System And Method For Providing Front-oriented Visual Information To Vehicle Driver

Abstract

This invention provides a camera system installed on the front end of a vehicle, either on the left front, the right front, or both sides, that prevents accidents resulting from the driver's propensity to protrude into oncoming traffic to view that traffic. The camera is linked via wired or wireless connection to an onboard computer and a commercially available navigation display that is placed within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The driver reviews a visual description on the display of any oncoming traffic in the form of motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals and the like on the navigation display via a single screen, split screen or alternating screens. The camera system is furnished with a speed sensor that detects when the vehicle reaches a threshold speed of 3 miles per hour to activate or de-activate the camera. This camera system can be retrofitted into older vehicles.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/592,505, filed Jan. 30, 2012, entitled A FRONT LEFT VEHICLE CAMERA ALLOWING SAFETY PULLING OUT SHOWING ONSCREEN VISUAL TO DRIVER, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to vehicle safety devices, and more particularly to visual displays that enhance vehicle safety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Each year, thousands of people die or are badly injured in automobile accidents. One situation that causes needless accidental deaths and injury arises when a car moves into a street or motorway from a position that is perpendicular to the axis of that street or motorway. This can occur when a vehicle is moving out of a street, parking garage or parking space. Drivers pulling in to oncoming traffic from such a position must begin by placing the front end of their vehicle far enough out into the street that they can now directly view the oncoming traffic. Cars parked along the side of the street can impair that visual "read" of the traffic, forcing the driver to protrude ever farther into the oncoming traffic, at increasing risk to life, limb and vehicle to pedestrians, cyclist, animals and other motorists.

[0004] The present state of the art for vehicle safety includes the use of cameras mounted on the rear of vehicles to reduce collisions occurring as a result of a vehicle backing up. These systems utilize a small, pre-positioned stationary camera on the rear exterior of the vehicle and a visual display within the driver's compartment. This can be accompanied by alarm devices that utilize modern proximity alert devices (for example, infrared technology) to detect an unseen obstacle (such as a child or a housecat) and call the driver's attention to the display and the obstacle.

[0005] However, such systems have a limited field of view and are easily damaged or knocked off the vehicle. Likewise, they often require a dedicated display that adds further distraction to the driver. In addition, such cameras often remain activated longer than needed. Moreover, such cameras are not mounted to contemplate particular hazardous situations, such as the pull out into traffic to execute a turn or a traffic merge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing in a vehicle, a flush-mounted front left vehicle camera system and method for operating the same. The camera is linked to an onboard computer and a navigation display that is placed within the passenger compartment of the automobile. The driver receives a visual description on the display of any oncoming traffic in the form of motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals and the like. The camera system is furnished with a speed sensor that detects when the automobile reaches a threshold speed of 3 miles per hour. The front left vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically, based on the selected threshold speed. The camera system activation and de-activation process begins with the vehicle that includes the camera being shifted into the "Drive" gear. The video signal is transmitted to the navigation display and displayed thereon in place of the ordinary navigation screen, in single or split screen. As soon as the driver accelerates to the threshold speed, a signal is sent to the computer to shut off the camera. The computer now shuts down the camera and instructs the navigation display to return its screen display to the ordinary navigation display.

[0007] This system advantageously improves safety for vehicles moving into a line of traffic (turn) from a position that is perpendicular to the flow of that traffic and that are pulling out of a side street, building, garage or parking spot (merge). Often, such vehicles face hazards in performing these maneuvers because the driver must pull far enough forward to visually observe the near lane of traffic from his or her vantage point--which is typically several feet behind the front end of the vehicle. Illustratively, a protrusion of 4-6 feet or more is desirable in order for the driver to view the lane and determine whether to proceed or wait. During the movement to the protruded position, the front end of the car is vulnerable to being struck by other vehicles that are unseen to the driver, resulting in numerous accidents. The illustrative system and method provides a flush-mount camera at the specific location on the vehicle to minimize this hazard by transmitting an image of the scene of oncoming traffic to the driver from a vantage point that is essentially as far forward as possible.

[0008] Illustratively, the camera is located in and is flush with the left front quarter panel. The front quarter panel is the outer portion of the vehicle forward of the passenger compartment along the left and right sides and typically includes a marker light and headlight assembly. The camera is generally free of any external protrusion relative to the vehicle body and/or its quarter panel, thereby avoiding potential damage to the camera and/or a restricted field of view. The illustrative camera can image a field of view within an arc of approximately 90 degrees in both the horizontal and vertical axes (thereby defining a viewing cone). Other cross sectional geometries--e.g. a geometry defining an elliptical cone with a wider horizontal axis--are also contemplated. In various embodiments, an associated camera lens can define a field of greater or lesser than 90 degrees in the horizontal and/or vertical axes. It is contemplated that the system can allow the driver to select the desired angle and/or range of view via an interface or other adjustment mechanism within the vehicle. The camera can also include a preset or variable zoom lens, thereby allowing the driver to focus over a greater or lesser distance.

[0009] This display can also be accompanied by a proximity alert. In alternate embodiments, the visual display can use a heads-up projected display system, the onboard computer display, a separate and dedicated display or a link to a head-mounted glasses display worn by the driver. In other embodiments, there can be a plurality of two (or more) cameras mounted in each of the front quarter panels, one of the left side as described above, and one on the right side, for vehicles entering a one-way street with traffic travelling from right to left relative to the driver or vehicles that may be transported between the United Kingdom and Europe, and back, or vice-versa. It is contemplated that such a camera system as set forth above can be fitted onto trucks of all sizes, recreational vehicles, tractors, heavy equipment, cycles and motorcycles, quadricycles, military vehicles (such as tanks and other armored vehicles with limited visibility and massive height), or other vehicles.

[0010] In an illustrative embodiment, a system and method for providing front-oriented visual information to a vehicle driver includes a flush-mounted camera located at least in the left front quarterpanel. Alternatively, or additionally, a flush-mounted camera can be mounted on the right front quarterpanel. A speed sensor detects vehicle speed. This speed sensor can be based upon an existing vehicle system, such as the braking system and/or the speedometer or can be a separate sensor. A display (e.g. a screen or projection) within the vehicle provides the driver with at least one of images and video feed of a scene imaged by the camera. An onboard computer (or other processing device) processes the detected vehicle speed selectively allows the images and video feed to be displayed on the display based upon whether the vehicle speed is less than a threshold speed. In general, the computer instructs the camera system and or certain connected components to activate and deactivate depending on the relative vehicle speed. Illustratively, the display can comprise an onboard navigation screen. The camera can image a field of view of approximately 90 degrees in at least one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. Where two cameras are employed (i.e. on each of the left front and right front quarter panel), the display of images and/or video from one camera and the display images and/or video from the other camera is performed using a split screen image.

[0011] The camera can also include a user-controllable zoom lens that allows the driver to vary the field of view and/or magnification. Either or both cameras can include a co-mounted proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be constructed and arranged to detect a near object, and cause a visual alert message to be displayed on the display and/or an audible alert to be played via a speaker. Illustratively, the threshold speed can be approximately 3 miles per hour as such speed is considered sufficiently low that the driver can react appropriately while interacting with the display screen. This threshold can be user-adjustable via an interface within the vehicle in various embodiments. More generally some or all of the functions of the system can be operated using voice activation.

[0012] The camera system can be provided with a proximity and speed sensor that determines the range of an oncoming object and transmits the data to the computer. The computer provides an alert when the object is at least one of (a) within a predetermined distance and (b) approaching at a predetermined speed. The camera can be retrofitted into an existing front headlight pod and includes a wireless link to communicate with at least one of the display and computer. The system can include a solar power assembly that powers the camera and wireless.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary front end camera system mounted in a vehicle, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the activation and de-activation of the camera system, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a view of two exemplary automobiles of different shapes having an exemplary left front camera, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a plurality of fields of view for exemplary front-end cameras situated in a vehicle according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 5 is an overhead view of an intersection with oncoming traffic wherein one of the vehicles employs a camera system, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the activation of the camera system following selection using proximity sensors to determine the direction of traffic, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the activation of the camera system following selection using proximity sensors to determine the density of traffic, according to an illustrative embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a view of an exemplary single screen display of oncoming traffic in a single lane, according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a view of an exemplary split screen display of oncoming traffic in opposite lanes, according to an illustrative embodiment; and

[0023] FIG. 10 is a frontal view of an exemplary front headlight housing with a front end camera retrofitted into the housing, according to an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] When a motor vehicle driver is situated so as to be perpendicular to the flow of traffic and pulling out of a side street, building, garage or parking spot, there is a danger to that driver and other operators. In order to see traffic in the oncoming lane, the driver has to pull far enough forward to visually observe the near lane of traffic. Other vehicles and objects placed along a roadway and other obstructions can prevent a clear view and necessitate a driver pulling forward into the near lane. Given that most vehicles have a front end that includes a motor or a storage compartment with a length of about 2-4 feet and that a driver typically sits another 2 feet or more from the dashboard, a protrusion of 4-6 feet or more is desirable in order for the driver to view the lane and determine whether to proceed or wait. During the movement to the protruded position, the front end of the car is vulnerable to being struck by other vehicles that are unseen to the driver. This results in numerous accidents. The installation of the front left vehicle system reduces the protrusion of the vehicle to about six inches. In the present application, the term "front left" refers to an American-style roadway in which the oncoming traffic approaches from the left relative to the driver when entering the nearest lane on a two-way street. It is expressly contemplated that in an English-style system, in which the oncoming traffic approaches from the right relative to the driver that the camera will be mounted on the front right of the vehicle.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary front left vehicle camera system 100. The camera 102 is installed in the front left quarter panel region of the vehicle (not shown). An optional front right camera 103 will be described more fully below. Camera 102 is linked via wired or wireless connection to an onboard computer 104 with a control process 105 and a commercially available navigation display 106 that is placed within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The driver receives a visual description on the display 106 of any oncoming traffic in the form of motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals and the like. The camera system 100 can be powered by a 12 Volt power supply or other applicable power supply having a higher or lower voltage and current. The camera system equipped with a speed sensor 108 that detects when the vehicle 100 reaches a threshold speed, in this embodiment, of 3 miles per hour. The speed sensor 108 receives input from the vehicle transmission (not shown) and the computer 104. The speed sensor 108 transmits the information for the threshold speed to the display 106. The wiring harness uses conventional connectors and existing "off the shelf" technology. The computer 104 can be provided with a transmitter/receiver for wireless communication with wireless sensors and cameras.

[0026] The 3 miles per hour threshold speed is determined in part by the transmission after the vehicle is put into the "Drive" gear setting 110 and is communicated both to the speed sensor 108 and the computer 104 simultaneously via wired or wireless communication. It is contemplated that the threshold speed can be set by the driver to a higher or lower speed, or to a range, depending on the driver's requirements. For example, a driver can require a range of 2-4 miles per hour, 3-5 miles per hour or 5-10 miles per hour, depending on the desired start-up velocity. In a situation where the traffic is moving quickly, a higher range can be desired. The threshold speed sensor can interface with any number of the systems within the vehicle that measure speed. These include the speedometer, anti-lock braking system, the door lock system, engine rpm, GPS (ground positioning satellite) or combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the activation and de-activation can be voice-activated by the driver. It is further contemplated that this camera system can be retrofitted into older vehicles.

[0027] The computer 104 can include an optional voice activation process 107 that is accessed via a microphone 109. The computer 120 can also be provided with a memory application 120 that records events and pullouts for records or later analysis. Activating the various settings for threshold speed and other settings can be accomplished via the display screen, a touch screen interface, a remote control or other device. In a further embodiment, the vehicle can be equipped with a level detection device 134 that determines the attitude of the vehicle relative to the horizon. The vehicle camera(s) can be equipped with one or more servo motors (or another type of actuator of conventional design, such as a stepper) to orient at least one of the cameras, as will be described more fully below. The computer 104 can be provided with a process for receiving the information from the level detection device 134 that determines the optimal attitude for the cameras and a camera attitude control process 132 instructs the camera servo motors to make the proper adjustments. This attitude adjustment control can be manually operated 136 by the user.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the computer 104 can be provided with a process for receiving and acting upon data from proximity sensors, as described more fully below. The proximity sensors transmit data to the computer 104 that includes the detected proximity and speed of the nearest vehicle 140 in the traffic lane and processes that information 142 for display. In an additional embodiment, the vehicle has a proximity alert, as set forth more fully below, that is activated by the proximity speed process 142 and generates an alert 144.

[0029] The front left vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms "activated" and "de-activated" can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display. The camera system activation and de-activation process 200 begins with the vehicle that includes the camera being shifted into the "Drive" gear 202. The transmission instructs the computer that the vehicle is in the "Drive" gear and the vehicle's computer turns on 204 the camera and starts the video camera function 206. The video signal is transmitted 208 to the navigation display and displayed thereon in place of the ordinary navigation screen. As soon as the driver pulls out and accelerates to the threshold speed 210, a signal is sent to the speed sensor and the speed sensor instructs the computer 212 that vehicle is traveling at the threshold speed of 3 miles per hour and to shut off the camera. The computer now shuts down the camera and instructs 214 the navigation display to return its screen display to the ordinary navigation display.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a view of two illustrative automobiles of different shapes having an illustrative left front camera. Vehicle 300 is a sports car type vehicle with two seats and a reclined driver position. The distance D between the reclined driver position 302 and the camera location 304 (about six inches to the rear of the forward left leading edge of the vehicle) is about 6 feet. The camera 306 is located in and flush with the left front quarter panel 308, providing the driver with a full visual display of oncoming objects. The camera 306 is not externally mounted and does not protrude from the quarter panel. Externally mounted cameras tend to produce blind spots that a flush-mounted camera does not produce. Externally mounted cameras are physically more vulnerable to being inadvertently damaged due to bushes, obstacles, stones and other physical risks. The camera 322 mounted in the left front quarter panel 324 of the sedan-type vehicle 320 is also flush-mounted. Cameras 306, 322 be provided with a field of view that describes an arc of about 90 degrees in the horizontal and about 90 degrees in the vertical axes according to the illustrative embodiment. The cameras can be auto-focused or selectively focused by the user. It is contemplated that camera lens with fields greater or lesser than 90 degrees in the horizontal and vertical axes can be utilized. It is contemplated that a lens giving a field of view as great as 150 degrees can be used. The camera lens can be provided with a zoom lens that is automatically operated by the computer 104 and/or the user. As noted above, the camera can be furnished with an integral proximity sensor and the computer can be activated thereby to provide a proximity alert, either by an audio alert, visual alert or a combination thereof. The proximity sensor is a commercially available sensor and the types available for this application can include capacitive, capacitive displacement sensors, Doppler effect (sensor based on effect), eddy-current, inductive, laser rangefinder, infrared, sonic, ultrasonic, LIDAR, stereoscopic, magnetic, passive optical, passive thermal infrared, reflective photocell, radar, ionizing radiation reflector or thermal sensors. The proximity speed process can process a continuous stream of information from the proximity sensor(s) or a series of frame-by-frame images. In general, the proximity speed process 142 uses known technologies to derive distance and compare distance to time so as to provide a continuous velocity reading for the object.

[0031] As stated above, the camera projects an image of the roadway within the field of view and assists the driver in looking for oncoming traffic. This is projected as a single screen or, in the case of cameras mounted on each front corner, as a split screen or alternating. It is contemplated that the driver might see in one or both directions, or selectively view one or the other. The camera can be provided with a preset or variable zoom lens, allowing the driver to focus over a greater or lesser distance.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the field of view for front-end cameras 402 mounted on an exemplary vehicle 400. The lateral axis LA is perpendicular 404 to the vehicle center axis VCA and passes through the center points of the front-end cameras 402 according to an illustrative embodiment. The lateral axis LA is defined as an axis projected perpendicular to the vehicle centerline axis, which is the centerline of the vehicle and projects from front to rear. The field of view of each camera 402 is depicted in this embodiment as describing 90 degrees. The camera field of view is adjustable up to approximately 30 degrees forward AF of the lateral axis LA and up to approximately 10 degrees rearward AR of the lateral axis. It is expressly contemplated that the angular adjustments forward and rearward can be greater or lesser as needed. The optical axis 410 (shown in dashed line) of cameras oriented on the lateral axis LA and having a field of view of 90 degrees will be provided with a forward limit 412 (shown in dashed line) of 45 degrees forward of the lateral axis LA and a rearward limit 414 (shown in dashed line) of 45 degrees rearward of the lateral axis LA. When a camera is advanced so that its optical axis 420 (shown in dotted lines) is oriented 30 degrees forward of the lateral axis LA, its forward limit 422 (shown in dotted lines) is 80 degrees forward of the lateral axis LA and its rearward limit 424 (shown in dotted lines) is 15 degrees rearward of the lateral axis LA. When the camera is oriented so that its optical axis 430 (shown in dashed and double dotted line) is 10 degrees rearward of the lateral axis LA its forward limit 432 (shown in dashed and double dotted line) is 35 degrees forward of the lateral axis LA and its rearward limit (shown in dashed and double dotted line) is 55 degrees rearward of the lateral axis LA. In further embodiments when the field of view is greater or lesser than 90 degrees and the range of camera orientation if greater or lesser, these field of view limits will vary. Note, as used herein, directional and orientational terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "forward", "rearward", "horizontal", "vertical", "right", "left", "above" and "below" as well as their synonyms, are meant to be relative only and not absolute with respect to the acting direction of gravity.

[0033] The optical axis can be adjusted on the vertical axis. In an embodiment, the optical axis can be raised approximately 30 degrees and lowered approximately 10 degrees relative to the horizon. This vertical adjustment can be useful with approaching a hillside road from an entry that is relatively level. Adjustment of the camera elevation can compensate for the slope of the traffic lane and avoid potential blind spots.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a look-down view of an exemplary intersection and depicts an vehicle 500 that is furnished with an installed front left camera system 502. In this embodiment, the vehicle 500 is situated at point P1 on an intersecting street 504 and is preparing to enter a street 506 that is perpendicular to the intersecting street 504. The driver of the vehicle 500 view of the near lane 508 is obstructed because of a line of parked cars 510. There is an oncoming car 512. In an embodiment, the distance D1 between vehicles is about 100 feet and reducing based on the rate of travel of vehicle 512. The driver of vehicle 500 moves forward six inches to point P2 and uses the camera system. The front left side camera 414 provides a view across a 90 degree field of view that includes an obstructing building 516. The driver inches forward until a view of the lane 508 beyond the obstructing building 516 and line of cars 510 can be obtained. The optical axis of the camera field of view 520 is oriented approximately 25 degrees forward of the vehicle lateral axis LA and the field of view is set at 90 degrees. The forward limit 522 of the camera field of view. The driver visually checks the projected camera view on the navigational display (not shown) and notices approaching vehicle 512. At this point, the driver cannot yet visually see vehicle 512 without the front left camera 514. As set forth above, this display can be accompanied by a proximity alert. The driver of vehicle 500 is now aware of vehicle 512 and decides to refrain from moving into lane 508 until vehicle 512 has passed. In a traditional vehicle not having the camera system, the driver of vehicle 500 was required to advance to point P3, well into the path of vehicle 512, before being able to personally view the oncoming traffic.

[0035] The use of proximity sensors to automatically select one or the other camera for display is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Referring now to FIG. 6, a vehicle is equipped with two front end cameras mounted each of the front end quarter panels. Each camera is equipped with a proximity sensor. The automatic process 600 begins when the vehicle arrives at the intersection 602 and the driver moves forward to cause the front end of the vehicle to protrude 4-6 inches into traffic 604. The proximity sensors begin scanning either direction and the data gathered from each is relayed to the computer 606. The computer processor evaluates the data and determines the direction of traffic in the near lane. When that process is complete, the computer determines which camera is preferred 608 and the feed from that camera is shown on the display 610. In the event that there is no traffic present, the camera display will revert to a default setting, for example, to a split screen display.

[0036] As further shown in FIG. 7, a process to automatically select the camera to be displayed uses proximity sensors to determine traffic density 700. The begins when the vehicle arrives at the intersection 702 and the driver moves forward to cause the front end of the vehicle to protrude 4-6 inches into traffic 704. The proximity sensors begin scanning either direction to read traffic density in both directions and the data gathered from each is relayed to the computer 706. The computer processor evaluates the data and determines the density of traffic in the near lane. When that process is complete, the computer determines which camera is preferred 708 and the feed from that camera is shown on the display 710. In the event that there is no traffic present, the camera display will revert to a default setting, for example, to a split screen display.

[0037] The displayed view from the cameras can be displayed on the navigational device display, as set forth above. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the view as projected on the display using single and split screen views. FIG. 8 shows the view 800 from a left front-end camera with attached proximity sensor. The user has protruded the vehicle into the traffic lane far enough past a parked vehicle 802 for the camera to see the oncoming traffic 804. The proximity sensor detects oncoming vehicle 806 and detects that the vehicle is about 50 feet away and closing on the user. The proximity sensor transmits this data to the computer (not shown) and the computer presents the proximity sensor information 808 as part of the display. In an illustrative embodiment, the information provided is that a vehicle is approaching 810 at a rate of 15 miles per hour 812 and is at a distance of 50 feet from the camera. It is expressly contemplated that the information can be provided using the metric system and with other information. This information is also sent through the proximity sensor alert process (144 in FIG. 1, above) and meets the alert process criteria for generating an alert 812 that is included on the display. It is expressly contemplated that this alert can be flashing, accompanied by sounds and/or other stimulating sounds and lights to get the user's attention and discourage the user from entering the lane and creating a potential crash. Alternatively, or additionally, the alert cause the entire screen to assure a particular tint (e.g., red) to attract the user's attention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a view of a split screen display 900 with the left view 902 showing the display view of FIG. 8 above. The right screen 904 shows a view of the street opposite from the view of the left screen 902 and is the view of the right front-end camera with an attached proximity sensor. There is a parked car 904 along the curb and the near lane 906 is clear of obstacles to the right. The farther lane 908 is mostly clear, with one approaching vehicle 910 at a distance. The proximity sensor notes the approaching vehicle 910 and transmits this data to the computer (not shown) and the computer presents the proximity sensor information 912 as part of the display. The computer uses one or more algorithms to determine speed, distance, high speed and to evaluate if an alert should be issued to the user when a predetermined criteria/threshold has been met. In an illustrative embodiment, the information provided is that a vehicle is approaching 910 at a rate of 15 miles per hour 812 and is at a distance of 200 feet from the camera. This information is also transmitted to the proximity sensor alert process (as set forth above) but it does not meet the criteria and no alert is provided.

[0039] The front-end camera system can be provided as part of a kit and can be retrofitted into existing vehicle headlight pod assemblies. FIG. 10 shows the left side of the front end of a vehicle 1000 having a headlight housing 1002. The user has caused a mounting hole 1004 to be cut into the inner wall 1006 of the housing 1002. The camera assembly 1008 with the proximity sensor 1010 is situated a distance DA of approximately six inches from the front end of the car 1012. The camera system and proximity system do not interfere with the functionality of the headlight 1014. The installed camera and sensor assembly can be powered directly from the vehicle wiring harness or by another power source (for example, solar). It is contemplated that the solar cell is located in a transparent part of the pod or externally mounted in a holder on the exterior of the front quarter panel. The camera and proximity data can be transmitted by wired communication or by wireless communication. It is further contemplated that the camera and sensor assembly can include a local control circuit for guided or automatic control.

[0040] It is expressly contemplated that the front-end camera can be provided with a built-in sensor that detects the speed and distance of an oncoming vehicle. This can be added to a system having a camera and a proximity sensor or to a system that is a camera on its own. In the latter case, the data from the detected range and speed of the oncoming traffic can be used to trigger a proximity sensor, based on pre-set parameters. Vehicular front-end cameras equipped with laser rangefinders use commercially available devices, including laser, radar parallax, and/or other technologies.

[0041] It should be clear that the system described above enhances the safety of the driver under ordinary traffic conditions and in more challenging situations. The system desirably avoids undue distraction and can be applied readily to re-manufacture or retrofit applications.

[0042] It should also be clear that the system can employ conventional, commercially available components, and/or customized components in a manner known to those of skill in the art. Also, as used herein the terms "process" and/or "processor" should be taken broadly to include a variety of electronic hardware and/or software based functions and components. Moreover, a depicted process or processor can be combined with other processes and/or processors or divided into various sub-processes or processors. Such sub-processes and/or sub-processors can be variously combined according to embodiments herein. Likewise, it is expressly contemplated that any function, process and/or processor here herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, software consisting of a non-transitory computer-readable medium of program instructions, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0043] The camera system as set forth above can include a solar-based power supply that includes a solar power collector and a power storage battery, enabling the system to be fully or partially powered by solar power.

[0044] The camera system described above can be equipped with cameras that operate both in daylight conditions and at night. It is expressly contemplated that the system can be provided with a night-time application that utilizes existing night vision technology (for example, infrared, passive, photomultiplier devices or other night vision system that acquires information in various wavelengths). This can be utilized to detect non-lighted objects in the motor way, including but not limited to trashcans, pedestrians, animals, wrecked vehicles and other hazards.

[0045] The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Features of each of the various embodiments described above can be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. For example, the visual display can use a heads-up projected display system, the onboard computer display, a separate and dedicated display or a link to a head-mounted glasses display worn by the driver. In other embodiments, there can be two cameras mounted in each of the front quarter panels, one of the left side as described above, and one on the right side, for vehicles entering a one-way street with traffic travelling from right to left relative to the driver or vehicles that may be transported between the United Kingdom and Europe, and back, or vice-versa. It is further contemplated that GPS systems can be used to determined the national driving customs based on location and to automatically preset the cameras. The GPS location can also be used to preset based on information of traffic patterns based on location and the latest available street traffic directions. It is contemplated that such a camera system as set forth above can be fitted onto trucks of all sizes, recreational vehicles, tractors, heavy equipment, cycles and motorcycles, quadricycles, military vehicles (such as tanks or other armored vehicles), or other vehicles. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A system for providing front-oriented visual information to a vehicle driver comprising: at least one camera located at least in one of the group consisting of the left front quarter panel or the right front quarter panel, mounted so that the camera does not protrude from the left or right quarter panel; a speed sensor for detecting vehicle speed; a display within the vehicle for providing the driver with at least one of images and video feed of a scene imaged by the camera; and an onboard computer for processing the detected vehicle speed and for selectively allowing the images and video feed to be displayed on the display based upon whether the vehicle speed is less than a threshold speed.

2. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the display is an onboard navigation screen.

3. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the camera images a field of view of approximately 90 degrees in at least one of horizontal plane and a vertical plane.

4. The system as set for in claim 1, wherein the at least one camera includes a first camera is mounted on the left front quarter panel and a second camera mounted on the right front quarter panel.

5. The system as set forth in claim 3, wherein the display of at least one of images and video from the camera and a display of at least one of images and video from the other camera is displayed on a split screen image.

6. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the camera includes a user-controllable zoom lens.

7. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the camera is furnished with a co-mounted proximity sensor.

8. The system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the proximity sensor in constructed and arranged to detect a near object and causes a visual alert message to be displayed on the display.

9. The system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the proximity alert provides by a sound alert signal.

10. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the threshold speed is approximately 3 miles per hour.

11. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the threshold speed can be adjusted by the driver of the vehicle.

12. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the system is voice activated.

13. The system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the threshold speed can be modified by the driver by a spoken command that is received and processed by the computer.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the threshold speed can be set at one of a sequence of speed ranges.

15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a voice activation process and wherein the threshold speed is variably set by the driver.

16. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the display is a projected display.

17. The system as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a proximity and speed sensor that determines the range of an oncoming object and wherein the computer provides an alert when the object is at least one of (a) within a predetermined distance and (b) approaching at a predetermined speed.

18. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the camera is located in a front headlight pod and includes a wireless link to communicate with at least one of the display and computer.

19. The system as set forth in claim 18 wherein the pod includes a solar power assembly that powers the camera and wireless link.

20. A method for providing visual information to a driver of a vehicle comprising steps of: selectively activating at least one camera when the vehicle is operating below a threshold speed, the camera being mounted to one of the group consisting of a left front quarter panel or a right front quarter panel of the vehicle without protruding from the left or right front quarter panel; receiving and displaying visual information from the camera of at least one of images and video of a scene in a location containing oncoming traffic.

21. A system for providing visual information to a driver of a vehicle, comprising: at least one camera located at least in one of the group consisting of the left front quarter panel or the right front quarter panel, mounted so that the camera does not protrude from the left or right quarter panel; a display within the vehicle that provides the driver with at least one of images or video feed of a scene imaged by the camera; and an onboard computer that causes the images or video feed to be displayed on the display.