Anti-Collision, Accident Prevention Car Safety Systems to Provide Visibility when Passing, Pulling or Backing out of Parking Spaces/Driveways and Entering or Crossing Intersections

Abstract

A vehicle safety system that provides a clear view of blind spots, approaching motor vehicles in oncoming and peripheral lanes when attempting to pass on a two-lane highway consists of a pair of side mirror-mounted cameras, a split viewing screen/monitor, a plurality of controls, and a microcontroller. The visual data received from the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras is displayed on the split viewing screen/monitor. Thus, the user can view oncoming motor vehicles. Preferably, the split viewing screen/monitor is mounted adjacent to a rear-view mirror of a motor vehicle. The plurality of controls allows the user to control the content displayed on the split viewing screen/monitor. When front-facing cameras and rear-facing cameras are available, the user is provided with information regarding obstacles surrounding the motor vehicle. The pair of front-facing cameras and the pair of rear-facing cameras are especially beneficial when backing out of parking spaces and driving through intersections.

Claims

1. A system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections comprises: a pair of side mirror-mounted cameras; a split viewing screen/monitor; a plurality of controls; a microcontroller; the split viewing screen/monitor comprises a first display area and a second display area; the first display area being positioned adjacent the second display area; each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras being electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller; the plurality of controls being electronically connected to the microcontroller; and the plurality of controls being positioned adjacent the split viewing screen/monitor.

2. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: a pair of front-facing cameras; and the pair of front-facing cameras being electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller, wherein each of the pair of front-facing cameras is mounted onto a front bumper of a motor vehicle.

3. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: a pair of rear-facing cameras; and the pair of rear-facing cameras being electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller, wherein each of the pair of rear-facing cameras is mounted onto a rear bumper of a motor vehicle.

4. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 3 further comprises: a lighting source; and the lighting source being positioned adjacent to each of the pair of rear-facing cameras.

5. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 3 further comprises: a wireless transceiver; each of the pair of rear-facing cameras being communicably coupled with the wireless transceiver; and the wireless transceiver being communicably coupled with the split viewing screen/monitor through the microcontroller.

6. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: a proximity sensor; a visual indicator; the proximity sensor being communicably coupled with the visual indicator through the microcontroller; the visual indicator being mounted onto the split viewing screen/monitor; and the proximity sensor being integrated into each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras.

7. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1 further comprises: an external rechargeable battery unit; and the rechargeable battery unit being electrically connected to the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras, the microcontroller, and the split viewing screen/monitor.

8. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of side-mirror mounted cameras is waterproof.

9. The system for providing visibility of oncoming vehicles and surrounding obstacles when passing, backing out of parking spaces/driveways, and entering/driving through intersections as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of side-mirror mounted cameras is shockproof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2A is another block diagram illustrating the present invention, wherein a wireless transceiver is used.

[0016] FIG. 2B is another block diagram illustrating the present invention, wherein a lighting source is used with the pair of rear-facing cameras.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the present invention being used on a motor vehicle.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the split viewing screen/monitor, wherein the rearview mirror is utilized as the split viewing screen/monitor.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the present invention, wherein a proximity sensor is used with the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the present invention, wherein the present invention is powered through an external rechargeable battery unit.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention introduces a safety feature that can be used on new motor vehicles and older motor vehicles with great effectivity. More specifically, the present invention is a system that provides critical visibility of blind spots to a driver of a motor vehicle. In other words, the present invention provides visibility of approaching motor vehicles in oncoming and peripheral lanes when attempting to pass. By utilizing the present invention, the user is guaranteed to have a clear view promoting safety when passing, pulling or backing out from parking spaces/driveways and entering/driving through intersections.

[0022] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the present invention comprises a pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, a split viewing screen/monitor 4, a plurality of controls 7, and a microcontroller 13. The pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, oriented in a forward direction, is used to for viewing oncoming and peripheral lane traffic when attempting to pass. To do so, a first camera of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 is mounted onto the left-side mirror. Similarly, a second camera of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 is mounted onto the right-side mirror as seen in FIG. 3. The camera adjacent to the driving side, which is a narrow-focused camera, provides a clear view of the vehicles in front of the user. On the other hand, the camera adjacent to the passenger side, which is also a narrow-focused camera, provides a clear view of oncoming vehicles in an adjacent lane to the passenger and is especially useful on curved roads. The pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 can be fixed or removably attached to the side mirrors of the motor vehicle according to user preference. Being removably attached to the side mirror is important so that the pair of side mirror-mounted 1 cameras can be adjusted to enhance the view of oncoming motor vehicles. The view provided by the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 is displayed on the split viewing screen/monitor 4 so that the user can view obstacles or other vehicles blocking the view. The split viewing screen/monitor 4 can be positioned over or adjacent to an existing rearview mirror or solely utilized instead of the rearview mirror. The plurality of controls 7 allows the user to alternate between different views. Preferably, each of the plurality of controls 7 will be a push button so that the user can conveniently control each of the plurality of controls 7 while driving. Preferably, the plurality of controls 7 is positioned adjacent the split viewing screen/monitor 4 to provide user convenience. However, the plurality of controls 7 can be positioned differently in other embodiments of the present invention. The microcontroller 13 ensures that all electronic functionalities of the present invention are appropriately executed. As an example, functionalities such as displaying visual data as seen by the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 on the split viewing screen/monitor 4, switching between views, and executing electronic functions as determined by the plurality of controls 7 are controlled with the microcontroller 13.

[0023] As seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, to alternate between views from each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, the split viewing screen/monitor 4, comprises a first display area 5 and a second display area 6. Preferably, the split viewing screen/monitor 4 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The first display area 5 is positioned adjacent the second display area 6 so that the user can simultaneously view oncoming motor vehicles and surroundings as seen by the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1. As an example, visual data from the camera mounted on the left side-mirror will be displayed on the first display area 5. On the other hand, visual data from the camera mounted on the right side-mirror will be displayed on the second display area 6. Preferably, the split viewing screen/monitor 4 will have a height of 4-inches and a width of 6-inches. However, the size and shape of the split viewing screen/monitor 4 can change in different embodiments of the present invention. When a display panel is available on the dashboard of the car, as seen in most modern motor vehicles, the electrical wiring of the display panel can be adjusted so that the display panel functions as the split viewing screen/monitor 4. To transfer visual data, each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 is electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 through the microcontroller 13. To control the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 and the visual data, the plurality of controls 7 is electronically connected to the microcontroller 13.

[0024] As further illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in addition to the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, the present invention further comprises a pair of front-facing cameras 2 that help the user have better visibility of the obstacles in front of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the pair of front-facing cameras 2 is mounted onto the front bumper of the motor vehicle. To transfer visual data, the pair of front-facing cameras 2 is electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 through the microcontroller 13. By utilizing the plurality of controls 7, the user can switch between the view from the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 and the view from the pair of front-facing cameras 2.

[0025] For added convenience, the present invention further comprises a pair of rear-facing cameras 3. Similar to the pair of front-facing cameras 2, the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 is also electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 through the microcontroller 13 and is preferably mounted onto the rear bumper of the motor vehicle. With the use of the plurality of controls 7, the user can alternate between visual data received from the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, the pair of front-facing cameras 2, and the pair of rear-facing cameras 3. As shown in FIG. 2B, the present invention further comprises a lighting source 11 which is used along with the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 during low-visibility conditions. To do so, the lighting source 11 is positioned adjacent each of the pair of rear-facing cameras 3. The lighting source 11 can be, but is not limited to, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0026] The pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 can be electronically connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 differently in varying embodiments of the present invention. As an example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side mirror-mounted mirrors can be wired to the split viewing screen/monitor 4. As an example, when the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 is available with the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, the first display area 5 will receive connectivity wires from each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1. On the other hand, the second display area 6 will receive connectivity wires from each of the pair of rear-facing cameras 3. Moreover, there will also be a connectivity wire to trigger the split viewing screen/monitor 4 when the motor vehicle is in reverse-mode.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, the pair of front-facing cameras 2 or the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 can be wirelessly connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 through the microcontroller 13. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 is wirelessly connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4. To do so, the present invention further comprises a wireless transceiver 8 so that each of the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 is communicably coupled with the wireless transceiver 8. To transfer data to the split viewing screen/monitor 4, the wireless transceiver 8 is communicably coupled with the split viewing screen/monitor 4 through the microcontroller 13. Therefore, the visual data from the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 is wirelessly transferred over to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 eliminating the need to wire the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 and the split viewing screen/monitor 4. The wireless transceiver 8 reduces interference, maximizes efficiency, and eliminates the need to disassemble components for wiring. To efficiently transfer images to the split viewing screen/monitor 4, each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, each of the pair of front-facing cameras 2, and each of the pair of rear-facing cameras will consist of a wireless video processing unit. Even though only the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 is wirelessly connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 in the preferred embodiment, the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 and the pair of front-facing cameras 2 can also be wirelessly connected to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] When the wireless transceiver 8 is used with the pair of rear-facing cameras 3, the following process is generally followed. A left camera of the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 draws power from the tail light and transfers visual data to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 via the wireless transceiver 8. As a result, a left rear image from the left camera is displayed on the first display area 5 of the split viewing screen/monitor 4. Similarly, a right camera of the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 draws power from the tail light and transfers visual data to the split viewing screen/monitor 4 via the wireless transceiver 8. Thus, a right rear image from the right camera is displayed on the second display area 6 of the split viewing screen/monitor 4. When the motor vehicle the present invention is being used is moving forward, the first display area 5 will display images received from a left camera of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1. On the other hand, the second display area 6 will display images received from a right camera of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1. If the user intends on alternating between views, the plurality of controls 7 is used.

[0029] The present invention can further be enhanced to issue a warning regarding oncoming traffic. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the present invention further comprises a proximity sensor 9 and a visual indicator 10. The proximity sensor 9 determines the distance to an oncoming motor vehicle from a current location of the user, speed of oncoming vehicles, and the speed of the motor vehicle of the user and alerts the user via the visual indicator 10. More specifically, the proximity sensor 9 and the visual indicator 10 provides the user with a safe passing time and distance. To determine the distance to an oncoming motor vehicle, the proximity sensor 9 is integrated into each of the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1. However, the proximity sensor 9 can be connected to the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 differently in other embodiments of the present invention. To transfer the relevant information, the proximity sensor 9 is communicably coupled with the visual indicator 10 through the microcontroller 13. To be promptly seen, the visual indicator 10 is preferably mounted onto the split viewing screen/monitor 4. The positioning allows the user to view the visual indicator 10, the first display area 5, and/or the second display area 6 simultaneously. In a default setting of the present invention, the visual indicator 10 will illuminate as a flashing green light to indicate the driver that passing a vehicle is safe. When the visual indicator is not functioning, or passing a vehicle is unsafe, the visual indicator 10 will illuminate in red.

[0030] The present invention can be powered differently in varying embodiments of the present invention. Preferably, the present invention is powered through the internal battery of the motor vehicle. However, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in another embodiment, the present invention can further comprise an external rechargeable battery unit 12 that is electrically connected to the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, the microcontroller 13, and the split viewing screen/monitor 4. The external rechargeable battery unit 12 is especially beneficial when the present invention is being used on an existing motor vehicle.

[0031] To withstand varying weather conditions and external forces, the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 is designed to be waterproof and shockproof. Moreover, the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras will have a viewing range of approximately 2000-feet and be able to adjust according to external light and lights from other motor vehicles. When available, the pair of front-facing cameras 2 and the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 will also be waterproof and shockproof.

[0032] When the present invention is in use, the following process flow is generally followed. If the present invention is used with a new car, the microcontroller 13 is electronically connected to the control system of the motor vehicle. In such instances, the present invention is powered through the internal battery of the motor vehicle. Thus, when the motor vehicle is turned on and put in driving mode, the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 also turn on. The visual data received from the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 is transferred to the split viewing screen/monitor 4. When available and required, the user switches between the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1, the pair of front-facing cameras 2, and the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 as preferred with the use of the plurality of controls 7. As an example, if the user intends on reversing the motor vehicle, the user utilizes the plurality of controls 7 so that the visual images from the pair of rear-facing cameras 3 are displayed on the split viewing screen/monitor 4.

[0033] When the user intends on passing a motor vehicle, the visual images from the pair of side mirror-mounted cameras 1 and the data received by the proximity sensor 9 are processed and the visual indicator 10 is illuminated accordingly. As an example, if the proximity sensor 9 does not detect an oncoming motor vehicle, and passing another vehicle is safe, the visual indicator 10 will be a flashing green. Depending on the notification, the user can determine if passing another vehicle is safe or unsafe.

[0034] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.