The present application relates to a method and apparatus for generating a graphical user interface indicative of a vehicle underbody view including a LIDAR operative to generate a depth map of an off-road surface, a camera for capturing an image of the off-road surface, a chassis sensor operative to detect an orientation of a host vehicle, a processor operative to generate an augmented image in response to the depth map, the image and the orientation, wherein the augmented image depicts an underbody view of the host vehicle and a graphic representative of a host vehicle suspension system, and a display operative to display the augmented image to a host vehicle operator. A static and dynamic model of the vehicle underbody is compared vs the 3-D terrain model to identify contact points between the underbody and terrain are highlighted.

An apparatus includes a plurality of capture devices and a processor. The plurality of capture devices may each be configured to generate video frames corresponding to an area outside of a vehicle. The processor may be configured to receive the video frames from each of the plurality of capture devices, generate video data for a display in response to the video frames, store a view preference for the display corresponding to (i) a location and (ii) a vehicle status, determine a current location and a current status of the vehicle and generate an output signal to select a view for the display. The output signal may be generated in response to the current location matching the location and the current status matching the vehicle status. The view selected may be determined based on the view preference.

A camera monitoring system includes a first camera configured to capture an image of an area including a predetermined area on the left side of a vehicle, a second camera configured to capture an image of an area including a predetermined area on the right side of the vehicle and a third camera configured to capture an image of an area including a predetermined area behind the vehicle. The camera monitoring system further includes a monitor configured to display a composite image including a first captured image captured by the first camera, a second captured image captured by the second camera and a third captured image captured by the third camera and an image processor configured to control a layout of the composite image, and change the layout according to at least either the moving body information or the environmental information.

A backup-assisting device which assists in the backing up of a vehicle by providing one or more visual and auditory aids. The one or more visual and auditory aids include at least an image sensor such as digital video camera, one or more illuminating devices such as one or more lights, a sound-generating device such as speaker.

An information recording device includes a first capturing unit, a second capturing unit, an information acquisition unit, and a recording unit. The first capturing unit captures a first image at a first angle of view. The first image includes at least a part of a target vehicle in front of or behind a vehicle and the surrounding area of the target vehicle. The second capturing unit captures a second image at a second angle of view that is narrower than the first angle of view. The second image includes target information so that the target information on a specific target part of the target vehicle or the surrounding area is identifiable. The information acquisition unit acquires the target information from the second image. The recording unit records the target information, acquired by the information acquisition unit, in association with the first image.

One general aspect includes a method of animal detection and warning, the method including: detecting, via a processor, a presence of an animal in an area beneath a vehicle; and when the presence of an animal is detected in the area beneath the vehicle, warning, via the processor, the animal to vacate the area beneath the vehicle. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

A parking assist system for a vehicle uses cameras to collect ground images at opposite edges of the vehicle. A speed sensor provides a speed signal representing a speed of the vehicle. When speed is less than a threshold, a navigation system compares a geographic location of the vehicle to map data or the camera images are monitored to detect parking zones. A parking controller is coupled to the cameras, a display panel, navigation system, and speed sensor. When the parking controller detects that the geographic location of the vehicle coincides with a parking zone then the parking controller 1) examines the ground images to recognize a pair of edge boundaries of a parking spot, 2) calculates a proportion of an intersection length of the vehicle contained within the boundaries to a full length of the vehicle, and 3) displays the calculated proportion as a percentage on the display panel.

A parking assist system for a vehicle uses cameras to collect ground images at opposite edges of the vehicle. A speed sensor provides a speed signal representing a speed of the vehicle. When speed is less than a threshold, a navigation system compares a geographic location of the vehicle to map data or the camera images are monitored to detect parking zones. A parking controller is coupled to the cameras, a display panel, navigation system, and speed sensor. When the parking controller detects that the geographic location of the vehicle coincides with a parking zone then the parking controller 1) examines the ground images to recognize a pair of edge boundaries of a parking spot, 2) calculates a proportion of an intersection length of the vehicle contained within the boundaries to a full length of the vehicle, and 3) displays the calculated proportion as a percentage on the display panel.

Systems and methods to provide visual references to passengers in vehicles to prevent motion sickness. The system can include a controller and one or more projectors and/or displays. The controller can detect movement of a vehicle and project images within the vehicle that comport with the detected movement. The system can include a projector to project images on the interior of the vehicle. The system can include one or more displays to display images inside the vehicle. The controller can receive data from one or more cameras, accelerometers, navigation units, magnetometers, and other components to detect the motion of the vehicle. The system can display visual references on the dashboard, door panels, and other interior surfaces to complete the view of passengers, or provide other visual reference, to prevent motion sickness.

A system and method are provided for aiding an operator in operating a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes a sensor system configured to generate sensor data sensed from an environment of the vehicle. The system further includes a control module configured to, by a processor, to determine a scene of the environment based on the sensor data, determine a terrain feature in the environment based on the sensor data, alter a graphic of a vehicle component based on the terrain feature, and generate display data to display the altered graphic and the terrain feature in the scene for viewing by the operator of the vehicle.