`Payne
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,693,524 B1
`Feb. 17, 2004
`
`US006693524B1
`
`2/1994 Secor ....................... .. 359/896
`5,289,321 A
`4/1994 Gauthier et al.
`..
`367/108
`5,303,205 A
`4/1994 Weiner .... ..
`307/10.1
`5,306,953 A
`5,373,482 A * 12/1994 Gauthier . . . . . . . . . . .
`. . . .. 367/99
`5,530,421 A
`6/1996 Marshall et al.
`..
`340/436
`5,574,426 A * 11/1996 Shisgal et al.
`340/435
`5,598,164 A *
`1/1997 Reppas et al.
`.............. .. 342/70
`5,646,614 A
`7/1997 Abersfelder et al.
`340/932.2
`5,670,935 A *
`9/1997 Schofield et al.
`340/461
`5,680,123 A
`10/1997 Lee ................ ..
`340/937
`5,734,336 A *
`3/1998 Smithline ..
`340/903
`5,760,828 A *
`6/1998 Cortes ...................... .. 348/143
`
`
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Davetta W. Goins
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—John D. Gugliotta
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system which
`comprises a system of three closed circuit video cameras,
`three laser-based distance detection systems and an associ-
`ated monitor is disclosed. A camera and a laser-based
`
`distance detection system are mounted on each side, as Well
`as the rear of the motor vehicle or large truck, and coupled
`to one monitor, located by the driver, which displays all
`three images simultaneously. The distance to the closest
`object, displayed by each camera, as determined by the
`laser-based distance detection system, is superimposed over
`the respective object in the monitor. If any of these said
`distances fall below a minimum predetermined distance, the
`numeric representation will flash and an audible alarm will
`sound.
`
`8 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`VEHICLE BACKUP MONITORING AND
`ALARM SYSTEM
`
`Inventor: George R. Payne, 1429 Keisa La.,
`Irving, TX (US) 75060
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`Appl. No.: 09/089,153
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 2, 1998
`
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................ .. B60Q 1/22
`U.S. Cl.
`..................... .. 340/463; 340/431; 340/435;
`340/436; 340/903; 340/937; 348/148
`Field of Search ............................... .. 340/463, 436,
`340/435, 460, 937, 932.2, 903, 431 A;
`307/10.1, 10.7, 10.8; 364/108, 909, 348/148,
`149, 118
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Cudworth .................. .. 340/31
`Rosenfield et al.
`. 178/7.81
`Nicolson .................. .. 340/435
`Myers ...................... .. 358/108
`Duncan et al.
`.
`.. 367/108
`Robison .......... ..
`358/108
`Petrossian et al.
`.
`.. 358/103
`Tendler
`........... ..
`367/116
`Lee .......... ..
`340/435
`Bolz et al.
`................ .. 367/108
`
`
`
`12/1965
`9/1972
`9/1973
`7/1980
`12/1980
`7/1981
`3/1990
`6/1990
`7/1990
`11/1990
`
`*
`
`3,226,673
`3,689,695
`3,760,414
`4,214,266
`4,240,152
`4,277,804
`4,910,591
`4,937,796
`4,943,796
`4,974,215
`
`>>>>>>>>>>
`
`(21)
`
`(22)
`
`(51)
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`
`
`10
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`VALEO EX. 1040_001
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`VALEO EX. 1040_001
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 17, 2004
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 6,693,524 B1
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`VALEO EX. 1040_002
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`VALEO EX. 1040_002
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 17, 2004
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 6,693,524 B1
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`VALEO EX. 1040_003
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`VALEO EX. 1040_003
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 17, 2004
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 6,693,524 B1
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`VALEO EX. 1040_004
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`VALEO EX. 1040_004
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`U.S. Patent
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`Feb. 17, 2004
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 6,693,524 B1
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`—W
`fiiigl
`I-In-IE
`h—'
`35 "10
`90
`[Ag 90 if-_-.!E1 E...|]
`:\ 10511512ofl
`11512010530 :\“512o1 105
`130
`180
`iligu,re 41
`180
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`" “'
`10
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`110 "
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`/7/'
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`VALEO EX. 1040_005
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`US 6,693,524 B1
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`1
`VEHICLE BACKUP MONITORING AND
`ALARM SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates generally to driving aids and
`more particularly, to a vehicle backup monitoring and alarm
`system.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`truck and/or
`Commercial drivers of large commercial
`tractor trailer rigs are continually faced with the task of
`backing their vehicles into loading docks, parking spaces
`and other tight positions, as well as merging on roads or
`interstates. These tasks become even more daunting for the
`occasional driver or the amateur renter who has limited or no
`
`experience in such matters. The usual solution of using side
`mounted mirrors provides for a limited field of view, with
`associated blind spots and loss of depth of vision. Using
`such mirrors coupled with bad judgement risks damage to
`people, property, and other vehicles.
`One solution to such disadvantages of side mounted
`mirrors involve the use of video cameras and associated cab
`
`mounted monitors. The previous art consists of many
`examples of inventions using such cameras and monitors.
`Examples of such prior art include the following:
`
`U.S. Pat. No.
`
`Inventor
`
`Issue Date
`
`5,680,123
`5,646,614
`5,530,421
`5,289,321
`4,910,591
`4,277,804
`3,689,695
`
`Lee
`Abersfelder et al.
`Marshall et al.
`Secor
`Petrossian et al.
`Robison
`Rosenfield et al.
`
`Oct. 21, 1997
`Jul. 8, 1997
`Jun. 25, 1996
`Feb. 22, 1994
`Mar. 20, 1990
`Jul. 7, 1981
`Sept. 5, 1972
`
`Devices constructed in accordance with these disclosures
`
`allow for the remote visualization of volume and objects
`located to the rear and/or sides of a motor vehicle or large
`truck. However, under many circumstances there is a lack of
`depth perception when viewing a video screen. Clearly, a
`means by which the actual distance from the object to the
`motor vehicle or truck could be viewed would be advanta-
`geous.
`
`The prior art contains many examples of inventions which
`allow for the visual and/or audible annunciation of distances
`between objects and the motor vehicle under one’s control.
`Examples of such prior art include the following:
`
`U.S. Pat. No.
`
`Inventor
`
`Issue Date
`
`4,943,796
`4,937,796
`4,240,152
`3,226,673
`
`Lee
`Tendler
`Duncan et al.
`Cudworth
`
`Jul. 24, 1990
`Jun. 26, 1990
`Dec. 16, 1980
`Dec. 28, 1965
`
`Devices constructed in accordance with these disclosures
`
`allow for the visual indication of distance to objects, but
`without a graphic representation of the surroundings, it is not
`clear to the driver what object is how close. Clearly a method
`that combines the actual distance to a graphic visualization
`would be the ideal method for insuring safety when driving
`and during parking or docking maneuvers.
`
`2
`In U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,953, issued in the name of Weiner,
`a system for adjusting the side mounted mirrors on a large
`tractor trailer rig is disclosed. This invention automatically
`turns the mirrors in relation to the location of the trailer
`
`portion. While this invention helps to reduce the blind spots,
`it does not allow for increased depth perception or for
`distance interpretation nor does it allow for vision on the rear
`of the vehicle and is thus an unsuitable solution to the
`
`aforementioned problems.
`In U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,205, issued in the name of Gauthier
`et al, a system by which distances to objects are displayed
`in small digital readouts on the side mounted mirrors them-
`selves is disclosed. This device, while aiding in depth
`perception, does nothing to eliminate blind spots and the
`problems associated with them.
`In U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,215, issued in the name of Bolz et
`al., a system by which distances to a loading dock is
`indicated on a digital display attached to the loading dock is
`disclosed. However, this system functions only on loading
`docks equipped with such a device and is thus unsuitable for
`continuous monitoring of all areas behind and to the side of
`motor vehicles or large trucks.
`Finally, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,266, issued in the name of
`Myers, a system which utilizes a closed circuit video system
`having distance measurement capabilities is disclosed.
`While this disclosure represents an apparatus closest
`in
`design to the present invention, it requires visual targets on
`the object being maneuvered to. This is clearly not accept-
`able in all situations where target objects are not present. It
`also does nothing to eliminate blind spots on the side of the
`motor vehicle or large truck, which will pose problems when
`merging lanes on a road or highway.
`Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a device
`and method which overcomes the problems cited above.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
`an improved vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system.
`It is therefore another object of the present invention to
`provide an improved vehicle backup monitoring and alarm
`system that allows for the driver of a said equipped vehicle
`to be able to see all areas to the side or rear of the vehicle
`
`with no blind spots.
`It is therefore yet another object of the present invention
`to provide an improved vehicle backup monitoring and
`alarm system that permits the driver to have a numeric
`indication of distance to the closest object to the rear and to
`both sides which is superimposed on the visual image.
`It is therefore another object of the present invention to
`provide an improved vehicle backup monitoring and alarm
`system that allows that sounds an alarm should the distance
`to the sides or rear of the vehicle to an object fall within a
`minimum predetermined distance.
`It is therefore yet another object of the present invention
`to provide an improved vehicle backup monitoring and
`alarm system that allows the present invention to be easily
`installed in a permanent or temporary manner on any motor
`vehicle or large truck.
`Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment
`of the present invention, an improved vehicle backup moni-
`toring and alarm system which comprises a system of three
`closed circuit video cameras,
`three laser-based distance
`detection systems and an associated monitor is disclosed. A
`camera and a laser-based distance detection system are
`mounted on each side, as well as the rear of the motor
`
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`US 6,693,524 B1
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`3
`vehicle or large truck, and coupled to one monitor, located
`by the driver, which displays all
`three images simulta-
`neously. The distance to the closest object, displayed by each
`camera, as determined by the laser-based distance detection
`system, is superimposed over the respective object in the
`monitor. If any of these said distances fall below a minimum
`predetermined distance,
`the numeric representation will
`flash and an audible alarm will sound.
`
`invention to reduce the
`is a feature of the present
`It
`reliance on side mounted mirrors, and thus eliminate the
`risks associated with blind spots and lack of depth percep-
`tion common when using said mirrors.
`It is another feature of the present invention to provide a
`device that can be easily produced using existing
`technology, materials and assembly techniques.
`Another advantage of the present invention is that it is
`simple, and therefore,
`inexpensive to manufacture. This
`savings, if passed on to the consumer, may influence the
`public to utilize such a device. A simple design also
`increases product reliability and useful product lifetime.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The advantages and features of the present invention will
`become better understood with reference to the following
`more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction
`with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are
`identified with like symbols, and in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle backup moni-
`toring and alarm system according to a preferred embodi-
`ment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a top view, depicting the coverage patterns as
`utilized by the vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system;
`FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the monitor as used with the
`present invention; and
`FIG. 4 is a functional electrical block diagram depicting
`the circuitry as used with the present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`In order to describe the complete relationship of the
`invention, it is essential that some description be given to the
`manner and practice of functional utility and description of
`a vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system.
`The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented
`in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within
`the Figures.
`
`1. Detailed Description of the Figures
`
`Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a vehicle
`backup monitoring and alarm system 10 according to a
`preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
`Atrailer 15 with its associated tractor 20 is shown approach-
`ing a loading dock 25 in a rearward or backing up fashion.
`Located on the rear of the trailer 15 near the bottom, is a rear
`detection module 30. The rear detection module 30 contains
`a small video camera, a laser-based distance detection
`system and a pair of high intensity lamps for increased
`rearward illumination over that normally provided by the
`reverse light provided on the trailer 15. The internal com-
`ponents of the rear detection module 30 will be described in
`greater detail hereinbelow. A driver’s side detection module
`35 is mounted on the trailer 15 approximately one-third of
`the way back from the front near the bottom on the driver’s
`side as shown. A passenger side detection module 40 (not
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`shown in this FIG.) is mounted in a symmetrical manner on
`the passenger side of the trailer 15. Aseries of interconnect-
`ing cables 45 is then routed from the rear detection module
`30, the driver’s side detection module 35, and the passenger
`side detection module 40, under the trailer 15 and up to the
`tractor 20. (Only the portion of the interconnecting cables 45
`running between the trailer 15 and the tractor 20 is shown for
`purposes of clarity). Inside of the tractor 20, the intercon-
`necting cables 45 connect to additional components that will
`be described later and to a display monitor 50 as shown
`through a cutaway view of the tractor 20. The display
`monitor 50 is located near the head liner of the tractor 20 in
`
`a position easily viewable by the driver. It is envisioned that
`the display monitor 50 would be of a fiat panel display,
`similar to that found on laptop computers that is mounted on
`a hinge and spring system, that is capable of being folded up
`and away when not in use. It is also envisioned that both the
`driver’s side detection module 35 and the passenger side
`detection module 40 could benefit from a pair of high
`intensity lamps for increased illumination, as with the rear
`detection module 30 described above.
`
`Referring next to FIG. 2, a top view depicting the cov-
`erage patterns as utilized by the vehicle backup monitoring
`and alarm system 10 is shown. The rear detection module 30
`produces a rear coverage pattern 55 that aids in navigation
`up to the loading dock 25. It should be noted that the rear
`coverage pattern 55 extends to both sides of the trailer 15 as
`well as to the rear. In a similar manner, the driver’s side
`detection module 35 produces a drivers side coverage pat-
`tern 60 and the passenger side detection module 40 produces
`a passenger side coverage pattern 65. In a manner similar to
`that aforementioned with the rear coverage pattern 55, both
`the drivers side coverage pattern 60 and the passenger side
`coverage pattern 65 extend to the rear of the trailer 15. This
`overlapping coverage of the rear coverage pattern 55, the
`driver’s side coverage pattern 60 and the passenger side
`coverage pattern 65 provides the driver located in the tractor
`20, a 360-degree coverage pattern of the area surrounding
`the tractor 20 and the trailer 15. The remainder of the
`
`coverage around the tractor 20 is of course provided by the
`driver by looking through the windows of the tractor 20. The
`rear coverage pattern 55 will be particularly advantageous to
`the driver when backing up to loading dock 25 by aiding in
`distance determination as well as squareness to the loading
`dock 25. Many loading docks are also occupied with incom-
`ing utility services, waste collection systems, freight han-
`dling systems, employee or patron parking, and the like. The
`driver’s side coverage pattern 60 and the passenger side
`coverage pattern 65 will be particularly advantageous to the
`driver in these instances where the confines or adjacent areas
`around loading docks are limited, and clearance on the sides
`is limited as well.
`
`Referring now to FIG. 3, a pictorial view of the display
`monitor 50 is depicted. As aforementioned,
`the display
`monitor 50 is envisioned to be of a fiat panel, color, LCD
`display, similar to that found on laptop computers, however,
`as can be seen by those familiar in the art that other methods
`including plasma displays, cathode ray tubes and the like
`may also be utilized and is not intended to be a limiting
`factor. The display area on the display monitor 50 comprises
`three separate areas. These areas are a driver’s side display
`zone 70, a rear display zone 75, and a passenger side display
`zone 80, which represent the three associated images as
`provided by the driver’s side detection module 35, the rear
`detection module 30 and the passenger side detection mod-
`ule 40 respectively. (As shown in FIG. 2). The dashed lines
`around each of the display zones are for descriptive purposes
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`VALEO EX. 1040_007
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`VALEO EX. 1040_007
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`US 6,693,524 B1
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`5
`only and will not be visible to the driver. A pictorial image
`of a vehicle 85, in this case the trailer 15 (as shown in FIG.
`1) is provided at the lower edge of the driver’s side display
`zone 70, the rear display zone 75 and the passenger side
`display zone 80 for reference purposes. A series of distance
`display indicators 90, one for each of the display zones, are
`provided for each object that is the closest in each respective
`zone. In the instance of FIG. 3., a distance of 12 feet is
`indicated to a crate in the driver’s side display zone 70, a
`distance of 6.8 feet is indicated to the loading dock itself in
`the rear display zone 75, and a distance of 15.6 feet is
`indicated to a bollard in the passenger side display zone 80.
`It should be noted that the distance display indicators 90 will
`reposition themselves over the closest object in their respec-
`tive zone. In this manner, the driver is always aware of the
`closest item on each of the three sides, as well as the actual
`distance to it. The distance display indicators 90 themselves
`will change in value as the vehicle moves. If the distance to
`any object in any zone should fall below a minimum value,
`for purposes of illustration, say four feet,
`the respective
`distance display indicators 90 will begin to flash at a rapid
`rate and an alarm will sound via a speaker 95. In this manner
`the driver is afforded a warning to pay particular attention to
`that portion of the vehicle approaching the object. This
`warning feature with the audible alarm will continue even if
`the display monitor 50 is folded up and not in visual use by
`the driver (as described in FIG. 1). A control panel 100 for
`the purposes of adjusting brightness, contrast, and the like,
`as well as the predetermined minimum alarm distances is
`provided on the face of the display monitor 50 as well.
`Referring finally to FIG. 4, a functional electrical block
`diagram depicting the circuitry as used with the vehicle
`backup monitoring and alarm system 10 is disclosed. The
`rear detection module 30, the driver’s side detection module
`35, and the passenger side detection module 40 are each
`equipped with a video camera 105 and a laser-based distance
`detection device 110. Each laser-based distance detection
`
`device 110 in turn is supplied with an emitter 115 and a
`receiver 120. The laser-based distance detection device 110
`
`functions in a commonly known manner by broadcasting a
`laser light through the emitter 115 and receiving the corre-
`sponding returns or reflections through the receiver 120. The
`signals from the video camera 105 are routed on a series of
`three video camera output cables 125 to a video mixer 130.
`At the video mixer 130 the corresponding video images are
`merged into one image that is eventually displayed on the
`display monitor 50. The signals from the laser-based dis-
`tance detection device 110 are routed on a series of three
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`distance detection output cables 135 to a distance conversion
`module 140. At the distance conversion module 140 the
`
`50
`
`corresponding distance signals are interpreted and posi-
`tioned via a series of X, y coordinates that is used later to
`display the actual distances on the display monitor 50. A
`composite video signal cable 145 from the video mixer 130
`and a composite distance signal cable 150 from the distance
`conversion module 140 are routed to a final mixer 155,
`which generates an output signal on a composite signal cable
`160 which is sent to the display monitor 50. Power for the
`above-mentioned components are provided from the elec-
`trical system of the invention equipped vehicle. Power is
`provided from an electrical supply means 165, such as a
`battery, through an over current protection device 170 such
`as a fuse to all of the components through a positive power
`supply bus 175. The negative supply is provided through a
`negative power supply bus 180, commonly known as the
`vehicle frame. For temporary installations,
`the positive
`power supply bus 175 and the negative power supply bus
`
`55
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`180 would be provided through the cigarette lighter of the
`invention equipped vehicle to provide a means for ease of
`installation and removal of the vehicle backup monitoring
`and alarm system 10. A reverse switch 185 would provide
`electrical power to a pair of high intensity lamps 190 located
`in the rear detection module 30 to aid in vision when backing
`up under low light conditions. In such instances where the
`vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system 10 is perma-
`nently installed on a motor vehicle, the reverse switch 185
`could be mechanically attached to the transmission linkage
`to allow for the automatic illumination of the high intensity
`lamps 190. In such instances where the vehicle backup
`monitoring and alarm system 10 is temporarily installed on
`a motor vehicle, the reverse switch 185 would be a manually
`actuated switch located in the interior cab near the driver
`
`where it would be actuated manually on an as needed basis.
`The video mixer 130, the distance conversion module 140
`and the final mixer 155 would be located in the interior of
`
`the tractor 20 (as shown in FIG. 1) to aid in cooling and
`environmental protection. They would be provided in a
`separate enclosure or be provided as an integral part of the
`display monitor 50.
`
`2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
`
`In operation, the present invention can be easily utilized
`by the common user or driver of any motor vehicle or large
`truck in a simple and effortless manner. To use the present
`invention with its preferred embodiment can best be
`described in conjunction with the perspective views of FIG.
`1, the top view of FIG. 2, the pictorial view of FIG. 3, and
`the functional electrical block diagram of FIG. 4.
`To use the present invention, the user would first install
`the vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system 10 on the
`subject vehicle. The rear detection module 30 would be
`mounted on the rear of the vehicle, and the driver’s side
`detection module 35 and the passenger side detection mod-
`ule 40 would be mounted on the two respective sides. All
`detection modules would be aimed and aligned to provide
`overlapping coverage as shown in FIG. 2. Next, the asso-
`ciated power and signal cables would be routed from the rear
`detection module 30, the driver’s side detection module 35
`and the passenger side detection module 40 to the video
`mixer 130, the distance conversion module 140 and the over
`current protection device 170 as shown in FIG. 4. Next the
`operation of all components would be verified in a stationary
`state, then brightness, contrast, and minimum distance deter-
`mination would be made via the control panel 100 of the
`display monitor 50. At this point the vehicle backup moni-
`toring and alarm system 10 is ready for operational duty.
`While the driver is traveling on a road or highway, the
`vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system 10 provides
`protection by eliminating blind spots that are present in
`conventional side view mirrors. If the driver wishes to
`
`change lanes or turn a corner, a quick glance at the display
`monitor 50 will ensure that there are no other vehicles,
`persons or objects located on either side of his or her vehicle.
`If an object is there and within the predetermined minimum
`distance, the alarm will sound via the speaker 95 further
`alerting the driver to possible danger.
`The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system 10 also
`serves to aid the driver when backing into loading docks,
`unloading stations or other tight parking conditions. The
`driver may utilize the display monitor 50, consisting of the
`pictorial image as well as the superimposed distances to
`objects. In this manner the driver is afforded protection
`around the entire perimeter of his vehicle without the need
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`VALEO EX. 1040_008
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`VALEO EX. 1040_008
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`7
`to leave the vehicle to check distances or clearances or rely
`on a spotter or other individual. In the event of low light
`conditions that are not offset by the conventional backup
`lights on the vehicle, the driver may wish to utilize the high
`intensity lamps 190 as provided with the rear detection
`module 30.
`
`While the above description is based upon a tractor trailer
`truck configuration, it is not intended to be a limiting factor.
`The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system 10 can be
`used on any motor vehicle in an equally easy manner.
`The foregoing description is included to illustrate the
`operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to
`limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention
`is to be limited only by the following claims.
`
`COMPONENT LIST
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`vehicle backup monitoring
`and alarm system
`trailer
`tractor
`loading dock
`rear detection module
`driver’s side detection
`module
`passenger side detection
`module
`interconnecting cables
`display monitor
`rear coverage pattern
`drivers’ side coverage
`pattern
`passenger side coverage
`pattern
`driver’s side display zone
`rear display zone
`passenger side display zone
`pictorial image of vehicle
`distance display indicators
`speaker
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`control panel
`video camera
`laser-based distance
`detection device
`emitter
`receiver
`video camera output
`cables
`video mixer
`distance detection output cables
`distance conversion module
`composite video signal cable
`composite distance signal cable
`final mixer
`composite signal cable
`electrical supply
`means
`over current protection
`device
`positive power supply bus
`negative power supply bus
`reverse switch
`high intensity lamps
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system for
`assisting a trailer with its associated tractor in approaching
`a loading dock in a rearward or backing up fashion, said
`system comprising:
`a rear detection module located on the rear of the trailer
`near the bottom, said rear detection module contains a
`small video camera, a laser-based distance detection
`module contains a small video camera, a laser-based
`distance detection system and a pair of high intensity
`lamps for increased rearward illumination over that
`normally provided by the reverse light provided on the
`trailer;
`a driver’s side detection module mounted on the trailer
`approximately one-third of the way back from the front
`near the bottom on the driver’s side;
`a passenger side detection module mounted in a manner
`symmetrical to the driver’s side detection module on
`the passenger side of the trailer;
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`8
`a series of interconnecting cables routed from the rear
`detection module, the driver’s side detection module,
`and the passenger side detection module, under the
`trailer and up to the tractor, said interconnecting cables
`connecting a display monitor located near the head
`liner of the tractor in a position easily viewable by the
`driver;
`
`said display monitor comprises a flat panel display
`mounted on a hinge and spring system, that is being
`folded up and away when not in use.
`2. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of
`claim 1, wherein both said driver’s side detection module
`and said passenger side detection module are in electronic
`communication with said display.
`3. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of
`claim 2, wherein said display monitor comprises three
`separate areas including a driver’s side display zone, a rear
`display zone, and a passenger side display zone, represent-
`ing the three associated images as provided by the driver’s
`side detection module, the rear detection module and the
`passenger side detection module.
`4. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of
`claim 3, further comprising a series of distance display
`indicators, one for each said display zones, for providing a
`distance indication for each object that is the closest in each
`respective zone.
`5. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of
`claim 4, wherein said rear detection module, said the driv-
`er’s side detection module, and said passenger side detection
`module are each equipped with a video camera and a
`distance detection device.
`
`6. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of
`claim 5, wherein each said distance detection device com-
`prises a laser-based distance detection device, said laser-
`based distance detection device supplied with an emitter and
`a receiver.
`
`7. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of
`claim 5, wherein the signals from the video camera are
`routed on a series of three video camera output cables to a
`video mixer, and wherein as said video mixer the corre-
`sponding video images are merged into one image that is
`eventually displayed on the display monitor.
`8. The vehicle backup monitoring and alarm system of
`claim 7, wherein signals from the laser-based distance
`detection device are routed on a series of three distance
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`detection output cables to a distance conversion module, and
`wherein at said distance conversion module corresponding
`distance signals are interpreted and positioned via a series of
`X, y coordinates that
`is used later to display the actual
`distances on the display monitor.
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`VALEO EX. 1040_009
`
`VALEO EX. 1040_009