Abstract
A method, system, and device for forward vehicular vision, permitting a user to view forward of the vehicle. The device provides the visual field forward of the vehicle and also extends the visual field to view areas, regions, and/or objects which are positioned forwardly to allow a line of sight that might otherwise be blocked by an obstruction causing a blocked angle.
Claims
1. A method for obtaining and displaying at least one forward image to be viewed by a user, said method comprising: providing at least one image input apparatus; disposing said at least one image input apparatus upon a vehicle, effective to obtain an image or images; providing at least one image output means; presenting said at least one image output means in a manner effective to display at least a portion of the image or images; whereby said image or images directly display to the user a visual field forward of the vehicle, the visual field forward of the vehicle including areas that would otherwise be blocked by an obstruction in front of the vehicle.
2. A system of forward-viewing for a user, comprising: at least one image input apparatus attached to a vehicle and having a field of view directed substantially forwardly of the vehicle; at least one image output means viewable by the user, which displays a field of view directed substantially forwardly of the vehicle; whereby said image or images directly display to the user a visual field forward of the vehicle, the visual field forward of the vehicle including areas that would otherwise be blocked by an obstruction in front of the vehicle.
3. A forward-view device for permitting a user to see forward of a vehicle, the device comprising: at least one image input apparatus attached to said vehicle which obtains a field of view directed substantially forwardly of the vehicle; at least one image output means viewable by the user which displays a field of view directed substantially forwardly of the vehicle; whereby said image or images directly display to the user a visual field forward of the vehicle, the visual field forward of the vehicle including areas that would otherwise be blocked by an obstruction in front of the vehicle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a first possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of a second possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic front perspective view of a third possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic front perspective view of a fourth possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic front perspective view of a fifth possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic front perspective view of a sixth possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic front perspective view of a seventh possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a schematic front perspective view of an eighth possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a schematic front perspective view of a ninth possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a schematic front perspective view of a tenth possible mounted position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a schematic front perspective view of a first possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a schematic front perspective view of a second possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a schematic front perspective view of a third possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a schematic front perspective view of a fourth possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a schematic front perspective view of a fifth possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 16 is a schematic front perspective view of a sixth possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 17 is a schematic front perspective view of a seventh possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 18 is a schematic front perspective view of an eighth possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 19 is a schematic front perspective view of a ninth possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 20 is a schematic front perspective view of a tenth possible impressed position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 21 is a schematic front perspective view of a first possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 22 is a schematic front perspective view of a second possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 23 is a schematic front perspective view of a third possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 24 is a schematic front perspective view of a fourth possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 25 is a schematic front perspective view of a fifth possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 26 is a schematic front perspective view of a sixth possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 27 is a schematic front perspective view of a seventh possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 28 is a schematic front perspective view of an eighth possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 29 is a schematic front perspective view of a ninth possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 30 is a schematic front perspective view of a tenth possible multi-view position for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 31 is a schematic top perspective view of a first possible position disposed along the side of a vehicle for at least an one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 32 is a schematic top perspective view of a second possible position disposed along the side of a vehicle for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 33 is a schematic top perspective view of a third possible position disposed along the side of a vehicle for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 34 is a schematic top perspective view of a fourth possible position disposed along the side of a vehicle for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 35 is a schematic top perspective view of a fifth possible position disposed along the side of a vehicle for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 36 is a schematic top perspective view of a sixth possible position disposed along the side of a vehicle for an at least one image input apparatus of the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 37 is a view illustrating a displayed image of a left blocked angle on a display for the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 38 is a view illustrating a displayed image of a right blocked angle on a display for the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 39 is a view illustrating the visual field forward, depicting the obstructed line of sight of a user and the line of sight of a left and right blocked angle, illustrating a principle in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 40 is a view illustrating a displayed image of a possible visual field forward depicting the obstructed line of sight of a user and the line of sight of a left and right blocked angle on a display for the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 41 is a view illustrating a displayed image of a possible overall visual field forward on a display for the forward vehicular vision system according to the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 42 is a schematic plan view of the forward vehicular vision system, illustrating a principle in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0072] The present invention can be employed on automobiles such as cars, trucks and buses, and vehicles other than automobiles, as well as for commercial, emergency, military, and government vehicles, and for industrial uses such as on construction equipment or warehouse moving equipment. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
[0073] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 42 thereof, a new forward vehicular vision system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.
[0074] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 42, the forward vehicular viewing system for a vehicle 10 generally comprises at least one optical instrument such as a camera, image sensor, fiber-optic apparatus, lensless compressive imaging architecture or other image input apparatus 12 and at least one display device such as a monitor, screen, plasma display panel, light-crystal display, light emitting diode, or other image output means 16 for permitting a user and/or occupant 20 using the system to see substantially forward 14 of the vehicle 10, extending and enhancing the available visual field.
[0075] The system comprises image input and image output means for acquiring and displaying the visual field substantially forward 14 of a vehicle 10. At least one image input apparatus 12 is located on the vehicle 10 having an image acquiring direction facing substantially forward 14 of the vehicle 10. At least one image output means 16 is disposed within the vehicle 10, and/or viewable remotely, displaying a field of view directed substantially forward 14 of the vehicle 10.
[0076] The at least one image input apparatus 12 could be mounted upon the vehicle 10, illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10, or impressed within the vehicle 10, illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 20, at suitable positions of the vehicle 10. The at least one image input apparatus 12 could be individual acquisition input means, illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 20, or multi-view acquisition input means, illustrated in FIGS. 21 through 30.
[0077] The at least one image output means 16 could display an isolated image of a single blocked angle 18 of the visual field substantially forward 14 of the vehicle 10, illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 38, or an overall image such that a broad visual field substantially forward 14 including at least one blocked angle 18 of the vehicle 10, or both can be displayed, illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41, within the vehicle 10. The at least one image output means 16 is adapted for displaying to the user and/or occupant 20 the visual field substantially forward 14 of the vehicle 10, also allowing the user and/or occupant 20 to view a blocked angle 18 caused by an obstruction 22 that is blocking the visual field substantially forward 14, without having to significantly move the vehicle 10 into an adjacent lane. The forward vehicular vision system is constructed to provide the most effective visual field, beyond that which is visible in an obstructed line of sight 24, to include the area in a blocked angle 18.
[0078] The positioning, quantity, and dimensions of the at least one image input apparatus 12 as well as the at least one image output means 16 will be so that the combination of aesthetics, durability, reliability, and utility is optimum for each individual type, make, and/or model of vehicle. For example and without limitation, the at least one image input apparatus 12 can comprise any combination of number, location, size, measurement and/or type of input, in any embodiment. Additionally, the at least one image input apparatus 12 can be disposed in the forward-facing plane of the vehicle 10 and/or disposed anywhere along the side of the vehicle 10 upon the base area, the roof area, and/or the body area, the latter illustrated in FIGS. 31 through 36, in any embodiment. Also, the at least one image input apparatus 12 can be expanded or shortened, broadened or narrowed, particularly in regard to multi-view acquisition, in any embodiment. Moreover, the at least one image output means 16 can be located on a door, window, windshield, display assembly, dashboard, seat, frame part, and/or any other area within the interior of the vehicle 10 so as not to unduly obstruct or impede the occupant's view in any embodiment, for optimization on a specific vehicle such as a car, jeep, van, bus, or truck, and/or can be utilized by remote viewing (e.g. phone, computer, holoprojector, etc.).
[0079] Furthermore, the forward visual field area can be extended and enhanced using conventional and/or modern mechanisms (e.g. manual or automatic control for vertical/horizontal movement, tilt/pan, scale-up/scale-down, zoom-in/zoom-out, brightness/contrast, white balance, color temperature, smoothing, focus, stabilization, etc. and/or internal regulation for temperature, air, moisture, dew, fog, frost, weather conditions, etc.) known to those skilled in the art in order to optimize performance and functionality. Moreover, the forward vehicular vision system may contain additional features in order to optimize performance and functionality, such as rotatable or fixed apparatus(es), manual or automatic adjusting means, protrusion/retractability, control buttons, night vision, image enhancement, drive assist, etc. Even more, a manufacturer may carry several different configurations and/or parts of the forward vehicular vision system to accommodate the different angles associated with each different type of vehicle or each different vehicle make and model on which such system exists. Additionally, a manufacture may optionally choose to incorporate other mechanisms in combination with the present invention to include moving direction, driving intentions, distance detection, odometric data, graphic overlay, grid, scale, superimposed markings, topography, predicted travel locus, warning signals, recording means, storage means, collision prevention systems, other vehicular viewing systems, etc.
[0080] Thus, the reader will see that the present invention provides a method, system and device for a forward vehicular vision system that displays a visual field forward of a vehicle, the visual field forward including a blocked anglean area that would otherwise be blocked by an obstruction in front of the vehicle. This method, system, and device will allow for safer roadways and is capable of being incorporated into present and future vehicular technology (e.g. mirrorless vehicles, autonomous vehicles, etc.) It is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention may include, but are not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, all of which are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
