`vehicle on the left and right sides, and even with, or
`because the mirrors are positioned to be in
`,
`~
`~
`h
`~
`~
`~
`more preferably ahead of the driver's position. Each
`line with the driver's position, the
`view in the
`video camera arrangement has a miniature video cam-
`outside mirrors does not always reveal another vehicle
`in an adjacent lane and even with the rear of the vehicle 45 era oriented for viewing rearwards, and enclosed in a
`(i.e., in a so-calIed blind spot). This occurrence of blind
`fairing of small aerodynamic profile. A clear window is
`spots in the rear view mirrors and outside mirrors has
`provided on the rearward side of the fairing. The cam-
`era can be of the CCD type, with a miniature prefo-
`been an ongoing problem.
`The outside mirrors also produce significant amount
`cused lens assembly, all contained in a canister of about
`of wind drag, because they project a substantial distance 50 one centimeter diameter. The mount for the camera can
`sideways from the vehicle. These mirrors are also sub-
`include shock absorbing material within the fairing to
`ject to damage if the vehicle is driven or parked where
`cushion the camera against possible damage. The fairing
`is most favorably elongated in the longitudinal direc-
`there is only a small amount of sidewards clearance.
`tion, SO that its outer surface meets the vehicle surface
`Another problem with conventional mirrors arises
`during night-time operation. If another vehicle is ap- 55 (i.e. front fender) at a low angle at the fairing forward
`edge.
`proaching from the rear or overtaking, the mirrors
`Preferably, the camera assembly is mounted at a loca-
`reflect glare from that vehicle's headlights directly at
`tion even with the vehicle front wheels and as high as
`the driver of the leading vehicle. Even if the other
`possible on the vehicle so as to encompass a view that
`vehicle dims its lights, the amount of light reflected in
`the driver side outside mirror can produce enough glare 60 eliminates the "blind spot" problem of conventional
`mirrors.
`to cause momentary night blindness. Shades or tinted
`A center viewing rear view camera can be mounted
`glass can help to reduce glare, but these can also impair
`on the inside of the vehicle to view through the rear
`the normal rearward view.
`wind screen, or else in a fairing on the roof of the vehi-
`A number of proposals have appeared in recent times
`for supplementing a vehicle operator's view by use of a 65 cle.
`Additional cameras can be mounted, e.g. in bumpers,
`video camera mounted somewhere on the vehicle.
`tail lamp lenses or turn signal lenses to view sidewards
`These have generally involved mounting video cameras
`in box-like housings carried on arms that project from
`from a corner of the vehicle.
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_008
`
`

`
`5,289,321
`
`3
`4
`FIGS. 3 and 4, in which the vehicle 10 is simplified
`Inside the vehicle, the cameras are connected to a
`viewing screen or screens, where the rearward view of
`schematically, shows the driver-side assembly 22 and
`traffic conditions is produced. Preferably, there are left,
`the center rear view camera assembly 24. Alternatively,
`right, and center screens, e.g. liquid crystal displays or
`the rear view camera can comprise a roof top mount 30
`LCDs, integrated into a dashboard display that includes 5 disposed atop of the roof 26 at its rear boundary, and on
`other in~tr~mentation. Alternatively, the left and right
`the vehicle center line. In an alternative arrangement,
`camera assemblies can be coupled to left and right dis-
`the rear-viewing side-mounted cameras can occupy a
`plays that are mounted alongside a conventional center
`portion of the vehicle coach work or body work, for
`rear view mirror.
`example in a front cornering lamp lens or front bumper
`The above and many other objects, features, and 10 of the vehicle.
`advantages of this invention will become apparent from
`In addition to the right and left side camera assem-
`the ensuing description of a preferred embodiment of
`blies and the center camera assembly, it is possible to
`this invention, when read in conjunction with the ac-
`incorporate side viewing cameras 34, here disposed
`companying Drawing.
`within a tail lamp/turn signal lens at a rear comer of the
`l5 vehicle. In this case, the side viewing camera 34 is ori-
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`ented sideways, that is, in the direction transversed to
`is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle
`the traveling direction. This arrangement provides a
`featuring a rear viewing video camera and a display
`to the side of the vehicle, which can be
`~ e w
`arrangement according to one embodiment of this in- mously useful when backing out of a narrow parking
`vention.
`20 spot into a busy or dangerous street, or where there are
`FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the vehicle.
`small children in the vicinity.
`FIGS. 3 and 4 are rear and side views, respectively,
`FIGS.
`also show, schematically, possible
`and
`of another vehicle showing alternative positions of
`positions for an in-dash rear view display assembly 36,
`video camera assemblies and viewing screen arrange-
`and for an alternative hybrid rear view display 38, the
`ments.
`25 latter being positioned at the usual location of a conven-
`FIG. 5 illustrates an in-dashboard integrated viewing
`tional center rear view mirror.
`screen and instrument cluster arrangement.
`As shown in more detail in FIG. 5, the in-dash display
`FIG. 6 shows a hybrid screen and center rear view
`36 can be an integrated system, in which the left, right
`mirror arrangement embodying this invention.
`FIG. 6A is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 6 30 and center views of traffic are displayed, in combination
`with a digital instrument cluster. In this arrangement, a
`illustrating a framing marker arrangement to assist the
`center LCD screen 40 reproduces the view from the
`operator in estimating position of a following or over-
`center camera assembly 24. This view can be reversed
`taking vehicle.
`electronically from left to right, so as to simulate the
`FIG. 7 illustrates a fairing arrangement for a side
`video camera arrangement of an embodiment 35 traditional mirror image view as seen in a conventional
`rear view mirror. In this embodiment, the display 40
`of this invention.
`also carries an indication of the day and date as well as
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`the time of day. Alongside the screen 40 is a left side
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`LCD screen 42 which produces the view from the left
`side camera assembly 22. A right side LCD screen is
`with reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the
`Drawing, a typical motor vehicle 10, here a sedan, is
`positioned alongside the center screen 40, and repro-
`duces the view from the right-side camera assembly 20.
`shown with an operator position or drivers seat 12,
`In this case, the screen 44 also includes indications for a
`ahead of which is an instrument panel 14 and a conven-
`digital compass and a thermometer. Also shown on this
`tiona] steering wheel 16. ~t a position about even with
`front drive wheels 18 is right side or passenger side rear 45 integrated dashboard display are a speedometer 46, a
`tachometer 48, and an odometer-trip meter 50. various
`view camera assembly 20. At a corresponding position
`on the left or driver's side, is a left side rear view camera
`other gauges and indications are included, as is conven-
`assembly 22. There is also a center rear-view camera
`tional.
`The hybrid display 38 is shown in FIG. 6. Here, a
`assembly 24 mounted within the vehicle beneath the
`roof 26 for viewing rearwardly through a rear wind- 50 con~entional rear view mirror 52 is in position for the
`screen 28. The latter camera assembly 24 is disposed
`driver to view traffic to the rear through the rear wind-
`screen 28. A left LCD screen 54, which is coupled to
`along a longitudinal center line of the vehicle 10 and
`the left camera assembly 22, is positioned to the left of
`produces an image of the trafic conditions directly to
`the mirror 52, and a right-side screen which is likewise
`the rear of the vehicle, similar to that which appears in
`a conventional center rear view mirror. As shown in 55 connected to the camera assembly 20 is carried at the
`FIG. 2, the camera assemblies 20 and 22, which are
`right of the mirror 52.
`mounted forward of the drivers position 12 and as high
`Each of these screens 52 and 56 carries a target
`on the vehicle fenders as possible, have a normal view- marker frame 58. With this marker frame, the driver or
`ing angle 0,, that encompasses an adjacent traffic lane at
`operator can gauge or approximate the relative position
`a position even with the rear of the vehicle 10. This 60 of an approaching (i.e. following or overtaking) vehicle
`60. That is, the vehicle 60 as it appears on the screen 54
`provides a view of the "blind spot" area which is usu-
`ally out of the coverage of a conventional side-mounted
`will be approximately will fit approximately within the
`frame 58 when the front end of the vehicle 60 is approx-
`mirror on either the driver or passenger side of the
`vehicle. The camera assemblies 20 and 22 can also be
`imately even with the rear wheels of the operator's
`provided, if desired, with either a wide angle lens or a 65 vehicle 10. Preferably, the marker frame 58 changes in
`zoom lens that opens to a wide angle to achieve a wider
`dimension automatically, if the associated camera as-
`viewing angle 0,. This wider viewing angle 0,will also
`semblies are switched between a normal and wide
`reveal any vehicles in adjacent lanes.
`screen mode or a zoom mode.
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_009
`
`

`
`5,289,32 1
`
`25
`
`5
`6
`FIG. 7 shows one example of the camera assembly
`driver's position; and each said arrangement in-
`20, as mounted on the right front fender of the vehicle
`cluding a miniature video camera having a viewing
`10. In this case, the camera assembly includes a minia-
`angle directed generally rearwards, and a housing
`ture video camera 62, here shown partly in ghost. Cam-
`that is formed of a fairing disposed over the associ-
`era 62 is based on a small CCD imager, and is contained 5
`ated camera to protect same and minimize lateral
`within a canister of about one centimeter in diameter by
`protuberance from the side of the vehicle while
`about three centimeters in length. This camera 62 also
`avoiding unnecessary air flow turbulence, and a
`has a small fixed-focus or variable-focus lens, and auto-
`window on a rearward side of said fairing; and
`matic exposure control. The camera lens can be normal
`at least one viewing screen coupled to said video
`or wide angle or can be a zoom arrangement which is 10
`camera arrangements and disposed at said driver's
`movable between normal and wide positions.
`position within the vehicle to reproduce left and
`Also shown in FIG. 7 is a fairing 64, or front part of
`right rearward views of the traffic conditions as
`the housing. This fairing 64 is elongated from front to
`viewed by said video cameras.
`back and is of a relatively small wind cross section. The
`2. R~~~ viewing
`as recited in claim
`fairing 64 is stream lined as to cause minimal disruption
`wherein said fairings have a shape that is elongated in
`of the laminar flow of air passing over the car body. A
`vehicle.
`the longitudinal direction of
`window 66 or clear rearward part of the housing covers
`3. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim
`the lens side of the camera 62 and provides an unob-
`wherein said fairings each have a forward edge
`structed view to rearwards. The fairing 64 has an outer
`angle between an outer surface of the fairing and
`a
`surface that meets the fender of the vehicle 10 at a low 20 the side of the vehicle.
`angle at the fairing front edge 68. This design is selected
`4. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim
`for minimal turbulence in the flow of air moving past
`wherein said at least one viewing screen includes left
`This reduces air drag,
`producing
`and right LCD displays coupled respectively to the left
`the
`higher vehicle efficiency and somewhat better gas mile-
`and right video camera arrangements.
`age. The smaller lateral profile of the camera assemblies
`5. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 4,
`20 and 22 also provides less hazard of collision damage
`wherein said left and right LCD displays are respec-
`than with conventional outside mirrors.
`tively positioned on left and right sides of a conven-
`In an alternative arrangement, an additional camera
`tional center rear view mirror.
`can be mounted at the center of the vehicle rear bum-
`6. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 1,
`per, providing a view from the very rear of the vehicle
`a center viewing video CXmera ar-
`to facilitate safe backing up. Also, a trailer-rnounted 3O
`rangement mounted on said vehicle for viewing traffic
`camera can be employed if the vehicle is towing a boat
`conditions rearward from a centerline of said vehicle,
`or other trailer. =he trailer-mounted camera can be
`and
`to said at least one video display to provide
`connected by a cable, and its image can be reproduced
`at said driver's position a center rearward view of traf-
`on the screen 40. ~
`the screens 42 and 44 can be
`l
`~
`~
`,
`
`switched between the side-rear view camera assemblies 35 fic
`7. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 6,
`20, 22, and the side-looking camera assemblies 34. In
`wherein said center viewing video camera arrangement
`one preferred arrangement, switching of the screens
`is mounted on a roof of said vehicle behind said driver's
`back from the camera assemblies 34 to the side camera
`position.
`assemblies 20 and 22 occurs automatically, for example,
`8. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 6,
`if the vehicle is
`out of reverse into a forward 40
`wherein said center viewing video camera arrangement
`speed.
`is mounted within said vehicle adjacent a rear wind
`of the integrated viewing arrangement 36 of
`
`d
`~
`~
`t
`~
`~
`~
`Screen and oriented to view through the rear wind
`FIG. 5, a "heads up" display (which is reflected on the
`Screen.
`windshield) could be employed. As a further alterna-
`9. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 6
`tive, an overhead display arrangement could be used. 45
`wherein said at least one viewing screen includes left,
`An automatic exposure control for the video camera
`center, and right LCD displays positioned at said driv-
`assemblies prevents automotive headlights from vehi-
`er's position and respectively coupled to said left side,
`cles, or other bright lights, from flooding the viewing
`center viewing and right side camera arrangements.
`screens. Jn this way, the driver's night vision is not
`10. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 9
`impaired, even in the event that the following driver 50
`wherein said left, center, and right displays are inte-
`fails to dim his or her headlights. Automatic exposure
`grated into a dashboard display.
`control also automatically adjusts for low light or dim
`11. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 1
`viewing conditions.
`wherein said at least one viewing screen includes a
`While this invention has been described in detail with
`reference to a few selected embodiments, it should be 55 target marker frame sized to correspond to a vehicle
`understood that the invention is not limited to those
`situated at a predetermined position in the viewing
`precise embodiments. Rather, many modifications and
`range of one of said cameras.
`12. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 1,
`variations would present themselves to those of skill in
`further comprising at least one additional camera
`the art without departing from the scope and spirit of
`60 mounted at a comer of said vehicle and oriented for
`this invention, as defined in the appended claims.
`sidewards viewing, and coupled to said at least one
`What is claimed is:
`viewing screen to provide a sideward view of traffic
`1. Rear viewing arrangement for a motor vehicle to
`conditions from the associated comer of the vehicle.
`permit an operator in a driver's position within the
`13. Rear viewing arrangement as recited in claim 12
`vehicle a view of traffic conditions to rearward from
`left and right sides of the motor vehicle, comprising: 65 wherein said additional camera is mounted within a
`body member of said vehicle at the respective corner
`left and right video camera arrangements respec-
`tively mounted on the left and right sides of the
`thereof.
`*
`*
`*
`*
`*
`
`motor vehicle at a position at or forward of the said
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1012_010