U.S. patent application number 09/880282 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-19 for night vision clearance light.
This patent application is currently assigned to Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Company. Invention is credited to Haen, Craig S., Matko, Mark A..
Application Number | 20020191407 09/880282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25375947 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020191407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haen, Craig S. ; et
al. |
December 19, 2002 |
NIGHT VISION CLEARANCE LIGHT
Abstract
A night vision clearance light assembly includes a shell, an
array of visible light emitting elements, and a night vision
device. The visible light emitting elements are preferably LEDs
mounted on a ring received in the shell. The night vision device is
operatively connected to an associated night vision camera and sees
through an opening in the ring and the lens. The assembly is easily
mounted in a standard factory-cut clearance light housing in the
exterior of a truck cab.
Inventors: |
Haen, Craig S.; (Avon Lake,
OH) ; Matko, Mark A.; (Garfield Hts., OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
Honeywell Commercial Vehicle
Systems Company
|
Family ID: |
25375947 |
Appl. No.: |
09/880282 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/485 ; 362/11;
362/545 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 362/80 20130101;
B60Q 1/32 20130101; B60R 2011/004 20130101; B60R 2011/0042
20130101; B60R 11/04 20130101; B60Q 1/0023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/485 ;
362/545; 362/11 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 001/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A night vision clearance light assembly comprising: a shell
transparent to visible light having an opening therethrough; a
light source received in the shell for emitting light; and a night
vision device directed through the opening in the shell.
2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a mounting ring and
the light source is a plurality of visible light emitting elements
secured to the mounting ring.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the opening extends through a
center of the mounting ring and the shell.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the mounting ring contains a
plurality of circumferentially spaced openings and wherein the
light source includes individual light emitting elements secured in
the mounting openings.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the light source includes
individual light emitting diodes.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the lens includes a plurality of
non-diffuse regions corresponding in number to light emitting
diodes.
7. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the light emitting diodes are
connected in a common electrical circuit.
8. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a mounting ring
having an opening aligned with the opening in the shell through
which the night vision device sees.
9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the visible light elements
protrude through the top of the shell.
10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the night vision device is
adapted for operative connection with an associated infrared
camera.
11. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a potting compound
for sealing the light source and shell.
12. A method for constructing an illumination system for use in
motor vehicles comprising: securing a plurality of visible light
emitting elements to a ring, the elements being interconnected to
form a circuit; securing a shell over the rigid ring, the top of
the shell being constructed such that light emitted from the
visible light emitting elements is able to pass through the shell;
placing a night vision device behind a central hole defined by the
shell and the ring; inserting the assembly comprising the shell,
the ring and the night vision device into a mounting hole in the
exterior surface of a motor vehicle.
13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the mounting hole is a
factory cut clearance light hole in the exterior of a truck
cab.
14. The method according to claim 12 wherein the night vision
device is secured to see through the shell and ring assembly after
the assembly is inserted into the mounting hole.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a method
for adding a night vision camera to a vehicle. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a simple manner of mounting the
camera in a forward facing direction in a visually pleasing way
that merges into an existing illumination system without any loss
of function of either the camera or the illumination system.
DISCUSSION OF THE ART
[0002] Headlights and fog lights assist a driver in seeing the road
ahead but are not always adequate in illuminating potential road
hazards in time for the driver to react to the presence of the
hazard. Stalled vehicles, road construction, wild animals, road
debris, etc. are all potential hazards that a vehicle driver must
be constantly vigilant of. The high rate of speed of highway
driving allows a driver only a brief time to react once a road
hazard is detected and the great mass and momentum of a heavy
vehicle such as a truck makes quick evasive maneuvers difficult.
This problem may become exacerbated at night when visibility is
reduced, even with the aid of headlights and fog lamps that
illuminate the road with light in the visible spectrum. Although
improvements continue to be developed to improve forward lighting,
for example to make these lights even more powerful and illuminate
the roadway further ahead, there are limitations to this approach,
and more powerful lights can interfere with the vision of drivers
of oncoming vehicles.
[0003] In recognition of this problem, various night vision aids
have been developed to assist drivers in safely navigating roads.
These aids include infrared cameras, which differentiate and "see"
objects based on emitted thermal radiation, and light amplification
devices, which collect and amplify the ambient light in an area,
thus allowing a driver to see as if more actual visible light was
present. The output from these night vision devices must be
transmitted to the driver in a convenient manner. Often, the output
is projected via a projection unit mounted on or in the dashboard,
incorporated into the vehicle as a "heads up display" (HUD), or to
a video monitor mounted in the vehicle.
[0004] The placement of these night vision devices on a vehicle is
an important consideration. The device must be positioned so that
the night vision camera, display projector, or other components of
the night vision device do not obscure a field of vision of the
road.
[0005] Furthermore, it is important that the device be adequately
protected from the elements and located so that the view of the
road is presented from substantially the same vantage point as the
driver would expect to view the road. In addition, it is preferred
that the night vision device be mounted so that it does not detract
from the aesthetics of the vehicle.
[0006] Thus a need exists for an aesthetically pleasing mounting
arrangement for a night vision device that conforms to the vehicle
and does not interfere with the field of view of the road in a
simple, economical manner without sacrificing performance
specifications.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a night vision clearance
light assembly suitable for use in trucks that advantageously
combines a clearance light and a night vision device within a
factory provided opening formed in the cab of the truck.
[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the night vision clearance light
assembly includes a visible light source having an opening that
accommodates a night vision device. The visible light source is
preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or
incandescent lamps arranged about an opening through which the
night vision camera (for example, a window that operatively
communicates with the camera) views the road. The camera of the
night vision device detects low light or the infrared spectrum, or
may be any other commercially available night vision device.
[0009] The annular light source is fitted with a front lens and
potted to fit into a pre-existing factory cut opening so that the
combined assembly is simply mounted in an aesthetically pleasing
manner.
[0010] An exemplary method for converting a standard clearance
light to a dual function clearance light and night vision device
includes the steps of replacing the conventional light source with
an annular light source having an opening, covering the annular
light source with a lens, and mounting a component of a night
vision device to look through the central opening of the light
source.
[0011] One advantage of the present invention is the provision of a
night vision clearance light assembly containing a visible light
source and a night vision device that conforms to a pre-existing
opening in a truck cab.
[0012] Another advantage of the present invention relates to
providing a convenient mounting place for a night vision device
without sacrificing the visible light that a standard clearance
light provides.
[0013] Still another advantage resides in the dual function
provided by the night vision clearance light.
[0014] Yet another advantage of the invention pertains to providing
a night vision camera a clear view of the road ahead from a
perspective that closely approximates that of the driver.
[0015] Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent upon a reading and understanding of the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a view of a truck cab incorporating the night
vision clearance light assembly of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the night vision clearance
light assembly of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a mounting ring component
of the light assembly.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of the mounting ring.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the mounting ring with light
emitting elements inserted in openings in the ring and conducting
wires connecting the light elements to each other.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a modified protective lens
component in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In many states, heavy vehicles such as trucks are required
by law to have clearance lights on the cab of the truck. Typically,
and as illustrated in FIG. 1, five clearance lights 10 are required
in working condition on a truck cab 12 and are located in spaced
relation on the front of the cab above the windshield 14.
Conventional clearance lights are either incandescent or light
emitting discharge (LED) lamps mounted in lamp housings that are
located in factory-cut openings in the cab.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, it was determined
that these pre-cut openings in the truck cab would be an ideal
location for mounting a night vision device. Unfortunately, as
mentioned previously, one difficulty is that all clearance lights
are required to function. Thus, while it would seemingly be a
relatively simple matter to install such a device in one of these
factory cut openings by removing the existing conventional
clearance light and replacing it with a night vision device, a
different approach is necessary in order to accommodate both a
visible clearance light and the night vision device.
[0024] A unique, simple, and effective solution is provided by the
present invention. Particularly, a conventional clearance light 10
is modified to form a night vision clearance light assembly 10'. A
conventional housing is a two part assembly including a backing
plate or base (not shown) that can also serve as a reflective
surface to direct light outwardly through an enclosing shell or
lens. The shell is usually a plastic molded component having a
diffusing surface such as individual lenticules, prisms, or a rough
inner surface that serves to diffuse the light as it is directed
outwardly from the housing.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the night vision clearance light
assembly 10' includes a light assembly or illumination system 20
having an annular protective shell or lens 22, a light source such
as an array of visible light emitting elements 24 mounted on a ring
26, and a night vision device, represented as a camera lens 30,
that communicates with a camera (not shown). This arrangement
allows the night vision device to see through aligned openings 32,
34 defined through the shell 22 and the mounting ring 26,
respectively.
[0026] As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mounting ring
26 has a first or substantially planar surface 44 and a second or
substantially planar surface 46. The first and second surfaces are
interconnected by a sidewall 48, which in the preferred embodiment
has a tapered conformation. In addition to the opening 32 (which is
preferably a centralized, circular opening), the mounting ring has
a plurality of smaller openings 50 circumferentially spaced about
the ring and extending through the ring from the first surface to
the second surface. The openings 50 are dimensioned to closely
receive the LEDs so that the mounting ring holds the LEDs in a
desired spacing, shown here as being equally spaced. The LEDs are
secured in the mounting openings 28 in any conventional manner, for
example, by adhesively securing the LEDs in the mounting ring
openings. The light elements are electrically connected to each
other via conventional means, such as insulated conducting wire 52,
whereby the LEDs are illuminated when powered by an external source
(not shown). Preferably, the combined lumen output of the LEDs is
substantially identical to a conventional clearance light so that
the present invention meets required legal standards.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the shell 22 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6)
is an open-end cap having a substantially planar or slightly
rounded annular surface 56 and a sidewall 58 extending outwardly
therefrom. The central opening 34 in the shell is approximately
equal in diameter to the central opening 32 in the mounting ring so
that a desired amount of ambient light can enter through the
aligned openings and reach the camera lens associated with the
night vision device. An inner wall 60 of the shell annular surface
may include a diffuser 62 such as lenticules, prisms, or a rough
inner surface such as used in the shell of a conventional clearance
light assembly. However, it is preferred that the diffuser be
absent or removed (e.g., ground away) in selected regions 64 of the
shell inner surface that correspond to the location of the
individual LEDs in the mounting ring. That is, it is not necessary
to diffuse the light emanating from the LEDs as required with a
conventional incandescent light source. Thus in modifying a
conventional lens, the regions 64 define a smooth transparent
surface that protects the LED but does not diffuse the light
emitted from the LED. It is contemplated that in a commercial
version of the modified lens, the diffuser may be removed in its
entirety or the regions 64 molded into the inner surface so that a
separate grinding step is unnecessary.
[0028] The mounting ring 26, with lighting elements 24 attached, is
secured inside the protective shell 22 such that the openings 32,
34 of the shell and ring are aligned. Likewise, if the lighting
elements are the preferred LEDs, then the LEDs are aligned with the
smooth regions in the shell. A backing plate, as used in a
conventional clearance light assembly can close the open end of the
shell once the mounting ring is inserted therein. Alternatively,
use of a potting material to integrally secure and seal the
mounting ring, LEDs, and lens may be sufficient to enclose the
assembly and eliminate the use of a backing plate. The potting
material prevents moisture or debris from contacting the lighting
elements. Using a potting material impacts on the reflectivity
offered by the reflector surface of the backing plate, although the
use of LEDs as the light source may allow for elimination of the
reflector surface. It is also important that the potting material
not be permitted to engage or interfere with the lenticules
provided on the inner surface of the shell.
[0029] The night vision device, such as an infrared camera, is then
secured to the vehicle so that the camera lens is positioned to see
through the shell/ring assembly. The night vision device sees
through the aligned openings 32, 34 of the ring and the shell and
faces forwardly of the truck cab in the same direction as the
conventional clearance lights and the annular lighting element(s)
of the modified night vision clearance lamp. Preferably, the night
vision device is operated on a different circuit than the one used
by the lighting elements. Thus, the night vision device can be
turned on and off, i.e., operated independently, of whether the
clearance lights are being used.
[0030] As will be appreciated from the above description, a
protective shell from a standard clearance light can be used in
this invention with little modification. A central opening is cut
in the standard shell. Additionally, if non-diffuse regions are
being used in the modified light, these regions must be created by
removing the diffuser pattern or lenticules from the inner surface
of the shell. Alternately, the non-diffuse regions may be cut out
and replaced with small lenses. In addition, the aligned openings
32, 34 are closed with a transparent window or cover 70, such as an
inexpensive silica, that provides protection for the more expensive
camera lens. As will be appreciated, the window can be any suitable
material that serves this protective function and does not
adversely interfere with the operation of the night vision device.
The window can also be specially contoured, or be formed as an
integral or separate part of the shell.
[0031] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the ends of the
lighting elements project through the protective shell. While this
reduces the protection afforded to the lighting elements, it
further increases the lumens of the visible light emitted by the
modified clearance light. The protective shell must be equipped
with small openings (not shown) corresponding in number and
position to the individual lighting elements that comprise the
light source of the modified clearance light assembly.
[0032] The output from the night vision device is transmitted to
the driver in the cab by any well-known conventional method. For
example, the output may be transmitted via a cable (not shown) or
wireless transmission to a video monitor (not shown) in the cab of
the truck. Alternately, the output may be a heads up display
(HUD).
[0033] As will be appreciated, a conventional clearance light
assembly can be easily converted to a night vision clearance light.
Particularly, a preferred method includes forming an annular shell
from a standard shell. A mounting ring receives the new light
source, here a series of light elements such as LEDs, and the ring
with the light elements is secured to the annular shell. A potting
material seals the mounting ring to the shell, although it is
recognized that a potting material may be eliminated in some
instances. An additional step in converting a shell may include
removing a portion of a diffusing region along an inner surface of
the shell if LEDs are used as the light source. The night vision
device is oriented in the aligned openings of the mounting ring and
annular shell. Moreover in selected circumstances, the opening in
the annular shell may include a transparent window to protect the
night vision device.
[0034] It will also be appreciated that rather than converting a
conventional clearance shell, the night vision clearance light of
the present invention can be assembled from its own specific
components. For example, the annular shell may be specifically
manufactured to accommodate the altered light source.
[0035] The invention has been described with reference to an
illustrative embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the
preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention
be construed as including all such alterations and modifications
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *