Configurable vehicle camera and video connecting cable system with interchangeable modules

Abstract

A cable connection system for use in a vehicle wherein the cable connects a rearview camera to the interior cabin of the vehicle. The cable connection system is designed such that the power converter module, a part of the cable system, can be easily replaced if damaged without the remainder of the cable harness rerouted or reinstalled.

Claims

1. A modular cable connection system that connects a vehicle exterior camera to an interior display in the passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising: a modular cable connection for joining multiple portions of a cable assembly that can be interconnected with at least two lead pairs; a power reduction circuit for the operation of an exterior camera that can be installed at either end of the cable; and said connection system including means for transmitting power and video signals to said display.

2. The modular cable connection system of claim 1 for connecting an exterior camera to an interior display in the passenger compartment of said vehicle that contains interlinked modules that can be configured as needed for installation.

3. The modular cable connection system of claim 2 wherein multiple portions of a cable are interconnected with at least two lead pairs.

4. The modular cable connection system of claim 3 wherein sections of the cable can be removed or replaced individually without the need for the removal of the entire cable assembly.

5. A modular cable connection system that connects an exterior camera to an interior monitor or display in the passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising: A modular cable connection system for joining multiple portions of a cable that can be interconnected with at least two lead pairs; A modular cable connection system containing a power reduction circuit for the operation of an exterior camera the power reduction circuit capable of being installed at either end of the cable.

6. The modular cable connection system as in claim 5 whereby the power reduction circuit can be changed to allow installation of other systems and cameras while utilizing the same cable structure.

7. A modular connection system as in claim 6 wherein the said connector includes means for transmitting power and video signal to said display or monitor.

8. A modular cable connection system that connects an exterior camera to an interior monitor or display in the passenger compartment of a vehicle that contains interlinked modules that can be configured as needed for installation comprising; means for joining multiple portions of a cable that can be interconnected with at least two lead pairs; A power reduction circuit for the operation of an exterior camera the power reduction circuit capable of being installed at either end of the cable.

9. The modular cable connection system as of claim 8 wherein said connector includes means for transmitting power and video signals to said display or monitor.

10-15. (canceled)

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing therein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a simplified representation of a vehicle having a voltage reducer module in the front of the vehicle;

[0011] FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 with the voltage reducer in the rear position of the vehicle;

[0012] FIG. 3 is circuit schematic of a conventional voltage reducer module;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic of the cable assembly of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 with the voltage reducer in the forward position of the vehicle;

[0015] FIG. 6A shows the cable assembly of the present invention with an interchangeable power reducer module in the forward position;

[0016] FIG. 6B shows the cable assembly of the present invention with an alternative connector configuration;

[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B show output connection from the power reducer; and

[0018] FIG. 8A-8C show various connector configurations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, a simplified representation of a modern vehicle 10 is illustrated. In this figure, a dashboard mounted monitor 13 is shown for illustrative purposes, outside the vehicle 10. The image shown on the screen on monitor 13 is provided by backup camera 14, the camera having a lens 15 (note that the vehicle rearview mirror can combine the conventional mirror function with display monitor 13 for use with backup rear view camera 14). In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a smart cable 16, with combined power and video lines, connects vehicle reducer module 18 to monitor portion 13 via leads 20 and 22. A portion of the cable 16 is utilized to couple reducer 18 to both backup camera 14 and to couple the video images detected thereby to monitor 13, whether positioned on the dashboard or formed as part of the rearview mirror assembly.

[0020] FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 showing the voltage reducer module 18 in the rear position of vehicle 10.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a simplified circuit schematic of power reduction circuit, a common arrangement for rear camera wiring. The circuitry is preferably prefabricated within the power reducer module 18. When the vehicle is in reverse, a signal is generated on lead 40 which, in form, causes a monitor trigger signal to appear on lead 42 and to apply a camera power signal on lead 44.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic showing the cable assembly of the present invention with the power (voltage) reducer module 18 at the conventional rear position.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic showing the cable assembly of the present invention with the power reducer module 18 in the forward position.

[0024] FIG. 6A is a simplified schematic showing the cable assembly of the present invention with an interchangeable power reducer module 18 in the forward position. Module 18 can be easily removed and replaced with a different power reducer module when necessary without compromising the other cable sections and functions. FIG. 6B shows the cable system in an alternative configuration.

[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates alternative uses for power reduction module 18 in addition to providing reverse camera power and a monitor trigger. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows output leads from voltage reducer module 18 being connected to the reverse lamp and ground whereas FIG. 7B shows output leads from voltage reducer 18 being connected to the left turn indicator, the right turn indicator, reverse lane and ground.

[0026] FIG. 8A-8C illustrate various connector configurations. FIG. 8A is a view of the connector 18 (a mini DIN connector) with output portion 32 and input portion 34 connected together and FIG. 8B is a view of the camera input plug 34 (a mini DIN connector) spaced apart from output portion 32. Output portion 34 is connected to cable 50 (the standard DIN connector is an electrical cable that plugs into an interface to connect devices. It comprises multiple pins with a circular protective sheath; the Mini-DIN was developed to avoid possible misconnections to a mating component). FIG. 8C is perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention. Assembly 60 comprises an elongated wire harness 62 having lead 64 which connects camera 14 to monitor 13, lead 66 connecting power wire 68 to monitor 13. Clip 70 is coupled to the reducer 18, reducer 18 powering monitor 13 and back-up camera 14 (via leads 16 and 22 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.