| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080198226 | Image Processing Device - The present invention provides an image processing device capable of enabling accurate recognition of a solid object present near a vehicle and displaying the solid object. The image processing device includes a viewpoint conversion unit for receiving data of images captured by at least one image capturing camera and generating a top view image, a solid object extraction unit for detecting a solid object from the data of the images captured by the at least one image capturing camera and extracting the solid object, a solid object image generation unit for generating a solid object image in accordance with the solid object extracted by the solid object extraction unit, and an image synthesis unit for synthesizing the solid object image generated by the solid object image generation unit with the top view image generated by the viewpoint conversion unit. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080198227 | Night Vision System - In a night vision system with which an image recording unit records the image of the surroundings of a motor vehicle, the recorded image is displayed by means of a display, wherein the position of the image recording device ( | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080198228 | ACTIVE DOOR MONITORING SYSTEM - There is described a door monitoring system comprising a display device integrated into a door of a vehicle; a camera including image capture circuitry hidden behind the display device; and a control unit in communication with the display device for determining information to be displayed thereon, and with the camera to control the image capture, receive images captured by the camera, and transmit the images via a network | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080198229 | VEHICLE OPERATION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND VEHICLE INCLUDING SYSTEM - A vehicle operation support system is provided in which a captured image or a guide displayed on a display device can be adjusted easily by a simple operation. In adjusting misalignment between the image and the guide displayed as an oblique captured image on the display device, the user converts the displayed image and guide to a so-called high-angle display (which is displayed as if looked down directly from the above), and the converted high-angle image is then corrected or adjusted so that the image and the guide are displayed in correct alignment as desired. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080204555 | Automotive Surveillance System - A motor vehicle monitoring system comprises controller | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080204556 | Vehicle camera security system - An automotive vehicle anti-theft, anti-vandalism and anti-carjacking system utilizing a visual monitoring system for reducing the incidence of theft or vandalism of an automotive vehicle and an emergency notification system is disclosed. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of video cameras mounted interior and exterior to the vehicle and interfacing electronics within the vehicle adapted for detecting motion exterior to the vehicle and video recording in the direction of the detected motion. The system comprises interior RF video cameras positioned adjacent to the interior front and rear windshields and exterior video cameras placed within the left and right side mirrors. The system is capable of providing visual monitoring data to a mobile communications device via a wireless internet connection or to a wireless dedicated monitor via a Radio Frequency (RF) link. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080204557 | Driving support method and driving support device - A driving support device uses a camera mounted on a vehicle for imaging a blind spot area created by a pillar of the vehicle and displays an image taken by the camera on the interior surface of the pillar. A virtual plane passing through boundaries of the blind spot area is set, and an image plane of the camera is set at a predetermined position where a non-displayed area or an excess area, created by deviation between the virtual plane and the image plane of the camera, is reduced. Image data input from the camera is subjected to coordinate transformation on the virtual plane, and an image corresponding to the blind spot area created by the pillar is displayed on the interior surface of the pillar, based on the image data subjected to coordinate transformation on the virtual plane. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080211914 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING AND DISPLAYING IMAGES OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF VEHICLES - A portable undercarriage vehicle inspection system (UVIS) ( | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080225118 | ON-VEHICLE EMERGENCY CALL APPARATUS - An on-vehicle emergency call apparatus includes: a camera capturing an image of an interior of a vehicle; a capturing controller controlling the camera; and a transmitter transmitting an image capturing result obtained by the capturing camera to an emergency information center. The capturing controller controls the camera so as to capture images while switching alternately between an instant capturing shutter speed for capturing an instant image of a subject and a translocation capturing shutter speed for capturing a translocation image of the subject, in which instant capturing shutter speed and the translocation capturing shutter speed are different from each other. An image superimposer can superimpose the instant image and the translocation image to produce the image capturing result. An incident detector can detect an incident involving the vehicle whereupon the image superimposer superimposes the instant image and the translocation image to produce the image capturing result when the incident detector detects an incident involving the vehicle. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080231701 | VEHICLE MANEUVERING AIDS | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080231702 | VEHICLE OUTSIDE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND DISPLAY CONTROL APPARATUS - When any of obstacle sensors detects an obstacle, a distance to the obstacle may be shorter than a reference distance. In such a case a vehicle outside display system clips a detection area corresponding to the obstacle sensor used for the detection from a photographed image supplied from a camera. The system superimposes a detection position of the obstacle on the clipped image and displays the superimposed image without performing viewpoint transformation. When the distance to the obstacle becomes shorter than the reference distance, the system clips a detection area corresponding to the obstacle sensor used for the detection from the photographed image supplied from the camera. The system applies bird's-eye view transformation to the clipped image. The system superimposes a detection position of the obstacle on the clipped image and displays the superimposed image. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080231703 | FIELD WATCH APPARATUS - A field watch apparatus of vehicular use includes a camera and a mirror-integrated display unit. The mirror-integrated display unit is integrally disposed with a room mirror, and have two surroundings view monitors for displaying surroundings views that are captured by the camera. The mirror-integrated display unit is disposed at a position that is viewable from a driver's seat in a subject vehicle for intuitive recognition of other vehicles in the surroundings through the displayed image of the surroundings views. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080231704 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY MODULE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes an accessory module, at least one accessory and an attachment member at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The at least one accessory comprises a camera having a lens, with the camera being disposed in the accessory module, and the accessory module comprising structure to angle the camera with respect to a windshield facing portion of the accessory module. The camera has a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member. The accessory system may include a resilient element disposed between the windshield facing portion and the interior surface of the vehicle windshield to cushion and/or seal the accessory module relative to the interior surface when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member at the interior surface of the vehicle windshield. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080239076 | Forward looking sensor system - Systems and methods are provided for controlling a plurality of vehicle systems. A forward looking sensor ( | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080239077 | Motor vehicle accident recording system - A motor vehicle accident recording system for portable installation in a conventional motor vehicle includes: a.) a looping video camera to record audio and video through a windshield of a motor vehicle for a period of a predetermined time, and to record over previous recordings in excess of the predetermined time, start, stop, and recording retrieval capabilities; b.) an attachment mechanism connected to the video camera for attachment to a dashboard, a rear view mirror, a visor, a windshield and a windshield frame; c.) a control module that includes functional connection to the video camera to operate the start and the stop, that may be connected wirelessly or by wire. The module includes power hook up or power source and has an engine operation sensing device and, optionally, an impact sensing means, the engine operation sensing means recognizing when an engine of a motor vehicle is running and when it is not running and the impact sensing means senses severe impact from sudden rapid deceleration or sudden stop; the control module having a microchip that will initiate the video camera start means when a motor vehicle engine is turned on and will initiate the video camera stop means on a delayed basis upon the first stop action to occur of: the motor vehicle engine stops or impact is sensed, such that the video camera will be stopped at some predetermined time after the stop action occurs | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080239078 | VIDEO IMAGE PRESENTATION SYSTEM - A system for presenting video images from a vehicle environment includes taking video images of the vehicle environment, detecting sensor data of the vehicle environment or the vehicle, processing the sensor data, recognizing objects in the video images, and visualizing the processed sensor data in the displayed video images by changing the representation of recognized objects in the displayed video images. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080239079 | Entry control point device, system and method - The present invention provides an entry control device, system and method which can recognize a vehicle by its undercarriage image only. The present invention compares a new vehicle undercarriage image with those stored in a reference database to facilitate the automatic search of a vehicle's undercarriage. The present invention can compare the new undercarriage image to the same or similar undercarriage image previously entered in the reference database, highlighting any anomalies such as, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernalia and other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080239080 | Head-mounted rear vision system - The rear vision system was invented to allow a bicycle, motorcycle rider, or an operator of any vehicle to safely and easily check his rear view without requiring the rider's head to be in a predetermined position. The system is comprised of a video camera which is mounted to a vehicle and facing its rear view and a head-mounted display which is connected to the video camera's output video signal. The head-mounted display is worn on the rider's head and allows the rider to see his rear view by simply glancing at the digital image, which is projected from the head-mounted display. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080246843 | Periphery monitoring system for vehicle - A periphery monitoring system for a vehicle captures an image of a mobile object in a first field of view. The system captures an image of the mobile object in a second field of view that is located on a downstream side of the first field of view in an approaching direction of the vehicle. The first display region of the system displays the captured image along a first trajectory. When the mobile object enters into the second field of view after crossing the first field of view, the image of the mobile object is displayed along a second trajectory in the second display region of the system successively from the first display region. The system causes an auxiliary image to be displayed in the second display region in accordance with the entering of the mobile object into the second field of view. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080252729 | ADVANCED BIRD VIEW VISUAL SYSTEM - A bird view visual system for a vehicle is provided. The bird view visual system for the vehicle includes a plurality of image sensors disposed around the vehicle for monitoring the environment around the vehicle and a plurality of bases for mounting the respective image sensors. Each of the bases further includes an adjustable apparatus adjusting a viewing angle of the respective image sensor, the viewing angle is ranged between 35 and 90 degree with respective to a vertical line. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080259160 | VEHICLE VIDEO RECORDING DEVICE - A vehicle video recording device includes surveillance cameras, an electronic memory for temporarily storing the videos shot by the cameras, a hard disk drive (HDD) for receiving and storing the video data from the electronic memory, a running environmental data memory for storing the running environmental data along a route, on which the vehicle runs, which data affects the recording performance of the HDD, and a recording controller for controlling transmission and recording of the video from the electronic memory to the HDD during a route section, where the recording performance of the HDD does not lower, based on the running environmental data. This structure allows saving the recording device from having sensors, and yet, the video recording device can positively records the video shot by the cameras even if vibration or impact happens. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080259161 | Surveillance system with camera - A surveillance unit which includes a video camera ( | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080266396 | REAR OBSTRUCTION DETECTION - A method is provided using a system mounted in a vehicle. The system includes a rear-viewing camera and a processor attached to the rear-viewing camera. When the driver shifts the vehicle into reverse gear, and while the vehicle is still stationary, image frames from the immediate vicinity behind the vehicle are captured. The immediate vicinity behind the vehicle is in a field of view of the rear-viewing camera. The image frames are processed and thereby the object is detected which if present in the immediate vicinity behind the vehicle would obstruct the motion of the vehicle. The processing is preferably performed in parallel for a plurality of classes of obstructing objects using a single image frame of the image frames. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080278581 | Vehicle-Mounted Camera System - The present invention has an object to provide a vehicle-mounted camera system capable of preventing the occurrence of only a smear in an area without a mask image on a picked up image, and substantially reducing a ghost and stray light. The vehicle-mounted camera system according to the present invention includes an imaging element ( | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080284850 | Camera arrangement for amotor vehicle - A camera arrangement for a vehicle includes a camera and an electrical conductor structure. The camera is separated from a pane which divides an outside region from an inside region. The camera is in the inside region and is pointed at a portion of the pane such that the camera has a viewing detection region through the pane. The conductor structure forms a device and is on the portion of the pane within the viewing detection region of the camera whereby the camera and the device use the same portion of the pane for their operations. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080291275 | Video Data Processor Device for a Motor Vehicle - This device for processing video data ( | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080309762 | In-vehicle mobile digital video surveillance recorder system with GPS visual mapping and navigation - A mobile digital video surveillance recorder with GPS mapping capability is provided that is carried by a vehicle and equipped with a plurality of channel inputs. An associated monitor can be carried by the vehicle to allow the driver to view the camera images being recorded real-time, or the monitor can be located remotely for playback and review of the recorded images at a later time. The monitor displays a split screen that can display one or more images as taken from different cameras. Video feed from an associated GPS navigation system is piped into one of the video channel inputs such that GPS location with mapping is visually displayed as one of the remaining split-screen images on the monitor. The displayed data therefore presents concurrent images of camera video and GPS video feed so that the specific location of the vehicle at the time a camera image was recorded is presented. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080309763 | Driving Support System And Vehicle - Disclosed is a driving support system. With this system, a vehicle including a camera installed thereon is arranged at the center of a parking lot defined by two parallel white lines. End points of the respective white lines are included in the field of view of the camera. While the vehicle is moving forward, first and second editing images are obtained respectively at first and second points different from each other. Two end points of each of the editing images are detected as four feature points in total. Image transformation parameters for causing the center line of the vehicle and the center line of the image to coincide with each other are found on the basis of coordinate values of the four feature points on each of the editing images. An output image is obtained by use of the found image transformation parameters. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080309764 | Driving assist apparatuses and methods - Apparatuses and methods provide an image pick-up device for picking up an image outside a vehicle, an apparatus body including an installation portion installed to an interior-side surface of a pillar of the vehicle, and a display device provided integrally with the apparatus body and including a display screen disposed on an interior side with respect to the installation portion. An image pick-up element of the image pick-up device is provided such that a roll angle of the image pick-up element is substantially equal to a roll angle of the display screen of the display device. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080316312 | SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING VIDEO OF AN ACCIDENT UPON DETECTING A POTENTIAL IMPACT EVENT - A system and method for monitoring a vehicle and obtaining video of an accident or other criminal incident are described. An embodiment of the system includes one or more cameras mounted on a vehicle, a wireless transmitter, and a contact detection system comprising a processor in electrical communication with the one or more cameras, the wireless transmitter and one or more sensors configured to detect a potential contact event, wherein the processor is configured to receive an indication in response to one or more of the sensors detecting the potential contact event, activate at least one of the cameras to capture video data subsequent to receiving the indication of the potential contact event, determine whether or not the contact event occurs and discard the captured video data in response to determining that the contact event did not occur. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080316313 | Multifunction Remote Control System for Audio and Video Recording, Capture, Transmission and Playback of Full Motion and Still images - A multifunction remote controlled video recording, transmission and playback system includes a still frame generator adapted for selecting and generating still frames on the fly while a full motion video signal is being recorded, without interrupting the recording function. Audio and data signals, such as cockpit audio in an aircraft and gps and telemetry signals may also be incorporated in the recorded full motion video recording on a real time synchronized basis. The still frames are digitally enhanced, producing a full field frame from the analog video signal. Still frames can be produced in single, burst and snap modes without interrupting the full motion video recording function. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080316314 | Vehicle surveillance system - A security system for monitoring activities occurring within and around a vehicle. The security system includes a video camera positioned to monitor activities occurring within said vehicle. A receiver receives video data from the video camera and stores the data in its hard drive. The receiver includes a recording means configured to record the video data to the hard drive. The receiver also monitors for defined triggering events. When a triggering event is detected, video data associated with the time of the triggering event is stored for subsequent retrieval. The system optionally includes a method for transmitting the event data to an external device. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090002491 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING - A vehicle-mounted system ( | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090009603 | Device and method for detection and prevention of motor vehicle accidents - A device and method for vehicle collision avoidance and mitigation employing a video camera providing a frontal view of a roadway to a video display. A plurality of generally trapezoidal windows formed in front of and rearward of an iconic vehicle are employed to ascertain objects in front of and rearward of the vehicle. Using software, a closing rate of any object is continually calculated, and warnings or evasive actions are taken if a collision is calculated. The device can differentiate between shadows and objects through a filtering method requiring pixel changes in two or more windows concurrently for an object to be determined. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090009604 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An image processing system for a vehicle including a plurality of image pickup devices directed toward different predetermined areas around the vehicle to provide captured images and a display unit. Subject areas are extracted from the captured images, wherein the subject areas correspond to partial areas of predetermined areas captured by the image pickup devices that are adjacent to the image pickup devices. Brightness values of the subject areas are equalized to provide processed images, and the processed image are combined to generate a display image. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090015675 | Driving Support System And Vehicle - A driving support system includes a camera fitted to a moving body to photograph the surrounding thereof, obtains from the camera a plurality of chronologically ordered camera images, and outputs a display image generated from the camera images to a display device. The driving support system has: a movement vector deriving part that extracts a characteristic point from a reference camera image included in the plurality of camera images and that also detects the position of the characteristic point on each of the camera images through tracing processing to thereby derive the movement vector of the characteristic point between the different camera images; and an estimation part that estimates, based on the movement vector, the movement speed of the moving body and the rotation angle in the movement of the moving body. Based on the camera images and the estimated movement speed and the estimated rotation angle, the display image is generated. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090021581 | Bright spot detection and classification method for a vehicular night-time video imaging system - Bright spots imaged by a forward-looking monochrome video camera during night-time operation of a host vehicle are detected and classified to determine the presence of leading and on-coming vehicles. A specified region-of-interest in each image frame is globally scanned to adaptively detect the bright spot contours, and search windows bounding the larger bright spot contours are locally scanned to adaptively detect individual bright spot contours that were fused in the global scan. A sensitive area within the region-of-interest is locally scanned to adaptively detect dim taillights of a leading vehicle, and path prediction of the host vehicle is used for frame-to-frame tracking of detected spots. Detected spots are classified depending on their location and frame-to-frame movement within the region-of-interest and their glare and pairing characteristics. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090021582 | Vehicle and Driving Assist System for Vehicle - A vehicle of the present invention comprises a side mirror assembly provided in a main body of the vehicle, and an imaging device configured to take an image of a scene near the vehicle, and the imaging device is disposed in an inner space of the side mirror assembly. A driving assist system for a vehicle of the present invention, comprises an imaging device configured to take an image of a scene near the vehicle, an image processing device configured to process an image obtained by the imaging device, and a notification device configured to notify information regarding an image processed by the image processing device, and the imaging device is disposed in an inner space of the side mirror assembly provided in a main body of the vehicle. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090033744 | Folding Vehicle Exterior Examination and Search System - A low-cost, portable and highly-mobile “speed bump” which incorporates a plurality of electronic cameras, illumination devices, and range finders, coupled with one or more similar imaging systems configured to cooperate with the speed bump device to provide imaging of the undercarriage, sides or top of a vehicle. The system can be rapidly and temporarily deployed to achieve increased security at facilities and events likely to be terrorist targets, and at checkpoints to achieve an element of surprise to terrorists and smugglers. As a vehicle drives over the imaging speed bump and between or under the cooperating units, various images are captured. Image frames are “stitched” together to form a complete image of the undercarriage for display to a guard, officer or soldier. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090040306 | VEHICLE MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH WIDE ANGLE ELEMENT - A mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a reflective element, a back plate disposed at a rear surface of the reflective element, a wide angle reflector element received in a receiving portion of the back plate. The reflective element has a first reflective coating disposed thereat and the wide angle reflector element has a curved rear surface with a second reflective coating disposed at the curved rear surface. An optical element or optical adhesive may be disposed between a front surface of the wide angle reflector element and the rear surface of the reflective element. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090046148 | Method for Identifying Soiling On a Transparent Screen - Camera for identifying soiling on a protective screen. The camera is focused on a scene behind the protective screen and can be used to identify soiling and for other applications, e.g. to identify driving lanes and/or to identify objects. Soiling is identified merely by evaluating frames recorded in succession, artificial reference frames or reference objects are not required. A prerequisite for a successful measurement is that the relative speed v | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090046149 | Camera for Mounting in Motor Vehicle - Disclosed herein is a vehicle-mounted type of camera capable of being reduced in the space required for installation on the windshield of a vehicle. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090046150 | Vehicle Camera System - Disclosed herein is a vehicle camera system adapted for easy position matching of an image sensor and a lens assembly, and capable of being reduced in assembling time. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090046151 | Vehicle zone monitoring apparatus - A vehicle zone monitoring apparatus that detects physical bodies present in the vicinity of the vehicle from infrared images photographed by infrared cameras provided on the vehicle includes an object extracting device that extracts object images that emit infrared radiation from the infrared image and an artificial structure identifying device that identifies whether or not an object is an artificial structure by comparing an image of a search zone in proximity to the object extracted by the object extraction device, to a reference image of a pre-registered artificial structure which serves as an element that defines an artificial structure, and that identifies the object as an artificial structure if: within the search zone in proximity to the object, a section having a high correlation with the reference image exists; and a distance between the vehicle and the object is equal to a distance between the vehicle and the section having the high correlation with said reference image. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090059004 | System and Method for Monitoring the Handling of a Shipment of Freight - The invention provides a system and method in which a lift truck that is equipped with a weighing device; a remote computer, an input device, and a display screen. The display screen is located on the lift truck in a position that permits the operator to see information displayed thereon. During use, the operator of the lift truck inputs identifying information for the piece of freight into the computer and obtains a weight of the piece of freight with the weighing device. This information is displayed on the display screen. A video imaging device disposed on the lift truck captures video image data of information displayed on the display device. The captured video image data is communicated from the lift truck to a receiver and is displayed on a second display device within the freight terminal. The displayed video images can be monitored to verify that lift truck operators are obtaining weight data for pieces of freight. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059005 | Image processor and camera - An image processor outputs an image containing relatively much information of a central area in the horizontal direction. A mask composed of an upper mask and a lower mask is superimposed on the image. The upper mask is concave on the lower side thereof and disposed along the upper side of the image. The lower mask is concave on the upper side thereof and disposed along the lower side of the image. When the image is masked with this mask, the peripheral portion of the image that is prone to be distorted becomes invisible. Therefore, discomfort a user feels because of distortion can be reduced. In addition, the user can view the image with the much information of the central area of the image in the horizontal direction. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059006 | Image processing apparatus - An image processing apparatus permits a user to readily recognize a current state of an angle of view. When an angle of view is switched from a wide-angle to a narrow-angle, range display is performed for a predetermined time prior to the switching. Range display includes a narrow-angle image frame formed with lines indicating a border of an image displayed for a predetermined time prior to the switching. After the predetermined time, a narrow-angle image is displayed and the range display is no longer displayed. The range display allows a user to readily recognize that the wide-angle image has been switched to the narrow-angle image by recognizing to what area in a pre-switching wide angle of view image the post-switching narrow-angle image corresponds. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090066792 | Automotive, cargo, and homeland security camera system - The automotive and/or vehicular camera system provides visual sensing devices for data generation and storage of visual information. On a vehicle or cargo container, cameras or other visual sensing devices may be placed strategically in order to provide a wide field of view. Data generated by the cameras may be transmitted by wire or otherwise to a central processing/memory/data capturing system. A power supply may supply power to both the processing and memory system as well as cameras. An interface may allow data and instruction transfer to and from the data capturing system. A variety of protocols can be used to achieve communication between the individual elements of the present invention and monitoring of other signals, events, and statuses may be achieved. By recording the history of the vehicle's operation and travels, forensic analysis is made easier should an accident or other event of interest occur. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066793 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, CAMERA, AUTOMOBILE AND MONITORING DEVICE - A solid-state imaging device according to the present invention includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion units each of which generates a signal corresponding to the quantity of incident light; a plurality of readout units which read out the signals generated by the photoelectric conversion units; transfer paths which transfer the signals read out by each of the readout units; an output unit which outputs each of the signals transferred from the readout units via the transfer path; and a generation unit which generates a constant reference signal, in which the reference signal is outputted from the output unit via at least a part of the transfer path. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090073263 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle periphery monitoring system takes a view image of a vehicle rear periphery, which is in a predetermined area from the vehicle. This view image is converted into a bird's-eye view image and the bird's-eye view image is displayed in a vehicle compartment to assist rearward movement of a vehicle. As the vehicle approaches an obstacle, the bird's-eye view image is formed by increasing an angle of depression of the bird's-eye view image. A masking section is synthesized with the bird's-eye view image to mask a part of the bird's-eye view image not to be viewed. This masking section is increased as the depression angle increases thereby masking the distorted part of the view image. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090073264 | Image signal transmission apparatus and image signal transmission system - An image signal transmission system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes: a display apparatus configured to display an image in accordance with an image signal; and an image signal transmission apparatus configured to transmit the image signal to the display apparatus. The image signal transmission apparatus includes: a receiving unit configured to receive an analog image signal from outside; a conversion unit configured to convert the analog image signal into a first digital image signal so that the first digital image signal represents the image with a size that matches a display resolution of the display apparatus; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the first digital image signal to the display apparatus. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090073265 | VIRTUAL OBSERVER - This invention concerns wide-area video surveillance systems. In a first aspect the invention is a surveillance network, in another aspect the invention is a virtual observer, and in a further aspect the invention is a method for operating a virtual observer. Each segments or frame of video, from each camera of the network is associated with the following trajectory parameters; a time and a spatial position, and possibly a radius, orientation, resolution and field of view, and stored for later recall. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090079828 | Camera System for a Vehicle and Method for Controlling a Camera System - A camera system for a vehicle includes a camera unit mounted on the vehicle for viewing an area outside the vehicle. A image processing unit receives image data from the camera unit. A control unit receives vehicle operation data including vehicle speed data. A display unit is configured to transition between a screen image defined by a first viewing angle and a screen image defined by a second viewing angle. The first viewing angle and the second viewing angle extend substantially in a vertical plane, and the first viewing angle is greater than the second viewing angle. The display unit further displays supplemental information based on the vehicle operation data, the supplemental information includes vehicle speed information and information indicating a transition behavior of the display unit configured to transition between the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle. A method for controlling a camera system is also provided. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090079829 | Multi-functional side rear view mirror for vehicles - A side rearview mirror with one-way mirror, video display monitor and camera for the driver to easily and safely view the traffic that is going straight from the other direction at an intersection while trying to make a left turn, while at the same time not losing the function of a regular rearview mirror. The camera is facing the front and the video monitor is immediate placed behind the one way mirror to achieve said functions. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090079830 | Robust framework for enhancing navigation, surveillance, tele-presence and interactivity - The present invention discloses a robust framework for enhancing navigation, surveillance, tele-presence and interactivity via media streams. A primary media stream acquisition unit is disposed to capture an input media stream (for example video stream) representing the environment and transmit captured media stream live or archived to a transform unit providing means of transforming captured media stream to a desired format and applying appropriate distortion correction measures such that said media stream becomes more suitable for further processing. The transformed media stream is fed to an analysis unit implementing means of analyzing transformed media stream for the detection and tracking of objects or other desired results. Adaptive refinement of the accuracy of analysis results permits improvements in the performance of the analysis unit with increasing use. A rendering unit displays views of the primary media stream and an optional secondary media stream captured by an optional secondary media acquisition unit under the control of input from a control unit and/or overlay unit. The overlay unit provides means of overlaying detected/tracked objects of interest on a map of the environment represented by the media stream and means of using events occurring at or near the locations of said overlaid objects on said map to control the view of the environment presented to the user. View control via events affecting overlaid objects could be achieved through the simultaneous control of the transformed view of the primary media stream and of a secondary media acquisition unit disposed to capture a higher resolution view of the indicated region of the environment. A control unit receives user input that is used to determine what combinations of views to display from the primary and/or secondary media streams. Control signals from the control unit could also be used to control other units in the system including the transform, analysis and overlay units. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090091619 | HID & IR spotlight with integrated camera system - A spotlight, including hardware for mounting to a vehicle (especially a police or security vehicle), including an HID lamp or other visible light illuminator, an infrared illuminator, and an integrated camera system including a video capture device for providing a video feed formed using the visible or infrared light, and a remote terminal including a viewer for viewing the video feed. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090096869 | MOTOR BACKING-UP MONITORING DEVICE - A motor backing-up monitoring device includes a main body, an emitting device, a transmitting device, a receiving device and a displaying device. The main body is formed similarly as a hollow shell, having a power source connector at its one side and a lens connected at the other side. The emitting device is connected with the lens to transmit the images shot by the lens to the transmitting device, the receiving device and the displaying device orderly. Seeing from the displaying device to totally realize the situation behind a vehicle, a driver can easily and securely back up the vehicle. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090096870 | GPS with back up camera - A wireless GPS camera system for a vehicle includes a GPS unit, a back up surveillance unit, a display unit and a control unit. The display unit is electrically connected with the GPS unit and the back up surveillance unit for selectively displaying the positioning information and the video information. The control unit is electrically connected with the GPS unit and the back up surveillance unit to operate the wireless GPS camera system between a GPS mode and a back up monitoring mode, wherein in the GPS mode, the GPS unit is activated to allow the positioning information to be displayed on the display unit, wherein in the back up monitoring mode, the back up surveillance unit is activated to allow the video information to be displayed on the display unit. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090102921 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS - Images captured by multiple cameras installed on a vehicle are combined, and an image of the ground is projected onto a plane and is displayed around a vehicle display portion. In the vehicle display portion, actual images of portions of the vehicle may be displayed in a front area, a rear area, a left-side area, and/or a right-side area. A vehicle illustration image is displayed in the area surrounded by the actual images of the portions of the vehicle. Since the vehicle actual images are displayed at the perimeter of the vehicle display portion, it is easy for an operator who views a display screen to recognize the positional relationships between the perimeter of the vehicle and obstacles outside the vehicle perimeter. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090102922 | ON-VEHICLE IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS - Images taken by a plurality of cameras mounted on a vehicle are combined and an image of the surrounding area is developed, in a plane, around a vehicle display portion. The vehicle display portion shows an illustration border line indicative of the outer shape of the vehicle. The outline of the vehicle indicated by the illustration border line is drawn slightly larger than the outer shape of the actual image of the vehicle. This allows margin areas to be formed between the vehicle and its surroundings, thus reducing the possibility of a collision with an obstacle during driving. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090102923 | Truck security system - There is provided a truck security system for use with a truck and cab combination wherein the security system comprises: a first digital camera positioned on the truck cab and oriented so as to view toward the front of the truck; a second digital camera positioned on the truck cab and oriented so as to view toward the left of the truck cab; a third digital camera positioned on the truck cab and oriented so as to view toward the right of the truck cab; a fourth digital camera positioned on the truck cab and oriented so as to view toward the rear of the truck cab; a fifth digital camera positioned on the truck trailer and oriented so as to view toward the rear of the truck trailer; a first microphone positioned proximate to the truck cab; a second microphone positioned proximate the rear of the truck trailer; a control unit linked to each of the first camera, the second camera, the third camera, the fourth camera, the fifth camera, the first microphone, and the second microphone. The control unit may further be linked to a DVR for recording information from any of the cameras and microphones. Additionally, the DVR recorder can receive information from truck systems such as engine RPM, engine temperature, speed, gear selection, and brake status. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090109288 | Moving vehicle video recording rear-view mirror - This invention provides a kind of moving vehicle video recording rear-view mirror, which contains a fixing clamp installed at the back of main body for embedding rear-view mirror of original vehicle; wherein a storage device is installed on the top and beneath is a controller board; the front of main body is installed with a mirror, wherein a corner of the mirror is installed with a liquid crystal display; the exterior of main body is installed with a video camera for retrieving moving vehicle video information to be used together with storage device for saving information; through which the storage device will back up above stated storage information to provide strong evidence and as protection to the accident and resolving problem for the driver which is difficult to identify, and allows policemen and assessing personnel to find out true cause of the accident in order to protect the right of driver. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090115846 | Mounting construction for a facial image photographic camera - A facial image photographic device for vehicle mounting includes a facial image photographic camera which photographs the face of a driver of a vehicle while the vehicle is running, and a changeover device. The changeover device changes over a utilization environment of the facial image photographic camera between a position in which, when performing photography, the facial image photographic camera can be exposed to direct insolation by sunlight, and a position in which, when not performing photography, at least a part of the facial image photographic camera is not to be exposed to direct insolation by sunlight than when performing photography. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090115847 | ELECTRONIC AUTOMOBILE PROXIMITY VIEWER - An electronic automobile proximity viewer for with a viewscreen mounted on a dashboard of an automobile, and one or more digital camera units mounted at peripheral locations of an automobile. From the view screen the use can select which image from which camera unit to view, and can direct the selected camera unit to zoom in on an object near the automobile, including zooming in to regions of the selected image which are not in the center of the image. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090122138 | Scattered Light Diaphragm For Reducing The Scattered Light Incident Into A Camera - A camera module having a scattered light diaphragm installed in front of a lens of the camera module. The scattered light diaphragm is in contact with the inside of a windshield, the scattered light diaphragm having a structure on its inside for reducing the incident light. The structure for reducing the incident scattered light includes at least one secondary ramp-shaped structure which is oriented perpendicular to the optical axis of the camera system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122139 | Display System for a Motor Vehicle - In a display system for a motor vehicle ( | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122140 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW IMAGE - An obstacle detecting unit detects whether an obstacle exists in an area surrounding a vehicle in the direction a camera installed on the vehicle is pointed. If the obstacle is determined to have a portion at a predetermined height above a road surface with which the vehicle may make initial contact when the vehicle moves toward the obstacle, a virtual projection surface is set to the height of the predicted contact portion and viewpoint conversion processing is performed so as to project pixels of an image captured by the camera onto the virtual projection plane. In this way, the height of the projection plane and the height of the predicted contact portion match each other and the distance between the predicted contact portion and the vehicle is accurately expressed on a bird's-eye view image resulting from the viewpoint conversion. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122141 | CAMERA MOUNTING STRUCTURE, CAMERA MOUNTING METHOD AND EXTERIOR PANEL COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE - A camera mounting structure for mounting an on-vehicle camera on a vehicle, in which the on-vehicle camera includes an imaging module having a lens and an imaging element, and in an exterior panel component making up an exterior of the vehicle, a bracket part for attaching the imaging module is molded integrally with the exterior panel component as a portion of the exterior panel component. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122142 | Distributed mobile surveillance system and method - A method of gathering evidence of a crime or terrorist incident comprises surveilling an area with one or more cameras and, optionally, one or more audio pick-ups (e.g., microphones) installed in or on a large number of automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Evidence of an incident may be collected and processed for use by law-enforcement officials in identifying perpetrators and may be used before a grand jury or court-of-law. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090128629 | OPTICAL MODULE FOR AN ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - The invention concerns an optical module for an assistance system covering an ambient region of a vehicle, having a camera arranged in the region of an inner side of a pane of glass, in particular a windscreen, of the vehicle and directed into the ambient region of the vehicle, with an objective through which a distant region can be imaged in sharp focus on a first section of a sensor surface of the camera, and having an optical assembly which is arranged in the field of vision of the camera and by which a close region covering a detection region of the pane can be imaged in sharp focus on a second section of the sensor surface of the camera. The invention further concerns a method for controlling a wiping interval of a windscreen wiper, in particular of a motor vehicle, by means of such an optical module. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090128630 | VEHICLE IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD - When an image processing device subjects images photographed by on-vehicle cameras to viewpoint changing, and joints the images to form a top view image, and superposes boundary indicators at joints of the top view image to display it as an image with boundary regions to be monitored in a display, the boundary regions, or at least partial areas thereof, of the top view image are changed in appearance until a passage of predetermined time after predetermined conditions are established. Thus, the boundary regions can be made conspicuous only when necessary to be presented to an occupant of a vehicle, and an easily seen top view image can be displayed while preventing a reduction in effectiveness of warning of the boundary regions. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090135253 | Camera System for a Motor Vehicle - In the case of a camera system for a motor vehicle, incident radiation can be guided by way of one or more deflection mirrors to a camera, at least one deflection mirror being structurally coupled with a swivelable decorative part of the motor vehicle. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090141128 | Method and device for image processing and a night vision system for motor vehicles - A method and a device for image processing and for a night vision system for motor vehicles, in which a standard camera that is sensitive in the near infrared delivers images which are displayed on a display arrangement having a lower resolution than the camera. In addition, the image processing method improves the raw images of the sensor using image-sharpening methods and/or contrast-enhancing methods, so that display on a display arrangement is made possible for viewing by a viewer. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090147085 | Method of displaying shot image on car reverse video system - A method of displaying a shot image on a car reverse video system is described, which is applicable for adjusting an image displaying angle of the car reverse video system with a fixed lens according to a distance from an obstacle. Firstly, a scene image behind the car is shot through using the lens. Then, a distance detector is activated to detect a distance from the obstacle behind the car. If the distance from the obstacle is smaller than a preset distance, a scaling ratio is set according to a ratio of the preset distance to the distance from the obstacle. Finally, according to the scaling ratio and a distance between each pixel in the scene image and a reference point, all pixel pitches are adjusted, such that the scene image is deformed, and thus achieving an effect of switching a viewing angle of the scene image. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090153662 | NIGHT VISION SYSTEM FOR RECORDING AND DISPLAYING A SURROUNDING AREA - In a night-vision system, an area surrounding a motor vehicle is recorded by a recording apparatus and information about recorded objects is displayed on a display. The recording apparatus has a laser light source and a laser detection apparatus, with the laser light source transmitting laser pulses which scan the area in front of the motor vehicle. The laser detection apparatus uses the laser pulses reflected from objects to detect the position and/or movement direction of the objects. The position of those objects whose position and/or movement direction is relevant for the motor vehicle is displayed in an emphasized form on the display. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090153663 | BACK-UP CAMERA AND INTEGRATED LED LICENSE LIGHT - A vehicle rear-vision system for providing the operator scenic information relating to the vehicle's rearview area may be integrated within a common housing with the vehicle's rear license plate light assembly. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090153664 | Stereo Camera Device - A stereo camera device includes: plural picture image taking sections, an image correction section which makes correction of picture images taken, a parallax calculating section which calculates parallax, an amount of dislocation between the left and right images, and an image recognition section which carries out image recognition processing using both the image taken and the calculated parallax, or either of them. The stereo camera device further includes: a processing area setting up section which sets up the image area to be processed and reduction ratio differently depending on the driving environment of the vehicle on which the stereo camera device is mounted, wherein, by using the image area and the reduction ratio set up by the processing area setting up section, the image correction section makes correction to the picture image, the parallax calculating section calculates parallax, and the image recognition section carries out processing of image recognition. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090160937 | CAMERA CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICLE ENTRAMCE CONTROL SYSTEM - This development is about the camera control method for a vehicle entrance control system. In detail, it is about the applying variable exposure time and gain level per image frames that are captured through a CCTV camera of vehicle entrance control system. The entire control is done through 4 steps. The first step is to calculate the average value of image brightness and write the multiple parameters of exposure time and gain level that match with the calculated average brightness value in the lookup table to a camera control register. The second step is to compare average brightness value with the threshold of strobe operation and compare acquired exposure time and gain level parameters with the preset maximum limitations. The third step is to turn on strobe if the acquired exposure time and gain level parameters are higher than preset maximum limitation and average brightness value is lower than strobe operation threshold. The fourth step is to adjust exposure time and gain level if the acquired exposure time and gain level parameters are lower than preset maximum limitation and average brightness value is higher than strobe operation threshold. This development is to maintain a certain brightness level of images by controlling exposure time and gain level on a camera and turning on and off a strobe, which is proven the most adequate brightness for license plate recognition. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090160938 | Image Processing Method and Image Capture Apparatus Applying The Same - An image processing method and an image capture apparatus applying the method are disclosed. The image processing method comprises the steps of: capturing an image; detecting whether the image is captured in a low luminance environment; performing at least one image enhanced process for the image when the image is captured in the low luminance environment, so as to obtain a processed image; and outputting the processed image. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090167864 | Vehicle and Lane Mark Detection Device - A vehicle includes: an image acquisition means ( | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090174773 | Camera diagnostics - Per one example embodiment, apparatus may be provided. The apparatus may include memory and representations of camera diagnostics code and of other code including machine vision code. An image acquirer assembly may be provided, which is configured to take source images. Source images are provided for a camera diagnostics system formed by the camera diagnostics code and for a machine vision system formed by the machine vision code. The camera diagnostics system includes an obscurant detector configured to determine when the source images include artifacts representative of one or more obscurants intercepting a light path between a target object substantially remote from the image acquirer assembly and an imaging plane of the image acquirer assembly. The machine vision system includes machine vision tools configured to locate and analyze the target object in the source images when the target object is not obscured by the one or more obscurants. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090174774 | Video system for viewing vehicle back seat - The video system for viewing a vehicle back seat is a video surveillance system used for viewing a vehicle back seat. A remote camera is encased within a transmitting unit, which is preferably padded on its exterior, and further includes a multimedia display and at least one universal serial bus port for receiving multimedia data. The transmitting unit is mounted about the interior of a vehicle, such as a seat, and transmits video to a portable receiving display screen mounted about the view of the vehicle driver. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090174775 | Monitoring System - A camera for taking a state behind a vehicle is installed in a position laterally shifted from the rear center of the vehicle. An image processing unit generates a rear image from a camera image by shifting merely a rectangular area of the camera image so that a vertical center line thereof can substantially accord with the center line along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, processing for correcting lens distortion may be performed. As a result, when the vehicle is moved straight backward, an object present on the center line of the vehicle moves vertically in substantially the center of the screen, so that a user can be prevented from having an odd feeling to see the image. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090174776 | REARVIEW ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLAY - A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror element having a partially reflective, partially transmissive coating, and a video display positioned behind the mirror element such that a display image is viewable through the partially reflective, partially transmissive coating. The video display may have an output intensity such that the viewable display image has an intensity of at least 250 cd/m | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090195651 | Method of providing safety enforcement for school buses - A method for providing for enforcement of school bus safety laws in situations in which a driver of a vehicle near a school bus illegally passes the school bus when it is stopping or stopped and its stop-sign arm is deployed and/or emergency signals are on. The method provides a process for identifying and documenting with live streaming video a violation of school bus safety law as it occurs, documenting and preserving the evidence, presenting the evidence of an alleged violation to law enforcement authorities for determination of whether the case should be pursued, processing a citation or civil assessment to obtain payment of a fine or assessment, providing for the alleged violator to review the video and other evidence of the alleged violation, and providing for the payment of the fine or assessment. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090195652 | Interactive Virtual Window Vision System For Mobile Platforms - The invention is a vision and image capture system for mobile platforms. The system comprises: an imaging sensor that comprises at least one imaging sub-sensor which is integrated in the outside walls of the platform; at least one display screen on which is displayed the images captured by the imaging sub-sensor; and a processing unit comprising hardware and software components for processing the gathered images, displaying them on the screen and optionally allowing other applications. The system of the invention is characterized in that the at least one imaging sub-sensor is mounted approximately at the height of the eyes of the operator of the system and at a predefined angle respective to the mobile platform matching the preferred viewing angle of the operator from his seat within the platform. This location and orientation of the imaging sub-sensor allows a life like simulation and presentation of the images on the screen to the operator as if he were looking at the scene through a transparent window in the side of the mobile platform. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090201370 | Traveling Lane Detector - A traveling lane detector according to the present invention includes: an imaging unit mounted on a vehicle to take a road surface image; and an image processor performing image processing on the image to detect lane marks on the road surface. The image processor judges whether the vehicle is crossing the lane marks, and, when the vehicle is not crossing any of the lane marks, defines first and second windows, in the image, for detecting the lane marks located respectively on left and right parts of a road surface in front of or behind the vehicle, performs image processing on the image in each of the windows to detect the lane marks, and, when the vehicle is crossing any of the lane marks, defines a third window including the currently-crossed lane mark in the image, performs image processing on the image in the third window to detect the lane mark. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090201371 | ON-VEHICLE IMAGING DEVICE - A vehicle-mounted imaging device that is mounted in an automobile and performs color imaging has been provided with a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged pixel cells. In each of the pixels, a color filter separates incident light by a multilayer interference filter. The multilayer interference filter is composed of two λ/4 multilayer films and a spacer layer sandwiched therebetween. The multilayer interference filter transmits light in a wavelength region that corresponds to an optical thickness of the spacer layer. The λ/4 multilayer films and spacer layer are composed of inorganic materials. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090213219 | VISUALLY TRACKING AN OBJECT IN REAL WORLD USING 2D APPEARANCE AND MULTICUE DEPTH ESTIMATIONS - Estimating the dynamic states of a real-world object over time using a camera, two dimensional (2D) image information and a combination of different measurements of the distance between the object and the camera. The 2D image information is used to track a 2D position of the object as well as its 2D size of the appearance and change in the 2D size of the appearance of the object. In addition, the distance between the object and the camera is obtained from one or more direct depth measurements. The 2D position, the 2D size, and the depth of the object are coupled to obtain an improved estimation of three dimensional (3D) position and 3D velocity of the object. The object tracking apparatus uses the improved estimation to track real-world objects. The object tracking apparatus may be used on a moving platform such as a robot or a car with mounted cameras for a dynamic visual scene analysis. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090219394 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR USE IN A VEHICLE - An accessory mounting system includes an assembly adapted for mounting or attachment at a portion of the windshield of a vehicle. A light absorbing layer at the portion of the windshield of the vehicle at least partially hides the assembly from view by a viewer external the vehicle when the viewer is viewing through the windshield with the assembly at the portion of the windshield. The light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion, and a forwardly-viewing camera disposed at the assembly views through the light transmitting portion of the light absorbing layer at the portion of the windshield of the vehicle when the assembly is at the portion of the windshield. The assembly may comprise a pivot element for connecting to an interior mirror or the assembly may comprise a mirror assembly mount button received by a mirror mount of a single-pivot or double-pivot interior rearview mirror assembly. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090231429 | INFORMING A DRIVER OR AN OWNER OF A VEHICLE OF VISIBLE PROBLEMS DETECTED BY OUTSIDE VIDEO SOURCES - A method, system and computer program product for informing a driver or an owner of a vehicle of visible problems detected by outside video sources. An on-board vehicle subsystem may receive a video image of a section of the vehicle (e.g., tail light of vehicle) from an outside video source (e.g., another vehicle, parking lot surveillance system). The received video image may be compared with stored video patterns of various sections of the vehicle. The on-board vehicle subsystem may identify a stored video pattern that substantially matches the received video image. The driver of the vehicle may be alerted to a problem (e.g., broken tail light) if the differences between the identified stored video pattern and the received video image amount to a problem. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090231430 | Device for Capturing an Image of the External Area of a Vehicle by Means of a Camera - In a device for capturing an image of the external area of a vehicle by means of a camera ( | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090237506 | System for Communication Between a Video Image Acquisition Unit and an on-Board Computer for a Motor Vehicle - The communications system ( | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090237507 | Apparatus for logging motor vehicle speed and time - The present invention concerns an apparatus for recording the speed of a motor vehicle which includes:
| 09-24-2009 |
| 20090244282 | VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM - A vehicle camera system including a receiver device which is capable of wirelessly communicating with an electronic camera arrangement. The receiver device is capable of switching a screen from its normal visual display mode to a real-time camera image display mode. The receiver device may be attached to an existing screen, such as a screen of a global positioning satellite (GPS) apparatus. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090244283 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING IMAGES OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - An assemblage for displaying a portion of the surroundings of a motor vehicle includes a camera with which a portion of the vehicle surroundings is imageable, and a display device with which an imaged portion of the vehicle surroundings can be displayed as a surroundings image, at least one further display device being provided, by which the surroundings image can be displayed. A motor vehicle may be equipped with such an assemblage, and to a method may be provided for displaying a portion of the surroundings of a vehicle. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090244284 | TIRE TYPE DETERMINATION METHOD AND VEHICLE INSPECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM USING THE SAME - In a tire type determination method, a surface image of a tread portion of a tire mounted on a vehicle is captured by a camera fixed at a predetermined position in a tilted hanger conveyor line, which is located downstream in a vehicle-carrying direction with respect to a position at which the tire of the vehicle is lifted from the ground and starts moving diagonally upward. Further, image information is extracted from the surface image of the tread portion, and a tire type is determined by checking the image information against registered information. A vehicle inspection system includes a tire type determination portion and a vehicle type information obtaining portion so as to determine the tire type using the method. A conformance determination portion determines whether the tire type determined by the tire type determination portion conforms to a specified tire type searched based on the vehicle type information. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090251541 | Intelligent Vehicle Access Control System - An apparatus for the automatic inspection of a motor vehicle has an identification and psychological profiling zone, an automatic inspection zone and a manual inspection zone. A biometric and heart rate detection station and an attached console are located in zone one. Undercarriage scanning equipment and an explosives detection portal are located in zone two. The apparatus also has one or more fixed cameras, an alarm or other alerting mechanisms and a physical barrier. A vehicle detection mechanism detects the entry of a vehicle into zone two and captures an image of the vehicle number plate. When the captured biometric data and number plate data indicate that the driver is authorized to drive the particular vehicle into the secured zone, and if no abnormalities or foreign objects in the undercarriage image are detected, the driver is allowed to proceed. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090251542 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECORDING AND EMULATING A FLIGHT - A mobile instrument that captures audio, video and motion/position data for a flight or other activities is described. A web service that processes the recorded data and allows a user to interact with the processed data emulating the flight or other activities is also described. Methods associated with capturing the data and processing the data are also described. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090256910 | Camera System to detect, monitor and report low visibility - The invention comprises of a method and a system to detect, monitor and report hazardous conditions of low visibility on roadways and waterways occurring due to fog or snow or rain or dust or smoke. A special vision camera installed on a post on the road or the waterway continuously views a set of lights installed on another post at a distance a few hundred feet away. The system software is used to set up a frame around the captured image. A value is assigned to the intensity of the light in the image under normal conditions of visibility. A tolerance range is set up around that assigned value. If the intensity value goes out of the set tolerance range due to low visibility conditions in the space between the camera and the target light(s), the software initiates an alarm state. This digital output is translated into an appropriate emergency message to be flashed on the electronic signboards on the roads or waterways. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090262191 | Computerized information collection and training method and apparatus - A method of improving car steering performance is disclosed. The method comprises modifying the size of the flow path for supply of hydraulic fluid from a pump to a steering unit so that the flow path is of a size greater than the size prior to modification. The modification can be made by increasing the size of a bore ( | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090262192 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes at least a first image capture sensor and a second image capture sensor disposed at a vehicle and spatially separated and having respective fields of view with respect to the direction of travel of the equipped vehicle. A control receives a first image input from the first image capture sensor and a second image input from the second image capture sensor and generates a composite image synthesized from at least the first image input and the second image input. A display system displays the composite image on a single video screen located in a cabin of the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. The single video screen of the display system may have a display luminance that is variable responsive to a sensing of an ambient light level. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090268025 | VEHICLE SURROUNDING AREA DISPLAY DEVICE - An image around a vehicle matching the intent of a driver is automatically displayed. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090268026 | LANE MARKER RECOGNIZING APPARATUS - A lane marker recognizing apparatus which recognizes stud-type lane markers from acquired road image includes a candidate region extracting means for extracting a region having the possibility of being an image portion of the lane marker, from the road image, as a lane marker candidate region, a real space representative point calculating means for determining a representative point of the lane marker candidate region according to a predetermined condition, and calculating a real space position corresponding to the representative point as a real space representative point, a grouping means for forming one group of the real space candidate points having a relative distance within a predetermined range set according to standards on the lane marker, and a lane marker position recognizing means for recognizing the position of the lane marker based on the real space representative point formed into one group by the grouping means. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090268027 | Driving Assistance System And Vehicle - A driving assistance system has: a bird's eye conversion portion that projects mutually different first and second camera images from a camera portion onto a bird's eye view coordinate plane parallel to the ground to convert them into first and second bird's eye view images; a candidate region setting portion that compares the first and second bird's eye view images to set a solid object candidate region on the bird's eye view coordinate plane; and a solid object region estimation portion that detects, within the solid object candidate region, an unnecessary region to be excluded from a solid object region to estimate the solid object region from a remaining region obtained by excluding the unnecessary region from the solid object candidate region. The solid object region estimation portion detects the unnecessary region based on the positional relationship between a camera position, which is the position of the camera portion as projected on the bird's eye view coordinate plane, and the positions of candidate pixels, which are pixels belonging to the solid object candidate region. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090273672 | VEHICLE RECORDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle recording system for providing vehicle data, including video data, of conditions surrounding road and parking events. In response to a triggering event, the system stores the vehicle data from a previous time interval and a subsequent time interval in a memory device. In some embodiments, the system may change the frequency at which data is captured based on information from proximity sensors and/or the vehicle ignition. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090273673 | PERSONAL VEHICLE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a personal vehicle surveillance system comprising cameras and microphones positioned such that they can record the type of events that happen to individuals rather than governmental vehicles. In addition, it provides for secure recording of events such that they are tamper resistant and can then be used during situations of problems with the vehicle or around the vehicle. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090273674 | Method of Producing a Total Image of the Environment Surrounding a Motor Vehicle - A method of producing a total image of the surrounding environment of a motor vehicle uses an image sensor device connected with the motor vehicle, which supplies image data in a first acquisition range of the vehicle environment. At least a first image part of the total image is based on image data of the image sensor device from the first acquisition range. In addition to the image sensor device, a distance sensor device connected with the motor vehicle is used which supplies distance data in a second acquisition range of the vehicle environment, the second acquisition range covering an additional range of the vehicle environment which is not covered by the first acquisition range. At least a second image part of the total image, which is at least partially situated outside the first image part, is based on the distance data of the distance sensor device from the additional range. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090278933 | DRIVE RECORDER, DRIVE RECORDER SYSTEM, VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO RECORDING APPARATUS, AND VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO RECORDING METHOD - An object of the present invention is to provide a drive recorder and a drive recorder system that can check the content of the image captured by an image capturing unit that outputs a video signal at a frequency not affected by LED traffic light flashing. More specifically, the invention provides a drive recorder includes an image converting unit for converting a received video signal into image information, and for outputting the image information in the form of a video signal, a storage unit for storing the converted image information, and a control unit for performing control so that the video signal is converted into the image information by using a first frequency not affected by LED traffic light flashing, and so that the image information stored in the storage unit is output in the form of a video signal by using a second frequency corresponding to a standard video signal; the invention also provides a drive recorder system comprising such a drive recorder. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090284597 | VEHICLE, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING PROGRAM, AND STRUCTURE SYSTEM OF IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM - An image processing system and the like capable of recognizing a lane mark in a road image with high accuracy are provided even if a light illumination state on a road surface is partially different. According to the image processing system ( | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090284598 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM - The present vehicle vision system enhances visibility internally and externally with respect to the vehicle. A vision system is provided which is configured to switch between a plurality of modes. The system further includes a far-field effect which alters the focal length of the display in the vision system so as to reduce driver eye strain during operation. The vision system may be incorporated into various locations throughout the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle overhead console). | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090284599 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND MIRROR ASSEMBLY COMPRISING AN IMAGING SYSTEM - The invention relates to an imaging system comprising at least two sensors surveying one or more fields of vision, at least one imaging sensor chip comprising an array of light-sensitive elements, wherein image information provided by the at least two sensors are projected on the at least one imaging sensor chip. The imaging sensor chip provides dedicated sensor areas, wherein each dedicated sensor area is assigned to one dedicated sensor. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090290021 | REAR SEAT PASSENGER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM - A rear seat passenger surveillance camera/display system is constructed of an automobile that has a dashboard, a rear seat and a headliner panel; a video camera mounted on the headline panel at a substantially central location with a lens of the camera pointing downwardly; a video display panel mounted on the dashboard for receiving signals from the video camera, displaying an image of the rear seat, and for viewing by the automobile operator; and wiring for supplying electric power to the video camera and the video display panel from a power source in the automobile. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090290022 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING VIDEO OF ENTIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROCESSING - The present invention relates to a system and method for transmitting video of an entire law enforcement processing. The system includes a portable video storage device provided to be detachably worn on an arbitrary portion on a helmet, goggles, or a body of a law enforcement officer and is configured to store and manage first law enforcement information and to transmit the first law enforcement information. A vehicle-use video storage device is provided on a front and a rear portion of a police vehicle and is configured to compress second law enforcement information, store the compressed second law enforcement information, and transmit the first and second law enforcement information. The police station server generates law enforcement record information by combining the first law enforcement information and the first and second law enforcement information, stores and manages the law enforcement record information, and outputs indexed law enforcement record information. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090295920 | Method for displaying an image recorded by a video camera - In a method for displaying an image of a scene in front of a vehicle, recorded by a video camera, in which the scene in front of the vehicle contains a roadway which is illuminated by the vehicle's headlights, the gray values of the pixels of the image data generated by the video camera are weighted using a reduction factor, which is a function of the respective pixel within the image and of the brightness of objects in the near range in front of the vehicle, in such a way that the contrast between the display of the near range in front of the vehicle and the display of other parts of the image is reduced. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090295921 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED PHOTOGRAPHING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MEASURING PHOTOGRAPHABLE RANGE OF VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA - A vehicle-mounted pickup device measures an image pickup movable range of a camera mounted inside a vehicle based on a video signal obtained by picking up images with the camera, while changing (rotating) the image pickup direction of the camera in the yaw direction. The vehicle-mounted pickup device can increase a degree of freedom in selecting the instillation position of the camera inside the vehicle. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090295922 | IN-VEHICLE DEVICE - A process is repeated in which N state vectors each including, as elements, the position of a camera with respect to a vehicle, the posture of the camera, the width of a lane where the vehicle is driving, and the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the lane are changed according to a predetermined dynamics model, a reference state vector representing the positions of edges of lane marks included in an image captured by the camera is generated when each of the changed state vectors is true, considering the positions of edges of lane marks in the image as an observation vector, the degree of match between the reference state vector and the observation vector is calculated as the weight of the state vector, a weighted average vector of the state vectors is calculated, and N state vectors are resampled on the basis of the calculated weights. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090303326 | VIDEO DOCUMENTATION OF VEHICLE SERVICES PROVIDED - A method of providing a vehicle service event includes providing at least one vehicle service area at a service facility. The at least one service area is configured to provide for the performance of a service event on a customer vehicle. At least one video camera is positioned with respect to the service area and the customer's vehicle to provide for capturing images of the customer vehicle. The method further includes performing a service event on the customer vehicle and while performing the service event, capturing images of the customer vehicle with the video camera. The method additionally includes receiving the captured images in a recording device, recording the captured images onto a electronic storage media with the recording device, and providing the electronic storage media to the customer. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090309971 | DEVICE FOR OPENING A VEHICLE LOCK AND FOR CAPTURING AN IMAGE ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE - This device has the double function of opening the lock upon actuation of a handle (20), and as the need may arise, of capturing the exterior of the vehicle in an image via a camera (31). In order to optimally carry out these two tasks, and for a space-saving configuration, it is proposed to configure a hole in the back wall of a support shell (10) receiving the handle (20), the housing (23) of a module being mounted on this hole. The camera (31) is supported in a pivoting and translatory manner in the module housing (23) via a camera mount (32) between a retracting position and an extending position (31.2). Furthermore, a drive (30) and a gear are mounted on the module housing (33) for a rotational-translatory displacement (32.2) of the camera (31). | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090309972 | Drive recorder and system - It is an object to provide a drive recorder and a system that that can reduce operations for adjusting an attachment position of a camera. The drive recorder for recording images captured by a camera in a recording medium includes, mode selection means for selecting an angle adjustment mode of the camera, and a control unit for outputting image data based on the images to a display unit ( | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090315992 | Image Capturing Device for a Driver Assistance System - An image capturing device for a driver assistance system having a mobile communication device includes an image sensor and a holding device for holding the mobile communication device in a vehicle. The holding device includes a device adapter for accommodating the communication device, a vehicle adapter disposed in a manner that is fixed to the vehicle, and a universal module that is disposed between the vehicle adapter and the device adapter. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090315993 | IMAGE PICKUP AND METHOD OF DETECTING ROAD STATUS - An image pickup including a lens array having a substrate on which multiple lenses are provided; a filter including at least two polarizer areas with respective perpendicular axes which are separated according to beams of light which have passed through the respective lenses of the lens array; an image pickup unit including multiple image pickup areas that shoots images of an object by receiving the beams of light which have passed through the respective corresponding polarizer areas of the filter; a signal processing unit that processes image signals of the images of the object shot in the multiple image pickup areas of the image pickup unit, wherein a vertical polarization image is shot at one of the image pickup areas and a horizontal polarization image is shot at another image pickup area, and wherein the signal processing unit produces an image according to the polarization ratio of the vertical polarization image to the horizontal polarization image shot in the image pickup unit. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090322878 | Image Processor, Image Processing Method, And Vehicle Including Image Processor - A visibility support system is provided which displays a wide field of view while absorbing camera installation errors. The visibility support system obtains a first conversion matrix H | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322879 | Method and device for the detection of defective pixels of an image recording sensor, preferably in a driver assistance system - In a method and an apparatus for detecting defective pixels of an image acquisition sensor, preferably in a driver assistance system, brightness values are evaluated statistically for each pixel while the image acquisition sensor is being operated as intended for image acquisition, at least one comparable parameter being determined for statistical evaluation for each pixel from the ascertained brightness values, and that parameter being compared with at least one predefinable reference value; and a defective pixel being detected when the at least one parameter determined for the relevant pixel meets a predefinable condition with respect to the at least one reference value. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322880 | CAR WITH MOVEABLE CAMERA UNIT - A car includes a car body, a camera unit, a driving unit, a display unit, a processing unit and a power source unit. The car body includes a rear portion. The camera unit is moveably coupled to the rear portion and is configured to capture images. The driving unit is to drive the camera unit to move along the rear portion. The display unit is configured to display the captured images. The processing unit is configured to receive the captured images, send the captured images to the display unit to display and control the driving unit to drive the camera unit. The power source unit is configured to supply electrical power to the camera unit, the driving unit, the processing unit and the display unit. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322881 | Video analysis, archiving and alerting methods and apparatus for a distributed, modular and extensible video surveillance system - Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing, managing and cataloguing video tracks generated by a video surveillance system. Systems and methods operating in accordance with the present invention receive video tracks from a video surveillance system; analyze them for particular categories of, for example, objects or events, assign unique identifying tags to the video tracks; and save them in highly-cross-referenced databases so that video tracks containing, for example, particular objects or events can be easily searched for and recalled. In addition, the present invention provides browsing facilities for viewing events that have just elapsed, events that are occurring in near real-time. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100002079 | MULTI-VIEW DISPLAY DEVICES - A display system, comprises a multi-view display panel ( | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100002080 | CAR-MOUNTED IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS AND IMAGE RECORDING METHOD - A car-mounted image recording apparatus comprises an imager operable to take a moving image of outside scene of a vehicle, an image quality controller operable to determine importance of present position of the vehicle, and controlling image quality of the moving image on the basis of the importance, and an image recorder operable to compress the taken moving image so as to obtain image quality controlled by the image quality controller, and record the compressed image in a recording medium. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100002081 | OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The imaging sensor is operable to capture an image of a scene occurring exteriorly of the vehicle. The control is responsive to the imaging sensor. The imaging system may be associated with a side object detection system, a lane change assist system, a lane departure warning system, a monitoring system, a passive steering system and/or the like. The control may be operable to process a reduced image data set more than other image data, which are representative of areas of the captured image outside of a target zone, to detect objects present within the target zone. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100007734 | VEHICULAR IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, AND VEHICULAR IMAGE PROCESSING PROGRAM - Both converted image data obtained upon conversion of rearward image data taken by a camera by an imaging converting unit, and auxiliary display line data generated by an OSD creating unit are outputted as display image data on a display device. As a result, converted rearward images and auxiliary display lines are displayed superimposed on the display element. An operator displays the rearward images during conversion while utilizing the auxiliary display lines on the display screen to perform rotation processing, parallel movement processing, and skew processing until the image appears in a desired position. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100013928 | IMAGE RECORDING SYSTEM - An image recording system having a CCD camera or CMOS camera for picking up the surroundings of a vehicle. The image recording system additionally includes a radiation sensor for sensing a pulsed light source, as well as a control device, controlled by the radiation sensor, which determines the discrepancy between the exposure phase of the camera and the ON phase of the pulsed light source and minimizes it by synchronizing the exposure phase with the ON duration | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100013929 | Event Data Recorder with Lane Departure Warning Function - An event data recorder with a function of lane departure warning is revealed. The device combines a LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) with a EDR (Event Data Recorder). The LDWS uses at least one image sensor to capture road images that are sent to a DSP for being processed and identified. The EDR uses image/audio sensors to capture images in front of the car and/or sounds of surrounding. The data is sent to a recorder and is compressed for being saved into a storage device. Thus the device not only has both functions of the EDR as well as the LDWS, it further records vehicle signals, numbers of lane departure issues, and surrounding conditions of car accidents for finding out human or vehicle faults that cause the accident. Therefore, functions and efficiency of the EDR are improved. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100013930 | VIDEO DISPLAY APPARATUS AND VIDEO DISPLAY METHOD - A video display apparatus for displaying on a monitor videos captured using capturing sections is provided. The capturing sections ( | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100020175 | VIDEO-RECORDING AND TRANSFER APPARATUS, AND VIDEO-RECORDING AND TRANSFER METHOD - An apparatus being mounted on a car of a train, video-recording video data from an internet protocol (IP) camera, and transferring the video data outside the car, comprises a network digital recorder (NDR) performing video-recording of the video data from the IP camera in a full-time, an archive-type NDR (A-NDR) reading the video-recorded video data from the NDR to record it, a communication device determining priority of a communication to and from the outside of the car to establish a communication path to and from a partner communication device in a communicable state, and a control device reading the recorded video data from the A-NDR to transfer the video data to the partner communication device via the communication path. The A-NDR ranks each item of the video data with importance, and the control device controls the video data so as to read it in descending order of ranking. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100020176 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - There is provided an image processing system includes an imaging device, a control device for performing image processing, and a display device for displaying the image, the image processing system including an imaging unit for imaging an image of a periphery of a vehicle, a conversion unit for converting the image of the periphery of the vehicle imaged with the imaging unit from a first image to a second image corresponding to a partial region of the first image, an operation unit for performing operation on the display device, and a control unit for controlling the conversion unit and the display device so that when the display device is displaying a third image other than the image imaged with the imaging unit, the second image is displayed after changing a display image from the third image to the first image according to the operation of the operation unit. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100026804 | Route guidance systems, methods, and programs - Route guidance systems, methods, and programs detect a current position of a vehicle and search for a route to a destination based on the detected current position. The systems, methods, and programs identify a guide intersection along the route and set a route guide point at a predetermined point on the route before the guide intersection. The systems, methods, and programs calculate a number of intersections along the route from the route guide point to the guide intersection having both a traffic signal and a road feature and perform a voice output based on the calculated number of intersections when the vehicle arrives at the route guide point. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100026805 | IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM FOR APPLICATIONS IN VEHICLES - In an image capture system for use in vehicles as well as an optical system for use in the automotive sector, the image capture system has at least one image sensor element having a plurality of image sensors situated in an image plane and at least one micro-lens system having a plurality of micro-lenses. Optionally, at least one aperture mask having a plurality of openings is situated between the micro-lens system and the at least one image sensor element. One image sensor, one micro-lens and one opening respectively define a pick-up direction of the image sensor. The totality of the pick-up directions defines a main viewing direction, which together with the image plane encloses an angle α of less than 80°. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100026806 | Detection and categorisation of points of light with a camera in a motor vehicle environment - A method for detecting and categorising points of light for a motor vehicle with a camera sensor directed towards the motor vehicle environment is presented. Here, at least one first category for passive, illumined reflectors and at least one second category for self-radiating, moving lights, in particular motor vehicle lights, is provided. For this purpose, the time progression of the intensity of a point of light is analysed. On the basis of the intensity fluctuation, points of light are categorised as motor vehicle lights or as reflectors. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100033570 | DRIVER OBSERVATION AND SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A driver observation system has a plurality of camera modules mounted to an exterior area of a vehicle for providing real time video images on an exterior area of the vehicle. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of camera modules to control operation of each of the plurality of camera modules and to switch between different camera modules for viewing. A display system coupled to the control mechanism to show the real time video images. A recording device is coupled to the control mechanism for storing the real time video images. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100039514 | System and Method for Image Projection of Operator Data From An Operator Control Unit - A system is provided for projecting images of operator data from an operator control unit. The system includes an imaging device configured to collect and transmit one or more visual images of a portion of a locomotive (or other vehicle) or an area surrounding the locomotive. In addition, the system includes an off-board operator control unit configured to receive the one or more visible images from the imaging device and comprising a projector configured to project the received one or more images onto a substrate. Additionally, a method for projecting images of operator data from an operator control unit is provided. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100039515 | Method and Apparatus for Alignment of a Trailer Hitch - A system for facilitating the backing of a vehicle to couple a hitch and trailer, the system including one or more cameras providing visual images to the vehicle driver to assist in backing the vehicle and making the coupling. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100045797 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a field of view forward of a vehicle equipped with the driver assistance system and in a direction of travel of the equipped vehicle. The imaging device is operable to capture image data and an image processor is operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The equipped vehicle includes an adaptive speed control system for controlling the speed of the equipped vehicle, and the speed of the equipped vehicle is controlled by the adaptive speed control system at least in part responsive to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the imaging device. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100053327 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY IMAGE DISPLAYING APPARATUS AND VEHICLE PERIPHERY IMAGE DISPLAYING SYSTEM - A vehicle periphery image displaying apparatus is disclosed that is coupled with (i) a camera for capturing an image of a region around the vehicle and (ii) a display device for displaying the image so that power is supplied to the camera in accordance with a camera activation signal for triggering activation of the camera. The vehicle periphery image displaying apparatus is configured to determine whether the camera activation signal is inputted, and configured to determine whether the camera is in an activated state. The vehicle periphery image displaying apparatus outputs a control signal to the camera when it is determined that the camera activation signal determination section determines that the camera activation signal is inputted and when it is determined that the camera is in the activated state. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100053328 | Surveillance system - A method for monitoring motor vehicle traffic wherein the motor vehicles being monitored have an onboard computer and an interlock system whereby the motor vehicle can be operated, fully, limited or not, after a driver identification has been entered into the computer, the method comprising the steps of providing GPS input into the computer, providing one emitter and a monitored zone wherein the emitter provides at least one traffic parameter to the computer such that the computer records any infraction of the parameter, and sending information about the infraction to a governmental authority and stores it on the driver's identification card. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100060734 | AUTOMATIC IN-CAR VIDEO RECORDING APPARATUS FOR RECORDING DRIVING CONDITIONS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE A CAR - An automatic in-car video recording apparatus includes a first and a second image acquiring units, an image processing unit, a control unit, an image access unit, a detecting unit, and a power supply unit. The first and second image acquiring units are synchronized to acquire images of road conditions in front of the car and images of driving conditions inside the car, respectively. The image processing unit integrates the two images on a split screen, and saves the images in the image access unit. The image access unit includes an externally connected memory unit. The control unit periodically stores part of the image data saved in the image access unit on the memory unit. When the detecting unit detects any abnormal condition, the control unit will also copy the image data saved in the image access unit to the memory unit. Therefore, driving conditions of the car are automatically recorded. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100060735 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF MONITORING SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE - To generate information with high accuracy by compensating for the lack of synchronism between imaging timings of two or more imaging means. A device for monitoring surroundings of a vehicle according to the present invention comprises first imaging means for imaging outside of the vehicle in a first imaging area at a predetermined cycle period; second imaging means for imaging outside of the vehicle in a second imaging area at a predetermined cycle period, said second imaging area and the first imaging area overlapping each other at least partially; and information generating means for generating predetermined information in which a lag between imaging timing of the first imaging means and imaging timing of the second imaging means is corrected based on images of both the first and the second imaging means. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100060736 | Vehicle Interior Classification System And Method - A vehicle interior classification system and method in accordance with the present invention determines a classification relating to the interior of the vehicle, such as the occupancy status of a vehicle seat or the state of alertness of a vehicle driver, from one or more images of an appropriate portion of the interior of the vehicle acquired with an image capture device. The acquired images are preferably processed to limit the dynamic range of the images to obtain a resultant image which can comprise one or more regions of interest which are less than the total field of view of the image capture device. The resultant images are processed to extract information about features in the image and, in one embodiment, this processing is achieved with a two-dimensional complex discrete wavelet transform which produces a set of coefficients corresponding to the presence and/or location of the features in the resultant image. The set of coefficients produced with such a transform is potentially quite large and can be reduced, through described techniques, to a subset of the total number of coefficients, the members of the subset being selected for their ability to discriminate between the classifications defined for the system. By selecting a subset of the possible coefficients, computational requirements are reduced, as are hardware requirements in the system, such as memory. The selected set of coefficients (whether comprising all of the coefficients or a subset thereof) are provided to a classifier which processes the coefficients with a set of calibration vectors, that were determined when the system was calibrated, to determine the most probable classification for the portion of the vehicle interior. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100060737 | VEHICLE BACK-UP IMAGE SYSTEM - A vehicle back-up image system includes a holding component, an image assembly, a driving component, a display component and a processing component. The image assembly includes a first camera, a second camera and a holder. The first and second cameras are positioned on the holder. The holder is positioned on the holding component. The driving component is configured to drive the image assembly to rotate with respect to the holding component. The processing component is electrically connected to the driving component and the display component. The processing component is configured to control the driving component to drive the image assembly to rotate, and receive images captured by the first camera or the second camera and deliver the images to the display component. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100060738 | ROAD SURFACE DIVISION MARK RECOGNITION APPARATUS, AND LANE DEPARTURE PREVENTION APPARATUS - A road surface division mark recognition apparatus includes: a vehicle-mounted camera that takes an image of a road surface ahead of a vehicle; an image processing portion which has a plurality of image processing modes that correspond respectively to a plurality of kinds of road surface division marks, and which recognizes a road surface division mark in a selected image processing mode; a temperature measurement portion that measures the temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera; and a restriction portion that restricts the action of the vehicle-mounted camera if the temperature measured by the temperature measurement portion is higher than or equal to a threshold value. The threshold value differs between the image processing modes. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100060739 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A LIVE MAPPING DISPLAY IN A VEHICLE - A live mapping display system onboard a vehicle may determine a geographic position of a vehicle, access stored image data corresponding to the geographic position, position a camera to direct the camera toward a target region proximate a geographic region corresponding to the accessed stored image data, receive live image data from the camera of a captured image of the target region, generate a display image including the stored image data combined with the live image data, and display the display image. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100066832 | HEAD UP DISPLAY - According to one embodiment of a head up display according to the present invention can improve visibility by changing a position of information projected onto a combiner based on information captured by a front camera and a driver camera. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100066833 | Vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus - A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus includes: a plurality of imaging units which capture an external region of a present-vehicle and output images; a display unit which is installed in an interior of the present-vehicle; an image combined unit which combines the images output from the imaging units and outputs a combined image; and a display control unit which displays the combined image output from the image combined unit on the display unit, wherein at least one of the imaging units is installed at a retractable side mirror of the present-vehicle, and the image combined unit extracts extracted images of an extraction range determined for respective images output from the imaging units, combines the extracted images to generate the combined image, and changes the extraction range and a boundary position between the extracted images constituting the combined image depending on extension and retraction of the side mirror. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100073478 | VEHICLE MOUNTED DEVICES AND ARRANGEMENTS - A trailer hitch mountable device for installation in a trailer hitch receiver tube includes a housing and a retainer bracket. The housing is sized to be received in the receiver tube and has an outermost wall including at least a first arcuate portion sized to align with circumferential edges of aligned mounting holes of the receiver tube when the device is installed in the receiver tube. The retainer bracket is secured to the housing and configured to engage an outermost edge of the receiver tube when the device is installed in the receiver tube. When the device is installed in the receiver tube and a receiver pin is inserted through the aligned mounting holes, the first arcuate portion prevents movement of the housing toward the outermost edge of the receiver tube, and the retainer bracket prevents movement of the housing away from the outermost edge of the receiver tube. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100073479 | REAR MONITOR CAMERA DEVICE FOR WORKING VEHICLE - A rear monitor camera device for a working vehicle equipped with a cable arrangement structure which is capable of preventing damage to a cable connected to a rear monitor camera installed on a counterweight and does not spoil the beauty of the counterweight. The rear monitor camera device | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100073480 | BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD USING PREEXISTING VEHICULAR IMAGING DEVICES - A vehicular blind spot detection system ( | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100085431 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE-MOUNTED RECORDING SYSTEMS - A method for acquiring surveillance data corresponding to a region of interest comprising: installing a plurality of vehicle-mounted recording system on a plurality of vehicles; capturing visual data of exterior perimeters of the vehicles having vehicle-mounted recording systems when the vehicles are in motion wherein the visual data is marked with location data and time data; storing the visual data, the location data, and the time data so that each portion of the visual data is locatable by at least one of a time of video data capture and a location of video data capture; transmitting a request for recorded surveillance data corresponding to a region of interest; receiving a reply transmission to the request for recorded surveillance data, the reply transmission comprising surveillance data corresponding to at least a portion of the region of interest recorded by at least one of the vehicle-mounted recording systems. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100091106 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS ADAPTED TO RECOGNIZE OBJECT IN ACQUIRED IMAGE - An image processing apparatus communicates with an image acquisition apparatus provided with an image acquisition region comprising light-shielded pixels and effective pixels. Data of an image are acquired based on output signals from the effective pixels. An edge of an object is extracted in the acquired image data using a preset edge threshold, and the object is recognized based on the extracted edge. Output signals are acquired from the light-shielded pixels and a degree of variations in noise contained in the output signals from the effective pixels is estimated based on the output signals acquired. The edge threshold is set based on the degree of variations in noise which is estimated, such that the noise having a level which exceeds the edge threshold occurs at a probability lower than a preset value. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100097468 | MICRO-DIFFRACTIVE SURVEILLANCE ILLUMINATOR - An active infra-red surveillance illuminator uses a statistically mono-directional micro-diffractive material overlaid on a bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to refract light from the LEDs onto a target image. This delivers energy distribution profiles out to a distance to match the aspect ratios of current wide-angle target and wide-angle camera surveillance systems. The distribution of refracted light is elliptical. This distribution can vary by using different diffractive material in conjunction with various numbers, brightness and angles of the LEDs in an LED bank. The effective range of the illuminators is greatly extended with this type of illumination. By limiting infrared (IR) radiation down to a 10 degree vertical window it renders the IR illumination much more effective for surveillance imaging by providing much more effective power on wide, ground-level scenes, and particularly enables multi-lane license plate capture. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100097469 | INTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLAY - An interior rearview mirror system and assembly includes a variable reflectivity reflective element and a video display screen disposed behind the reflective element and operable to display images viewable through the reflective element by a person viewing the interior rearview mirror assembly when it is normally mounted in a vehicle. The video display screen may be operable to brighten or enhance the intensity of images displayed by the video display screen responsive to a dimming condition of the variable reflectivity reflective element. The mirror system may include an image sensor and a decoder that decodes an output signal of the image sensor. The decoder has a microprocessor operable to control the video display screen, such that the captured image data are processed and images are displayed via operation of a common microprocessor. A compass chip may connect to a vehicle wire harness that extends from a vehicle headliner. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100103261 | BICYCLE HANDLEBAR VIDEO SYSTEM - A bicycle video system for facilitating improved aerodynamic positioning of a bicyclist. The bicycle video system includes a video display. The video display is used by the bicyclist to view an area in front of the bicycle. The video display allows the bicyclist to ride while maintaining a lowered head position to see an area in front of the bicycle. The bicycle video system also includes a video camera. The video camera is in electrical communication with the video display. The video camera is positioned in a direction toward an area in front of the bicycle to capture images in front of the bicycle. The video camera may transmit a video signal representative of a real-time image of an area in front of the bicycle to the video display. The video display may continuously receive real-time images of an area in front of the bicycle. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100103262 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE, VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING PROGRAM AND VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING METHOD - A vehicle periphery monitoring device includes an image processing target area setting portion ( | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100103263 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A DISTANCE SENSOR AND AN IMAGING SYSTEM - A motor vehicle encompasses a distance sensor, an imaging system as well as a driving assistance system and/or a display device. To improve the quality of information acquired by the imaging system, the imaging system can be targeted abased on the signals from the radar distance sensor. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100103264 | VEHICLE-SURROUNDINGS DISPLAYING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A vehicle-surroundings displaying method includes obtaining a distorted original image of surroundings of a vehicle. The distorted original image is divided into distorted central, left and right original images. The distorted central original image is corrected to become closer to a central virtual image provided by a virtual image capturing device having a central virtual optical axis to generate a central corrected image. The distorted left original image is corrected to become closer to a left virtual image provided by the virtual image capturing device having a left virtual optical axis to generate a left corrected image. The distorted right original image is corrected to become closer to a right virtual image provided by the virtual image capturing device having a right virtual optical axis to generate a right corrected image. The left and right corrected images are connected to the central corrected image for a display. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100103265 | IMAGE RECORDING METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECORDING A SCENE-CAPTURING IMAGE WHICH CAPTURES ROAD SCENES AROUND A CAR, AND MACHINE READABLE MEDIUM THEREOF - An image recording method for use in an electronic device configured on a car for recording a scene-capturing image which captures road scenes around the car is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. First, a positioning signal is received. The positioning signal is decoded to obtain determination data. It is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied based on the determination data. The recording of the scene-capturing image is continued when the predetermined condition is satisfied and the recording of the scene-capturing image is stopped when the predetermined condition has not been satisfied for a predetermined time period. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100110188 | INVERTED VEHICLE FRONT VIEWING SYSTEM - A vehicle front viewing system useful in viewing an area in front of a vehicle has a camera and a support arm. The camera has a field of view. The support arm supports the camera and is attachable to the vehicle so that a field of view of the camera encompasses the area in front of the vehicle when the support arm is attached to the vehicle. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110189 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE - An object is to provide a vehicle periphery monitoring device wherein distortions in a captured image containing an edge of the vehicle body can be corrected so that parallel perception is the same as in actual space, and wherein images readily discernible to the driver can be displayed. The edge of the vehicle body is included in the image captured by a camera provided to the vehicle. A Y-axis along the edge of the vehicle body and an X-axis orthogonal to the Y-axis are set in the captured image. Distortions are corrected so that the X-axis is enlarged at a magnification ratio γ that increases in a nonlinear fashion that depends of the distance from the X-axis while the Y-axis is kept substantially fixed. The captured image thus corrected for distortion is displayed on an onboard monitor. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110190 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to an image processing apparatus and method which is capable of safely processing and storing image data detected by a camera in a car accident. The image processing apparatus has an advantage of more safely preserving the image data, which are detected in occurrence of external impact, even when the black box device is broken due to an external impact, by promptly storing the image data in the nonvolatile and highly impact-resistant detachable memory card. In addition, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has an advantage of effectively preserving emergency-related data even with less power, by supplying power to only devices required to preserve the image data at an emergency. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has an advantage of preventing wasteful power consumption, by setting the apparatus to be operable corresponding to surroundings of the vehicle and extracting only image data for unusual situations. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110191 | BIDIRECTIONAL WIRELESS TRANSMISSION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A bidirectional wireless transmission and communication system is disclosed, including a base station, a wireless microphone and an external control device. A bidirectional wireless transmission and communication may be performed between the wireless microphone and the base station. The external control device is connected to the wireless microphone wirelessly or via a cable for controlling the wireless microphone via at least one push button on the external control device. The external control device is also provided with at least one light-emitting element to show the function operating state of the wireless microphone. The wireless microphone is internally provided with a global positioning system and a G-sensor for locating the coordinates of the wireless microphone under different situations. When the wireless microphone is located beyond the wireless communication range, the wireless microphone emits a high-power pulsed radio frequency signal for the base station to locate the position of the wireless microphone. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100110192 | Mobile Surveillance System - A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus comprising a fully rotatable camera mounted to a vehicle for capturing images, a display-control box having an image display screen and control buttons for controlling said camera and its movement attached to an adjustable mount in said vehicle within an operator's view and reach, an image capture box for storage on various recording media or for transmission of said captured mobile images, said captured mobile images are sent by radio frequency transmission to a data storage server for a consumer to access. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a mount that incorporates a quick disconnect mechanism along with a locking mechanical base and an electronic signal connector for easy camera installation and removal. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a double locking mechanism where one mechanism is a security fastener. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100118145 | Camera for Vehicle - In a first embodiment, the invention is directed to a camera for mounting on a vehicle, including a lens member, an imaging element and an image processing board. The image processing board is separated sufficiently from the imaging element so as to impart relatively little heat generated during operation to the imaging element. The imaging element is positioned to receive video input from the lens member. The image processing board is configured to generate image processing board output data that relates to the video input received by the imaging element. The image processing board is positioned in a selected position to release heat along a heat path that is spaced from the imaging element. The camera may further include a vehicle interface board configured to communicate signals relating to the image processing board output data to a vehicle component. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100118146 | AUTOMATIC VEHICLE EXTERIOR LIGHT CONTROL - A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle exterior lights including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100123778 | Integrated Visual Display System - A motor vehicle with an integrated visual display system for displaying proximity location information on an external object while the motor vehicle is parked or moving is provided. The integrated visual display system is operable to display information from a plurality of proximity sensors on a single display screen. The plurality of proximity sensors can be part of an autonomous and/or cooperative collision warning system. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100123779 | Video recording system for a vehicle - A video recording device is capable of being mounted in a vehicle for recording images incident to the operation of the vehicle. The video recording device includes a housing mountable to a vehicle component, and at least image sensor for capturing images. A processor is coupled to the housing and is in communication with the image sensor, for processing images captured by the image sensor. An event detector is provided for detecting the existence of a designated event (such as a crash). A long term memory device is provided for storing images captured by the at least one image sensor for a time period prior to, and for a time period following the detection of a designated event by the event detector. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100128128 | SURROUNDING RECOGNITION ASSISTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A surrounding recognition assisting device for a vehicle includes an image receiving portion for receiving a captured footage, which is configured with plural frames captured by an image capturing device for capturing a view around the vehicle, a target image area-detecting portion for detecting an image area including a picture element belonging to a predetermined color space corresponding to a display color of a direction indicator within a target frame out of plural frames, as a target image area, a residual image generating portion for applying a predetermined weighting to an image within the target image area to generate a residual image, and a display image generating portion for superimposing the residual image on at least one of frames following the target frame so that the residual image is superimposed on the frame at a corresponding coordinate to generate a display image to be displayed on a display device. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100134622 | IMAGING SYSTEM - The object of the present invention is to provide an imaging system which can appropriately detect an object to be detected by carrying out a detection process for the object according to a running state of a vehicle. The imaging system, which takes an image of surroundings of the vehicle with a camera and detects the object to be detected by pattern matching within the taken image, carries out pattern matching from a farther side within the image when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value than when not. This can rapidly detect far objects to be detected when the vehicle speed is increased, thereby appropriately detecting objects which are of higher necessity in the driving of the vehicle according to the vehicle speed. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100134623 | Method of processing continuously recorded image, computer-readable medium for processing continuously recorded image, drive recorder and reproduction device - A method of processing a continuously recorded image, with the use of a computer, comprising the steps of: judging whether a continuously recorded image is recorded at a certain interval, and storing the continuously recorded image as a data file when the continuously recorded image is stored at a certain interval. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100141764 | Monitoring System and Vehicle Surrounding Monitoring System - A parameter selection section selects one from a plurality of image synthesis parameters stored in a parameter storage section according to an output of a vehicle state detection section. An image synthesis section reads out camera images from frame memories according to the selected image synthesis parameter and generates a synthesized image showing a state of vehicle surroundings. A moving object detection section detects, in the thus generated synthetic image, a moving object region estimated as a region where a moving object is present. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100149335 | APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE SERVILLANCE SERVICE IN MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTS - A set of cameras can operate in coordination for surveillance purposes to provide situation awareness at a system level. Any infrastructure of cameras, public or private, can incidentally view and record an individual's mobile property when in view of any of these cameras. A locating unit can determine the approximate location of a mobile property. A monitoring device that correlates to the mobile property's location can be selected. The transmission of surveillance information from the selected monitoring device can be provided to a user, such as via a transmission to the user's mobile device. Thus, the individual can have access to the monitoring device's viewing or recorded data to increase surveillance of mobile property. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100157057 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PERSON - Provided is a person detecting apparatus and method in an intelligent mobile robot. The person detecting apparatus includes a camera, an observation system status input unit, an encoding unit, a decoding unit, and a person detection unit. The camera is mounted on a robot to output image information. The observation system status input unit determines whether the robot or the camera is in motion. The encoding unit receives the image information to output a bit stream including mode information. The decoding unit decodes the bit stream, extracts a block mode value of each macro block, and stores the same in a two-dimensional array. The person detection unit outputs detection information about a moving person using the determination information provided from the observation system status input unit and the block-mode two-dimensional array provided from the decoding unit. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100157058 | Method and Device for Compensating a Roll Angle - The invention relates to a method and a device for compensating a roll angle (α) when operating a camera-assisted driver assistance system in a motor vehicle. A camera takes a first image ( | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100157059 | ACTION ESTIMATING APPARATUS, METHOD FOR ESTIMATING OCCUPANT'S ACTION, AND PROGRAM - A detection unit obtains a position of a feature point of an occupant. A storage unit stores a model of all specific actions in each of physical feature classifications. The model defines a position or a locus of the feature point in each specific action, which an occupant may perform. A determining unit compares an in-action feature point with each model of a specific action, which is being performed, to determine a classification conformity weight indicating a possibility that the occupant belongs to the physical feature classification. An estimating unit compares the position of the feature point with each model to obtain a comparison result and generate a conformity value by incorporating the classification conformity weight into the comparison result. The estimating unit detects an estimated action, which is a specific action corresponding to the model, which has a highest conformity value. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100157060 | Image-Processing Camera System and Image-Processing Camera Control Method - An image pickup device that acquires images is controlled by an image pickup device controller that accepts image acquisition requests from multiple application programs, and an application scheduler selects application programs to be executed. Information indicative of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates required for each of the multiple application programs is stored and used to select multiple concurrently executable application programs on the basis of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates. An image acquisition scheduler determines the timing and intervals at which the multiple executable application programs repeat receiving image data from the image pickup device, without overlapping in terms of time. In addition, an operations section, which explicitly presents concurrently executable application programs to a user and commands the startup of these programs, is displayed on a navigation screen menu. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100165104 | Drive Assistance Device - A drive assistance device has an imaging device ( | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100165105 | VEHICLE-INSTALLED IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND EYE POINT CONVERSION INFORMATION GENERATION METHOD - A projection model storage section stores position information of a plurality of points on a predetermined projection model. A computation section references the projection model storage section and acquires position information of a virtual image correspondence point of a point corresponding to a pixel of the virtual image in an area on the projection model specified as a target of the virtual image by an output range specification section. The computation section finds the pixel of a real image corresponding to the virtual image correspondence point, acquires a mapping table indicating the correspondence between the pixels of the virtual image and the pixels of the real image, and records the mapping table in a mapping table storage section. An image synthesis section references the mapping table storage section and converts an image input from an image pickup section into a virtual image viewed from a predetermined virtual eye point. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100165106 | VIDEO DATA TRANSMITTING APPARATUS BY USING METALLIC BODY - The present invention provides simple installation and high performance of stable transmission rate because it is not connecting with wires separately but directly connecting to metallic body for receiving sound and video signal as transmitting through metallic body for transmission of sound and video signal of from mike and camera, and to provide of high definition screen for camera shooting as transmitting wideband signal to apply phase modulation process to be modulated phase by stabilized PLL process as not to be emitted necessary spurious radiation power to outside. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100171830 | Inside mirror with surveillance camera - A mirror with a frame on the front of the body and which navigation and a circuit and control panel of camera's module can be installed inside, includes an inside camera installed in a jointed structure on an upper part of the body and which can move up and down and side to side, a frontal camera connected to an antenna bracket joined to a back of the body by a ball joining method, a touch screen monitor that can move up and down utilizing a touch sensor button on the front of the body and a removable communication antenna projected from the antenna bracket. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100171831 | Stored vision for automobiles - A method for the driver of an automotive vehicle to avoid distraction from the task of driving, but yet to preserve and later recover legal evidence of events, objects, or conditions that may be encountered during the driving of the vehicle, by utilizing a perimeter optical viewing system in conjunction with a central digital recording system to record and subsequently retrieve images of those events, objects, or conditions. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100171832 | REAR-VIEW DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A BICYCLE - A display system for a bicycle is disclosed that comprises a camera selectively attachable to the bicycle and a display unit fixable to the handlebars of the bicycle. The camera includes a power source and a signaling means adapted for sending visual scene information from the camera, either wirelessly or through a plurality of conductive cables. The display unit includes a display means, a power source, and a signal receiving means. The signal receiving means is adapted for receiving the visual scene information of the signaling means so that the display unit may display the visual scene information on the display means. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100177193 | REMOTE AND DIGITAL DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS AND SATELLITE LOCATION FROM MOBILE OR FIXED TERMINALS WITH URBAN SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS FOR FACIAL RECOGNITION, DATA COLLECTION OF PUBLIC SECURITY PERSONNEL AND MISSING OR KIDNAPPED INDIVIDUALS AND CITY ALARMS, STOLEN VEHICLES, APPLICATION OF ELECTRONIC FINES AND COLLECTION THEREOF THROUGH A PERSONAL ID SYSTEM BY MEANS OF A MULTIFUNCTIONAL CARD AND COLLECTION OF SERVICES WHICH ALL OF THE ELEMENTS ARE COMMUNICATED TO A COMMAND CENTER - This invention is related to a remote and digital data transmission system and satellite location from mobile or fixed terminals with urban surveillance cameras for facial recognition, detector of gunshots, data collection of public security personnel and missing or kidnapped individuals, city alarms and vehicles control collecting traffic violations and detection of stolen vehicles, all modules communicated to a command center comprising the combination of a close-up camera placed on a post or structure, camera by means of which a photograph is taken, said photograph is sent to the command center ( | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100182430 | DETERMINING TRIGGER RATE FOR A DIGITAL CAMERA - A system that facilitates determining a trigger rate for a digital camera to provide a threshold forward overlap for consecutively captured images is described herein. The system includes a receiver component that receives first data pertaining to a distance between the digital camera and a surface. The system additionally includes a rate determiner component that is in communication with the receiver component, wherein the rate determiner component determines the trigger rate for the digital camera based at least in part upon the first data, wherein the trigger rate is indicative of an amount of time between consecutive images captured by the digital camera. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182431 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SURVEILLANCE OF FREIGHT - A method and system for surveillance of freight includes recording, by means of at least one camera installed in or on a freight vehicle, footage of the freight being transported by the freight vehicle. The method further includes transmitting the recorded footage to a remote location to facilitate surveillance of the freight. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100182432 | System for Monitoring the Environment of a Motor Vehicle - A system for monitoring the environment of a motor vehicle, includes imaging devices for taking a sequence of images, which sequence contains images of at least a part of the environment of the motor vehicle. A display unit reproduces at least one image detail of the image sequence in the vehicle interior. A device automatically changes the detail of the environment shown by the reproduction of the image detail by the display unit. One or more devices for determining at least one earlier position of the motor vehicle is provided, wherein the environmental detail can be automatically adapted as a function of the earlier position of the motor vehicle. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100188507 | ROAD LANE MARKER DETECTION APPARATUS AND ROAD LANE MARKER DETECTION METHOD - A road lane marker detection apparatus includes an imaging portion that captures an image of the road surface such that a first road lane marker and a second road lane marker are captured in the image; a feature point obtaining portion that obtains feature points of the road lane markers; a storing portion that stores the feature points obtained; and a lane marker detecting portion that detects the road lane markers. The storing portion includes a first storage area in which the feature points of the first road lane marker are stored and a second storage area in which the feature points of the second road lane marker are stored. The number of feature points able to be stored in the first storage area and the number of feature points able to be stored in the second storage area are set independently of one another. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100188508 | VEHICULAR VIDEO SYSTEM - A vehicle-based video processor module for a video system of a vehicle includes a video processor circuit, a plurality of electronic sensor interfaces that are operable to receive image output data from a plurality of imaging devices and at least one electronic vehicle interface that is operable to communicate with a vehicle communication bus. The video processor circuit is operable to process the image output data from the plurality of imaging devices in a single database in a standard format and enhances the image output data. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100194884 | DRIVER OBSERVATION AND SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A driver observation and security system has at least one sensor located on a vehicle. The sensor is used to indicate unauthorized entry into the vehicle. At least one interior camera module is mounted in an interior of the vehicle. The interior camera module provides real time images of the interior of the vehicle when the at least one sensor indicates unauthorized entry into the vehicle. A transmitter is used for transmitting the real time video images for viewing at a remote location. A location unit is located on the vehicle for sending a signal indicating a present location of the vehicle. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194885 | MOTORCYCLE SECURITY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A security system for an open compartment vehicle has at least one sensor located on the open compartment vehicle. The at least one sensor indicates one of movement of the open compartment vehicle or an object being within a predetermined distance of the open compartment vehicle. At least one camera module is mounted on the open compartment vehicle and positioned to provides real time images of a sitting area of the open compartment vehicle. A transmitter is provided for transmitting the real time video images for viewing at a remote location. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194886 | Camera Calibration Device And Method, And Vehicle - A camera calibration device performs camera calibration for projecting a plurality of camera images from a plurality of cameras onto a predetermined surface to combine them on the basis of the results after calibration patterns to be arranged in a common photographing area of the cameras are photographed by each of the cameras. The camera calibration device judges where or not the calibration patterns are observed by the cameras on the basis of the photographed results. If judging that the calibration patterns are not observed, the camera calibration device creates the content of an instruction to contain the calibration patterns in the common photographing area to allow the cameras to observe the contained calibration patterns on the basis of the photographed results and notifies the instruction content to an operator who is in charge of the arrangement operation of the calibration patterns. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194887 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING VEHICLE DRIVING CONDITIONS - An object of the invention is to provide a method for displaying vehicle driving conditions wherein provisions are made to identify, when playing back video information acquired by a drive recorder showing the actual field of vision of a driver, thereby making it possible to investigate, for example, how an accident or the like has occurred. More particularly, the invention provides a method for displaying vehicle driving conditions, including the steps of acquiring vehicle speed information and video information captured by a vehicle-mounted image capturing device, obtaining a field of vision angle based on the speed information, and displaying the video information along with a field of vision corresponding to the field of vision angle. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194888 | REAR ILLUMINATION SYSTEM - In a first aspect, the invention is directed to an illumination system for rearward illumination for a first vehicle. The illumination system includes a tail lamp assembly, a sensor and a controller for controlling the operation of the tail lamp assembly. If the controller determines that there are any oncoming second vehicles behind the first vehicle that are sufficiently close to the first vehicle, then the controller operates the tail lamp assembly in one mode. If the controller determines that there are no oncoming second vehicles behind the first vehicle that are sufficiently close to the first vehicle, then the controller permits the operation of the tail lamp assembly in another mode. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194889 | WIDE ANGLE IMAGING SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AN IMAGE OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR A MOTOR VEHICLE - An imaging system includes a digital camera having a sensor (such as a charge coupled device), a first lens directing a first image onto a first region of the sensor, a second lens directing a second image onto a second region of the sensor, and a third lens directing a third image onto a third region of the sensor. A display screen displays to a driver of the vehicle the first image, and a processing unit performs stereoscopic image analysis on data originating from the second and third regions. A fourth lens may be used to direct a fourth image onto a fourth region of the sensor, and the processing unit performs calculations on data from the fourth region for the detection of movement of the vehicle. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194890 | VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR USE IN A VEHICLE - A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a transflective reflective element. The mirror system includes a video display device at a casing of the mirror assembly rearward of the transflective reflective element, with the video display device having a video screen and a plurality of individual white light emitting light sources operable for backlighting the video screen. The intensity of light emitted by the white light emitting light sources is variable responsive to detection of light by at least one photosensor. The video screen may be operable to display video images captured by a rear back-up camera of the equipped vehicle during a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle. Light emanating from the white light emitting light emitting diodes may pass through a brightness enhancement film and a light diffuser to be incident at a transflective reflector of a second substrate of the mirror assembly. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100201814 | CAMERA AUTO-CALIBRATION BY HORIZON ESTIMATION - A method for estimating the horizon in an image of a camera to provide camera auto-calibration in the pitch direction. The method includes taking an image of a scene and generating a texture map of the image using horizontal edge detection analysis to locate horizontal edges in the scene. The method also includes providing a motion map by providing image differencing between subsequent images to find areas in the scene with no motion while the vehicle is moving. The texture map and the motion map are combined to identify the areas in the image that do not move and contain horizontal edges. A horizontal projection is generated from the combined map by counting white dots in the map in the horizontal direction. The horizontal projection is smoothed to eliminate noise and the location of the horizon is estimated in the image by identifying the maximum peak in the horizontal projection. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100201815 | Systems and methods for video monitoring - Embodiments of systems and methods for video monitoring are provided. A method for providing video monitoring includes three steps. A target is identified by a computing device and is displayed from a video through a display of the computing device. A selection of a trigger is received via a user input to the computing device. A response of the computing device is provided, based on recognition of the identified target and the selected trigger from the video. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100201816 | MULTI-DISPLAY MIRROR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXPANDED VIEW AROUND A VEHICLE - A multi-display vehicular rearview mirror system ( | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100201817 | Vehicle periphery displaying apparatus - A vehicle periphery displaying apparatus including an imaging device, a display device and a display controller is disclosed. The imaging device is configured to capture a vehicle periphery image with a wide horizontal filed of view. The display device includes a display screen, a dimension of the display screen in a vertical direction being larger than that in a horizontal direction. The display controller is configured to produce a predetermined-part image so that a part of the vehicle periphery image corresponds to the predetermined-part image. The display controller is further configured to cause the display device to display the vehicle periphery image and the predetermined-part image on the display screen such that the vehicle periphery image and the predetermined-part image are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100201818 | Vehicle periphery displaying apparatus - A vehicle periphery displaying apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an imaging device for capturing a periphery image; a storage medium for storing history data comprising one of the periphery image and information on an object-in-periphery, the storage medium pre-storing a vehicle image; a display screen having a real-time displaying part for displaying thereon the periphery image with distortion of the periphery image being uncorrected, and a history displaying part for displaying thereon the vehicle image and a history image being produced based on the history data; and a drawing section configured to superimposingly draw the vehicle image and the history image provided with the distortion that the periphery image has, such that the object-in-periphery shown in the history image is continuously connected to that shown in the periphery image. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100201819 | DRIVE RECORDER, DRIVE RECORDER SYSTEM, METHOD OF CONTROLLING DRIVE RECORDER, AND PROGRAM - A drive recorder is provided that can reduce a risk of losing evidence data in the event of occurrence of an accident. The drive recorder includes an image capture unit that captures a front view of a vehicle in a traveling state, a movie image data generation unit that generates movie image data from a captured video signal, a storage section that stores movie image data, a recording unit that records movie image data into the storage section, an event occurrence detection unit that detects the occurrence of an accident, a still image data generation unit that generates still image data including a plurality of still images at predetermined intervals from the video signal, a first transmission unit that transmits still image data to an external device via a wireless network when the event occurrence detection unit detects the occurrence of an accident, and a second transmission unit that transmits the movie image data after the completion of the transmission by the first transmission unit. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100208071 | VEHICLE DETECTION DEVICE, VEHICLE DETECTION METHOD, AND VEHICLE DETECTION PROGRAM - Attention is paid on the phenomenon that substantially no direct sun light or no reflected light from surrounding objects is applied, to a vehicle bottom side and tire travel surfaces and the vehicle bottom side and the tire travel surfaces have lower luminance values than all the other portions including the shades of trees or buildings along the road in an on-vehicle camera image. Luminance threshold specifying unit ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100208072 | ON-VEHICLE DISPLAY DEVICE AND ON-VEHICLE DISPLAY PROGRAM - An on-vehicle display device | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100208074 | OUTSIDE VIEW MONITOR SYSTEM AND VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME - A monitor system for a vehicle includes a camera, a display, a failure detection device, a report device, and a report control device. The camera captures an image of an area around the vehicle. The display displays the captured image to a driver of the vehicle. The failure detection device detects a failure of a function that allows the display to display the captured image. The report device reports the failure of the function to the area around the vehicle. The report control device controls the report device in such a manner that the report device reports the failure of the function in response to detection of the failure by the failure detection device. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100208075 | SURROUNDINGS MONITORING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A surroundings monitoring device for a vehicle, including: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of vehicle surroundings; an obstacle recognition unit that recognizes an obstacle in the image acquired by the image acquisition unit, calculates a position of the obstacle, and calculates a detection reliability indicating accuracy of recognition of the obstacle; a risk degree calculation unit that calculates a risk degree that indicates a degree of risk of a collision between the obstacle and the vehicle; and an attention drawing unit that outputs an attention drawing signal for drawing a driver's attention on the basis of the detection reliability and the risk degree. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100208076 | IMAGE RECORDING CONDITION SETTING APPARATUS, IMAGE RECORDING CONDITION SETTING METHOD, AND DRIVE RECORDER - An object of the invention is to provide an image recording condition setting apparatus, an image recording condition setting method, and a drive recorder that can always set an optimum recording condition in the drive recorder. In particular, the invention provides an image recording condition setting apparatus, an image recording condition setting method, and a drive recorder, wherein the apparatus includes a receiving unit for receiving vehicle driving condition information from the drive recorder, determining means for determining recording condition setting information based on the received vehicle driving condition information, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the recording condition setting information, determined by the determining means, to the drive recorder. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100208077 | ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a windshield that has a mounting element adhesively attached to its inner surface, an interior rearview mirror assembly, and an accessory support adapted for mounting to and demounting from the mounting element. The accessory support includes an accessory receiving portion configured to receive an accessory. The accessory support may comprise part of the interior rearview mirror assembly or may include a mirror mounting element with the interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to the mirror mounting element of the accessory support. The accessory comprises an imaging sensor and the accessory receiving portion is configured to receive the imaging sensor in a manner that compensates for the windshield angle of the windshield so that the imaging sensor has a more generally horizontal forward field of view through the windshield when the accessory support is mounted to the mounting element. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100214411 | OPTICAL IMAGE MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLES - A system and method of acquiring information from an image of a vehicle in real time wherein at least one imaging device with advanced light metering capabilities is placed aboard a vehicle, a computer processor means is provided to control the imaging device and the advanced light metering capabilities, the advanced light metering capabilities are used to capture an image of at least a portion of the vehicle, and image recognition algorithms are used to identify the current state or position of the corresponding portion of the vehicle. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100214412 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN ASSEMBLY USING AT LEAST ONE OMNIDIRECTIONAL CAMERA AND AN OPTICAL DISPLAY UNIT - A method for calibrating an assembly consisting of an omnidirectional camera ( | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100220189 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS - A vehicle surrounding monitoring device include at least one camera | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100220190 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING BIRD'S EYE VIEW IMAGE OF AROUND VEHICLE - The present invention features an apparatus and method for displaying a bird's eye view image of around a vehicle in a relatively simple manner without causing a large amount of processing load, in which a driver can easily perceive a three-dimensional obstacle placed adjacent to a seam. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100225762 | Method for Providing Driver Information in a Motor Vehicle - A method provides driver information in a motor vehicle, in which method a recording device of the motor vehicle captures an image flow containing images of at least one part of the environment of the motor vehicle. A display unit in the interior of the motor vehicle reproduces at least one image section of the image flow. A display control unit of the motor vehicle automatically modifies the environmental section shown to the driver by reproducing the image section using the display unit. During the reproduction of the image section, in addition to the representation of the environmental section, at least first optical information relating to the position of the environmental section relative to the motor vehicle is output to the driver. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100225763 | EVENT AND SPORT PERFORMANCE METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting and measuring performance characteristics and metrics of participants and vehicles. These performance characteristics and metrics include, but not are limited to, airtime, g-force, spin, rotation, drop distance, acceleration, and video and still images. These vehicles include, but are not limited to a snowboard, ski, skateboard, wakeboard, motorcycle, bicycle, ice skates and rollerblades. In one implementation, a camera provides near real-time images and video footage of a participant's actions on a vehicle which can be correlated with performance metrics. The camera may be located on the participant, the participant's vehicle or other equipment, or from some other observation point. The images recorded by the camera can be downloaded to a recording or other storage device to produce memorabilia (e.g., a CD ROM, or video cassette). If desired, the images can be sent in real-time through an event system and network (e.g., using a radio or other transmitter) to television, the Internet, and to other locations for producing the memorabilia or for providing images to television display devices, such as those located in a ski lodge for entertainment purposes or in a coach's or personal trainer's office for training purposes. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100231715 | Sideview Vision System Displaying A View Dependent Upon Transmission Selector - A sideview vision system in a vehicle and a method for operating the system. The sideview vision system has a camera fixedly mounted to the vehicle for capturing an image alongside and extending rearward the vehicle, and a display for displaying a view to a driver of the vehicle. The method includes capturing an image using the camera, the image having a first portion and a second portion different from the first portion, displaying a first view corresponding to the first portion in response to the vehicle transmission being in a forward gear, and displaying a second view corresponding to the second portion in response to the transmission being in a reverse gear. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231716 | Vehicle-Mountable Imaging Systems and Methods - Imaging systems, methods, and vehicles having imaging systems. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231717 | IMAGE ADJUSTING DEVICE, IMAGE ADJUSTING METHOD, AND ON-VEHICLE CAMERA - An image adjusting device for an on-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle includes an operations unit configured to input mounting position information regarding a mounting position of the on-vehicle camera on the vehicle; a storing unit configured to store image processing parameters in association with various mounting positions of the on-vehicle camera; a control unit configured to read the corresponding image processing parameters from the storing unit based on the mounting position information input from the operations unit; and an image processing unit configured to process image data obtained by an imaging unit of the on-vehicle camera according to the image processing parameters read by the control unit. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231718 | LANE RECOGNITION DEVICE - The lane mark recognition device is equipped with a lane mark detecting unit which executes a lane mark detection process in each predetermined control cycle, and adds a detection presence/absence data to a ring buffer, a detection presence/absence data addition inhibiting unit which inhibits addition of the detection presence/absence data to the ring buffer when the vehicle is traveling in the intersection, and a lane mark position recognizing unit which recognizes a relative position of the vehicle and the lane mark, when the lane mark is detected in the situation where a lane mark detection rate calculated from the data of the ring buffer is higher than a reliability threshold value. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231719 | Camera Mounting Structure, Camera Mounting Method and Exterior Panel Component of a Vehicle - A camera mounting structure for mounting an on-vehicle camera on a vehicle, in which the on-vehicle camera includes an imaging module having a lens and an imaging element, and in an exterior panel component making up an exterior of the vehicle, a bracket part for attaching the imaging module is molded integrally with the exterior panel component as a portion of the exterior panel component. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100238288 | Method and apparatus for protecting troops - A method and apparatus for protecting the troops when they exit an armored vehicle is provided by utilizing the universal tail light assembly and providing the assembly with wide field-of-view cameras and other sensors, with screens or displays located within the vehicle to provide situational awareness of the rear of the vehicle, thus to alert troops and their commanders as to external threats prior to troop deployment. In one embodiment, two wide-angle infrared cameras are retrofitted to existing universal tail light assemblies to either side of the vehicle, with the cameras having overlapping fields of view to permit generation of a panoramic view. Moreover, additional sensors such as ultrasonic sensors, LIDARs and laser range finders can be located in the universal tail light assembly, with the subject system not requiring breach of the already-existing armor for the vehicle. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100238289 | IN-CAR AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY - An in-car audio/video recording rearview mirror assembly is provided for recording the behaviors of the driver and passengers inside a car. The in-car audio/video recording rearview mirror assembly includes a rearview mirror enclosure and a digital monitoring system. The digital monitoring system is set inside the rearview mirror enclosure, which is attached to an in-car rearview mirror or a fixture, in such a way that a monitor camera device may receive image and sound from inside the car through the mirror for recording the video and audio data occurring inside the car for all the time. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100238290 | DRIVE OVER VEHICLE INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a drive over vehicle inspection system comprising a camera and a speed sensor configured to detect variations in the spatial relationship with the vehicle's undercarriage as the vehicle is driven over the device. In exemplary embodiments, the speed sensor is in communication with a controller configured to adjust the camera's settings to thereby compensate for variations in the vehicle's speed. In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is permanently located in the ground, while in other exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a portable device located above the ground, similar to a ramp or speed bump. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100238291 | METHOD AS WELL AS DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION AND ALIGNMENT OF A CAMERA OF A DRIVER-ASSISTANCE SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE RELATIVE TO THE VEHICLE - A method for determining the position and the alignment of a camera of a driver-assistance system of a vehicle relative to the vehicle includes the following steps of recording at least one mark of a measuring target affixed on the left wheel of the rear axle, and at least one mark of a measuring target affixed on the opposite, right wheel of the rear axle in at least two vehicle positions, using two measuring cameras, determining the geometrical axis of motion of the vehicle relative to the two measuring cameras therefrom, recording a calibration target of a driver-assistance system, using the two measuring cameras, determining the position of the calibration target of the driver-assistance system relative to the two measuring cameras therefrom, determining the position and the alignment of the calibration target of the driver-assistance system relative to the geometrical axis of motion of the vehicle, recording the calibration target of the driver-assistance system by the camera of the driver-assistance system, determining the position of the camera of the driver-assistance system relative to the calibration target of the driver-assistance system therefrom, and determining the position and the alignment of the camera of the driver-assistance system relative to the geometrical axis of motion of the vehicle. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100238292 | EXTERIOR MIRROR FOR VEHICLE - To facilitate discrimination of a curb, a gutter or the like by using an infrared illuminating device and an infrared-sensitive image pickup device mounted on an exterior mirror of a vehicle when the vehicle is pulled over to a shoulder at night. Two illuminating devices having optical axes oriented downward are mounted on a housing of a side mirror at a distance from each other in the lateral direction of a vehicle. The illuminating devices alternately emit infrared light downwardly. An image pickup device sensitive to infrared light having an optical axis oriented downward is mounted on the housing at a middle position between the left and right illuminating devices. An image taken by the image pickup device is displayed on an image monitor disposed at a position where the monitor can be viewed from the driver seat. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100245572 | Camera Assembly Mounted on Vehicle's Number Plate - A monitoring camera assembly includes a camera portion, a rear housing, and two front housing. The camera portion for sensing image of a object behind a vehicle including a camera body, a camera lens, and two rotational axles. The rear housing is installed on the license plate and support the camera body, including a pair of axle supports and a pair of fixing extensions. The pair of front housings engages one of the two rotational axles of the camera portion and one of the pair of axle supports rotatably, and includes a supporting groove for keeping the rotational axle in place and a first mechanical fastening device for fastening the front housing to the license plate. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245573 | Image processing method and image processing apparatus - An image processing apparatus is provided that combines image data captured by multiple cameras and displays the resulting image of surroundings of the vehicle to monitor monitoring the surroundings of a vehicle. The image processing apparatus includes: an image memory; a camera-image acquisition unit; a projection surface geometry manager that manages projection surface geometry information including a set of three-dimensional coordinates for a projection surface that is virtually formed to surround the vehicle; a viewing movement controller that determines viewing information so that a viewpoint and a viewing direction relative to the projection surface are continuously transited according to a given viewing transition regulation; an image converter that projects and combines the image data on the projection surface, and converts the combined image data into two-dimensional image data; a display unit that displays the two-dimensional image data; and a periodic rendering trigger generator that generates a trigger signal to start an image conversion process by the image converter. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245574 | Vehicle periphery display device and method for vehicle periphery image - An imaging unit photographs an image of a periphery of the vehicle. An object detection unit obtains image information related to a brightness or a color of the image and position information on the obtained image from the image and detects object from the image information according to a specific feature of the image. A storing unit prestores a vehicle image and history data, which include the image information associated with the position information. A graphic unit overlaps the vehicle image and an image produced according to the history data and converts the overlapped image to be viewed from a predetermined viewpoint. A peripheral image display region indicates a present periphery of the vehicle. A history display region is adjacent to the peripheral image display region for indicating the converted image and the detected object at a position according to the position information. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245575 | DRIVING SUPPORT DEVICE, DRIVING SUPPORT METHOD, AND DRIVING SUPPORT PROGRAM - In a driving support device and method, images of a vicinity of a vehicle are captured and recorded. Movement information relating to movement of the vehicle is acquired and a movement status of the vehicle based on the acquired movement information is determined. Based on (i) the determined movement status and (ii) a parameter associated with the determined movement status, the recorded image data is composited to create a composite image of an area including a position of the vehicle. The composite image is displayed on a display unit. The parameter is calibrated based on (a) a position of a reference marker included in the composite image created according to the movement status and (b) a predicted position of the reference marker superimposed and displayed on the composite image according to the movement status. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245576 | CALIBRATING APPARATUS FOR ON-BOARD CAMERA OF VEHICLE - There is provided a calibrating apparatus for an on-board camera of a vehicle, which allows speedy, yet reliable decision of acceptance/rejection of calibration result, with a simple apparatus construction, without depending on or being influenced by the calibration environment. An image processing target region on which an image processing for detection of each calibration point in each one of calibration markers in a camera-captured image which is a projecting plane of a camera coordinate system is displayed as a region frame in the form of a graphic image, in superposition with the camera-captured image. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245577 | SURROUNDINGS MONITORING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - A surroundings monitoring device for a vehicle, includes a pair of side cameras, each of which is provided at a side mirror, obtaining capture images capturing views extending to left and right of the vehicle including views below the side mirrors, respectively, an image graphic generating portion generating an image graphic of the vehicle from a view point above a rear portion thereof towards a front lower portion thereof, or from a view point above a front portion of the vehicle towards a rear lower portion thereof in order to include at least a portion of the vehicle and the side mirrors on the image graphic, and a side image generating portion generating left and right side images on the basis of the capture images so as to correspond to images shown at left and right portions of the image graphic displayed on a monitor, respectively. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245578 | OBSTRUCTION DETECTING APPARATUS - An obstruction detecting apparatus includes a camera capturing a surrounding of a vehicle, a projective transformation means projection-transforming one frame of captured images, captured by means of the camera, respectively on at least two imaginary planes, so as to generate transformed images, viewed downwardly from an above viewpoint, the imaginary planes having a first imaginary plane being set at the same level as a road surface and/or at least one second imaginary plane being set at a different level from the road surface to be in parallel with the road surface, and a three-dimensional object area extracting means extracting image areas from the transformed images, and extracting an area, at which the image areas overlap when the transformed images are superimposed, and which extends along a radially outward direction from an optical center, as a three-dimensional object area, at which an image of a three-dimensional object exists. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245579 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD, DRIVING ASSIST SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE - A camera is fixed in the mirror case of a door mirror downwardly in such a way that the front-rear wheels of a vehicle and the bottom edges of the sides of the vehicle (bottom portion) fit in view regardless of the state in which the door mirror is placed. The lower ends of the sides of the vehicle on a distortion corrected image is detected and a direction ( | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245580 | DISPLAY CONTROL DEVICE, REPRODUCTION DEVICE, INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR MOBILE OBJECT, MODULE FOR DRIVER'S SEAT, AND MOBILE OBJECT - A DPF-ECU ( | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100253780 | VEHICLE AUXILIARY DEVICE - A vehicle auxiliary device has multiple front video cameras, multiple rear video cameras, at least one roadway video camera, multiple front ultrasonic transducers, multiple rear ultrasonic transducers, a controller and at least one display. The controller is electronically connected to the front, the rear and the roadway video cameras and the front and the rear ultrasonic transducers to receive electronic signals from the front and the rear ultrasonic transducers and compute distances between the front and the rear ultrasonic transducers and the obstacles from the electronic signals. The display is electronically connected to the controller to illustrate the images captured by the front, the rear and the roadway video cameras. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100253781 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR MANAGING EVENTS - An event management system, the event management system including: (i) a server, configured to: (a) provide to a control user station of the vehicle a reconnaissance video stream that incorporates at different times video contents received from different vehicle mounted video cameras; to (b) selectively change a security threat mode in response to security data that is received from at least one remote unit which is located on the vehicle; and to (c) provide to the control user station an event focused video stream that includes video content from a group consisting of at least one video camera selected in response to the security threat mode; and (ii) a control user station configured for displaying video content that is received from the server to a user of the event management system. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100259614 | Delay Compensated Feature Target System - Apparatus and methods are provided for acquiring a target. A vehicle generates video frames that are sent to a control. The vehicle stores a subset of the frames. The vehicle may receive a lock message from the control that identifies a feature. Based on the information in the lock message, the vehicle may find a stored “fast-forward” frame with the feature, locate the feature on the fast-forward frame, determine a trajectory of the feature, and then determine a current location of the feature in a current frame. Once the vehicle has determined the current location of the feature, the vehicle may send a target acquired message to the control. An estimate of communication latency between the control and the vehicle may be determined. Then, the fast-forward frame may be determined based on a time of arrival of the lock message and the latency. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100259615 | Display system for shooting and displaying image around vehicle - An display system of an image around a vehicle includes: a shooting element; a controller including a processor and a memory; and a display device. The shooting element includes a bracket fixed to the vehicle, a camera in the bracket, a protrusion of the camera and a contact position sensor of the protrusion. The memory stores retrieved region information about a retrieved region defined by a display coordinate system and retrieved from the image. The display device displays the retrieved region. When the contact position of the protrusion is changed, the processor modifies the retrieved region information based on the contact positions before changing and after changing such that a region defined by a local coordinate system corresponding to the retrieved region after changing is equal to the region defined by the local coordinate system before changing. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100259616 | Image Pickup Apparatus, On-Vehicle Image Pickup Apparatus, Method And Apparatus For Manufacturing Image Pickup Apparatus - A disclosed image pickup apparatus includes a first member holding a lens, and a second member holding an image pickup element converting an image formed via the lens into an electric signal, the second member having an approximately rectangular shape and two approximately arc-shaped location cutout portions at respective diagonal corners of the approximately rectangular shape. In the image pickup apparatus, the first and the second members are bonded via an indirect bonding structure portion where the first and second members are bonded via a fixing member with an ultraviolet curable adhesive and a filler bonding structure portion where the first and second members are bonded by supplying a thermosetting adhesive therebetween. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100259617 | Boundary line recognition apparatus - In a boundary line recognition apparatus, a boundary line candidate extracting part extracts boundary line candidates from image data obtained by an on-vehicle camera based on known image processing such as pattern matching and Hough transform. One or more kinds of boundary line feature calculating parts calculate one or more likelihoods of each boundary line candidate. The likelihood indicates a degree of probability to be the boundary line. A boundary line feature combining means multiplies the likelihoods of each boundary line candidate and outputs a combined likelihood. A boundary line candidate selecting part selects the boundary line candidate having a maximum likelihood as the boundary line. The boundary line feature calculating part further calculates the likelihood of the boundary line candidate using a dispersion of brightness and an internal edge amount, and changes the likelihood based on an additional likelihood obtained by a driving lane surface feature extracting part. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100265330 | INTELLIGENT HEADLIGHT CONTROL USING CAMERA SENSORS - A system and method for intelligently controlling headlights receive a multiplicity of images that represent frames of a video sequence of an external environment of a vehicle. At least one bright spot, or blob, is found that stands out from a dark background of the external environment within each frame of the multiplicity of images. A multiplicity of features is extracted from a found blob. A type is recognized of a found blob that is selected from a multiplicity of types of blobs. A determination is then made whether to turn on a high beam light or a low beam light based at least on the recognized type of the found blob and a set of rules. Finally, an action based on such decision is performed. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100271480 | Vehicular surveillance system - An on-board vehicular surveillance system for an occupied or unoccupied host vehicle is configured to capture and record car-accident related events caused by a target vehicle or any other object by at least one hidden recording camera. The camera is camouflaged for or incorporated in at least one of the standard accessories of the host vehicle and, thus, is hardly identifiable from outside. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100271481 | Maneuver Assisting Apparatus - A maneuver assisting apparatus is arranged on a vehicle that moves on a road surface, and includes a plurality of cameras that capture the road surface from diagonally above. A CPU repeatedly creates a complete-surround birds-eye view image relative to a road surface, based on a plurality of object scene images repeatedly outputted from the plurality of cameras. The created complete-surround bird's-eye view image is reproduced on a monitor screen. The CPU determines whether or not there is a three-dimensional object such as an architectural structure in a side portion of a direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the vehicle, based on the complete-surround bird's-eye view image created as described above. Also, the CPU adjusts a ratio of a partial image equivalent to a side portion noticed for a determining process, to the complete-surround bird's-eye view image reproduced on the monitor screen, based on a determination result. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100271482 | IMAGING ELEMENT UNIT - An imaging element unit includes an imaging element configured to include an imaging surface having a plurality of R pixels, G pixels and B pixels, and an infrared cut filter configured to be placed in a position immediately in front of the imaging surface, wherein the transmittance characteristics of the infrared cut filter is determined so that an RGB combined relative sensitivity which is a combined value of unique sensitivities of the R pixels, the G pixels and the B pixels and a relative sensitivity of the imaging surface determined by the transmittance characteristics of the infrared cut filter show each of the following sensitivities with the respect to each of the following wavelengths longer than 600 nm. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100277589 | Internal(inside) automobile side rearview mirrors for the rearview of left and right side of the vehicle mounted on the both sides of dash board, which are to replace the external(outside) side (rearview) mirrors mounted on the both sides of the front doors of the vehicle or on the body of the vehicle and thus minimize the risk of getting the side mirror being smashed/damaged by other passing by vehicle and maximize the side rearview for changing the lane and help avoid making the hazardous decision while driving - Computerized internal side rearview mirrors showing the wider angle of both sides and rear of the vehicle with additional function of alerting the driver when trying to change the lane at the risk of accident. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100277590 | Construction Machine - [Problem] To provide a construction machine, which can surely perform confirmation of conditions around a machine body upon starting work and can start a prime mover even when obstruction exists around the machine body. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100283855 | Method and Device for Traffic Sign Recognition - In a method and a device for traffic sign recognition, at least one significant feature for a traffic sign is determined which is standardized for a region. The region that corresponds to the determined feature is determined. At least one classification feature and/or at least one classification method is defined depending on the determined region for the recognition of the traffic sign and/or at least one further traffic sign. The recognition of the traffic sign and/or the at least one further traffic sign is performed by using the defined classification feature and/or the defined classification method. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100289897 | Number recognition device, and recognition method therefor - A number recognition device | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100289898 | Device having a video camera which is built into in a rear-view mirror assembly in a vehicle - In a device having a video camera oriented in the direction of travel and built into a rear-view mirror assembly of a vehicle, provision is made that a rearward-directed light sensor is additionally provided in the rear-view mirror assembly; and that a device for reducing the reflectivity of the rear-view mirror is controllable by the signals of the video camera and of the light sensor. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100289899 | ENHANCED VISIBILITY SYSTEM - An enhanced visibility system for utility vehicles is disclosed. The visibility system may enhance an operator's view from the utility vehicle by making an obstruction appear transparent to the operator. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100295945 | Vehicle-Mountable Imaging Systems and Methods - Imaging systems, methods, and vehicles having imaging systems. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100302368 | Automobile camera module and method to indicate moving guide line - The present invention relates to a camera module and a method to indicate a moving guide line using the same. The camera module includes a memory for storing guide line images for vehicle traveling traces divided according to a steering angle of the vehicle's handle; an image sensor for photographing a front image or a rear image, and generating an image signal for an image obtained by overlapping the guide line image stored in the memory with the photographed image; a controller (CAN MCU) for receiving steering angle information of the vehicle's handle, extracting a guide line image corresponding to the steering angle from the guide line images, and controlling the image sensor to perform image overlapping; and an image output amp for converting a signal of the image overlapped in the image sensor into an output signal, and transmitting the converted signal to an image display unit through a serial bus network. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302369 | SECURITY SYSTEM WITH SATELLITE SURVEILLANCE UNITS - A security system suitable for surveying remote installations or sites containing obstacles is provided. The security system may also be well suited for surveying large areas or focusing in on certain spots in an area to be surveyed. The security system may comprise one or more satellite surveillance units (also called surveillance peripherals or simply satellite units) and a main server unit (also called a main unit). The satellite surveillance units may be deployed in a manner that may facilitate monitoring of locations on such sites that a single surveillance unit, even one comprising several surveillance devices, may not be able to monitor due to the presence of obstacles obscuring or blocking the lines of sight of the surveillance devices. The satellite surveillance units may transmit the results of the monitoring to the main server unit, and the main server unit may receive, process and/or store these results. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302370 | METHOD FOR EXAMINING SHOOTING DIRECTION OF CAMERA APPARATUS, DEVICE THEREOF AND STRUCTURE FOR INSTALLING SENSOR - In a test method in which an image photographed by a camera apparatus | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100309314 | NIGHT VISION CAMERA MOUNT QUICK DISCONNECT - The night vision camera system includes a light, a night vision camera, and a linkage. The night vision camera is attached to the light such that the light and camera maintain a fixed orientation with respect to each other. The light is attached to the linkage and is configured to manipulate the light and night vision camera concurrently. The linkage is attached to the vehicle and extends into the vehicle interior where a handle is provided allowing the user to aim the light and night vision camera from the interior of the vehicle. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100321496 | CLASSIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE ENVIRONMENT - A method for a motor vehicle for the predictive classification of a future vehicle environment and its lighting conditions. To this end, a camera system is oriented with respect to a region ahead of the vehicle. A sequence of images is recorded. In a predefined central image detail, the change of brightness per unit of time and/or distance is determined and this is used to infer the environment ahead of the vehicle. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100321497 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA - A vehicle-mounted camera includes a camera module mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, and further includes a mirror occupying at least a part of an imaging range of the camera module. The camera module may be arranged to face a forward vehicle traveling direction. The mirror may occupy a lower part of the vertical direction in the imaging range. The camera module and the mirror may both be disposed in the vehicle. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100328462 | Detecting Common Geographic Features in Images Based on Invariant Components - Systems, devices, features, and methods for detecting common geographic features in images, such as, for example, to develop a navigation database are disclosed. For example, a method of detecting a common text pattern, such as for a road or path sign, from collected images includes collecting a plurality of images of geographic areas along a road or path. An image of the plurality of images is selected. Components that correspond to an object about the road or path in the selected image are determined. In one embodiment, the determined components are independent or invariant to scale of the object. The determined components are compared to reference components in a data library. If the determined components substantially match the reference components, the object in the selected image is identified to be a common pattern, such as for a standard road or path sign, corresponding to the reference components in the data library. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100328463 | REAR VIEW MIRROR WITH INTEGRATED VIDEO SYSTEM - A vehicle-mounted system ( | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110001825 | MANEUVERING AID AND METHOD FOR AIDING DRIVERS OF VEHICLES OR VEHICLE COMBINATIONS COMPRISING VEHICLE ELEMENTS BENDABLE RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER - When maneuvering a vehicle, due to the seated position of the driver, the problem arises that a large portion of the space to the rear of the vehicle to be observed is hidden by the vehicle body itself. Therefore, the vehicle driver is presented with a display of a camera image of the space to the rear of the vehicle with a perspective overlay of the driving path and/or the towing path of the vehicle ( | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110001826 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD, DRIVING SUPPORT SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE - A driving support system performs a viewpoint conversion, generates, from a camera image obtained from an in-vehicle camera, an extended bird's-eye view image corresponding to a synthesized image of first and second element images, and displays the generated image. The first element image is a bird's-eye view image showing the condition around a vehicle. The second element image is a far image showing the condition far away from the vehicle. The extended bird's-eye view image is obtained by converting the camera image to an image viewed from the viewpoint of a virtual camera. When the first and second element images are generated, the depression angles of the virtual camera are 90 degrees and 90 degrees or less, respectively. When the extended bird's-eye view image is generated corresponding to the tilt angle or the like of an actual camera, it is automatically determined whether the lack of an image occurs or not. In the case where the lack of the image occurs, the position of the boundary between the first and second element images, the height of the viewpoint of the virtual camera, etc., are adjusted so that the lack disappears. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110007162 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMAGE DETECTION FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - An image sensing method for motor vehicles, an image of the surroundings of the vehicle being sensed by way of pixels of an image sensor, and exposure parameters of at least one pixel of the image sensor being set. Different exposure parameters are set for at least two of the pixels at the same point in time. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also described. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110007163 | STRIPE PATTERN DETECTION SYSTEM, STRIPE PATTERN DETECTION METHOD, AND PROGRAM FOR STRIPE PATTERN DETECTION - Disclosed is a detection system including a stripe pattern foreground filtering unit, a stripe pattern background filtering unit, a stripe pattern integration filtering unit, an isolated feature point removal unit, a stripe pattern area detection unit and a stripe pattern area outputting unit. The detection system utilizes a stripe pattern area filter value that directly exploits the shape of the stripe pattern in the local processing of each pixel in an image to detect the stripe pattern area. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110013019 | DISPLAY APPARATUS DISPLAYING IMAGE OF SURROUNDINGS OF VEHICLE - A display apparatus displaying an image of surroundings of a vehicle includes a camera capturing an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, and a display monitor provided inside the vehicle for superimposingly displaying the image of the surroundings of the vehicle captured by the camera, and a first distance indicator line and a second distance indicator line, wherein the first distance indicator line indicates a first predetermined distance from the vehicle and the second distance indicator line indicates a second predetermined distance from the vehicle, the second distance indicator line is positioned farther away from the vehicle than the first distance indicator line, and the first distance indicator line is wider than the second distance indicator line. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110013020 | WIRELESS TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE REAR AND SIDE VIEWS INDEPENDENT OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY AND METHOD THEREOF - Provided are an independent wireless rear/side video transceiver for a vehicle and a method thereof. The independent wireless video transmitter for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which includes: an accelerometer that senses start and reverse movement of a vehicle and outputs the sensed result to a controller unit; a camera module that outputs a video signal acquired by photographing the rear of the vehicle to the controller unit; a solar cell that converts light into electricity; a battery that is charged with the electricity generated from the solar cell; a power management unit that controls the solar cell and the battery; a wireless transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a video signal outputted from the controller unit; and the controller unit that determines and controls input/output signals of the accelerometer, the camera module, the power management unit, and the wireless transmission unit. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110013021 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD, DRIVING SUPPORT SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE - While extracting four feature points from a camera image obtained from a camera installed in a vehicle, an image processing device sets the positions of four reference points on an offset correction image to be generated from the camera image and performs a coordinate conversion based on a homography matrix so that the coordinate values of the four feature points are converted to the coordinate values of the four reference points. The image processing device sets each of the coordinate values so that an image center line and a vehicle center line are matched with each other on the offset correction image. The image processing device determines whether or not an image lacking area in which image data based on the image data of the camera image is not present is included within the entire area of the generated offset correction image. If the image lacking area is included, the two reference points or the four reference points are symmetrically moved in the left and right directions and the homography matrix is recalculated according to the positions of the reference points after the movement. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110018999 | Device for Evaluating the Surface of a Tire - A device for evaluating the appearance of the surface of a tire (P) comprising a color linear camera ( | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110019000 | VEHICULAR IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND VEHICULAR IMAGE PROCESSING PROGRAM - A vehicular image processing device is provided with a kernel setting unit which sets a plurality of smoothing kernels which have a width supposed to be between the width of the lane mark and that of the road to the image acquired from a photographing unit, a smoothing unit which smoothes the acquired image by filtering using the set smoothing kernels, a variation degree calculating unit which calculates the variation degree of the pixel value of each pixel in the acquired image with respect to the smoothed image, and a pixel value replacing unit which replaces the pixel value of a pixel which is of the acquired image and has the variation degree not greater than a predefined value with a specific value. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110025848 | In-Vehicle Image Display Device - Provided is an in-vehicle image display device capable of providing, from among images of the peripheral area of a vehicle that can change in accordance with the driving state, an image of a part needed by the driver at an appropriate timing so that the driver can recognize the positional relationship between the vehicle and the peripheral area of the vehicle. Images captured with in-vehicle cameras are acquired, and a vehicle periphery image is generated from such images. Then, a collision-warned part of the vehicle that has a possibility of hitting a nearby object is selected based on the vehicle driving state, and the acquired image is processed to generate an enlarged image of the peripheral area of the collision-warned part of the vehicle selected by the collision-warned part selection part. Then, a composite display image, in which the positions of the enlarged image and the vehicle periphery image are displayed in a correlated manner, is generated and displayed. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025849 | Light Module for a Motor Vehicle Headlamp - The invention relates to a light module ( | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025850 | CAMERA UNIT AND SENSING DEVICE - A camera unit includes an image sensor, a circuit board in which a signal processor circuit to process an output signal of the image sensor is formed, a cable including a signal conductor element and a ground conductor element and connected at one end to the circuit board, and a shielding component formed to enclose the circuit board therewith. The ground conductor element is connected to both a ground terminal of the circuit board and the shielding component in a vicinity of the end of the cable. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025851 | IMAGE ACQUISITION - A computerised method of automatically acquiring a series of images, the method comprising the steps of: i) processing a data file containing a series of identifiers, each identifier corresponding to a geographic location of a property; ii) receiving location data from a geographic position sensing unit; iii) defining a camera search area ( | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110032356 | RECORDING DEVICE FOR A MOVING VEHICLE - A recording device for a moving vehicle includes an image receiving unit, a speed calculating unit, a time unit, a positioning unit and a storing unit. The recording device records outside images when the vehicle moves via a camera lens of the image receiving unit. The speed calculating unit calculates speed using a speed gauge linked to the vehicle. Users can adjust time according to their demand by utilizing a time calculating function built in the time unit. Coordinates of vehicle location are obtained by a positioning unit linked to a satellite. The data mentioned above is stored in the storing unit. The device is installed inside the vehicle before the vehicle is factory assembled. When users start the vehicle, the recording device starts recording. When users turn off the vehicle and leave, the recording device can be re-started by using a switch. The image receiving unit keeps recording images. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032357 | VEHICLE IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND VEHICLE IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A vehicle image processing apparatus includes: a group of cameras; a drawing unit that converts a captured image into an image viewed along a line of sight running from a predetermined position in a predetermined direction; a viewing-line-of-sight changing unit that detects whether a first line of sight is switched to a second line of sight; and a viewing-line-of-sight generation/updating unit that acquires parameters concerning the first and second lines of sight after detecting the switching and generates a parameter which is gradually changed from the parameter of the first line of sight to the parameter of the second line of sight. Moreover, the drawing unit generates, on the basis of the gradually changed parameter, an image which is gradually changed from an image viewed along the first line of sight to an image viewed along the second line of sight. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032358 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - Provided is an apparatus capable of, even when an object is moving, measuring the position of the object at a high accuracy. According to a vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus ( | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032359 | SERVER DEVICE, MOBILE TERMINAL, ROAD JUNCTION GUIDANCE SYSTEM, AND ROAD JUNCTION GUIDANCE METHOD - In a server device, each time a photographed image and information related to time of photography are received from one of multiple mobile terminals, a generation processes for generating standard image information based on that image and information related to the time of photography. When generating this standard image information, the generation element generates the standard image information photographed when the moving body passes through that predetermined road junction to satisfy a predetermined speed variation condition. In a mobile terminal, an acquisition element acquires image information from the server device that designates any desired road junction, and, when the moving body passes through that predetermined road junction, a display control element refers to the manner in which the moving body passed through that road junction, and controls a display element to display an image on the basis of that image information. Storage resources are utilized efficiently, enhancing user convenience. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110037853 | OBJECT DETECTOR - Provided is an object detector capable of setting an appropriate image processing area even when the behavior of a host vehicle is changed. The object detector performs image processing on a specific image processing area of a captured image of the surroundings of a host vehicle and acquires information on an object in the surroundings of the host vehicle. The object detector includes a millimeter-wave sensor ( | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110043632 | VEHICLE PERIPHERAL IMAGE DISPLAYING SYSTEM - A vehicle-peripheral image displaying system (a side view monitor system A | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110043633 | Use of a Single Camera for Multiple Driver Assistance Services, Park Aid, Hitch Aid and Liftgate Protection - The present invention is a system for providing multiple driver assistance services which includes a vehicle having at least one door, and at least one imaging device operable for detecting the presence of one or more objects in proximity to the door for providing all distances between a vehicle and one or more objects in proximity to the vehicle. The imaging device is operable for displaying an image representing the various objects. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110043634 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND DISPLAYING THE REAR AND/OR SIDE VIEW OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A device for detecting and displaying the rear and/or side traffic of a motor vehicle is to be improved upon such that the driver can safely and quickly detect the present traffic situation by way of the overall image shown, in particular when the direction of travel is changed. This is accomplished in that the device for detecting and displaying the rear and/or side view of a motor vehicle ( | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110050903 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING POSITION AND ORIENTATION OF VEHICLE TRAILERS - A method and system for determining orientation and positioning of a vehicle trailer. A digital camera is placed on a vehicle. The camera is pointed to a trailer attached to the vehicle. The camera acquires images of the trailer. These images are processed and spatial positioning and orientation of the trailer is determined based on image processing. A special marker visible by the camera is set on the trailer. Relative positions of devices attached to the vehicle—global positioning receiver, spatial orientation measuring device and the digital camera are measured. When each digital frame is formed, coordinates and orientation data of the camera are measured. Pixels corresponding to the marker in the image are determined. A simplified copy of the image, containing only the data related to the marker pixels, is generated. The marker pixels are used for calculating position and azimuth orientation of the marker. The azimuth orientation of the trailer is calculated based on calculated azimuth orientation of the marker. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110058038 | SINGLE CAMERA COLOR POLARIMETRIC IMAGING - A single aperture polarimetric color imaging system includes a color filter array including a plurality of RGB filter elements in a path of received radiation that includes color band and near IR light. A linear polarizer array includes a plurality of polarization filter elements that provide a plurality of different polarization orientations that are optically aligned with the RGB filter elements. A single common pixel array includes a plurality of photodetector pixels for transducing the color band or near IR light into electrical signals after processing by the color filter array and linear polarizer array. A band select switching device switches between selectively transmitting the near IR band and color band or color band including light. A signal processor is coupled to receive and process the electrical signals from the common pixel array and generates polarimetric image data from the near IR band light and color image data from the color band or color band including light. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110058039 | SECURITY SYSTEM FOR USE IN HIRED VEHICLES - In accordance with one embodiment, a security system is provided on the vehicle that captures and stores the image (face) of the customer but also documents, using a GPS system, the entry (start) point and the exit (end) point of the ride. All this information can be stored locally and transmitted wirelessly to a remote central database where it is stored and can later be accessed. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110058040 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW INFORMATION MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview information mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing and a reflective element, and includes an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing through the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a forward facing camera having a forward field of view in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle, and the forward facing camera views through the windshield of the equipped vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110063443 | CRUISING SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR AUTO DETECTING AND TRACING SUSPECTED INVADERS - A cruising surveillance system comprises a plurality of wireless beacons and an unmanned vehicle. Each of the wireless beacons emits a unique wireless sequential signal. The unmanned vehicle is equipped with an infrared object sensor, a video camera recorder, a wireless transceiving unit, a central processing unit, a driving unit, and a power supply unit. The central processing unit compares the wireless sequential signal received from the wireless transceiving unit, and makes the driving unit to move the unmanned vehicle to cruises along a route defined by the wireless beacons. When the object sensor detected a suspected object, the central processing makes the driving unit to move the unmanned vehicle to approach thereto, and makes the video camera recorder to record the suspected object, and transmits a video recording of the suspected object to a surveillance center via the wireless transceiving unit. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110063444 | VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING DEVICE AND VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING METHOD - A vehicle surroundings monitoring device can simultaneously display with high visibility a bird's-eye view image, an auxiliary image, and the direction of the auxiliary image. The vehicle surroundings monitoring device ( | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110069169 | VEHICLE PERIPHERAL DISPLAY DEVICE - The device is provided with an image acquisition unit for acquiring a peripheral image of a vehicle, the peripheral image being captured by an image pickup device provided to the vehicle; a display device for displaying the peripheral image, the display device being provided inside a vehicle cabin; and an indicator line output unit for causing an indicator line as a guide for a driver during a driving operation to be displayed superimposed on the peripheral image, at least one of a shadow portion and a side surface portion adjacent to the indicator line being added to the indicator line. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110069170 | IN-TRAIN MONITOR SYSTEM - Included are: an information management system that manages monitoring-target condition information output from condition-monitoring target devices; cameras that are incorporated in respective train cars and take images of the condition-monitoring target devices; a transmission device that is connected to an in-train transmission channel and transmits imaging data from the camera; a camera-control central device that is connected to the information management system and the transmission device, monitors the monitoring-target condition information sent from the information management system, determines whether the condition-monitoring target devices are in a normal condition, and generates a frame-rate control signal for adjusting a frame rate of imaging data; and a camera-control terminal device that is connected to the transmission device and the camera and adjusts the frame rate of imaging data sent from the camera based on the frame-rate control signal. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110074954 | IMAGE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An image monitoring system for vehicles is provided. The system includes plural image sensing modules, one or more hub, a central processing module, and a display module. The images captured by the image sensing modules are respectively digitally processed, compressed, and then transmitted to the hub. The hub integrates the compressed signals and generates an integrated signal. The central processing module is used for decompressing the integrated signal, so as to generate at least one recovered video signal. The at least one recovered video signal can be displayed on the display module. This system can also include a storage module for storing image data. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110074955 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WEATHER CONDITION DETECTION WITH IMAGE-BASED ROAD CHARACTERIZATION - The present invention relates to video-based driver assistance systems being used in vehicles today to perform a variety of functions, such as lane or road departure warning. These functions often require that parts of the video image be identified as, for example, a traffic sign, a bridge, lane markings, etc. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110074956 | DEVICE, CAMERA, AND METHOD FOR GENERATING IMAGES OF THE SURROUNDING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A device for a motor vehicle ( | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110074957 | Apparatus for Vehicle Surroundings Monitorings - There is provided apparatus for vehicle surroundings monitorings that assists so as to make it possible for a driver to check the periphery of the vehicle with ease. Plural images are obtained by capturing the periphery of the vehicle with mutually differing exposure. A process of image recognition is then performed for a target within the thus obtained images. The images are then compared, and images for which the accuracy of image recognition of the target is favorable are selected from among the images. The selected images are joined and composited to generate a host vehicle periphery composite image. Thus, an image with a wide dynamic range and high visibility is generated, thereby making it easier for the driver to check the periphery of the vehicle. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110074958 | EXTERIOR MIRROR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An exterior mirror vision system includes a driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a driver side of an equipped vehicle and a passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at a passenger side of the equipped vehicle. The driver-side exterior mirror assembly including a mounting portion configured for mounting at the driver side of the equipped vehicle, a driver-side exterior minor housing, and a driver-side reflective element. The driver-side exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a driver-side light module and a driver-side camera. The passenger-side exterior mirror assembly includes a mounting portion configured for mounting at the passenger side of the equipped vehicle, a passenger-side exterior mirror housing, and a passenger-side reflective element. The passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a passenger-side light module and a passenger-side camera. The driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera are part of a multi-camera vision system of the equipped vehicle. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110080481 | Automobile Rear View Mirror Assembly for Housing a Camera System and a Retractable Universal Mount - A rear view mirror assembly comprises a body having cameras for viewing and recording images out the front windshield and the rear window of the vehicle. The rear-facing cameras can be used to record the activities of the driver while driving and the activities of any rear-seated passengers. The cameras are connected to a camera system that may comprise means for camera control, power and recording and may be included in the body. The body may also have a GPS receiver. The body further includes a retractable universal mounting bracket used for mounting portable electronic devices having display screens. The display screen can be used to display images recorded by the cameras and GPS data such as street maps and vehicle location. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110080482 | MONITOR-DISPLAYED DEVICE FOR CAR REAR VISION - The present invention provides a monitor-displayed device for car rear vision. It is to install monitors on a dashboard in the car or the car frame on two sides of the front windscreen. The traditional two rear vision mirrors of the car are replaced by the monitors. Image data taken by an image receiver can be displayed synchronously. Rear side image data can be provided to the driver with a broader viewing angle. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110085037 | Apparatus and Method for Operating a Multi-Unit Storage Facility - A system and method of operating a multi-user storage facility is provided. For each distinct user of the storage facility, the distinct user is associated with at least one storage unit of the facility. Video monitoring of the at least one storage unit is provided producing a video output. Each distinct user is provided over a digital communication network with private access to a view of the video output associated with the user. In this manner, each of a plurality of distinct users has access to a view of the video output associated with the user. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110085038 | DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - A data transmission system contains a transmitting and/or receiving unit on a track side and a transmitting and/or receiving unit on a vehicle side. Accordingly, the transmitting and/or receiving unit on the vehicle side contains at least one transmitting and/or receiving element on the vehicle side which is mounted in the region of a track vehicle door. The unit is covered by the track vehicle door and separated from the rail track when the track vehicle door is closed and remains uncovered by the same when the track vehicle door is open. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110090338 | VEHICULAR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly including a control. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include a video display device operable to display video information for viewing by a driver of the equipped vehicle through an electrochromic reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. The control may include a digital signal processor disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include a vehicle bus node. When the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in the equipped vehicle, the vehicle bus node may be connected to a vehicle bus of the equipped vehicle, and at least one of (a) the control conveys signals to the vehicle bus via the vehicle bus node and (b) the vehicle bus conveys signals to the control via the vehicle bus node. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110090339 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor comprises a plurality of photo-sensing pixels and is disposed at an exterior rearview mirror assembly at a side of the vehicle with a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The imaging array sensor is operable to capture an image exterior of the vehicle. The control may process the captured images and may determine that the imaging array sensor is misaligned when the imaging array sensor is disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly at the side of the vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the imaging array sensor, may at least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of the imaging array sensor. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110096165 | AUTOMATIC CAMERA CALIBRATION USING GPS AND SOLAR TRACKING - A system and method for automatically calibrating the aiming direction of a camera onboard a vehicle. The method uses GPS and solar almanac data to estimate the location of the sun relative to the vehicle, and compares this to the solar position in an image from the camera. The comparison is performed with an ongoing recursive calculation which yields an improved estimate of the sun position relative to the vehicle, while simultaneously calibrating the aiming direction of the camera. The aiming calibration data is used to improve the accuracy of the camera's images as used for all of the camera's other functions. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110096166 | TRACTOR TRAILER CAMERA CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A tractor trailer camera control system for relaying a camera video signal through existing tractor and trailer electrical lines without the requirement for a traditional dedicated camera video harness is disclosed. The camera video signal may alternatively be transmitted wirelessly. The camera control system may use relays for powering the various components and controlling the transmission of the camera video signal from the camera to a monitor installed in the cab. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110102591 | MOBILE PHONE HAVING A BLACK BOX FEATURE FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD OF PHOTOGRAPHING AN IMAGE - A portable terminal having a black box feature for a vehicle is provided, which includes a camera unit having an image sensor for sensing incident light and a lens unit; a storage unit for storing an image photographed by the camera unit; and a control unit for selecting a first region of the image sensor when a black box mode is selected, while selecting a second region that is a part of the first region of the image sensor when a general image mode is selected, controlling the camera unit to photograph an image that is formed on the selected region, and providing the photographed image to the storage unit. An image without distortion can be photographed in the case of photographing a general image, while a wide range outside of a vehicle can be photographed in the case of photographing a black box image. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110102592 | SYSTEM OF GAUGING A CAMERA SUITABLE FOR EQUIPPING A VEHICLE - A system and process of gauging a camera suitable for equipping a vehicle. The system and process determines at least one value of at least one geometrical parameter of the camera, at least in accordance with an item of information that represents a parameter associated with an object detected by the camera, compares the determined value to a value of reference (θpitching_ref, θrolling_ref, θtwisting_ref) of the geometrical parameter of the camera, and controls the geometrical parameter of the camera in accordance with the comparison, particularly by modifying the value of reference in such a way as to gauge the camera. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110102593 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A VIDEO SYSTEM - A method for operating a video source is provided. The method includes capturing video data comprising a plurality of frames of a scene, and identifying a first frame from the plurality of frames that includes a first aspect of an activity occurring within the scene. The method also includes subsequent to identifying the first frame, identifying at least a second frame from the plurality of frames that includes a second aspect of the activity occurring within the scene, and transferring the first frame and the second frame for delivery to storage. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110102594 | IMAGE PROCESSING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE - Provided is an image processing device capable of an image processing with using a general-purpose image processing hardware in accordance with video input without mediation of a CPU. The image processing device includes: a storage medium for storing an image data acquired by video inputting unit for acquiring video images; a CPU for a general processing; image processing unit for processing the image data stored in the storage medium; setting unit for determining a processing content of the image processing unit; a command list indicating an order of setting and activating the image processing unit; and command writing unit for setting and activating the image processing unit based on the command list in synchronization with input of the image data from the video inputting unit without mediation of the CPU. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110109743 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING BRIGHTNESS VALUES IN SENSOR IMAGES OF IMAGE-EVALUATING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS - A method and an arrangement for evaluating sensor images of an image-evaluating surroundings-detection system on a moved carrier, preferably a vehicle ( | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110109744 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING BRIGHTNESS VALUES IN SENSOR IMAGES OF IMAGE-EVALUATING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS - The invention relates to a method and a system for evaluating sensor images of an image-evaluating adaptive cruise control system on a moving support, especially a vehicle ( | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110109745 | VEHICLE TRAVELING ENVIRONMENT DETECTION DEVICE - An image processing device | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110109746 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - An information display system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed in an interior cabin of the equipped vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror reflective element with a mirror reflector disposed at a surface thereof. A display screen is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly, and, when operated, the display screen displays through the mirror reflective element so as to be viewable by a driver of the equipped vehicle. The display screen is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver, and the video images are captured by the rearward facing camera when the equipped vehicle is in reverse gear. When the equipped vehicle is not in reverse gear, the display screen is operable to display information pertaining to an accessory of the equipped vehicle. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110115911 | ON-BOARD REAR VIEW MIRROR WITH AN ELECTRONIC VIDEO-AUDIO RECORDER - An on-board rear view mirror with an electronic video-audio recorder includes a mirror case which contains an electronic video-audio recorder. The electronic video-audio recorder includes a recorder mainboard and a processor, a camera ball, a data storage card, a microphone, a vehicle speed signal wire and a time processing unit displaying time and date in real time, that are connected with the recorder mainboard. The camera ball contains plural camera heads in plural directions. By the aforementioned structures, not only that images and sound inside and outside a vehicle can be effectively recorded, but that a vehicle speed can be recorded in real time. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115912 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ONLINE CALIBRATION OF A VIDEO SYSTEM - The present invention relates to video-based driver assistance systems being used in vehicles today to perform a variety of functions, such as lane or road departure warning. These functions often require that parts of the video image be identified as, for example, a traffic sign, a bridge, lane markings, etc. Particularly the present invention relates to a method and system for online calibration of a vehicle video system using vanishing points, evaluated from frames of a camera image contains identified markings or edges on a road. The vanishing points are located by finding or extrapolating at least at one left- and/or right-hand side markings or edges of a mad to a point of intersection, whereby a long term average vanishing point location is calculated with time-filtering methods from a sequence of images, even when only one side of a road or lane marking or an edge is visible in any given frame of an image at a time, and from the time-averaged vanishing point location coordinates, the static yaw and pitch angles of the camera are deduced. The present invention relates to also to a method to locate the vanishing points by finding or extrapolating the regularity of repeated road markings, such as dashed patterns and to a method to locate the vanishing point d by using the change in spatial frequency of textures on the surface ahead as an object to determine the camera pitch angle. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115913 | AUTOMATED VEHICLE SURROUNDING AREA MONITOR AND DISPLAY SYSTEM - At least a first and second monitoring device that outputs display signals to a control device. A display device connected with the control device is able to display the display signals from the monitoring devices in at least two sections in split screen mode. The control device is connected to an actual state of motion signal line, so that depending on the actual state of motion of the vehicle, the display device displays at least two display signals originating from at least two different monitoring devices in split screen mode. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110122249 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having an imaging sensor with a field of view exterior the vehicle, a camera controller, a display device and a display controller. The display device is operable to display information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The imaging device communicates an image signal to the display device via a link. The display controller may affect the image signal, such as in response to a user input, and the camera controller may adjust a function of the imaging device in response to a detection of the affected image signal. The vision system may adjust an image displayed by the display device in response to a signal from an auxiliary sensing system of the vehicle, such as a distance sensing system of the vehicle that is operable to determine a distance to an object exterior the vehicle. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110128380 | CAMERA CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A CAMERA - A camera control apparatus which controls an exposure time of a camera that takes a moving image, the camera includes a memory for storing the moving image taken by the camera, an image capturing unit for capturing the moving image from the camera and storing the moving image into the memory, a first candidate generator for generating the first candidate of the exposure time on the basis of a speed of the movable body, a second candidate generator for generating a second candidate of the exposure time on the basis of the moving image stored in the memory, and, a setting unit for selecting a shorter time between the first candidate and the second candidate, and for setting the selected candidate as the exposure time. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110134244 | Emergency vehicle video and lighting support - My idea either adds lights and cameras to existing lights and cameras, or in some cases it adds a whole new system. The idea can be used on any vehicle, but is designed for emergency vehicles in particular. The idea would be very beneficial in dark areas like in the country. The system could be very advantageous at night for accident scenes, crime scenes, etc. I know it will be a great asset. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110134245 | Compact intelligent surveillance system comprising intent recognition - An intelligent surveillance system is disclosed for the identification of suspicious behavior near the exterior of a vehicle. The system of the invention is comprised of a “fish-eye” visible camera imaging system installed on the interior ceiling of an automobile for the 360-degree imaging and observation of the lower hemisphere around the perimeter of the vehicle. The camera of the system is augmented with an embedded processor based on DSP (digital signal processor) or FPGA (field-programmable gate array) technology to provide for the automatic detection of suspicious/hostile activities around the vehicle. The system is preferably provided with wireless transmitter means for alerting a person (e.g. the owner) of detected suspicious behavior. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110141281 | Off road vehicle vision enhancement system - The disclosed Off-Road Vehicle Vision Enhancement System is for all terrain vehicles operating in extreme off road environments. When an all terrain vehicle is operating in areas where there are large obstacles to traverse the operator needs to be able to maneuver the vehicle over the obstacles with the utmost of care and precision. The operator needs to be able to see the precise placement of the wheels over the obstacles to achieve optimum ground clearance and avoid getting hung-up. The Off-Road Vision Enhancement System includes a retractable protective housing located under the vehicle containing cameras which communicate to the operator the precise relationship of his wheels traversing the obstacles. The retractable housing is designed for simple operation, maximum protection of the cameras and self cleaning of accumulated debris. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110149076 | OPTICAL DETECTION SYSTEM FOR MOTOR-VEHICLES HAVING MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING DETECTION OF THE CONDITION OF THE ROAD SURFACE - An optical detection system per motor-vehicles, suitable to detect the condition of the road surface on which the vehicle is travelling, comprising a photodetector unit composed of a camera having a matrix of pixels composed of photodetectors based on a photosensitive material suitable to detect both radiations in the visible and near infrared, i.e. having a wavelength comprised between 380 and 900 nanometres, and radiations in the short wavelength infrared, i.e. having a wavelength comprised between 900 and 1700 nanometres. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110149077 | Side Mirrow System With Video Display - An apparatus that provides an electronic image of areas around sides and rear of a large tractor trailer rig produced on a weatherproof screen that is located on the lower portion of the driver's side mirror. One (1) camera would be located on the rear of the trailer in a center mounted position, while another camera would be located on a passenger side near the front of the vehicle so that it can see the entire side of the vehicle. The cameras would be equipped with fixed wide-angle lenses. The video signal from each camera would be routed to an automatic switcher that displays each signal for a pre-determined time or allows for the manual selection of either camera on a permanent basis. The video signal is then displayed on the weatherproof monitor portion of the side view mirror. In such a manner the truck driver can look at the mirror and the monitor in order to see all three (3) sides of the vehicle at once. This feature eliminates looking in various directions to check for obstructions while backing up or changing lanes. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110157361 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SURROUNDING SEAMLESS BIRD-VIEW IMAGE WITH DISTANCE INTERFACE - The present invention provides a method and system for generating a surrounding seamless bird-view image with distance assistance interface, which process a plurality of surrounding images associated with a carrier captured by different image sensing devices. After that, an assistant marking is determined according to the relationship between acquired image space and the real space and thereby is formed on the surrounding seamless bird-view image so as to assist the driver in the carrier for avoiding collision or events affecting the safety being occurred. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110157362 | METHOD FOR EXPOSURE CONTROL FOR A CAMERA IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for exposure control for a camera system in a motor vehicle is provided. The camera system records a sequence of images of the surroundings of the vehicle using an optimal exposure time. The optimal exposure time is predetermined depending on the brightness of the surroundings or on the brightness of individual objects in the image. If the optimal exposure time is longer than a predetermined threshold value, at least one intermediate image is recorded using a short predetermined exposure time, i.e. an exposure time shorter than the optimal exposure time. At least two driver assistance functions are executed on the basis of the image data of the camera system. The image data recorded using the optimal exposure time is used for a first driver assistance system and the image data recorded using the short exposure time is used for a second driver assistance system. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110164135 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system includes a mirror mounting button and a plurality of attachment members adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, and a structure is configured for mounting to the attachment members attached at the vehicle windshield. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing, and the mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. The structure is configured to receive and be supported by the plurality of attachment members at the vehicle windshield, and, with the structure receiving and being supported by the attachment members, (a) the structure at least partially surrounds the mirror mounting button and (b) the structure accommodates a forward facing camera having a field of view through the vehicle windshield. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164136 | IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE, VISIBILITY SUPPORT APPARATUS, NIGHT VISION DEVICE, NAVIGATION SUPPORT APPARATUS, AND MONITORING DEVICE - An image pickup device, a visibility support apparatus, a night vision device, a navigation support apparatus, and a monitoring device are provided in which noise and dark current are suppressed to thereby provide clear images regardless of whether it is day or night. The device includes a light-receiving layer | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110169954 | MANEUVERING ASSISTING APPARATUS - A laser irradiator L_N (N: 1 to 4) is arranged in an automobile and radiates a laser beam obliquely downward. A camera C_N arranged on the automobile has a viewing field VW_N corresponding to a radiating direction of the laser irradiator L_N. A CPU determines whether or not a change amount of a reflection position of the laser beam radiated by the laser irradiator L_N exceeds a reference, based on output of the camera C_N. The radiating direction of the laser irradiator L_N is changed by the CPU when a determined result is updated from a negative result to a positive result. A manner of changing in the reflection position of the laser beam radiated by the laser irradiator L_N is detected by the CPU based on the output of the camera C_N parallel to a changing process for the radiating direction. The CPU outputs a different notification corresponding to the detected result toward a driver of the automobile. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169955 | VEHICLE SURROUNDING MONITORING DEVICE - A vehicle surrounding monitoring device includes a first capturing device provided at a side of a vehicle in order to capture a first image, a second capturing device provided at front relative to the first capturing device in order to capture a second image, a displaying device for displaying the first image and the second image and for monitoring a vehicle surrounding, an image process device by which a borderline between the first image and the second image is defined in a combined image of the first image and the second image so as to be identical with a straight line connecting a position of the first capturing device and a position of the second capturing device. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169956 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an attachment element adhesively attached at an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror head including a reflective mirror element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry disposed in the mirror head, and at least two electrical accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a portion that does not adjust when the driver of the vehicle, with the interior rearview mirror assembly attached to the attachment element, pivotally adjusts the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element to the driver's desired setting. The portion includes a video camera that has a field of view through the windshield of the vehicle. One of the at least two electrical accessories comprises the video camera. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110176002 | Camera Apparatus for Use in a Motor Vehicle - A camera apparatus for use in a motor vehicle which has an interior space, a housing ( | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110176003 | AUTOMATIC LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH ADAPTIVE FUNCTION - An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, an illumination source and a control. The illumination source is directed generally forwardly with respect to a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The imaging device captures image data and the control processes the captured image data to detect an object of interest generally forwardly and sidewardly of the vehicle. The control is operable to adjust the illumination source in response to detection of an object of interest. The imaging device may be synchronized with flashing of at least one lighting element of the illumination source to capture image data during a time period that the lighting element is being flashed. The control may adjust the illumination source to direct illumination toward an area encompassing a detected object of interest when the object of interest is detected. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110181721 | OPTICAL PATH PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR A RAILROAD TRACK INSPECTION SYSTEM - A railroad track inspection system and method for facilitating inspection of a rail component while traveling on the railroad track. The railroad track inspection system includes an optical path protection device for a protective window for optical sensors of an optical inspection system when it becomes contaminated with dirt, dust, mud, grease, and other contaminants that block or obscure an optical path of the sensors. The optical path protection device eliminates the need for a human operator to perform the periodic cleaning of the protective window by using a clear film with an automated advancement mechanism for providing clean film, as needed, for keeping the optical path of the optical sensors unobstructed and clear. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181722 | TARGET IDENTIFICATION METHOD FOR A WEAPON SYSTEM - A target identification method for a remote weapon system may be installed on a land or sea-based vehicle. The remote weapon system may include a camera array with at least one exterior camera, which may be an infrared camera. The camera array may be used in conjunction with pattern recognition software that improves the ability of the system to identify objects in the scanning area around the vehicle. The pattern recognition software may be used to identify light sources during nighttime operations. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181723 | Vehicle circumference monitor apparatus - An analog-state video signal is inputted from each of several in-vehicle cameras via a corresponding signal cable. An amendment amount for making uniform signal levels of the analog-state video signals originating from the respective in-vehicle cameras is determined, with respect to each of the analog-state video signals, based on a burst signal included in each analog-state video signal. According to the determined amendment amounts, the analog-state video signals are amplified to make uniform the signal levels, obtaining analog-state uniformed video signals, respectively. A composite image of combining images originating from the in-vehicle cameras is generated based on the obtained analog-state uniformed video signals. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181724 | VEHICLE PERIPHERAL DISPLAY DEVICE - The device is provided with an image acquisition unit for acquiring a peripheral image of a vehicle, the peripheral image being captured by an image pickup device provided to the vehicle; a display device for displaying the peripheral image, the display device being provided inside a vehicle cabin; and an indicator line output unit for causing an indicator line as a guide for a driver during a driving operation to be displayed superimposed on the peripheral image, at least one of a shadow portion and a side surface portion adjacent to the indicator line being added to the indicator line. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181725 | OPTICAL SENSOR DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A camera unit is provided in a hollow portion of an electric motor. A rotor is rotatably arranged at an outer periphery of a stator. A cylindrical motor casing is attached to the rotor. A lens cover is attached to the motor casing at a position of a front side of a lens of the camera unit. The lens cover is rotated together with the motor casing and the rotor, so that attachment adhered to an outer surface of the lens cover is removed by centrifugal force. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181726 | COMBINED PATTERN RECOGNIZING CAMERA AND POWER SUPPLY FOR THE CAMERA - The invention relates to a combined pattern recognizing camera, especially made for the recognition of license plates. The camera has at least one optical imaging component, there is an optoelectronic image converter attached to this and an electronic control module. The optical imaging component has narrow angle of view (10/20/30 degrees) with a large depth of field (3.4) and generates a sharp image from a minimum distance 4/2.5/1 m to infinity. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181727 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle through a transflective mirror reflector of a reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the information display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the interior rearview mirror assembly by at least one photosensor. The information display is operable to display video images captured by a rearward facing video camera of the vehicle and the information display displays video images captured by the rearward facing video camera during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a signal indicative of the vehicle transmission being in reverse is communicated via a network bus of the vehicle to a control of the interior rearview mirror assembly. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110181728 | ELECTRONIC SIDE VIEW DISPLAY SYSTEM - An apparatus provides an electronic replacement for driver and passenger side view minor systems. Specifically, a set of unique features provide enhanced fuel economy, safety and convenience. The invention relies upon electronic imaging cameras and electronic active matrix displays (e.g. LCD, OLED, etc.) for reproducing the image, with the addition of reality enhancing features. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110187861 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED SURVEILLANCE DEVICE - A vehicle-mounted surveillance device which includes at least one camera and a device body equipped with a clock, wherein an image taken by the camera is electrically converted into image data, time data is generated based on a time obtained by the clock, and the time data is embedded in the image data so that record data is generated and sequentially recorded on an external recording medium, the device further including a time correction unit which is located on the device body and includes a time signal receiving circuit which receives a radio wave embedded with time information, the time correction unit automatically correcting the time of the clock based on the periodically received time information. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187862 | STEERING WHEEL GRIP DETECTION APPARATUS AND PROGRAM PRODUCT - A steering wheel grip detection apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to: acquire information indicative of actual position of a steering wheel in a vehicle compartment; acquire an image captured by an imaging device; identify position of the steering wheel on the image by applying the actual position of the steering wheel to a prescribed correspondence position relationship between the actual position and the position on the image; identify hand position of a person appearing on the image; and determine whether the steering wheel is gripped, based on whether the hand position on the image is on the position of the steering wheel on the image. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187863 | METHOD FOR DETECTING EXPANSIVE STATIC OBJECTS - A method for detecting expansive static objects from a vehicle in motion. For this purpose, the method employs a front camera that interacts with an image processing device. The front camera can detect road markings on the road. A lateral detection device detects objects in the blind spot of the vehicle. Additional detection devices detect minimal distances to laterally passing or following vehicles. A logic unit links the data of the image processing device of the front camera to the data of the remaining detection devices in such a manner that expansive static objects in the front detection range of the vehicle are detected and are included as such in the detection of the lateral and rear detection devices using the logic unit. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110193960 | VEHICULAR LAMP WITH A BUILT-IN CAMERA - A vehicular lamp includes a light source that illuminates a vehicle periphery; a camera that images the vehicle periphery; and a shield structure configured to protect an image from the camera from light of the light source. The shield structure may include a shield ring configured to shield a light receiving portion of the camera from light of the light source; a light guide member that guides the light of the light source in a direction away from the light receiving portion of the camera; a control circuit that operates the camera only at a timing when the light source, flashing in a short cycle, is off; and an image processing circuit that removes a colored light component of the light source from image data of the camera. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110193961 | IMAGING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera subsystem and a display subsystem. The camera subsystem includes an imaging sensor disposed at an equipped vehicle that captures image data, and the camera subsystem wirelessly transmits the image data. The display subsystem includes a video display screen disposed in the equipped vehicle for displaying images for viewing by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. The display subsystem is operable to receive the transmitted image data from the camera subsystem. The display subsystem transmits an error signal responsive to processing of the image data and the camera subsystem receives the error signal and at least one of (a) adjusts a compression factor of the image data responsive to the error signal and (b) adjusts a transmission rate of the image data responsive to the error signal. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110193962 | Vehicle Camera - The present invention relates to a vehicle camera ( | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110199485 | Camera device - Disclosed herein is a camera device including: a housing having an opening; a lens exposed from the opening of the housing; a lens barrel for holding the lens, the lens barrel being fitted in the housing to expose the lens from the opening of the housing; a packing provided between the lens barrel and the housing for preventing the entry of a water flow passed through the opening; an imaging mechanism having an imaging device for detecting incident light transmitted through the lens; and a buffer portion configured to reduce the pressure of the water flow in a water flow path between the opening and the packing. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110205362 | Lane-marker recognition system with improved recognition-performance - In a system installed in a vehicle, a pickup unit repeatedly picks up a frame image of a target region including a road ahead of the vehicle, and an extracting unit extracts an edge of a lane marker formed on the road from each of the frame images. A creating unit creates a history of the edges of the lane marker for the respective frame images. A detecting unit detects pitch of the vehicle. The creating unit omits, as a target edge, an edge from the history of the edges for the respective frame images. The target edge to be omitted is extracted from a frame image that is picked up by the pickup unit with the pitch being detected by the detecting unit. A recognizing unit recognizes a region of the lane marker based on the history of the edges of the lane marker. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205363 | Boundary line detection system with improved detection-performance - In a boundary line detection system installed in a vehicle, an edge-point extracting unit extracts a plurality of edge points from an image of a road. A noise determining unit determines whether a number of edge points in the plurality of edge points are aligned in a direction corresponding to a vertical direction of the road. The number of edge points have an interval therebetween equal to or smaller than a preset interval. When it is determined that the number of edge points are aligned in the direction corresponding to the vertical direction of the road with the interval of the number of edge points being equal to or smaller than the preset interval, the noise determining unit determines that the number of edge points as noises. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205364 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO TRANSMIT VIDEO DATA - A video system includes at least one video subsystem including a video source coupled to a mobile platform. The video source is configured to capture and transmit video data. A video processing system is configured to receive transmission of the video data from the video subsystem at a plurality of locations in which the video subsystem is configured to transmit the video data to the video processing system automatically when the video subsystem is in range of the video processing system at each of the plurality of locations. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205365 | ROAD MEASUREMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING ROAD - In a road measurement device according to an embodiment, a calibration unit generates formation parameters used for formation of a scale image, from a result of photographing a pattern for calibration by a photographing means. An image obtaining unit obtains a road image from the photographing means every predetermined traveled distance. At this time, a coordinate information obtaining unit associates coordinate information obtained from a coordinate obtaining device, with the road image. A scale forming unit selects appropriate ones of the formation parameters based on a height and an angle formed by the direction parallel to the road surface which are obtained by a photographing height and angle obtaining unit from a photographing height and angle measuring unit, and generates a scale image using those formation parameters. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110216194 | CAMERA CALIBRATION APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a camera calibration apparatus includes: a plurality of on-vehicle cameras; a feature point detection section that identifies an image of lines representing a parking frame from each of images by the plurality of cameras and detects two feature points; a viewpoint conversion section that generate an overhead view having a viewpoint from just above the vehicle based on the feature points and two directions crossing each other at each of the feature points; and an adjustment section that determines the boundary position between the vehicle and line image from the overhead view to determine the display frame of a vehicle image and changes the overhead view such that the size ratio and position of the display frame become previously specified values. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216195 | IMAGE-CAPTURING DEVICE AND IN-VEHICLE CAMERA - An image-capturing device including: an imaging optical system which is configured to capture an optical image of a subject; an imaging optical system retaining member which retains the imaging optical system; an imaging element which is configured to convert the optical image into an electrical signal; a substrate which is arranged on a back side of the imaging optical system retaining member and retains the imaging element; and a plurality of substrate joint pieces each of which extends from the imaging optical system retaining member toward the substrate, wherein tip parts of the plurality of substrate joint pieces on a substrate side and the substrate are joined by an indirect bond structure using at least one joint intermediate member which is adhered to at least one of the tip parts of the plurality of substrate joint pieces and the substrate with an adhesive, and a fixation structure. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216196 | ACTIVE VISIBILITY SUPPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE - A visibility support apparatus includes a light receiving unit receiving reflected light from an object to generate a signal for an image for each of wavelength bands, a wavelength selecting unit to set, in the image for at least one wavelength band, a set of those of pixels with comparable signal intensities which define the largest occupied area to be a reference area and to compare, for each of identification target pixels not included in the reference area, a value of the pixel in the image for each wavelength band with a pixel value of the reference area to select at least two wavelength bands which are effective for detecting the object, and a display unit to group the identification target pixels based on a wavelength band combination selected for each identification target pixel and display an image in which the object is distinguishably shown based on the grouping. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216197 | CAMERA SET UP FOR FITTING ON BOARD A VEHICLE - A camera set up for fitting on board a motor vehicle. The camera has an electronic sensor, a multifocal, particularly bifocal optical device, an optical lens focused in long-range field, the multifocal optical device and the optical lens being set up to be able to form a first image (IM | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216198 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view exterior of a vehicle with the field of view being in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data and an image processor is operable to process the image data. A control, responsive to the image processor, is operable to provide at least (a) an adaptive forward lighting function for at least one forward facing light of the equipped vehicle, (b) a lane departure warning function and (c) a traffic control signage function. The control may provide the traffic control signage function at least in part by recognition of a geometrical organization present in the forward field of view of the camera. The adaptive forward lighting function may provide adjustment of a beam direction of the at least one forward facing light of the equipped vehicle. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216199 | TOWING VEHICLE GUIDANCE FOR TRAILER HITCH CONNECTION - Apparatus and a method for its use to assist an operator of a towing vehicle in backing the towing vehicle accurately into a position in which parts of a hitch can be mated to connect the towing vehicle with a trailer. A camera in a towing vehicle module provides the towing vehicle operator a video image of the trailer and a target mounted on it. A beam of light from the towing vehicle module and falling on the target is visible in the video image to show when the towing vehicle approaches and reaches a position in which the hitch can be mated. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216200 | LOCOMOTIVE WIRELESS VIDEO RECORDER AND RECORDING SYSTEM - An imaging system for generating images taken from a rail vehicle, the system including a camera configured to generate video data associated with a rail vehicle, and a processor configured to control recording of video data according to at least one of a variable frame rate or a variable resolution based on operating conditions of the rail vehicle. A method and non-transitory computer readable medium with instructions are also included. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110216201 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING AN IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110221901 | Adaptive Scene Rendering and V2X Video/Image Sharing - A method is provided for video sharing in a vehicle-to-entity communication system. Video data is captured by an image capture device of an event remote from a source entity. A spatial relationship is determined between a location corresponding to the captured event and a location of a remote vehicle. A temporal relationship is determined between a time-stamp of the captured scene data and a current time. A utility value is determined as a function of the spatial relationship and the temporal relationship. A network utilization parameter of a communication network is determined for broadcasting and receiving the scene data. A selected level of compression is applied to the captured scene data as a function of the utility value and available bandwidth. The compressed scene data is transmitted from the source entity to the remote vehicle. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110221902 | Video production with selectable camera angles - A system for on-line viewing of an event at an event site includes a central site connected to a network, cameras disposed about an event site, means enabling a user to access the central site and to selectively view the event site by means of at least two of the plurality of cameras, and a processor. The cameras provide views of the event site from at least two different camera angles and provide video feeds to the central site via the network. The processor generates a smooth transitional view between at least two of the cameras, whereby a continuous change of camera angle is provided. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110221903 | Production and Internet-Viewing of High-Resolution Images of the Commonly Viewed Exterior Surfaces of Vehicles, Each with the Same Background View - Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The view can be selected by the operator to reduce the bandwidth required for internet viewing. The background and the imaging device are revolved around a vehicle which is maintained in fixed position between the background and the imaging device. The vehicle does not need to be rotated or moved during the imaging. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110221904 | Indoor Producing of High-Resolution Images of the Commonly Viewed Exterior Surfaces of Vehicles, Each with the Same Background View - Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The background and the imaging device are revolved around a vehicle which is maintained in fixed position between the background and the imaging device. The vehicle does not need to be rotated or moved during the imaging. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110221905 | Producing High-Resolution Images of the Commonly Viewed Exterior Surfaces of Vehicles, Each with the Same Background View - Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The background and the imaging device are revolved around a vehicle which is maintained in fixed position between the background and the imaging device. The vehicle does not need to be rotated or moved during the imaging. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110221906 | Multiple Camera System for Automated Surface Distress Measurement - The present invention provides a system for imaging a surface in real time. The system includes two or more real time digital imaging devices positioned to capture two or more images of a surface, wherein the two or more real time digital imaging devices are set in different exposure modes; and an image processing device that processes the two or more images, wherein the two or more images are complementary and together form a complete shadow-free image of the surface. The two or more real time digital imaging devices are line-scan cameras or other types of digital cameras, wherein each of the two or more real time digital imaging devices is independently set at an under-exposure mode, an over-exposure mode or an intermediate exposure mode. Multi-exposed images are fused together through a multi-scale decomposition and reconstruction method for crack detection. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110228088 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING AN ENVIRONMENT OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a device for monitoring an environment of a vehicle, wherein the environment is captured by means of a plurality of image capturing units, the capture ranges ( | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228089 | METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLE LIGHTS AND RETROREFLECTORS WITH A CAMERA SYSTEM - A method is disclosed for distinguishing between approaching vehicle lights (VL) and retroreflectors (R) in the dark, which are recorded as light surfaces by an image recording device oriented towards the surroundings of a vehicle. The image recording device records at least one image of the vehicle surroundings. The image is evaluated by an image processing unit. Light surfaces present on the image are analyzed. A decision is then taken as to whether the light surface is a vehicle light (VL) or a retroreflector (R). Light surfaces whose optical interaction with other objects is shown in the image are identified as vehicle lights (VL). | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228090 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES OR THE LIKE - The present disclosure relates to method and system for detecting improvised explosive devices or the like. According to the present disclosure, the method is of the image-correlation type and involves continuously delivering current images representative of said path followed by a vehicle, in replacing some of said current images with pre-recorded earlier images taken at the same point, and in displaying said current images and said replacement earlier images in succession in order to detect said explosive devices. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110228091 | SYNCHRONIZATION OF MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES TO A COMMON TIME BASE - Systems and methods are described herein that cause data from asynchronous data sources to be provided with a timestamp that corresponds to a common time base. A trigger board can be used to control synchronized data sources, and can generate timestamps when data is collected by the synchronized data sources. Unsynchronized data sources can generate data independent of the trigger board. System timestamps are generated each time data from the synchronized data source and the unsynchronized data source is received. Values of the system timestamp can be modified, and can be replaced by timestamps that correspond to the time base used by the trigger board. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110234798 | CAMERA DEVICE AND VEHICLE WITH SAME - A camera device includes a camera module, a driving member, and a mirror. The camera module has an optical axis associated therewith. The driving member has a driving shaft. The mirror is coupled to the driving shaft. The driving member is configured for driving the mirror to rotate around the driving shaft. The mirror is obliquely oriented relative to the optical axis. The camera module is configured for capturing images formed in the mirror. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234799 | REAR-VIEWING SYSTEM, REAR-VIEWING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES AND A METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A STABLE IMAGE - A rear-viewing device and a rear-viewing system for vehicles comprise a camera configured to capture input images and a display configured to display output images based on the input images. The device and the system further comprises a vibration sensor configured to determine a vibration of the display and/or the camera and a microprocessor configured to compensate the vibration in the output images based on the determined vibration. An orientation of the display corresponds to a direction in which the camera captures the input images. The device and the system may further comprise a housing holding the display and a fixing member configured to fix the housing to a vehicle. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234800 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, an image processing device includes a control signal generator, a selector, a memory, and a combined image generator. The control signal generator is configured to detect a synchronization pulse from a vertical synchronization signal in each of a plurality of video signals and configured to generate a first control signal indicative of selecting one video signal of the plurality of video signals of which the synchronization pulse is detected in turn for a predetermined period. The selector is configured to select the one video signal of the plurality of video signals according to the first control signal. The memory is configured to store the selected video signal in one region of a plurality of regions corresponding to the selected video signal in a predetermined format. The combined image generator is configured to generate a combined image by combining the plurality of video signals stored in the plurality of regions. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234801 | IMAGE GENERATION APPARATUS - An image display system is capable of generating a composite image that shows a surrounding area of a vehicle viewed from virtual viewpoints, by combining a plurality of shot images taken by a plurality of on-vehicle cameras that are disposed at different locations on the vehicle. The image display system changes data volumes of two shot images taken by two of the on-vehicle cameras based on a lighting mode of a lighting apparatus, the data volumes being used for an overlap area of the composite image that corresponds to the surrounding area of the vehicle where the two on-vehicle cameras can shoot in overlap. This reduces problems caused by lighting of the lighting apparatus in the overlap area of the composite image. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234802 | ON-VEHICLE LIGHTING APPARATUS - In an image display system, respective light volumes of a plurality of light sources are individually adjusted according to surrounding areas of a vehicle indicated as subject images of display images on a display. Thus, only the light volumes of a necessary part of the light sources can be increased. Therefore, all of the plurality of light sources are not necessary to be emitted at maximum capacity constantly, so that consumed electric power can be reduced. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234803 | IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus includes an optical element forming an image of an object, a lens barrel retaining the optical element, an image pickup device section having an image pickup device and obtaining the image of the object, a mounting wall portion surrounding one end portion of the lens barrel at an object side, a lens-barrel side screw groove provided on an outer circumference surface of the lens barrel, and a screw fixation section provided on the mounting wall portion and screwing with the lens-barrel side screw groove to fix the lens barrel to the mounting wall portion while pressing the one end portion of the lens barrel to the mounting wall portion in a direction of a photographing optical axis. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234804 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - Bicycles present before a vehicle are identified. A picked-up image having intensity values that are in accordance with the temperatures of objects is acquired to extract image regions having intensity values representative of higher temperatures than a background. An object, which includes a pair of first object portions (legs) and a second object portion (a tire), would be identified as a bicycle if the pair of first object portions, which have greater dimensions in length in the vertical direction than in width in the horizontal direction and the distance between which is less than a predetermined value in the horizontal direction, are detected from the extracted image regions and further if the second object portion, which has a different intensity value from any one of the first object portions and also has a length greater than a predetermined value in the vertical direction, is existent between the pair of first object portions. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234805 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - Provided is a device for monitoring the surrounding area of a vehicle. The device separates and extracts an object around the vehicle in better precision from the background. The device detects the ambient temperature of the vehicle, and determines a temperature difference between the ambient temperature and an object surface temperature estimated on the basis of the ambient temperature. On the basis of the brightness value of the background of a captured image obtained by an infrared camera and a brightness difference corresponding to the temperature difference, the brightness value of the object is calculated. The captured image is binarized by using the brightness value of the object as a threshold value, and the object is extracted. Since the binary threshold value is set on the basis of the relation between the ambient temperature and the object surface temperature, the object can be separated and extracted in the better precision from the background. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234806 | MONITOR FOR AUTOMOBILE - A monitor used in an automobile includes an image sensing module, a visual field adjustor, and a display. The image sensing module includes a lens module and an image sensor secured on an emitting light path of the lens module. The visual field adjustor includes a prism made from transparent materials and movably installed in an incident light path of the lens module. When the automobile reverses, the image sensing module cooperates with the visual field adjustor to capture optical image signals, and the display uses the optical image signals to create an image and displays the image. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110242318 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING BLIND SPOTS OF VEHICLES - A system for detecting blind spots of a vehicle while the vehicle is been driven includes an image capturing device of at least one side mirror, a warning device and a microprocessor. The image capturing device to capture images of the blind spots of the vehicle. Each of the captured images are analyzed to detect whether a moving object exists in the blind spot. A warning signal is generated in response to a detection of the moving object in the blind spots, and causing the warning device to alarm according to the warning signal. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242319 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM AND POSITION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - An image processing system temporarily stores, as processing target captured images, captured images whose image-capturing positions are included in a predetermined region. The system calculates similarity degrees of the processing target captured images, selects the processing target captured images whose similarity degrees are different from each other as useful images, and extracts image feature points from each of the useful images. The system generates image feature point data that includes the extracted image feature points, generates reference data used when scenic image recognition is performed by associating the generated image feature point data with an image-capturing position at which the image is captured to obtain the captured image corresponding to the image feature point data, and creates a reference data database. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242320 | IMAGE GENERATION APPARATUS - An image display system makes a range of a region around a vehicle to be shown in a composite image as a subject image in a case where an auxiliary lighting system emits auxiliary light, smaller than that in a case where the auxiliary lighting system does not emit auxiliary light. As a result, an image display system can reduce the number of times when a user has to watch the subject image of an object in a region not illuminated by the auxiliary lighting system. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242321 | IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus includes: a lens barrel which holds at least one optical element; an image sensor which converts an image of a photographic subject obtained by the optical element into an electrical signal; a circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted; and a fixing wall body which is a different body from the lens barrel, and where the lens barrel is mounted to an end part of the fixing wall body on a photographic subject side, and the circuit board is mounted to an end part of the fixing wall body on a side opposite to the photographic subject side by a bond structure by an adhesive agent. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242322 | MOBILE STUDIO - A mobile studio for producing video and audio content, the mobile studio comprising: a vehicle comprising a body mounted on a chassis, said body having a studio chamber enclosure formed by a floor, a ceiling, spaced opposite outer side walls and spaced outer front and rear walls, wherein the floor of the studio chamber comprises a stage area; at least one LED lighting assembly located in the studio chamber suitable for providing sufficient illumination for image capture such that the captured image is suitable for projection as a Pepper's Ghost image; at least one camera to capture the image of a subject on the stage area; and a communications device to transmit the captured image. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110242323 | IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE AND IMAGE PICKUP METHOD - An image pickup device ( | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110249118 | APPARATUS, A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR COLLISSION AVOIDANCE - The invention relate to a collision avoidance apparatus ( | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110249119 | Safety System for a Motor Vehicle - A safety system for a motor vehicle having a sensing arrangement ( | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110249120 | CAMERA MODULE FOR VEHICLE - A camera module for a vision system of a vehicle includes a housing having a base portion and a lens portion and a circuit element. The circuit element includes an imaging sensor and associated circuitry. The circuit element may include an electrical connector having a plurality of terminals. A lens may be disposed at least partially in the lens portion of the housing and the circuit element may be disposed at least partially in the base portion of the housing. The base portion and the lens portion may be welded or sealed together to substantially limit water intrusion into the camera module. The imaging sensor may have a dynamic range of greater than approximately 100 dB, and the dynamic range of the imaging sensor may follow, at least in part, a linear response curve up to approximately 62 dB and a non-linear response curve above approximately 62 dB. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110254956 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - In a hand-free driving warning process for a vehicle, when a grip state of a steering wheel is in a hand-free driving state, and the vehicle is in a travel state stipulated previously, a danger degree is derived based on a position of a vehicle compartment where a non-grip hand exists. In deriving the danger degree, when the non-grip hand is in a high danger position, a high level is set; when the non-grip hand exists in a low danger position, a middle level or a low lever is set. In the low level, any warning is not outputted; in the middle level, a warning is outputted in a sound volume smaller than a usual sound volume; and in the high level, a warning is outputted in the usual sound volume or greater. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254957 | REAR VIEW MIRROR SIMULATION - The invention relates to an exterior mirror simulation with image data recording and a display of the recorded and improved data for the driver of a motor vehicle. The display on a display device shows the data in a way chosen by the driver or the vehicle manufacturer. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110261197 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGN AND CAR - A method is provided for the provision of information of a traffic sign. The method includes, but is not limited to sensing of a traffic sign by means of a determination device of a first vehicle takes place. The determination device includes, but is not limited to at least one optical camera. In addition, determination of information of the traffic sign by means of the determination device takes place. In addition, transmission of the determined information of the traffic sign to at least one second vehicle takes place. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261198 | DATA TRANSMISSION METHOD AND DEVICE - In a data transmission method, a data transfer module 40 for transmitting an image frame of a predetermined image format and an audio frame of a predetermined audio format is used. The data transmission method includes: a step of acquiring image data captured by a pair of cameras 8, together with a time stamp indicating an imaging time of the image data, and generating an image frame; a step of acquiring relevant data acquired at the imaging time, together with the time stamp indicating the imaging time; and a step of acquiring the image frame and the relevant data that have the common time stamp, and transmitting, using the data transfer module 40, a relevant frame together with the image frame converted in the image format, the relevant frame being composed of the relevant data stored in an audio data storage area in the audio format. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261199 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A DANGER SITUATION FOR A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a device for detecting a danger situation for a vehicle with a scanning device, which scans the vehicle vicinity and from this detects possible danger situations, with a signaling device which upon scanning of a danger situation emits a warning signal perceptible to the driver, and with a driver monitoring device which scans the reaction of the driver to the warning signal, wherein the driver monitoring device detects if the reaction of the driver represents a danger-recognizing reaction and in this case verifies the danger situation. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261200 | METHOD FOR LOCATING A PARKED VEHICLE AND PORTABLE LOCALIZATION DEVICE FOR LOCATING A PARKED VEHICLE - A method is provided for locating a parked vehicle that includes, but is not limited to determination of information about the location of the vehicle, transmission of the information to a portable localization device, and storage of the information in the localization device for later retrieval of the information. The information about the environment of the vehicle is also determined and transmitted to the portable localization device, such as a mobile terminal. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261201 | INPUT DEVICE, VEHICLE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING APPARATUS, ICON SWITCH SELECTION METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - An input device, wherein the screen ( | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110267466 | FRONT END MOUNTED VIDEO CAMERA FOR VEHICLE - A vehicle camera mount has a bracket, a support arm, and a camera housing. The bracket is used to fasten the support arm to a vehicle. The camera housing is connected to the support arm, the camera housing contains a camera, and the camera housing has a wind resistance reducing aerodynamic profile configured to reduce wind resistance by the camera housing as the vehicle is moving. The support arm is configured to support the camera housing to the vehicle so that the camera housing is above a front fender of the vehicle and alongside a hood of the vehicle. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110267467 | In-vehicle camera apparatus enabling recognition of tail lamp of distant preceding vehicle - A camera apparatus installated on a vehicle includes an image sensor having a RGB Bayer array of pixel sensors and a beam-splitting optical filter disposed between the camera lens assembly and the Bayer array. An incident light beam from a source such as a distant vehicle tail lamp becomes split into a plurality of light beams which become focused on respectively separate pixel sensors. Since the color of the light source is detected based on a plurality of pixel sensors, erroneous detection due to light falling on only a single R, G or B pixel sensor is prevented. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110273564 | CAMERA SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE - A camera system for detecting the surroundings of a vehicle through a vehicle window pane ( | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110273565 | Image-Processing Camera System and Image-Processing Camera Control Method - An image pickup device that acquires images is controlled by an image pickup device controller that accepts image acquisition requests from multiple application programs, and an application scheduler selects application programs to be executed. Information indicative of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates required for each of the multiple application programs is stored and used to select multiple concurrently executable application programs on the basis of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates. An image acquisition scheduler determines the timing and intervals at which the multiple executable application programs repeat receiving image data from the image pickup device, without overlapping in terms of time. In addition, an operations section, which explicitly presents concurrently executable application programs to a user and commands the startup of these programs, is displayed on a navigation screen menu. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110279673 | MARITIME CONTROLS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for various embodiments of maritime control components. For example in one embodiment, a control component, adapted to be used with a watercraft, includes a mounting feature adapted to mount the control component to a steering wheel of the watercraft, and a mode selector of the control component adapted to receive and transmit a first user input signal corresponding to a user selected mode of operation from a plurality of selectable modes of operation including a map mode, a sonar mode, a fishfinder mode, a radar mode, an autopilot pattern mode, an entertainment mode, and/or a maritime mode. The control component further includes an increase/decrease actuator adapted to receive and transmit a second user input signal corresponding to a user selection within the user selected mode of operation. Embodiments of a watercraft and a method of display control are also provided. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110279674 | DRIVE ASSIST DISPLAY APPARATUS - Provided is a drive assist display apparatus which can realize, from imaging to displaying the front, left, right and down wide area of the backward or frontward of a vehicle, displaying in high visibility of a form of an imaged subject in accordance with purposes, improving visibility of directional and positional relationships between the imaged subject and the vehicle, and facilitating a movement of the eye line targeting to the subject on the display. It is assumed that planes are respectively perpendicular relationship with the vehicle front-back direction, the downward direction being vertically in perpendicular relationship with the vehicle front-back direction, the leftward direction being horizontally in perpendicular relationship with the vehicle front-back direction, and the rightward direction being horizontally in perpendicular relationship with the vehicle front-back direction. Square subjects assumed to be on the planes are displayed as squares or rectangles each having an area equal to one another on respective regions in accordance with the direction. The regions include a forward correction image display region | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110279675 | CAMERA MODULE - Manufacture of molded cases of various types is not required even if the molded cases house different numbers of substrates, so that cost of manufacturing camera modules with various functions is reduced. A camera module includes an optical system holder composed of a substrate supporting part in the form of a square box with a down-facing opening, and a cylindrical lens unit fixing part provided integrally with the substrate supporting part and formed at the center of the top of the substrate supporting part. A lens unit is supported in the lens unit fixing part, and an image capturing element holding substrate on which an image capturing element is placed is fixed in the substrate supporting part. A substrate holder is coupled to an end portion of the substrate supporting part of the optical system holder, and a circuit component holding substrate is supported in the substrate holder. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110279676 | DRIVING ATTENTION AMOUNT DETERMINATION DEVICE, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - A driving attention amount determination apparatus includes: an electroencephalogram measurement section for measuring an electroencephalogram signal of a driver; a central stimulation presentation section for presenting a visual stimulation in a central visual field of the driver; a peripheral stimulation presentation section for presenting a visual stimulation in a peripheral visual field of the driver; a threshold setting section for setting a determination threshold for attention amount determination from a distribution of amplitude of an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal based on a point of presenting the stimulation in the central visual field as a starting point; and an attention amount determination section for determining an attention amount through a comparison between the determination threshold and an amplitude of an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal based on a point of presenting the stimulation in the peripheral visual field as a starting point. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110285848 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A SURROUNDING IMAGE - The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for generating a surrounding image. The method for generating a surrounding image according to the present invention comprises the steps of: taking, as an input, images captured by cameras installed in the front and the rear of a vehicle and in the left and right sides of the vehicle, via respective channels connected to the cameras; correcting the captured images into a top view form to generate a plurality of corrected images; performing an overlaying process on the plurality of corrected images using a mask image containing region information on each channel and weight information for pixels constituting each region to generate a surrounding image of the vehicle; and displaying the thus-generated surrounding image. The present invention removes blind spots around the vehicle, and corrects the overlapped images captured by a plurality of cameras into natural images, thus enabling drivers to accurately recognize the surrounding situation of the vehicle. Therefore, a driver may park a vehicle in a convenient manner, and drive the vehicle in a forward or a backward direction in a safe manner even without looking at a side-view mirror or a rearview mirror. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285849 | VEHICULAR IMAGE SENSING SYSTEM - An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The imaging sensor has a two-dimensional array of light sensing pixels, and has a forward field of view through the windshield of a vehicle equipped with the image sensing system to the exterior of the equipped vehicle. The imaging sensor is operable to capture image data and the control includes an image processor. The image sensing system determines an object of interest present in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor via processing of the captured image data by the image processor. The image processing includes spatial filtering. The spatial filtering may, at least in part, identify atmospheric conditions. The spatial filtering may include analysis of a spectral signature representative of at least one detected light source present in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285850 | VEHICULAR IMAGING SYSTEM - A vehicular imaging system comprises an imaging device having a plurality of photosensor elements. The imaging device captures image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle within its field of view. Image data captured by the imaging device is provided to a control. The control also receives via a communication bus at least one of vehicle pitch information, vehicle yaw information and vehicle steering information. The control detects two substantially straight and converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where they would converge using, at least in part, the received vehicle information and the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging device mounted at the vehicle. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110292209 | DEVICE AND PROCESS FOR RECOGNIZING CORRECT USE OF AN ALCOHOL-MEASURING DEVICE BY A DRIVER IN A VEHCLE - A device for recognizing correct use of an alcohol-measuring device by a driver in a vehicle has at least the alcohol-measuring device, an analyzing and control unit and a camera unit. At least an area of the face of the driver can be detected by the image field of the camera unit. The analyzing and control unit is connected to a driving control unit for detecting motion of the vehicle, to the camera unit and to the alcohol-measuring device. The camera unit can be activated by the analyzing and control unit as a function of the driving control unit in such a way that at least the area of the face of the driver is detected. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292210 | MEASUREMENT DEVICE, CONTROL DEVICE, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A measurement device includes: a plurality of calculation units configured to calculate a noise intensity, for a monitor area in an image data obtained by a camera having a plurality of image sensors, based on a pixel value of each of a plurality of pixels of the monitor area, and each of the plurality of calculation units calculates the noise intensity for different monitor areas in the image data; a selection unit configured to select a noise intensity from noise intensities calculated by each of the plurality of calculation units; and an output unit configured to output information based on the noise intensity selected by the selection unit. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292211 | VEHICLE DESIGN - A 4-wheel drive improved motor vehicle design may have a passenger cabin both at the front and at the rear of said vehicle. The central portion of the vehicle may be partly occupied by the vehicle engine and partly by a framework for supporting essential supplies and personal baggage. The spaced-apart passenger cabins may increase the probability of survival should the vehicle be attacked or undermined A large fuel tank may be combined with comfortable seating to enable the passengers and the vehicle to carry out extended missions. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292212 | WASHER NOZZLE FOR VEHICLE MOUNTED CAMERA, VEHICLE MOUNTED CAMERA, AND WASHER DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A washer nozzle removes foreign matter on an image capturing surface of a camera mounted to the outside of a vehicle by supplying washer fluid to the image capturing surface. The washer nozzle includes an inside spray hole and a discharge portion. The inside spray hole sprays the washer fluid introduced into the washer nozzle. The discharge portion receives washer fluid sprayed from the inside spray hole. The discharge portion has a passage extending in a direction intersecting the spray direction of the washer fluid and a discharge port connected to the passage. The discharge portion discharges, from the discharge port, washer fluid sprayed from the inside spray hole along the image capturing surface, while filling the passage with the washer fluid, thereby washing the image capturing surface. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110298924 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE LOCATION OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN A VEHICLE BASED ON CAMERA DETECTION - A system for detecting a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle having driver and passenger zones is provided. The system includes a camera and a controller. The camera is configured to transmit a first signal indicative of a captured image of an object in the driver zone. The controller is configured to receive the first signal and to receive a status signal indicative of the PCD being in a sleep mode or an active mode. The controller is further configured to receive a motion signal indicative of the PCD being in a stationary mode or a motion mode and to detect that the PCD is in the driver zone if the captured image of the object corresponds to the PCD and if the status signal indicates that the PCD is in the wake up mode or the motion signal indicates that the PCD is in the motion mode. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298925 | IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging apparatus includes: an electronic circuit unit ( | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298926 | PARKING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS AND PARKING ASSISTANCE METHOD - Provided is a parking assistance apparatus utilizing a fixed target by taking an image thereof, the parking assistance apparatus being capable of recognizing the fixed target with high recognition accuracy while using simple image recognition processing. A mark (M) includes a plurality of illuminators ( | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298927 | VEHICULAR VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM - A video mirror system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly mountable at an interior portion of a vehicle and a video display screen disposed to the rear of a rear portion of a reflective element. The video display screen emits light when actuated that passes through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing the front portion of the reflective element. A camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted to the rear of the vehicle and, during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a video output of the camera is displayed by the video screen so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle. The video display screen is operable to display at least one of (i) an instruction, (ii) an icon, (iii) a character, (iv) a symbol and (v) an indicia. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110304733 | Acident prevention camera - The Accident Prevention Camera records digitized video images by means of a video recording system for automotive vehicles that comprises a closed circuit recording system comprised of four integrated video cameras, a digital recording unit, a video monitor, GPS tracker, and interconnecting wiring. The cameras are strategically mounted at selected positions on a vehicle which affords optimal coverage of the area in front and rear sides of a vehicle. The video images captured by the camera and recorded on the digital recording unit provide comprehensive video proof which is used to determine if a driver was at fault, or not, in the event of an accident. The Accident Prevention Camera employs the use of highly sophisticated equipment integrated with software that enables the system to record everything that happens from four different digital cameras, situated on each side of the vehicle. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110304734 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A VIDEO-BASED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM IN A VEHICLE - Disclosed herein is a method for operating a video-based driver assistance system in a vehicle (F), wherein, by using image data recorded by an imaging unit and processed by an image processing unit, a vehicle environment and/or at least one object (O) in the vehicle environment and/or status data are determined. In the determination of the vehicle environment, of the object (O) in the vehicle environment and/or of the status data, a pixel offset (P) present in the image data of consecutive images is determined and compensated for. Also disclosed is an apparatus for operating a video-based driver assistance system in a vehicle (F). | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110310248 | A CAMERA FOR MOUNTING ON A VEHICLE - A camera for mounting on a vehicle includes a front housing member having a first mating portion, a lens member and a circuit board having a plurality of individual front electrical connectors. The camera also includes a rear housing member having a second mating portion and a plurality of individual rear electrical connectors with first connector portions of the individual rear electrical connectors extending from the rear housing member to make electrical connection with an electrical connector of the vehicle. Second connector portions of at least some of the rear electrical connectors are configured for making electrical connection to a respective at least some of the front electrical connectors when the first and second mating portions are mated together and an alignment structure aligns second connector portion of the rear connectors with respect to the plurality of individual front electrical connectors. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110310249 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECORDING AN IMAGE SEQUENCE OF AN AREA SURROUNDING A VEHICLE - Optical radiation from an area surrounding a vehicle is detected by a sensor in order to record an image sequence of the surrounding area. The sensor may be exposed continuously to the radiation which is incident on it while the image sequence is being recorded in order to detect a light pulse of an indefinitely short time duration. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110317014 | IN-VEHICLE IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS - An in-vehicle image display apparatus includes an image capture device and a display. An image generator is configured to combine the plurality of images captured by the image capture device and to generate a bird's eye view image in which a point of view has been changed. An operation device is capable of being operated by a vehicle occupant. An operation device includes a first switch provided in a central area of the operation device in a front view to be used to display the bird's eye view image in the display. The second switches are provided at positions around the central area to be used to display the plurality of images in the display. The positions correspond to the plurality of areas around the vehicle in a case in which the central area is considered as a vehicle position of the vehicle when viewed from above. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110317015 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA MODULE - A vehicle-mounted camera module that is provided inside of the vehicle and used for surveying the inside and outside of the vehicle, the camera module including, but not limited to: an image sensor; an inside view optical system for picking up vehicle inside views; and an outside view optical system for picking up vehicle outside views, the outside view optical system including a light reflector. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120002049 | VEHICLE HAVING SCANNING IMAGER WITH FIXED CAMERA AND MULTIPLE ACHROMATIC PRISM PAIRS - A vehicle including a scanning imaging system includes a vehicle body having an outer surface, a propulsion source, and an optical window secured to the outer surface of the vehicle positioned on an optical axis for transmitting electromagnetic radiation received from a portion of an area of interest to the scanning imaging system. The scanning imaging system includes a first achromatic prism pair having prisms with different materials that have different refractive properties, and a second achromatic prism pair having prisms with different materials that have different refractive properties, both positioned on the optical axis. A camera fixed in location is optically coupled to form images from the electromagnetic radiation after being bent by the achromatic prism pairs. A motor including a controller independently rotates the first and second achromatic prism pairs about the optical axis for scanning within the area of interest. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120002050 | IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM - An image display system includes a plurality of light sources respectively illuminating a plurality of divided regions. A user can change each of a plurality of light-amount parameters respectively specifying an amount of light to be output by each of the plurality of light sources by an operation on a change screen. Therefore, the user can illuminate each of the plurality of divided regions with an amount of light that he/she desires. As a result, the user can illuminate and definitely identify a subject difficult for the user to see and a subject to which the user needs to pay attention. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120002051 | VEHICULAR REAR VIEW CAMERA DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH LIFECHECK FUNCTION - A vehicular display system having a camera for producing a video signal and a display device for displaying the video signal. The display device includes an integrity check to detect a defective video signal and alert the driver if a defective video signal has been detected. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120002052 | OBSTACLE DETECTION APPARATUS, OBSTACLE DETECTION SYSTEM HAVING SAME, AND OBSTACLE DETECTION METHOD - There is provided an obstacle detection apparatus capable of detecting an obstacle present at the rear of a vehicle even in a low illumination environment, without the need for a sensor other than an imaging apparatus. An obstacle detection apparatus ( | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120002053 | DETECTING AND RECOGNIZING TRAFFIC SIGNS - A computerized system mountable on a moving vehicle. The computerized system includes a camera. The camera captures in real time image frames of the environment in the field of view of the camera and transfers the image frames to an image processor. The image processor is programmed for performing traffic sign recognition and for performing another driver assistance function. Information is exchanged between the traffic sign recognition and the other driver assistance function. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120007983 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING VEHICLE OFFENCES - Methods and systems for uniquely identifying a vehicle that has committed a potential violation are disclosed. One method comprises the steps of: obtaining first data for uniquely identifying vehicles that enter a zone of interest ( | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007984 | DEVICE HAVING A CAMERA UNIT FOR RECORDING IMAGES OF THE OUTER AREA OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a device comprising a camera unit ( | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120007985 | CALIBRATION DEVICE, METHOD, AND PROGRAM FOR ON-BOARD CAMERA - An on-board camera calibration device with high productivity is provided which allows speedy calibration of the on-board camera with high precision with a simple construction. Based on an actual coordinate specified in a projecting plane of a camera coordinate system and a converted coordinate obtained by converting an initial coordinate of a calibration point with using unfixed camera adjustment values, the adjustment values corresponding to angles of rotation about one or two axes from among three axes of the camera coordinate system are calculated and the camera adjustment values are updated. Based on the actual coordinate and the converted coordinate in accordance with the updated camera adjustment values, the adjustment values corresponding to angles of rotation about the remaining axes of the camera coordinate system is calculated and the camera adjustment values are updated. When the predetermined completion condition is satisfied, the updated camera adjustment values are fixed. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120013741 | APPARATUS FOR USE IN ASSOCIATION WITH A VEHICLE - An apparatus for use in association with a vehicle having a windshield ( | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013742 | VISION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A FIELD OF VIEW DEPENDENT UPON DETECTING AN OBJECT - A vision system in a vehicle and a method for operating the system. The system displays a field of view that is a portion of an image of an area proximate to the vehicle. The system includes an object detection means that provides an indication of an object being present in the area proximate to the vehicle. The field of view is selected at least in part based on the detection of the object, such as directing the field of view toward the object so the vehicle driver can more easily discern the presence of the object in a display. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013743 | Device for Monitoring Condition of a Railway Supply Line - The present invention provides a monitor for monitoring a condition of a railway supply line when the supply line is in contact with a head of a pantograph of a vehicle in order to power the vehicle. The monitor includes a camera for monitoring parameters indicative of operating capability of the railway supply line and a reflective element including a pattern arranged on the pantograph head. The camera is arranged on the vehicle so as to register the pattern position with respect to a vertical direction. A pantograph and a vehicle are also provided. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120026329 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING VEHICLE SPEED BASED ON MOVEMENT OF VIDEO CAMERA - A digital video camera is placed on a vehicle. The video camera is attached to the vehicle and is directed to a surface at a certain angle to the surface. The camera angle can change while vehicle is in motion. The camera angle is constantly measured by angular sensor (i.e., inclinometer). Images of the surface are projected onto a video matrix and transformed into a sequence of digital frames that are formed at a pre-set time interval. A speed of the video camera relative to the surface is calculated as a ratio of an off-set between the adjacent frames and the time interval between the frames. Then a known relative speed of the vehicle can be corrected by multiplication of the height of the camera (above the surface) by a coefficient that equals a ratio of the known vehicle speed and the measured camera speed. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026330 | CAMERA SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A CAMERA SYSTEM - A camera system for a motor vehicle includes: a camera, which includes an image sensor for outputting image signals, and camera optics for detecting a first environment and for imaging the first environment on the image sensor at a first subject distance. The camera system has camera supplementary optics, which are at least partially provided in the optical path in front of the camera optics, the camera optics and the camera supplementary optics jointly forming an optics system by which a second environment, e.g., a region of a surface of a window, is able to be imaged or focused on the image sensor at a second object distance that differs from the first object distance. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026331 | Seat Belt Usage Indication - The invention provides notification externally of a vehicle that the vehicle's seatbelts are not being used or are being used improperly. In a first embodiment, an external lamp is connected to a seat belt interlock. If a seat belt is being used properly during vehicle operations, the external lamp will not be illuminated, but if the seat belt is not being used or is being used improperly during vehicle operations, the external lamp will be illuminated. In a second embodiment, a transmitter generates a signal if a seat belt is not being used or is being used improperly during vehicle operations. The signal is transmitted to a receiver that is in electrical communication with a camera in the immediate vicinity. Upon receipt of such a signal, the camera and a video recorder will be activated and a visual image or a sequence of visual images of the vehicle will be taken and recorded. In a third embodiment, a transmitter generates a signal if a seat belt is not being used or is being used improperly during vehicle operations. A law enforcement vehicle such as a police car includes a receiver adapted to receive the signal and an annunciator. When the receiver receives a signal, the annunicator will be activated and a law enforcement officer in the police car will be notified that a vehicle is being operated nearby in violation of the seatbelt-usage laws. Consequently, the law enforcement officer will be able to locate the vehicle and take appropriate enforcement action. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026332 | Vision Method and System for Automatically Detecting Objects in Front of a Motor Vehicle - A vision method for automatically detecting objects in front of a motor vehicle, comprises the steps of detecting images from a region in front of the vehicle by a vehicle mounted imaging means; generating from said detected images a processed image, containing disparity or vehicle-to-scene distance information; comparing regions-of-interest of said processed image to template objects relating to possible objects in front of the motor vehicle; calculating for each template object a score relating to the match between said processed image and the template object; and identifying large scores of sufficient absolute magnitude of said calculated scores. The vision method further comprises the steps of applying an algorithm adapted to identify groups of said large scores, and assigning an identified group of large scores to a single match object. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026333 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE AND VEHICLE PERIPHERY IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD - From a plurality of imaging units ( | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026334 | IMAGE-CAPTURING APPARATUS AND IMAGE-CAPTURING METHOD - An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing unit configured to capture image data of a subject and to store the captured image data in an image-capturing operation; a speed detector configured to detect speed information; and a controller configured to control the image-capturing unit so that, in an automatic image-capturing process that is not based on a shutter operation of a user, a distance moved by the image-capturing apparatus is computed on the basis of information from the speed detector, and the image-capturing operation is performed in response to the fact that a computation result indicating that the image-capturing apparatus has moved a predetermined distance is obtained. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120033074 | Method and device for determining a valid lane marking - The invention relates to a method and a device for determining a valid lane marking ( | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033075 | DISPLAY DEVICE AND VEHICLE - A vehicle has a display device which widens the field of view (visible area) reflected by a side mirror or a back mirror mounted on the vehicle. To enable a driver driving the vehicle to confirm safety even when it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize some of objects surrounding the vehicle, a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device is provided in the side mirror (door mirror), the back mirror (room mirror) or in an interior portion of the vehicle. A camera is mounted on the vehicle and an image from the camera is displayed on the display device. Further, information read from a sensor (distance measuring sensor) having the function of measuring the distance to another vehicle, and a sensor (impact sensor) having the function of sensing an externally applied impact force larger than a predetermined value is displayed on the display device. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033076 | VIBRATION APPLYING STRUCTURE DETECTING DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A vibration applying structure detecting device for a wheeled vehicle traveling on a roadway having a vibration applying structure on a road surface in or adjacent to the roadway includes a lane departure judgment device that determines whether there is a lane departure tendency, a vibration detecting device that determines the frequency and the amplitude of input vibration from a road surface to the vehicle, and a contact judgment device that determines that at least one of the wheels of the vehicle is contacting the vibration applying structure when the input vibration with an amplitude equal to or greater than a prescribed amplitude threshold value has a frequency that is equal to or greater than a prescribed frequency threshold value. The device may also include a threshold value setting device that sets one or both of the amplitude threshold value and the frequency threshold value. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033077 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, MEDIUM RECORDING IMAGE PROCESSING PROGRAM, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A device has a unit acquires photograph images taken by a first and a second camera; a unit sets correspondences between positions in a first photograph image, in a first display image, in a second photograph image, and in a second display image on the basis of a first photographic line-of-sight from the first camera, a line-of-sight in the first display image based on the first photograph image, a second photographic line-of-sight from the second camera, and a line-of-sight in the second display image based on the second photograph image; and a unit generates the first display image based on correspondence with the first photograph image, generates a third display image by interpolating between the first display image and the second display image based on correspondence with the first photograph image or the second photograph image, and generates the second display image based on correspondence with the second photograph image. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033078 | HANDLING ASSISTANT APPARATUS FOR TWO-BODY CONNECTED VEHICLE - A handling assistant apparatus for two-body connected vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus is applied to a two-body connected vehicle including a tractor and a trailer, the tractor and the trailer having different turn radius. A static signal acquisition means acquires static signals of the tractor and the trailer. A moving orientation signal acquisition means acquires moving orientation signals of the tractor and the trailer. A video signal acquisition means acquires original video signals. An angle acquisition means is mounted at the joint point of the tractor and the trailer and acquires an angle signal between the moving orientations of the tractor and the trailer. A dynamic signal generation means generates dynamic signals of the tractor and the trailer based on the original video signals, the static signals, the moving orientation signals and the angle signal. The dynamic signal reflects a prediction of the moving orientation and a position of the tractor and the trailer. A dynamic signal presentation means presents the dynamic signal. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033079 | CAMERA FOR A VEHICLE - A camera for a vehicle, in particular for monitoring the exterior environment. The camera having: an imager having a plurality of pixels, having different imager regions for different object distances, and an objective situated before the imager. Between the objective and the imager there is provided an additional optical unit that has in particular optical microelements, e.g., microlenses, the additional optical unit having different imaging properties for the imager regions of the imager, in particular for the compensation of different object distances and/or image distances. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120033080 | MONITORING APPARATUS - Disclosed is a monitoring technique for displaying a low-luminance image of e.g. a dark area in an easily visible manner. The inventive apparatus includes an image capturing unit 10 for capturing an image of an object to be monitored, an inversion condition determining unit 11 for determining whether an inversion condition is satisfied or not based on the visibility of the image captured by the image capturing unit 10, and a display image generating unit 12 for generating a negative/positive inverted image from the captured image when it is determined by the inversion condition determining unit 11 that the inversion condition is satisfied. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120038771 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing, an electro-optic reflective element and an information display. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element and is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, with the information including video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. Information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the vehicle viewing through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element when the information display is displaying information, and, when the information display is not displaying information, the presence of the information display behind the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element is substantially not discerned by the driver of the vehicle normally viewing the reflective element in the vehicle. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120044351 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION FOR VEHICLE - Information display device and method for a vehicle are provided. The information display device for a vehicle includes: a camera unit that generates and outputs image information on the rear side of the vehicle; a main processing unit that performs predetermined functions including an image processing function on the image information; and a sub processing unit that processes the image information and displays the processed image information on a display unit until the main processing unit ends a booting operation, when the image information is output from the camera unit in a state where the main processing unit is performing the booting operation. Accordingly, it is possible to guarantee the safety at the time of backing a vehicle up even when the main processing unit is performing the booting operation and to make a driver not wait until the main processing unit ends the booting operation for the purpose of acquiring necessary information. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120044352 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE - Provided is a vehicle periphery monitoring device capable of making a driver reliably recognize the shape of an object to which attention should be paid. According to an image processing unit ( | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120062741 | VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM - This innovation discloses the use of cameras in lieu of side-view minors on the outside of a truck cab. In operation, the images can be captured via aerodynamically positioned cameras and displayed upon monitors (e.g., LCD (liquid crystal display), LED (light emitting diode)) within the dash area of the driver. In one aspect, the monitors can be manually repositioned (or tilted) thereby effecting movement of the cameras. Other aspects can employ joysticks or buttons to move the camera positions. Yet other aspects include a peripheral view option. Still other aspects include a step light-up option. Still further, the camera assembly can include an object detection/warning system that notifies the driver of objects and other obstructions in the path of the truck. Moreover, video and/or images can be captured, for example for accident recovery or security scenarios. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062742 | Black box having function of lane recognition and method of processing image using the same - There are provided a black box having a function of lane recognition and a method of processing an image using the same. The black box having a function of lane recognition includes: an image photographing module having a first angle of view and photographing a first image taken towards the front of a vehicle; an image storing module compressing and storing the photographed first image; an image cropping module cropping a second image within a second angle of view smaller than the first angle of view of the photographed first image; and a lane departure sensing module extracting a lane from the cropped second image and sensing the lane departure of the vehicle based on the extracted lane, thereby making it possible to reduce cost and efficiently utilize the internal space of a vehicle. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062743 | ALERT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An alert system for a vehicle includes a video display, an interior visual alert device disposed at an interior rearview mirror assembly, a driver side visual alert device disposed at a driver side exterior rearview mirror assembly and a passenger side visual alert device disposed at a passenger side exterior rearview mirror assembly. A control is operable to activate at least one of the alert devices in response to a detection of an object rearward of the vehicle. The alert devices are viewable by the driver of the vehicle when activated and are operable to guide or prompt the driver to check the images captured by a rearward facing camera and displayed in the vehicle cabin by the video display so that the driver can verify the nature and type of a potential hazard rearward of the vehicle. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062744 | REAR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The video camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle and/or connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide or assist the driver when executing a reversing maneuver and/or when connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062745 | LANE DEPARTURE SENSING METHOD AND APPARATUS USING IMAGES THAT SURROUND A VEHICLE - A method and an apparatus for sensing a lane departure using images that surround a vehicle. The lane departure sensing method includes receiving images that are taken during driving by a plurality of cameras installed in a car, through respective channels connected to the cameras; modifying the obtained images into top-view images to generate a plurality of modified images; compositing the plurality of modified images to generate images that surround a vehicle; extracting a lane from the images that surround the vehicle, and yielding the information on a distance between the vehicle and the extracted lane or the information on an angle between the travel direction of the vehicle and the lane, so as to determine a lane departure; and giving a warning if the lane departure is determined. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062746 | Image Processing Apparatus - An image processing apparatus capable of detecting, simultaneously and with high precision, headlights of oncoming cars, taillights of cars ahead, and pedestrians at night, the image processing apparatus comprising: means that obtains first exposure data at a first shutter speed; means that obtains second exposure data at a second shutter speed that is slower than the shutter speed; means that obtains third exposure data at a third shutter speed that is slower than the first shutter speed; means that converts the first exposure data into a visible grayscale image; means that outputs the visible grayscale image; means that converts the second exposure data into a color image; means that outputs the color image; means that converts the third exposure data into an infrared grayscale image; means that outputs the infrared grayscale image; means that detects a headlight based on the visible grayscale image; means that detects a taillight based on the color image; and means that detects a pedestrian based on an image obtained by processing the infrared grayscale image and the color image. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120069181 | OBJECT IDENTIFICATION DEVICE, MOVING OBJECT CONTROLLING APPARATUS HAVING OBJECT IDENTIFICATION DEVICE, INFORMATION PRESENTING APPARATUS HAVING OBJECT IDENTIFICATION DEVICE, AND SPECTROSCOPIC IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS - An object identification device includes an image capturing device to capture images polarized in different directions. A noise removal unit removes noise in the polarized images using a noise removing parameter. An index value computing unit computes an object identification index value for identification-processing areas in the polarized images using data of noise-removed polarized images. An object identification processing unit conducts object identification by determining identification processing areas corresponding to an identification target object based on the object identification index value. An environment information obtaining unit obtains environment information. An environmental condition determination unit determines an environmental condition based on the environment information. A parameter storage unit stores noise removing parameters prepared for mutually exclusive environmental conditions. The noise removal unit reads a noise removing parameter from the parameter storage unit to conduct noise removal. A method of identifying an object and a spectroscopic image capturing apparatus are also provided. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069182 | VEHICLE IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A vehicle image display apparatus and method acquires captured images of an area around a vehicle captured by cameras at a plurality of positions on an outer portion of the vehicle, generates a single image based on the captured images and displays a composite image including the single image superposes with a first image showing boundary regions of the captured images in the single image and a second image showing end regions of the vehicle. When the composite image is displayed for the first time after an input operation is given to an ignition key of the vehicle, the first and second images are highlighted for a time period after the composite image starts to be displayed. After the time period elapses, the first image is non-highlighted and the second image is highlighted. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069183 | VEHICLE DETECTION APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a vehicle detection apparatus includes a line segment extraction unit, candidate creation unit, evaluation unit, and specific part detection unit, and the line segment extraction unit extracts a plurality of line-segment components constituting an image of a vehicle from the image formed by photographing the vehicle. The candidate creation unit carries out polygonal approximation configured to create a closed loop by using a plurality of line-segment components to create a plurality of candidates for an area of a specific part of the vehicle. The evaluation unit carries out a plurality of different evaluations for each of the plurality of candidates. Further, the specific part detection unit detects one of the plurality of candidates as the specific part based on evaluation results of the evaluation unit. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069184 | REAR VIEW DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A motor vehicle rear view mirror device with at least one optical sensor is suggested, which is connected to at least one image evaluation circuit board and to at least one display. This optical sensor is connected to the image evaluation circuit board via a receiver circuit board, and the image evaluation board is connected to the display via a receiver circuit board. The connection cables transfer serial data, and the connection length is 1 to 10 m. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069185 | BARRIER AND GUARDRAIL DETECTION USING A SINGLE CAMERA - Driver assistance systems for detecting a structural barrier extending along a road. The driver assistance system may be mountable in a host vehicle. The camera may capture multiple image frames in the forward field of view of the camera. A processor may process motion of images of the barrier in the image frames. The camera may be a single camera. The motion of the images may be responsive to forward motion of the host vehicle and/or the motion of the images may be responsive to lateral motion of the host vehicle. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069186 | Parking-Assist Apparatus and Method - A parking-assist system for a car comprises at least one sensor suitable to be attached to a car and configured to create output signals, a wireless s transmitter connected to the sensor; and a device equipped with a wireless receiver. The device is configured to wirelessly receive the signals from the sensor via the wireless transmitter, and provide an indication of the signals. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069187 | IMAGE GENERATING APPARATUS AND IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM - A technology for intuitively recognizing a positional relation between a vehicle and an object is provided. In an image display system, in a display image provided to a driver, the side region of the vehicle in a direction indicated by a direction instructing device is displayed in large size. Accordingly, the object that may contact with the vehicle is easily found out, so that a minor crash accident can be effectively prevented. Since a synthetic image viewed from a virtual viewpoint directed from a rear position of the vehicle toward the front side of the vehicle is displayed, the side area of the vehicle is displayed in the same visual field direction as the direction of the visual field of the driver. Accordingly, the driver can intuitively recognize the positional relation between the vehicle and the object, without undertaking complicated determination such as conducting coordinate transformation in his/her mind. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069188 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - A technology for displaying images on a displaying apparatus mounted on a vehicle is provided. In response to a predetermined instruction signal, synthetic images viewed from a virtual viewpoint around and above the periphery of the vehicle are generated based on a plurality of images acquired from a plurality of cameras for capturing the periphery of the vehicle. The plurality of synthetic images, in which a position of a viewpoint moves sequentially varies such that the synthetic images move in a circle around the vehicle, are sequentially output to the displaying apparatus. Accordingly, the user monitors the entire circumference of the vehicle from the viewpoint where the user sees the vehicle in front of user's eyes, so that the user can intuitively recognize the positional relation between the vehicle and an obstacle from one screen. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120075471 | CAMERA FOR A VEHICLE - A camera for a vehicle is described. The camera has at least one optoelectronic image converter, a camera housing in whose interior the image converter is accommodated, a camera optical element, which is accommodated in an optical mounting reference surface of the camera housing and is provided for imaging a primary detection area on the image converter, and a camera position reference surface for positioning the camera in relation to a vehicle window. At least one receiving surface for at least one light-guiding device e.g., one or a plurality of mirrors, is formed on the camera housing for deflecting light from at least one additional detection area to the camera optical element. The optical mounting reference surface, camera position reference surface, and receiving surface are preferably formed on a single housing component, e.g., an upper shell. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120081549 | Structure for crosswalk providing both advertising effect and pedestrian safety - A structure for a crosswalk providing both an advertising effect and pedestrian safety. A first support is erected vertically from a center of an entrance of a crosswalk. A second support is disposed parallel to and at a predetermined interval from the first support. The first and second supports have the same shape. A respective inner end of first steel members is fixed to an upper end of the first support, and outer ends of the first steel members extend perpendicularly to the direction of the crosswalk. Second steel members are disposed parallel to and at a predetermined interval from the first steel members. The first and second steel members have the same shape. A laser curtain beam radiating device is disposed on an underside of an outer end of one of the first and second steel members, and radiates a laser curtain beam in the direction of the crosswalk. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081550 | CAMERA SYSTEM - A camera system comprising a circuit board having a first end with a first camera electrically connected thereto and a second end with a second camera electrically connected thereto; and a frame having a first frame member, a second frame member, and a mount for attaching the system to the vehicle; wherein the circuit board is disposed between the first and second frame members; and wherein the first frame member is coupled to the second frame member at a first connection location proximate the first end and at a second connection location proximate the second end to reduce the deflection of the first and second ends of the circuit board relative to the mount to maintain the alignment of the first and second cameras. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120086807 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE VISUAL DISPLAY OF SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE - A method for visually displaying surroundings of a vehicle, includes recording a surrounding image field with a wide-angle lens, rectifying the surrounding image field recorded with the wide-angle lens by producing a display image field, which reproduces the surrounding image field in rectified form, and displaying the display image field. The rectification includes imaging the surrounding image field according to a rectification acting at least in the vertical direction, which shows a lower edge of the recorded surrounding image field on a lower setpoint image edge. The setpoint image edge at least approximately corresponds to an outer contour section of the vehicle. The course of the setpoint image edge differs from the lower edge. The rectification represents continuous imaging for pixels of the surrounding image field which are not on the lower edge. A related device for the visual display of surroundings of a vehicle is also described. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120086808 | VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly with an electrochromic reflective element. The reflective element has an electrochromic medium disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate and has a transflective third-surface mirror reflector. A video display is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the transflective mirror reflector. The video display includes a thin film transistor video screen that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes that are operable by a control. The control includes DC to DC conversion circuitry that includes circuitry for converting an ignition voltage of the equipped vehicle to a lower voltage that is closer to the forward voltage applied across individual white light emitting light emitting diodes of the plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes than the ignition voltage. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120092497 | DUAL-SIDED DISPLAY FOR VEHICLE REAR-VIEWING SYSTEM - A display system for a vehicle including a dual-sided display panel pivotably mounted to the interior ceiling of the vehicle. The dual-sided display panel displays an image from a media device to a rear-seat passenger of the vehicle and displays a different image to the driver on a second side of the display panel. The second side of the display panel is viewable by a driver of the vehicle through a rear-view mirror. A user-operated switch indicates what video source is displayed to the driver on the second side of the display panel. A first selectable video source is a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle to capture rear-view images of the exterior behind the vehicle. A second selectable video source is a camera mounted in the rear passenger area of the vehicle to capture images of a rear-seat passenger. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092498 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL MIRROR DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD - A display system for a vehicle includes a first camera and a second camera adapted to be mounted to the vehicle. A mirror assembly is provided having a display screen and a view divider such as a parallax barrier. A controller is operatively connected to the cameras and to the display screen and is operable to cause the recorded images to appear as a single three-dimensional image when the images are viewed through the view divider. A method of providing an image of an object that is rearward of a vehicle is also provided. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092499 | SENSOR ASSEMBLY FOR DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS IN MOTOR VEHICLES - A sensor assembly is described for driver assistance systems in motor vehicles, having a radar sensor and a video camera, in which the radar sensor and the video camera are integrated into a common housing. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120098968 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes a camera, an image processor and a control. The field of view of the camera is in a forward direction of travel of the equipped vehicle, and the camera is operable to capture frames of image data. The image processor is operable to process the image data. The control is operable to adjust a light beam emanating from a forward facing light of the equipped vehicle responsive to image processing of frames of image data. The control, responsive to the image processing, is operable to control at least one of (a) adjustment of a beam direction of a light beam emanating from the forward facing light, (b) adjustment of a visible intensity of a light beam emanating from the forward facing light and (c) adjustment of a range of a light beam emanating from the forward facing light. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120105635 | AUTOMOTIVE IMAGING SYSTEM FOR RECORDING EXCEPTION EVENTS - A motor vehicle system for automatically reporting exception events, comprising: one or more digital cameras, at least one digital camera having a primary function; an image memory system for storing digital images; means for detecting exception events; and a wireless communications system for communicating with a central reporting service. A program memory stores executable instruction for causing a processor to perform the steps of: using at least one of the digital cameras to periodically capture digital images at a specified capture frequency; storing the periodically captured digital images in the image memory for a specified period of time; and receiving input from the means for detecting an exception event. In response to the detection of an exception event a communication link is opened to the central reporting service using the wireless communications system, and one or more of the captured digital images are transmitted to the central reporting service. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105636 | Digital video projection display system - A digital display for viewing images generated by a remote video source. Light collected by a lens is focused and passed through one polarizer filter and is focused through a digital device comprising an array of pixels of which each may be fitted with a micro lens. The light is passed through the digital device, then through a second polarizer filter. A relay lens which may alter image size, transfers the image to a micro-resolution screen surface whose surface features are as small as possible and preferably under 0.5 microns in size. The micro-resolution screen surface acts as a rear projection screen which, due to its structure, achieves near Lambertian illumination. A viewing lens is focused on the image plane of the micro-resolution screen surface for viewing by the user. In one embodiment, the digital device is an LCD that is transmissive and the viewing lens is a biocular lens. The source of the signals to be used to generate the images, may be a computer or a camera. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105637 | Multi-Level Video Processing Within A Vehicular Communication Network - A system for performing multi-level video processing within a vehicle includes a pre-processing module for determining an encoding mode and enabling one or more levels of encoding based on the encoding mode. The pre-processing module further receives a video stream from a camera attached to the vehicle via a vehicular communication network and encodes the video stream based on the encoding mode to produce a packet stream output. The system further includes a video decoder for receiving the packet stream output and decoding the packet stream output in accordance with the encoding mode to produce a decoded video output. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105638 | CAMERA SYSTEM FOR LARGE VEHICLES - A vehicle-borne camera-based observation system for monitoring areas adjacent a vehicle or passenger vehicle, such as a bus or schoolbus, is disclosed, to provide safer operation for passersby, including for children, and driver convenience. The system includes several cameras, and several monitors in a driver's area displaying all of the fields of view from the cameras, such that each monitor may be controllable to show either the field of view of a first camera or a the field of view of a second camera, according to a driver selection or according to an automatic selection. Night vision, automatic tracking, and illumination systems are also provided. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105639 | BUNDLING NIGHT VISION AND OTHER DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS (DAS) USING NEAR INFRA RED (NIR) ILLUMINATION AND A ROLLING SHUTTER - A system mountable in a motor vehicle. The system includes a camera and a processor configured to receive image data from the camera. The camera includes a rolling shutter configured to capture the image data during a frame period and to scan and to read the image data into multiple image frames. A near infra-red illuminator may be configured to provide a near infra-red illumination cone in the field of view of the camera. The near infrared illumination oscillates with an illumination period. A synchronization mechanism may be configured to synchronize the illumination period to the frame period of the rolling shutter. The frame period may be selected so that the synchronization mechanism provides a spatial profile of the near infra-red illumination cone which may be substantially aligned vertically to a specific region, e.g. near the center of the image frame. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105640 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM - An information display system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed at the interior cabin of a vehicle and a video display screen disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly. The video display screen is operable to display video images captured by a backup camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. A transmitter is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly, and a graphical user interface generates instructions for operation of the transmitter. The video display screen is operable to selectively display video images captured by the backup camera and instructions from the graphical user interface. When the equipped vehicle is executing a reversing maneuver, the information display system displays the video images captured by the backup camera. The graphical user interface interactively operates with the user input for display of instructions for operation of the transmitter. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105641 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield, and an interior rearview mirror assembly including a mirror head and a mirror support. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror casing, and the mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. A forward facing camera is disposed at the mirror support and has a field of view through the vehicle windshield when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted at the mirror mounting button at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. The forward facing camera is a CMOS camera, and the forward facing camera captures images for a collision avoidance system of the equipped vehicle. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105642 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO DISPLAY DEVICE - Disclosed is a vehicle-mounted video display device that allows a vehicle occupant to intuitively ascertain the orientation of the video being displayed on a display in the vehicle among multiple videos of the vehicle perimeter captured by multiple cameras, was captured a video displayed in the vehicle interior, and thereby allowing the vehicle occupant to ascertain the situation around the vehicle at a glance. A central processing device ( | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105643 | IMAGE GENERATING APPARATUS AND IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM - When displaying a peripheral image in the case where a traveling speed of a vehicle is lower than a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to provide a user with a state of a necessary area of the vehicle without switching a display mode. In an image display system, when the traveling speed of the vehicle drops to below a predetermined threshold value such that an operation mode shifts into a front mode, the display mode becomes a front/side mode that simultaneously displays both a front area and a side area of the vehicle at the time that the front mode is started. A screen presented in the front/side mode can respond to various circumstances such as approaching an intersection, passing by another vehicle, and moving a vehicle toward a roadside. Accordingly, a user can monitor a state of a necessary area around the vehicle, without switching the display mode. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120113258 | CAMERA SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CAMERA SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A camera system for a motor vehicle includes an image sensor for outputting image signals and multiple optical elements. The optical elements include a switchable optical element which is part of a first camera optical system in the first switching state and part of a second camera optical system in a second switching state. Optical elements form the first camera optical system for detecting a first surrounding and for imaging the first surrounding on the image sensor with the aid of a first object distance, and optical elements form the second camera optical system for detecting a second surrounding and for imaging the second surrounding on the image sensor with the aid of a second object distance which differs from the first object distance. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120113259 | Track-side fault detection system and method and apparatus for implementing the same - A track-side fault detection system, includes a central station and at least one field station at the track side, with the field station including a control apparatus and at least two cameras. The cameras shoot a train when said train passes by and send the shot image data to the control apparatus. The control apparatus performs image processing of the image data of the cameras using a built-in GPU and sends the processed image data to the central station via a network. The central station detects a fault of the train according to the image data from the control apparatus of the field station. With the TFDS, the image data processing capability and efficiency can be significantly improved and the installation costs at the field stations can be significantly reduced. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120113260 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes a photosensor array having a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle. A portion of the photosensor array captures image data representative of an item of interest exterior the vehicle and within the forward field of view. A control is responsive to an output of the photosensor array and includes an image processor for processing the image data. At least responsive to the control analyzing the image data, the image sensing system senses the presence of an object within the field of view of the photosensor array, and the image sensing system, responsive at least in part to sensing the presence of the object, at least one of (i) controls a vehicle system using forward field of view information and (ii) supplements control of a vehicle system using forward field of view information. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120113261 | BLIND-SPOT IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE, AND BLIND-SPOT IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD FOR VEHICLE - A see-through side view monitor system (A | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120120240 | VIDEO IMAGE CONVERSION DEVICE AND IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE - An image capture device ( | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120127309 | OBJECT RECOGNITION SYSTEM, AND OBSTACLE RECOGNITION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE - Provided is an object recognition system. The object recognition system recognizes an object in an ROI of a source image. The object recognition system includes an image change unit and an ROI detection unit. The image change unit receives the source image, and changes the object into an edge image which is represented as an edge line. The ROI detection unit divides the edge image into a plurality of regions, compares a total sum of edge component values of an edge line included in each of the regions and a predetermined threshold value by regions, and detects a region, in which the total sum of edge component values is greater than the threshold value, as the ROI from among the plurality of regions. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127310 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE CAMERA - An apparatus and method for adaptively controlling an angle of a camera when the height of a vehicle is changed are provided. The apparatus for controlling a vehicle camera includes at least one sensor which detects variation in height of the vehicle, a rotational angle calculation unit which calculates a rotational angle of the vehicle to compensate the detected variation in height of the vehicle, and a camera control unit which controls the image pickup angle of the vehicle camera based on the calculated rotational angle. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127311 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN IMAGE RECORDING SYSTEM IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for calibrating an image recording system in a motor vehicle, image data being recorded via a camera system from an area which is illuminated by a lighting unit of the motor vehicle, and a modulation of the radiation emitted by the lighting unit being performed to determine the illuminated area. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127312 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY IMAGE GENERATION APPARATUS - Provided is a vehicle periphery image generation apparatus for generating a vehicle periphery image which can provide a wide view of vehicle periphery at a time. The vehicle periphery image generation apparatus includes an image acquisition unit for acquiring vehicle periphery images photographed by a plurality of photographic cameras mounted on the vehicle, a display device provided in the vehicle interior for displaying the images, a viewing point position setting unit for setting the position as the viewing point of the image to be displayed on the display device to a viewing point from a perpendicularly upward direction, a fish-eye image generation unit for generating a fish-eye image with using the periphery images and the position set by the viewing point position setting unit, a self vehicle image generation unit for generating a self vehicle image, and a display image generation unit for generating an image to be displayed on the display device with using the fish-eye image and a self vehicle image, wherein the position of the viewing point of the fish-eye image can be changed. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120133766 | VEHICLE REARVIEW BACK-UP SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle rearview back-up system includes a backup camera, a display, a calculator, a storage unit, a detector, and a moving unit. The backup camera captures an image of a parking spot when the vehicle is backed-up to a predetermined position. The display displays the captured image and an outlined parking spot in the captured image defined by the driver. The calculator calculates an imaging ratio between the size of the captured image and the size of the outlined parking spot. The display displays a vehicle image in a predetermined region according to the calculated imaging ratio. The detector detects moving direction and moving distance of the vehicle. The moving unit moves the vehicle image in the display according to the moving direction and moving distance of the vehicle, and the calculated imaging ratio for implementing the back-up process of the vehicle. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120133767 | Image-Processing Camera System and Image-Processing Camera Control Method - An image pickup device that acquires images is controlled by an image pickup device controller that accepts image acquisition requests from multiple application programs, and an application scheduler selects application programs to be executed. Information indicative of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates required for each of the multiple application programs is stored and used to select multiple concurrently executable application programs on the basis of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates. An image acquisition scheduler determines the timing and intervals at which the multiple executable application programs repeat receiving image data from the image pickup device, without overlapping in terms of time. In addition, an operations section, which explicitly presents concurrently executable application programs to a user and commands the startup of these programs, is displayed on a navigation screen menu. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120133768 | Rear Vision Video Camera and Display Screen System for a Vehicle - A rear vision video camera and display screen system for a motor vehicle ( | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120133769 | VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS AWARENESS SUPPORT DEVICE - Provided is a vehicle surroundings awareness support device capable of providing a prompt for a driver to intuitively direct their attention, without the driver feeling hassled. Captured images comprising a plurality of frames taken sequentially by an onboard camera for imaging the surroundings of the vehicle are received; an optical flow is computed on the basis of feature points contained in the plurality of frames imaged at different times; moving objects in the surroundings of the vehicle are detected on the basis of the optical flow; and a display for showing movement trajectories for the moving objects is superimposed on the captured images on the basis of the optical flow. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120140072 | OBJECT DETECTION APPARATUS - A parameter memory of an object detection apparatus retains a plurality of parameters used for a detection process for each of a plurality of detection conditions. A parameter selector selects a parameter from amongst the parameters retained in the parameter memory, according to an existing detection condition. Then an object detector performs the detection process of detecting an object approaching a vehicle, based on a captured image captured by a camera out of a plurality of cameras disposed at different locations of the vehicle, by using the parameter selected by the parameter selector. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140073 | IN-VEHICLE APPARATUS - An in-vehicle apparatus includes an image-capturing part that is installed on a vehicle and captures an image of a periphery of the vehicle, an image generator that generates a bird's-eye image including the vehicle and the periphery of the vehicle viewed from a virtual viewpoint based on the image captured by the image-capturing part, and a transmitter that transmits the bird's-eye image to a terminal. The image generator changes the virtual viewpoint based on a change request from the terminal and generates the bird's-eye image viewed from the virtual viewpoint after changing the virtual viewpoint. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140074 | ELECTRONIC MIRROR - An electronic mirror includes a first display section, a second display sections and a half mirror disposed between the display sections. The first display section displays a surrounding image captured by an imaging device in a display region. The second display section displays a frame image that has a shape taken along an outer periphery of the display region. A distance between the first display section and a point of the half mirror is greater than a distance between the second display section and the point the half mirror so that the frame image is offset relative to the outer periphery of the surrounding image when viewed in the half mirror. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140075 | Traffic Signals and Related Methods - Traffic signals include displays and controllers for displaying information relating to the general condition of the traffic signal. The information can include a time remaining in seconds until the next change in the general condition. Traffic signal systems are adaptable to facilitate passage of emergency vehicles through intersections, including traffic signal systems with flat panel screens. The displays can be flat panel screens displaying information in multiple information formats. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140076 | FORWARD COLLISION WARNING TRAP AND PEDESTRIAN ADVANCED WARNING SYSTEM - A method for providing a forward collision warning using a camera mountable in a motor vehicle. The method acquires multiple image frames at known time intervals. A patch may be selected in at least one of the image frames. Optical flow may be tracked between the image frames of multiple image points of the patch. Based on the fit of the image points to a model, a time-to collision (TTC) may be determined if a collision is expected. The image points may be fit to a road surface model and a portion of the image points is modeled to be imaged from a road surface. A collision is not expected based on the fir of the image points to the road surface model. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140077 | IMAGE SERVER, IMAGE DELIVER BASED ON IMAGE INFORMATION AND CONDITION, AND IMAGE DISPLAY TERMINAL - Images are efficiently collected or delivered so that uncomfortable feeling given to users who view picked images picked up at vehicles and delivered by an image server is lessened. An image server is so constructed that the following operation is performed: the picked image of the surroundings of a vehicle, picked up with a camera mounted on the vehicle, and the image pickup information of the picked image, including information about the image pickup point, are stored on a storing medium; and picked images stored on the storing medium are delivered to users who view received picked images. One is selected from among picked images inputted from a vehicle with respect to each of areas to which the image pickup points of those picked images belong based on the image pickup information and a predetermined selection condition. The selected picked image is stored on the storing medium. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140078 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor is disposed at least partially within an exterior rearview mirror assembly that is attached at a side of a vehicle. The field of view of the imaging array sensor encompasses at least one of a rearward field of view, a sideward field of view and a forward field of view. The control may utilize edge detection in processing captured image data. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, the control determines an object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor. A portion of the equipped vehicle is present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor and the control may be operable to determine that the portion of the equipped vehicle is not an object of interest. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140079 | Entry Control Point Device, System and Method - The present invention provides an entry control device, system and method which can recognize a vehicle by its undercarriage image only. The present invention compares a new vehicle undercarriage image with those stored in a reference database to facilitate the automatic search of a vehicle's undercarriage. The present invention can compare the new undercarriage image to the same or similar undercarriage image previously entered in the reference database, highlighting any anomalies such as, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernalia and other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120140080 | VEHICULAR VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM - A video mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an electrochromic reflective element and a video display screen disposed to the rear of the reflective element. The video display screen, when actuated, emits light that passes through a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing the reflective element. The video display screen includes a thin film transistor liquid crystal display element that is back lit by a plurality of white light emitting light emitting diodes. A camera having a field of view rearward of the vehicle is mounted at the rear of the vehicle and, during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, a video output of the camera is displayed by the video display screen as video images so as to assist the driver in reversing the equipped vehicle. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120147186 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECORDING TRACK OF VEHICLES AND ACQUIRING ROAD CONDITIONS USING THE RECORDED TRACKS - An image recording device mounted to a vehicle includes an imaging unit for capturing a sequence of images including an image of a road that the vehicle is running and circumstances around the road by taking photographs; an image management unit for storing the captured images in a recording medium and for extracting a target image corresponding to a request for image transmission from the recording medium; and a communication unit for receiving the request for image transmission and for transmitting the extracted images to the external entity. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120147187 | VEHICLE DETECTION DEVICE AND VEHICLE DETECTION METHOD - A vehicle detection device having an imaging device to capture two respective polarized images from two polarized light beams having different polarization directions contained in light received from an imaging area including a road surface on which one's own vehicle is traveling and a vehicle traveling on the road surface and a polarization difference calculation device to calculate a polarization difference indicating the ratio of a luminance difference between the two respective polarized images to the luminance total thereof for respective identification processing areas formed by dividing the two respective polarized images taken by the imaging device, and a vehicle area detection device to conduct a vehicle area detection process of detecting a vehicle area displaying the vehicle in the imaging area based on the polarization difference of the respective identification processing areas calculated by the polarization difference calculation device. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120147188 | VEHICLE VICINITY MONITORING APPARATUS - A vehicle vicinity monitoring apparatus detects a bicycle rider from infrared images. The vehicle vicinity monitoring apparatus converts the infrared images into binarized images, and calculates correlated errors of areas from a reference template. The vehicle vicinity monitoring apparatus judges an object of interest as the bicycle rider when the amplitude of the correlated errors changes periodically. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120154586 | CALIBRATION CIRCUIT FOR AUTOMATICALLY CALIBRATING A VIEW IMAGE AROUND A CAR AND METHOD THEREOF - A method of automatically calibrating a view image around a car includes installing at least one camera at front side, rear side, left side, and right side of the car respectively, obtaining a size of the car and location information of the at least four cameras, setting a plurality of reference points corresponding to each camera of the at least four cameras, utilizing one camera of the at least four cameras to capture a fisheye image including the plurality of reference points corresponding to the one camera, executing fisheye correction on the fisheye image to generate a corrected fisheye image, determining whether an image center of the camera is located within a predetermined range according to the corrected fisheye image, and performing a corresponding operation according to a determination result. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120154587 | CAMERA ARRANGEMENT AND DOOR HANDLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - A camera arrangement for a motor vehicle for surveillance of at least a part of surrounding located laterally next to the motor vehicle with respect to driving direction is described. The camera arrangement comprises at least one camera capturing real time images of an area under surveillance. The at least one camera is arranged or integrated in at least one door handle of at least one door of the motor vehicle. Also a door handle of a motor vehicle is described. Within the door handle a camera for surveillance of at least a part of surrounding located laterally next to the motor vehicle with respect to driving direction is arranged or integrated. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120154588 | LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A lane departure warning system and method. The lane departure warning system includes an image sensing unit, an edge extracting unit, a lane recognizing unit, a lane type determining unit, a lane color detecting unit, a lane pattern generating unit, and a lane departure determining unit. The image sensing unit senses a plurality of images. The edge extracting unit emphasizes edge components necessary for lane recognition. The lane recognizing unit detects straight-line components. The lane type determining unit determines a type of the lane. The lane color detecting unit detects a color of the lane from an image signal value. The lane pattern generating unit generates a lane pattern. The lane departure determining unit determines lane departure in consideration of the type and the color of the lane and a state of a turn signal lamp. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120154589 | VEHICLE SURROUNDING MONITOR APPARATUS - From a captured image capturing an image of the surrounding of a vehicle, there are generated a first image having a rectangular shape and a second image having a non-rectangular, parallelogram shape. A display screen is generated and displayed which comprises the first image and the second image laid side by side, with image contents of the first and second images being continuous with each other and also with adjacent sides of the first and second images being parallel with each other. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120154590 | VEHICLE SURROUNDING MONITOR APPARATUS - From a captured image capturing an image of the surrounding of a vehicle, there are generated a display screen including an image to be displayed when the vehicle is under a stopped state and a display screen including an image to be displayed when the vehicle is under a non-stopped state (not under the stopped state). And, these generated display screens are displayed on a monitor. The area of vehicle surrounding shown by the image displayed when the vehicle is under the non-stopped state is narrower than the area of vehicle surrounding shown by the image displayed when the vehicle is under the stopped state. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120154591 | IMAGING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vehicular imaging and display system includes a rear backup camera at a rear portion of a vehicle, a video processor for processing image data captured by the rear camera, and a video display screen responsive to the video processor to display video images. During a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle, the video display screen displays video images captured by the rear camera. During forward travel of the equipped vehicle, the video display screen is operable to display images representative of a portion of the field of view of the rear camera to display images representative of an area sideward of the equipped vehicle responsive to at least one of (a) actuation of a turn signal indicator of the vehicle, (b) detection of a vehicle in a side lane adjacent to the equipped vehicle and (c) a lane departure warning system of the vehicle. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120154592 | Image-Processing System and Image-Processing Method - A vehicle-periphery-image-providing system may include an image-capturing unit, a viewpoint-change unit, an image-composition unit, an object-detection unit, a line-width-setting unit, and a line-selection unit. The image-capturing units, such as cameras, capture images outside a vehicle periphery and generate image-data items. The viewpoint-change unit generates a bird's-eye-view image for each image-data item based on the image-data item so that end portions of the real spaces corresponding to two adjacent bird's-eye-view images overlap each other. The image-composition unit generates a bird's-eye-view-composite image by combining the bird's-eye-view images according to a predetermined layout. The object-detection unit detects an object existing in the real space corresponding to a portion where the bird's-eye-view images of the bird's-eye-composite image are joined to each other. The line-width-setting unit sets the width of the line image corresponding to the joining portion. The line-selection unit adds a line image having the set width to an overlap portion of one of the bird's-eye-view images. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120162422 | Fuel Dispenser System and Method Utilizing Vehicle Presence Detector - A system and method for activating and deactivating components of a fueling environment based on data transmitted by a sensor, such as a rangefinder or light curtain, configured to monitor an area adjacent to each fuel dispenser. The system and method also instruct the environment's components to perform other tasks based on data transmitted by the sensor. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162423 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMOBILE SECURITY MONITORING - Systems and methods for providing an automobile security monitoring service are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring the security of a plurality of automobiles includes monitoring, over a network, the security of the plurality of automobiles, receiving, from one of the plurality of automobiles over the network, a message indicating a potential security threat to the automobile, and sending, over a network to a terminal device associated with an owner of the automobile, an alert indicating the potential security threat to the automobile. The method further includes receiving, over the network from the terminal device and responsive to the alert, a request of the owner to stream video from a security camera onboard the automobile, issuing, to the automobile over the network and based on the request, a command to the automobile to stream video from the security camera onboard the automobile. The method further includes receiving, from the automobile over the network, video from the security camera onboard the automobile, and streaming received video over the network to the terminal device. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162424 | EXPOSURE CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA - The exposure control apparatus is for performing exposure control for a camera mounted on a vehicle in accordance with brightness of a recognition area set in an image ahead of the vehicle taken by the camera. The exposure control apparatus includes a measuring means for measuring brightness of a photometric area showing a landscape more distant from the vehicle than a landscape shown by the recognition area in each of images successively taken by the camera, a detection means for detecting brightness variation with time of the photometric area based on measurement results by the measuring means for images taken by the camera at different times, and a control means configured to predict a timing at which the brightness of the recognition area changes based on the brightness variation with time of the photometric area, and perform exposure control of the camera at the predicted timing. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162425 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SECURING VISIBILITY FOR DRIVER - The device for securing visibility for a driver includes an input unit obtaining an image of an area in front of a moving object; a first estimating unit estimating from the image a geometric relationship between the moving object and its surrounding environment to output geometric relationship information; a second estimating unit estimating from the image an optical characteristic of the environment to output optical characteristic information; a first correcting unit adjusting brightness and contrast of the image based on the optical characteristic information and eliminating blob noise resulting from the environment; a second correcting unit compensating for vibration of the image based on the geometric relation information and eliminating motion blur; a synthesizing unit restoring, based on the geometric relationship information, empty space of the image resulting from the blob noise elimination and the vibration compensation and extracting and highlighting principal information of the image to acquire new image. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162426 | METHOD OF DETERMINING EXPOSURE CONTROL VALUE FOR VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA - The method is for determining an exposure control value for controlling exposure of a camera mounted on a vehicle to take images in the vicinity of the vehicle. The method includes a detection step of detecting a target from a taken image which the camera has taken in a state where the target is disposed within a image-taking area of the camera, a measurement step of measuring brightness of the target in the taken image, and a calculation step of calculating the exposure control value to such a value that the brightness of the target becomes equal to a target brightness appropriate for recognizing the target. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162427 | VISION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision display system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras having exterior fields of view, a first display screen disposed in an interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle, and a second display screen disposed at or in a console or instrument panel of the vehicle. The cameras include a rearward viewing camera, a forward viewing camera, a driver side viewing camera and a passenger side viewing camera. The second display screen has a diagonal dimension that is greater than a diagonal dimension of the first display screen. The first display screen is operable to display images captured by the rearward viewing camera during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle and the second display screen displays a surround view image formed as a composite image derived from image data captured by the rearward, forward, driver side and passenger side viewing cameras during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162428 | HOUSING FOR EXTERIOR IMAGING DEVICE OF VEHICLE - This disclosure relates to a housing for preventing impurities such as dust from adhering to a lens of an imaging device such as a video camera and a UV or laser emitter/detector mounted to an exterior of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a housing for an exterior imaging device of a vehicle, which may prevents impurities such as dust, water drops and frost from adhering to a lens of an imaging device by using an air flow which is naturally supplied while the vehicle is driving, and which may remove impurities adhered to the lens so that the imaging device may give a clear image quality. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162429 | Image Processing Method for a Driver Assistance System of a Motor Vehicle for Detecting and Classifying at Least one Portion of at Least one Predefined Image Element - In an image processing method for a driver assistance system for detecting and classifying a portion of a predefined image element having a road sign in a digital image captured by an image sensor of the driver assistance system, first scale-invariant image features and their relative geometric arrangement with respect to one another are computed based on at least one image region of the digital image to be searched, after which a classifier compares the first scale-invariant image features and their relative geometric arrangement with respect to one another to stored and/or learned second scale-invariant image features and their relative geometric arrangement with respect to one another which are computed based on the at least one predefined image element. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120162430 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM WITH FORWARDLY-VIEWING CAMERA - A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an attachment element at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield and an interior rearview mirror assembly that includes a housing having a mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element. An interior rearview mirror head is pivotable about the housing by a single ball and socket pivot joint and is adjustable by a driver of the vehicle about the single pivot joint to adjust a rearward field of view. The housing houses a forwardly-viewing camera and, with the interior rearview mirror assembly attached at the attachment element, the forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a control that may receive an input and/or deliver an output via a bus communication, and that may at least partially control a braking system and/or a traction control system of the equipped vehicle. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120169875 | REARWARD VIEW ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A rearward view assistance apparatus in a vehicle includes an imaging device that acquires a vehicle rearward image by taking a rearview from the vehicle, a control circuit that sets a cropped image by cropping part of the vehicle rearward image in response to a state of a vehicle, and a display device that is provided in a passenger compartment and displays the cropped image. The control circuit preferably overlays a lower portion of the cropped image with a mask. The control circuit preferably displays an indication corresponding to a rear portion of the vehicle on the cropped image. The rearward view assistance apparatus is thus provided to view rearward from the vehicle even when passengers are present on the seats in the second and third rows. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120169876 | LASER SCANNING DEVICE FOR MOUNTING ON THE ROOF RACK OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a laser scanning device for mounting on the roof rack of a vehicle, comprising a base support, which is configured as an “X”, can be mounted on a roof rack and on which a laser scanning module that spans the fork of the “X” can be fixed. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120169877 | RAIN DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A rain detection apparatus includes a camera that views a surface and a processor that captures an image from the camera. The processor generates a signal indicative of rain on the surface from information contained in the captured image and optionally drives a surface cleaning apparatus in response thereto. The apparatus captures images focused at a plurality of distances. The processor includes an edge detector that detects edges visible in the captured image and a difference structure that calculates the difference between the number of edges visible between differing images. The edge detector disregards edges close to areas of light larger than the largest raindrop that is desired or expected to be detected. The apparatus optionally includes a backlight, and the difference in numbers of edges between frames with and without the backlight illuminated are used to distinguish between background features and rain on the surface. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120169878 | RAIN DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A rain detection apparatus includes a camera that views a surface and a processor that captures an image from the camera. The processor generates a signal indicative of rain on the surface from information contained in the captured image and optionally drives a surface cleaning apparatus in response thereto. The apparatus captures images focused at a plurality of distances. The processor includes an edge detector that detects edges visible in the captured image and a difference structure that calculates the difference between the number of edges visible between differing images. The edge detector disregards edges close to areas of light larger than the largest raindrop that is desired or expected to be detected. The apparatus optionally includes a backlight, and the difference in numbers of edges between frames with and without the backlight illuminated are used to distinguish between background features and rain on the surface. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120176498 | EXPLOSIVE OR DRUG DETECTION REPORTING SYSTEM - A police tester to detect the presence of a target substance includes a housing adapted to be mounted in a police cruiser; a chemical reservoir insertable into the housing; a test swipe in a disc or an automated cartridge, the test swipe adapted to receive a chemical from the chemical reservoir, the test swipe including one or more chemically treated pads; a camera to capture an image from the test swipe; a processor coupled to the camera to process the image to detect the target substance; and a transmitter coupled to the processor to transmit a test result to a remote computer at a police headquarter. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120176499 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING A REAR VEHICLE LIGHT - A state of a rear vehicle light is detected. A camera system integrated in a vehicle generates an image of an environment in front of the vehicle. An evaluation unit connected to the camera system detects at least one vehicle contained in the image, defines an image range associated with said vehicle, and divides the image range into sub-ranges comprising at least a left sub-range and a right sub range. A segmentation of the sub-ranges into image segments is performed by way of the evaluation unit on the basis of brightness values of points contained in said sub-ranges. At least one brightest image segment is extracted from each of said sub-ranges, and the extracted image segments are checked for whether they can be associated with a particular vehicle light in an ON state. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120176500 | IMAGE SERVER, IMAGE DELIVER BASED ON IMAGE INFORMATION AND CONDITION, AND IMAGE DISPLAY TERMINAL - Images are efficiently collected or delivered so that uncomfortable feeling given to users who view picked images picked up at vehicles and delivered by an image server is lessened. An image server is so constructed that the following operation is performed: the picked image of the surroundings of a vehicle, picked up with a camera mounted on the vehicle, and the image pickup information of the picked image, including information about the image pickup point, are stored on a storing medium; and picked images stored on the storing medium are delivered to users who view received picked images. One is selected from among picked images inputted from a vehicle with respect to each of areas to which the image pickup points of those picked images belong based on the image pickup information and a predetermined selection condition. The selected picked image is stored on the storing medium. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120182421 | GPS DEVICE WITH INTEGRAL CAMERA - A GPS device includes GPS receiver/calculator that receives and calculates signals from satellites and generates locational data, a camera selectively taking images of inside or outside the motor vehicle and a processor that processes the images, and them with GPS location information. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120182422 | Devices to equip vehicles with close circuit television backup system - A removable vehicle backup closed circuit television system for articulated vehicle trailers having a clamping device for instant securing or releasing of the rearward facing camera to the trailer. The clamp preferable is coupled to the trailer door's vertical locking rods. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120182423 | RAIN DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A rain detection apparatus includes a camera that views a surface and a processor that captures an image from the camera. The processor generates a signal indicative of rain on the surface from information contained in the captured image and optionally drives a surface cleaning apparatus in response thereto. The apparatus captures images focused at a plurality of distances. The processor includes an edge detector that detects edges visible in the captured image and a difference structure that calculates the difference between the number of edges visible between differing images. The edge detector disregards edges close to areas of light larger than the largest raindrop that is desired or expected to be detected. The apparatus optionally includes a backlight, and the difference in numbers of edges between frames with and without the backlight illuminated are used to distinguish between background features and rain on the surface. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120182424 | RAIN DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A rain detection apparatus includes a camera that views a surface and a processor that captures an image from the camera. The processor generates a signal indicative of rain on the surface from information contained in the captured image and optionally drives a surface cleaning apparatus in response thereto. The apparatus captures images focused at a plurality of distances. The processor includes an edge detector that detects edges visible in the captured image and a difference structure that calculates the difference between the number of edges visible between differing images. The edge detector disregards edges close to areas of light larger than the largest raindrop that is desired or expected to be detected. The apparatus optionally includes a backlight, and the difference in numbers of edges between frames with and without the backlight illuminated are used to distinguish between background features and rain on the surface. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120182425 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes an imaging device and a control operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect at least one of (i) a sign ahead of the equipped vehicle, (ii) an animal ahead of the equipped vehicle and (iii) a pedestrian ahead of the equipped vehicle. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect an oncoming headlight or a leading taillight of another vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle. An illumination source is operable to illuminate generally forwardly and/or generally sidewardly of the equipped vehicle, and wherein illumination emanating from the illumination source is adjustable. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120182426 | VEHICLE-SURROUNDINGS MONITORING DEVICE - Said device can thereby accurately output the distance to a target abject. A camera-orientation estimation unit ( | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120188373 | METHOD FOR REMOVING NOISE AND NIGHT-VISION SYSTEM USING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are a method for removing noise by segmenting an image according to a brightness value of the image and/or distribution of pixel data, setting coefficient values of a low pass filter in consideration of characteristics of each image with respect to each segmented image and then filtering each segmented image, and a night vision system including noise removing units using the same disposed before and behind a brightness improving unit, thereby making it possible to remove noise without deteriorating image quality. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120188374 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM OF AN AUTOMOBILE PROVIDING A RECOMMENDATION RELATING TO A PASSING MANEUVER, AND AN AUTOMOBILE - Method for operating a driver assist system of an automobile providing information regarding a passing maneuver, in particular a recommendation discouraging a passing maneuver, with a camera arranged on or in at least one outside mirror and oriented in the driving direction of the automobile, wherein the camera data are evaluated by the driver assist system and a length of an automobile in front and/or of an automobile convoy in front is determined in particular from the camera data and taken into consideration when determining the recommendation. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120188375 | SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT MOUNTABLE ON RECORDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A semiconductor integrated circuit has a video encoder including a motion prediction unit, a motion compensation unit, a subtraction unit, a discrete cosine transform unit, a quantization unit, an inverse quantization unit, an inverse discrete cosine transform unit, and an addition unit. The encoder divides the video signal from the camera into a plurality of partial images including the central part of the image and the peripheral part of the image according to the distance from the center of the image, and processes the partial images. A pixel processing unit coordinate-transforms coordinates of a pixel included in the central part of the image into coordinates of the peripheral part of the image, and performs a process of enlarging an object of a subject included in the central part of the image on a pixel-by-pixel basis when performing the coordinate transform. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120188376 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATING CAMERA SYSTEMS AND SELF BROADCASTING - A system for monitoring the operation of a vehicle. The system comprises a plurality of sensors; a plurality of optical capture devices; a memory in which at least a recording schema is stored, the at least recording schema contains rules for operation of at least one of the plurality of optical capture devices responsive of at least one of the plurality of sensors respective of at least one activity to be captured; and a recorder coupled to the plurality of sensors, the plurality of optical capture devices and the memory, the recorder determines based on the at least recording schema and responsive of at least an input from at least one of the plurality of sensors which of the at least one of the plurality of optical capture devices to operate. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120194677 | LANE MARKER DETECTION SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED DETECTION-PERFORMANCE - In a lane marker detection system, an image capturing element captures a road image ahead of a vehicle. The road image contains a plurality of color light components individually extractable therefrom. A selecting element extracts color groups from at least one of left and right areas of the road image in front of the vehicle, and selects, from the extracted color groups, one color group. The color groups are comprised of one or more combinations of at least one of the plurality of color light components. The selected one color group has a position in the at least one of the left area and the right area with a contrast equal to or higher than a threshold. The position of the selected one color group is the closest to a boundary between the left and right areas in the extracted color groups. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120194678 | POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE HAVING AT LEAST ONE CAMERA AND A LEAST ONE LAMP - A power-driven vehicle having at least one camera and at least one lamp, the camera is provided to photograph at least part of the surrounding area of the power-driven vehicle, the lamp is used to illuminate at least sections of said part of the surrounding area of the power-driven vehicle, and the lamp can be supplied by a power supply medium of the power-driven vehicle with power having a first frequency to generate the light. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120194679 | MULTI-MODE VEHICLE COMPUTING DEVICE SUPPORTING IN-CAB AND STAND-ALONE OPERATION - Techniques involving connecting an in-cab computing device to an onboard computing device mounted in a vehicle. Vehicle-related information may be communicated between the in-cab computing device and onboard computing device while the in-cab computing device is connected to the onboard computing device. Techniques involve facilitating disconnection of the in-cab computing device from the onboard computing device and operating the in-cab computing device in a stand-alone mode, and facilitating reconnection of the in-cab computing device to the onboard computing device to resume operations between the in-cab computing device and onboard computing device. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120194680 | PEDESTRIAN DETECTION SYSTEM - Disclosed is a pedestrian detection system including a pedestrian detection device ( | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120200704 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DIRECTING RADIATION IN THE DIRECTION OF AN OPTICAL ELEMENT OF AN IMAGE SENSING DEVICE OF A VEHICLE - A device for directing radiation in the direction of an optical element of an image sensing device of a vehicle. The device includes a central area for directing at least one portion of a first incident radiation onto the optical element. The device also includes at least one border area for directing at least one portion of at least one second incident radiation onto the optical element. The at least one second incident radiation runs in the opposite direction or at an obtuse angle with respect to the first incident radiation. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200705 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - A vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus displays a mobile object on a display unit, encircled by a detection frame, which notifies the driver of the vehicle concerning the presence of the mobile object. A mobile object detector judges a travel path of the mobile object, and a display processor changes an area within which the detection frame is not displayed, depending on the direction in which the judged travel path extends. The detection frame is displayed only when necessary, so as to indicate the presence of the mobile object to the driver using the detection frame. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200706 | VEHICLE MANEUVERING AIDS | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200707 | ESTIMATING DISTANCE TO AN OBJECT USING A SEQUENCE OF IMAGES RECORDED BY A MONOCULAR CAMERA - A method for monitoring headway to an object performable in a computerized system including a camera mounted in a moving vehicle. The camera acquires in real time multiple image frames including respectively multiple images of the object within a field of view of the camera. An edge is detected in the images of the object. A smoothed measurement is performed of a dimension the edge. Range to the object is calculated in real time, based on the smoothed measurement. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200708 | VEHICLE PERIPHERAL MONITORING DEVICE - On the basis of the illumination output from the illumination estimation unit ( | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200709 | RETROREFLECTIVE SHEETING AND LICENSE PLATE WITH REDUCED RETROREFLECTIVITY AT HIGH ENTRANCE ANGLES - The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity at high entrance angles. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light from high entrance angles and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light from entrance angles in the vicinity of the normal. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200710 | PRISMATIC RETROREFLECTIVE SHEETING WITH REDUCED RETROREFLECTIVITY OF INFRA-RED LIGHT - The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity of infra-red light. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120206599 | REMOTE PHOTOGRAPHIC MONITORING SYSTEM - A system that monitors the surrounding of a vehicle by taking pictures at a predetermined interval is provided. The system monitors the entire surroundings of the vehicle or specific areas around the vehicle. The system takes pictures and stores them in a hard disk drive for retrieval. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120206600 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND ITS ADJUSTMENT METHOD - In an image processing apparatus, an image acquisition unit acquires an image. A correction unit corrects pixel values of pixels composed of the acquired image by using correction coefficients to produce a correct image. An object recognition unit recognizes an object in the corrected image. A storage unit stores in advance standard color characteristics of a predetermined object which is a recognition target. A color characteristics acquisition unit acquires color characteristics of the predetermined object if the predetermined object is recognized by the object recognition unit. A comparison unit compares the color characteristics of the acquired object with the standard color characteristics of the same predetermined object stored in advance in the storage unit. An updating unit updates the correction coefficients used in the correction unit based on a result of comparison so as to reduce a difference between the color characteristics and the standard color characteristics. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120206601 | DISTORTION CORRECTION OF VIDEO SYSTEMS - In a method for distortion-free acquisition of image data through a windshield, the image recording system acquires the recording area through a transparent rectifying pane which has a shape deviation relative to the windshield and is positioned in the interior of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, an image correction device has a mounting device, which is configured to be indirectly or directly fastened on a windshield in the interior of a motor vehicle, and a transparent rectifying pane, which is fastened on the mounting device. The mounting device positions the rectifying pane having a shape deviation relative to the windshield in the interior of the motor vehicle. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120212612 | Lane Departure Warning Apparatus and Lane Departure Warning System - There is provided a lane departure warning apparatus capable of preventing false warnings and absence of a warning regarding lane departure which is attributed to special road geometries such as junctions and tollgates. The lane departure warning apparatus for outputting a warning signal upon determining departure of a vehicle from a lane, performing the steps of: when one dividing line in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle is non-detected, estimating a position of the one dividing line based on a position of the other dividing line as a first estimation dividing line; estimating a position of the non-detected one dividing line based on a position of the one dividing line prior to non-detection as a second estimation dividing line; and comparing the first estimation dividing line with the second estimation dividing line to determine lane departure. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120212613 | VEHICLE VIRTUAL WINDOW SYSTEM, COMPONENTS AND METHOD - Embodiments of a virtual window system and method include a plurality of camera and display modules mounted to window openings on a heavy vehicle such as an armored military vehicle. The modules communicate with a base unit which provides electrical power to the assemblies. Each module includes a frame which releasably fixes its module to the vehicle window opening. Each module further includes a display monitor, which may be removed from the vehicle for repair or replacement purposes. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120212614 | Driver Information Method - A driver information method is provided, wherein an image of the surrounding area is captured by at least one side camera attached to the motor vehicle. The image contains an image capturing area that lies essentially laterally relative to the motor vehicle. A display unit, which is visible to the driver of a motor vehicle, outputs a screen image that contains a reproduction of the image of the surrounding area, the reproduction being graphically processed, if desired, and being preferably in essence photo-realistic. The output of the screen image is only temporary; and an obstructed view situation, in which an obstructed lateral view of the driver is to be assumed, is detected on the basis of distance signals of at least one environment detection system that is not based on a camera. The output of the screen image is automatically started when an obstructed view situation is detected. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120212615 | FAR-INFRARED PEDESTRIAN DETECTION DEVICE - A far-infrared pedestrian detection device includes a point-at-infinity detector ( | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120212616 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE, ADJUSTING DEVICE, AND OPTICAL AXIS ADJUSTING SYSTEM FOR IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE - Provided is an image capturing device. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120218410 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSISTING VISIBILITY OF DRIVER - Provided is a system for assisting visibility of a driver, for displaying a nighttime image in color image quality required to recognize a pedestrian and displaying an image of a lane required to alarm a lane departure using a single camera module, which includes a camera module; a signal extraction unit; a lane pattern image data generating unit; a pedestrian image data generating unit; and a display drive unit. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120218411 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROAD SURFACE DEFECTS DETECTION - A system and method for road surface defects detection based on infrared imaging technology, while the system comprising: a detection vehicle traveling on a detected road surface; a pan and tilt provided on the detection vehicle and rotate horizontally and vertically with respect to the detection vehicle; an infrared camera detachably set on the pan and tilt, which is used to capture infrared thermal images of the detected road surface, and to output inferred thermal image digital signals about the inferred thermal images including temperature values of the detected road surface; a main controller provided on the detection vehicle and connected to the pan and tilt and the infrared camera respectively, which is used to control capture actions of the infrared camera, to control angles of the horizontal and vertical rotations of the pan and tilt, and to transform the infrared thermal image digital signals output from the infrared camera into digital signals to be used in standard network transmission; and a data processor, used to receive the digital infrared signals to be analyzed and processed to determine the type and location of defects on the detected road surface. The system of the present application has excellent operation flexibility and is able to visually display details of the defects. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120218412 | SCALABLE INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR VEHICLE - A vehicular scalable integrated control system includes a plurality of cameras, a vehicular scalable integrated control unit, and a display screen for displaying video information to a driver of the vehicle. Visual image data captured by the cameras is processed by an image processor to detect objects in the fields of view of the cameras. The control unit determines a current geographical location of the vehicle and accommodates downloading of applications, which may include a tour guide application, with the tour guide application providing information associated with various geographical locations of a selected tour area. The control unit, responsive to a determination that the current geographical location of the vehicle is at a location identified in the tour guide application for the selected tour area, controls the display screen to display information associated with the identified location of the tour guide application and the current geographical location of the vehicle. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120218413 | MONITORING SYSTEM - A camera for taking a state behind a vehicle is installed in a position laterally shifted from the rear center of the vehicle. An image processing unit generates a rear image from a camera image by shifting merely a rectangular area of the camera image so that a vertical center line thereof can substantially accord with the center line along the lengthwise direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, processing for correcting lens distortion may be performed. As a result, when the vehicle is moved straight backward, an object present on the center line of the vehicle moves vertically in substantially the center of the screen, so that a user can be prevented from having an odd feeling to see the image. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120224059 | VEHICLE REAR MONITOR - There is provided a vehicle rear monitor displaying an image suitable for backing a vehicle, without requiring a switching operation. A rear camera mounted on a vehicle captures an image of a rear side of the vehicle, such image being processed to generate a top-down or perspective view displayed on an image output unit. The vehicle rear monitor comprises an image display control unit for setting a displayed image. When a gear detection unit has detected that a back gear is selected through a transmission, an image switching unit allows a predetermined top-down or perspective view to be displayed on the image output unit. When the gear detection unit has detected that the back gear is again selected after being thrown out, the image switching unit allows the image output unit to display the top-down or perspective view displayed before the back gear is thrown out, or a desired view. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224060 | Reducing Driver Distraction Using a Heads-Up Display - Driver distraction is reduced by providing information only when necessary to assist the driver, and in a visually pleasing manner. Obstacles such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and road defects are detected based on analysis of image data from a forward-facing camera system. An internal camera images the driver to determine a line of sight. Navigational information, such as a line with an arrow, is displayed on a windshield so that it appears to overlay and follow the road along the line of sight. Brightness of the information may be adjusted to correct for lighting conditions, so that the overlay will appear brighter during daylight hours and dimmer during the night. A full augmented reality is modeled and navigational hints are provided accordingly, so that the navigational information indicates how to avoid obstacles by directing the driver around them. Obstacles also may be visually highlighted. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224061 | Method and device for viewing through fog - A method and device for viewing objects situated in fog is disclosed. An optical system directs light from a scene onto a detector array through one or more optical waveband limiting filters. The detector array transfers a succession of captured scene images to an electronic device for processing. These processed images are transferred to a display device. A method and device for demonstrating the inventive optical system is presented. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224062 | HEAD UP DISPLAYS - We describe a road vehicle contact-analogue head up display (HUD) comprising: a laser-based virtual image generation system to provide a 2D virtual image; exit pupil expander optics to enlarge an eye box of the HUD; a system for sensing a lateral road position relative to the road vehicle and a vehicle pitch or horizon position; a symbol image generation system to generate symbology for the HUD; and an imagery processor coupled to the symbol image generation system, to the sensor system and to said virtual image generation system, to receive and process symbology image data to convert this to data defining a 2D image for display dependent on the sensed road position such that when viewed the virtual image appears to be at a substantially fixed position relative to said road; and wherein the virtual image is at a distance of at least 5 m from said viewer. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224063 | INFRARED CAMERA SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods disclosed herein provide, for some embodiments, infrared cameras and target position acquisition techniques for various applications. For example, in one embodiment, a system may include a portable imaging/viewing subsystem having a target position finder and may also include a fixed mount camera subsystem having a camera and a camera positioner. A communications link may be configured to communicate a signal from the target position finder to the camera positioner. The signal may be representative of a position of a target being imaged/viewed with the portable imaging/viewing subsystem. The camera positioner may aim the camera toward the target in response to the signal. The target may, for example, be a man overboard. Thus, the system may be useful in search and rescue operations. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224064 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A VEHICULAR CAMERA SYSTEM - A method of calibrating a vehicular multi-camera system includes equipping a vehicle with a plurality of cameras wherein each camera of the plurality of cameras captures image data, equipping the vehicle with an image processor, inputting image data from each of the plurality of cameras to the image processor, the image processor processing input image data in order to calibrate the vehicular multi-camera system, and wherein calibration of the vehicular multi-camera system is achieved independently of a model of the real world. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224065 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element and a module. The mounting element includes an attachment portion that is configured for attachment of the mounting element at a vehicle windshield. The mounting element may be configured for attachment of an interior rearview mirror assembly thereto. The mounting element may be configured for accommodating an accessory at least when the mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield. The module is configured for attachment to the mounting element when the mounting element is attached at the vehicle windshield. The module accommodates a camera, and the module includes structure that orients the field of view of the camera with respect to the vehicle windshield when the module is attached to the mounting element. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224066 | VEHICULAR INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display. The display is disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of an electrochromic reflective element of the mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the mirror assembly by a photosensor of the mirror assembly. The display is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, and the information at least includes video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. A control of the mirror assembly is in communication with a network bus of the equipped vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. A reflectance level of the electrochromic reflective element is controlled at least responsive to a determination of a light level by the photosensor. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120229639 | Truck Bed Monitoring System - A truck bed monitoring system comprising a monitor mounted within view of a user inside a cabin of a truck, and a camera built within a cargo light housing. The monitor includes a base to secure the monitor in place and a screen to observe an image. The camera includes a lens to view a truck bed wherein the camera sends the image recorded from the lens to the monitor to display the image on the screen; and wherein the camera enables the user to monitor how a hitch attached to the truck bed aligns with a trailer to ensure that the trailer and the hitch connect. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229640 | Mobile Advertising System - A mobile advertising system is provided that is removably affixable or permanently affixed to the roof of a passenger vehicle. Multiple displays are affixed to a frame so that they can be viewed from positions outside the vehicle. Dynamic video content is inputted to a controller assembly that independently sends a video feed to the displays. Video content is refreshed from internet feeds of from removable memory media. A wide area network connection interfaces the devices with the internet. A local area network connection ‘hot spot’ delivers internet services to passengers of the vehicle. GPS capabilities allow vehicle monitoring and geographically relevant content to be displayed. Other features are present as disclosed in the drawings and written description. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229641 | VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle monitoring system comprises a detection device, a first sensor, a second sensor, a display and a controller. The detection device is coupled to the vehicle and configured to capture information relating to an area proximal to the vehicle. The first sensor is configured to detect a first vehicle condition relating to a user's presence within the vehicle. The second sensor is configured to detect a second vehicle condition relating to an operation of the vehicle. The display is disposed within the vehicle and configured to provide the information captured by the detection device to the user. Also, the controller configured to control the display to provide the information in a first format when the first sensor detects the first vehicle condition and to provide the information in a second format, different from the first format, when the second sensor detects the second vehicle condition. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229642 | VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle monitoring system comprises a detection device, a display and a controller. The detection device is coupled to a vehicle and configured to capture information relating to an area proximal to the vehicle. The display includes a display area that is configured to provide the information captured by the detection device to a user of the vehicle. The controller is configured to control the display to provide the information on a first portion of the display area that is less than an entirety of the display area in response to a first vehicle condition, and to provide the information on a second portion of the display area, greater than the first portion, in response to a second vehicle condition. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229643 | COST-EFFECTIVE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING, CLASSIFYING AND TRACKING THE PEDESTRIAN USING NEAR INFRARED CAMERA - A cost effective method for detecting, classifying and tracking the pedestrian present in front of the vehicle by using images captured by near infrared (IR) camera disposed on the vehicle, the said method comprises the processor implemented steps of: detecting the road to focus of attention for filtering the region of interest (ROI) objects in the said image by estimating the ground region characterized by identifying smooth regions connected to bottom most part of the image; eliminating the non-ground objects based on their distance to ground; filtering the non-ROI objects based on the shape of such objects by computing the signal to noise ratio (SNR) which is a measure of regularity of the component based on its periodicity of its contour for each of such non-ROI objects; eliminating the non-vertical objects by computing inertial moment relative to x and y axis with respect to the centre of mass of such non-vertical objects; classifying the pedestrians in the analyzed frame of the image based their shape; and tracking the movement of the classified pedestrian using mean shift algorithm. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229644 | EDGE POINT EXTRACTING APPARATUS AND LANE DETECTION APPARATUS - An edge point extracting apparatus is provided which includes an image obtaining unit which obtains a road surface image which is picked up from a road surface ahead of a vehicle and from which a plurality of color components are separately extracted a high luminance component selecting unit which extracts a pixel group including a plurality of pixels arranged in a line on the road surface image and selects a color component from the plurality of color components in the pixel group, the selected color component having the highest average luminance which is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold and an edge extracting unit which extracts an edge point in the pixel group by using a color component of the plurality of color components other than the color component selected by the high luminance component selecting unit. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120229645 | IN-VEHICLE ILLUMINATING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE DISPLAYING SYSTEM - A plurality of light sources to assist in image capturing is attached to a vehicle at low cost and simplicity. Three light sources that illuminate a side area in the same direction of the vehicle are fixed to and accommodated in the same housing in a state where light axes of the light sources are directed to different directions from each other. Through this, the three light sources are integrated into a side camera unit by the housing. Accordingly, by attaching the side camera unit only, the light sources can be attached to the vehicle at a time. As a result, the light sources for widely illuminating the side area of the vehicle can be mounted on the vehicle at low cost and simplicity. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120236149 | PARKING LOT - A parking lot with a plurality of parking spaces for vehicles that have OCR-readable license numbers and onboard units with radio IDs that can be read out via radio signals. The parking lot including a central computer for storing parking space reservations, a vehicle license number and an assigned radio ID, a radio beacon for the parking spaces for reading out the radio ID of an entering vehicle via radio and signaling the radio ID to the central computer, and at least one camera unit for each parking space for reading the license number of a vehicle and correspondingly signaling the license number to the central computer. The central computer checks whether for a radio ID signaled to the central computer the vehicle license number is subsequently signaled by the camera unit of this parking space, and to log instances in which this is not the case. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120236150 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, a camera controller, a display device and a display controller. The camera controller and the display controller share a common processor. The vision system is operable to adjust a displayed image responsive to a signal from an auxiliary sensing system. The vision system, responsive to object detection by a sensor, is operable to (a) provide enhanced imaging of the detected object, (b) provide enhanced processing of at least a portion of captured image that corresponds to the region of the exterior scene at which an object is detected, (c) adjust the display device to enhance displayed images of a detected object, and/or (d) adjust the display device to enhance display of at least a portion of a captured image that corresponds to the region of the exterior scene at which the object is detected by the sensor. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120236151 | DISPLAY DEVICE AND VEHICLE - A vehicle has a display device which widens the field of view (visible area) reflected by a side mirror or a back mirror mounted on the vehicle. To enable a driver driving the vehicle to confirm safety even when it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize some of objects surrounding the vehicle, a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device is provided in the side mirror (door mirror), the back mirror (room mirror) or in an interior portion of the vehicle. A camera is mounted on the vehicle and an image from the camera is displayed on the display device. Further, information read from a sensor (distance measuring sensor) having the function of measuring the distance to another vehicle, and a sensor (impact sensor) having the function of sensing an externally applied impact force larger than a predetermined value is displayed on the display device. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120236152 | VEHICULAR VIDEO MIRROR SYSTEM - A video mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly mountable at an interior portion of a vehicle and includes a mirror case and a reflective element. A video display device may be one of (i) fixedly disposed in the mirror case and (ii) extendable and retractable relative to the mirror case. The video display device is operable to display video images that are viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an on-screen display controller operable to receive a video signal from a camera and, responsive to receipt of the video signal, the on-screen display controller is operable to generate a video feed to the video display device. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120242832 | VEHICLE HEADLIGHT MANAGEMENT - A method, data processing system, and computer program product for managing a headlight on a vehicle are presented. An image of an area in front of the vehicle is received. A first set of features is identified in the received image. The first set of features in the received image is compared with a number of sets of features from a plurality of previous images. Each image in the plurality of previous images is associated with a headlight setting. A second set of features from a previous image in the plurality of previous images matching the first set of features in the received image is identified. A determination is made whether to change a setting for the headlight on the vehicle based on the headlight setting associated with the previous image. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120242833 | EXTERIOR COMPONENT FOR VEHICLE - An exterior component for a vehicle includes a camera capturing an image of surroundings of a vehicle, and a through-hole at which the camera is provided. The through-hole forms an airflow to flow through the through-hole in association with a driving of the vehicle. The camera is provided at a position where the airflow flows and where an image capturing range serving as a function of the camera is ensured. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120242834 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle periphery monitoring system is provided, in which by matching a behavior of a semitransparent tire image with an operation from a driver's viewpoint, a feeling of strangeness is reduced, an intuitive space perception is assisted and also a moving direction and a behavior of a vehicle can be easily perceived. In a side-view monitor system an image processing controller converts a real camera image including a blind spot into an image to be viewed from a driver's viewpoint to generate a blind spot image, and superimposes a semitransparent vehicle image which is obtained by making a vehicle viewed from the driver's viewpoint semitransparent and a semitransparent tire image which is obtained by making a tire semitransparent and displaying a behavior following a handle operation viewed from the driver's viewpoint on the blind spot image. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120242835 | IMAGING DEVICE, ON-VEHICLE IMAGING SYSTEM, ROAD SURFACE APPEARANCE DETECTION METHOD, AND OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE - An imaging device includes an imaging unit mounted on a vehicle and obtaining a vertically-polarized image and a horizontally-polarized image of a road surface on which the vehicle is running; a polarization ratio image generating unit generating a polarization ratio image and calculating polarization ratio information indicating polarization ratios of pixels of the polarization ratio image based on the vertically-polarized image and the horizontally-polarized image; and a roadside structure detection unit detecting a planar line formed on and partitioning the road surface and/or a roadside structure located adjacent to and at an angle with the road surface based on the polarization ratio information of the polarization ratio image. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120249791 | ADAPTIVE SURROUNDING VIEW MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - An adaptive surrounding view monitoring apparatus and a method thereof are disclosed, in which the apparatus uses a steerable camera set to take horizontal images while sending the horizontal images to a control unit where they are combined into an image of 180-degree or 360-degree surrounding view. It is noted that the surrounding view image maybe an image of front surrounding view, an image of rear surrounding view or an image of ambient surrounding view relating to a vehicle, and using that, visual blind spot of a driver driving the vehicle can be eliminated and the field of vision is widened, and thereby, the probability of accident occurring is reduced. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120249792 | DYNAMIC IMAGE STABILIZATION FOR MOBILE/PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Apparatus and methods for stabilizing an image displayed on a mobile device are presented. In some circumstances, the display on a mobile device moves with respect to the ground, which may result from vibrations in a moving vehicle. Embodiments use a sequence of images to determine a displacement of a stationary feature relative to the mobile device. This determined displacement may be a predicted displacement that estimates a displacement that probably will occur in the immediate future. Next, the displacement may be projected to a flat plane of the display. Finally, information presented on the display is moved in an opposite direction of the determined or projected displacement, thus compensating for the displacement and having the effect of stabilizing the image on the mobile device, such that the displayed image appears to be still in space even though the mobile device is vibrating or shaking relative to the Earth. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120249793 | ON-BOARD CAMERA SYSTEM - An on-board camera system includes an imaging unit mounted in a vehicle to capture an image, a communication unit configured to perform information communication with test equipment using an OBD-II connection line; and an image compression unit configured to divide the image captured by the imaging unit into blocks with a predetermined number of pixels, to perform image compression of each image of the blocks, and to transmit the image of the blocks after image compression to the test equipment through the communication unit. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120249794 | IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM - An image display system including a synthesized image generation section that generates a synthesized image representing a vehicle and circumstances around the vehicle viewed from a virtual viewpoint based on captured images obtained by cameras disposed on the vehicle, a navigation device that displays the synthesized image and the captured images on a display screen, an obstacle detection section that detects an obstacle, and an indication addition section that, when the obstacle is detected, adds an alarm indication to call attention to at least one of an area of the display screen except the synthesized image, and a surrounding area of the synthesized image is provided. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120249795 | SIGNAL RECOGNIZING DEVICE, SIGNAL RECOGNIZING METHOD AND SIGNAL RECOGNIZING PROGRAM - A signal recognizing device is mounted on a moving body, and connects to a camera. The signal recognizing device includes a storage unit, a signal display candidate detecting unit (SDCDU), a reference calculating unit (RCU) and a green lighting determination unit (GLDU). The SDCDU detects red lamp candidate areas from an image. The RCU calculates a moving average of pixel value per pixel existing in the green lamp candidate area, and stores the moving averages. For each pixel value of the green lamp candidate area, the RCU omits the pixel value from the samples for calculating the moving average if a difference between the pixel value and the moving average exceeds a threshold. Upon red lamp transition to an unlit state, it determines whether a green lamp is lit based on the image captured at the time of the unlit state of the red lamp and the moving averages. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120249796 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - In an image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle, an image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on door mirrors of the vehicle. An image selector selects a first part of the camera images in a case where the door mirrors are placed in a closed position, and to select a second part of the camera images in a case where the door mirrors are placed in an opened position. A display image provider outputs, to a display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to either one of the first part and the second part of the camera images selected by the image selector. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120257055 | APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING ON-SCREEN DISPLAY AND SYSTEM FOR REPROGRAMMING CAMERA MODULE HAVING THE SAME - There is provided an apparatus for processing an on-screen display (OSD), the apparatus including: a buffer unit receiving first dynamic guideline image information, a color determining unit determining colors for previously divided sections included in the first dynamic guideline image information from the buffering unit, and an image synthesizing unit synthesizing second dynamic guideline image information having the colors for each of the sections, determined by the color determining unit with an image from a camera. With the apparatus for processing an OSD, a user freely sets colors of a warning message, a static guideline, and a dynamic guideline, whereby the warning message, the static guideline, and the dynamic guideline can be displayed on a screen without obscuring a rearview image. In addition, a dynamic guideline can be set as different colors according to sections divided into distances from the rear of a vehicle and an image can be continuously displayed. Further, the camera module can be reprogrammed. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257056 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND IMAGE PROCESSING PROGRAM - An image processing apparatus includes image acquisition units which are mounted in a vehicle, and each of which is configured to acquire an image, a vehicle information acquisition unit configured to acquire vehicle information indicating a movement state of the vehicle, and an image correction amount calculation unit configured to calculate an amount of image correction based on positional relationship between a first image acquired by one of the image acquisition units and a second image acquired by the other image acquisition units, wherein the positional relationship is estimated based on the vehicle information. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257057 | DEVICE WITH A CAMERA UNIT - The invention relates to a device, particularly for a rear area of a vehicle, and a related method for operating the device, where the device includes a camera unit serving to record an image of the exterior area of the vehicle with the camera unit being protectively arranged via a support element at the vehicle, particularly protected in a housing, and a mobile closing element being provided for closing the housing opening, which by a drive unit can be moved into at least two end positions, namely a closed position and an open position. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257058 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - In an image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle, an image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. A synthetic image generator generates synthetic images, which include downward views of the vehicle and a periphery thereof viewed from viewpoints different from one another, based on the camera images. A display image provider outputs, to the display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to a display image in which the synthetic images are continuously reproduced. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257059 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes a CMOS photosensor array including a plurality of photosensor elements. The photosensor array is disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle and has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle at a windshield area that is swept by the windshield wipers. The photosensor array has a field of view forward of the vehicle that is generally in line with the vehicle's primary direction of forward travel. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the photosensor array. The control may analyze image data captured by photosensor elements where an object exterior of the equipped vehicle is determined to be present more than the control analyzes image data captured by other photosensor elements where the determined object is not present. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120257060 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM - A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one imaging sensor having a forward field of view with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The imaging sensor captures image data representative of objects present in the forward field of view. A control is responsive to the imaging sensor and processes image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine an object present in the forward field of view. The control processes image data to determine a distance between the vehicle and the object determined present in the forward field of view. The control may determine the distance between the vehicle and the determined object at least in part in response to at least one of (i) size of the determined object, (ii) position of the determined object, (iii) light intensity of the determined object, and (iv) rate of approach of the determined object. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120262577 | DETERMINING A NUMBER OF OBJECTS IN AN IR IMAGE - What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining the number of objects in an IR image obtained using an IR imaging system. In one embodiment, a total of N intensity values are collected for each pixel in an IR image using a IR imaging system comprising an IR detection device and an IR Illuminator. Intensity values are retrieved from a database which have been estimated for a plurality of known materials, such as skin and hair. A classification is determined for each pixel in the IR image using either a best fitting method of a reflectance, or a correlation method. Upon classification, a total number of objects in the IR image can be determined. The present system and method finds its intended uses in of real world applications such as, determining the number of occupants in a vehicle traveling in a HOV/HOT lane. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120262578 | VEHICULAR AROUND-VIEW DRIVING MONITOR AND RECORDER - A vehicular around-view driving monitor and recorder includes a plurality of wide-angle cameras, a real-time image monitoring and recording/playing unit, a visual image operation system, and a display device, which enables a real-time monitoring and recording of around-view raw image data shot by wide-angle cameras. The present invention also performs a real-time visual processing which includes data correction toward the twisted raw images, image overlapping and a combination of algorithmic operation via the visual image operation system to convert those raw images shot from cameras into round-view ones shown on the display which fits the driver's visual practice and driving habit, and provides better safety, correct and convenient visual assistance and driving judgment. Alternatively, the processed images could be displayed in a bird-view mode to have an additional circumferential reference. Therefore, it is applicable to drivers' visual assistance and the recovery of traffic evidence of various types of vehicles. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120262579 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND VEHICLE DETECTION METHOD USING THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A vehicle detection method is implemented by an electronic device. The electronic device controls at least one image capture device to capture images of a road intersection governed by a traffic light, and to capture data as to vehicles using the road intersection. The traffic light includes at least one of a red light and a green light. By analyzing the images and vehicle data, the electronic device detects and identifies a vehicle illegally crossing the road intersection. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120262580 | Vehicle Surround View System - A surround view system that can provide a surround view, e.g., a 360° view, from a vehicle by way of cameras positioned at various locations on the vehicle. The cameras can generate image data corresponding to the surround view, and a processing device can process the image data and generate the surround view on a simulated predetermined shape that can be viewed from a display. The simulated predetermined shape can have a flat bottom with a rectangular shape and a rim with a parabolic shape. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120268599 | Video Monitoring System For A School Bus - A video camera system for a school bus or other vehicle to replace one or more of the mirror systems typically utilized on buses and vehicles today. One or two cameras can be positioned on the sides of the school bus in place of the rearview mirrors presently utilized. A pair of cameras with wide-angle lenses can be positioned on the front fenders of the school bus to replace the cross view mirrors currently used today on school buses. One or more cameras can also be positioned on the rear of the school bus to display the environment immediately behind the school bus. Video monitors displaying the images from the cameras can be positioned inside the school bus or vehicle for viewing by the driver. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120268600 | METHODS FOR NOTIFYING A DRIVER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE ABOUT A DANGER SPOT AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS USING SUCH METHODS - A method and a driver assistance system for notifying the driver of a motor vehicle about a danger spot are provided. In an embodiment, the method includes providing informational data about the danger spot from a data storage device, providing current image data using a camera, and analyzing a current danger situation by comparing the current image data with the informational data using a central processing unit. A warning signal is outputted to the driver via an output unit depending on the current danger situation. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120268601 | METHOD OF RECORDING TRAFFIC IMAGES AND A DRIVE RECORDER SYSTEM - A method of recording traffic images is to be implemented in a drive recorder system. The method includes recording the traffic images at a first recording frame rate, generating a detection signal according to movement of the vehicle, searching a pre-stored table to acquire a vehicle driving condition matching with the detection signal, and recording the traffic images at a second recording frame rate when the acquired vehicle driving condition corresponds to an alert condition. The second recording frame rate is greater than the first recording frame rate. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120268602 | OBJECT IDENTIFYING APPARATUS, MOVING BODY CONTROL APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS - An object identifying apparatus is disclosed, including: an imaging part, and an object identification processing part. The imaging part receives two polarized lights having a different polarization direction included in light reflected from the object existing in the image pickup area and captures two polarization images. The object identification processing part conducts an identification process for identifying the object existing at a place corresponding to each of multiple process areas in the image pickup area by using the two polarization images captured by the imaging part. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120274768 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING LASER PROFILING SYSTEMS - A laser profiling calibration system includes a light emitting device, a light-reflecting target, and an optical receiver. The light emitting device is configured to project a light and define a light plane. The light-reflecting target is configured to be positioned at multiple positions within the light plane, and has a plurality of non-reflective regions. The optical receiver is oriented to receive light reflected from the target, and further configured to capture a plurality of images, comprising at least one image at each of the target's multiple positions. The system is configured to use the plurality of images to calibrate the optical receiver within the light plane. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120274769 | IMAGE RECORDING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND REFLECTION UNIT - There are provided an image recording system for a vehicle and a reflection unit thereof. The image recording system includes a vehicle in which a storage space is provided, a camera that is installed in the storage space, and a reflection unit that is installed on a window or a ceiling of the vehicle to reflect image information from a forward or rearward direction of the vehicle into the camera. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120274770 | VEHICLE IMAGE RECORDING SYSTEM - There is provided a vehicle image recording system including: a vehicle having a receiving space provided therein; a camera installed in the receiving space; a reflective device installed on a window of the vehicle or a ceiling of the vehicle to reflect image information captured from the front or the rear of the vehicle, to the camera; and a fixing member fixing the reflective device to the window or the ceiling. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120274771 | IMAGE PICKUP DEVICE, VISIBILITY SUPPORT APPARATUS, NIGHT VISION DEVICE, NAVIGATION SUPPORT APPARATUS, AND MONITORING DEVICE - An image pickup device, a visibility support apparatus, a night vision device, a navigation support apparatus, and a monitoring device are provided in which noise and dark current are suppressed to thereby provide clear images regardless of whether it is day or night. The device includes a light-receiving layer | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120281092 | VISUAL COMMUNICATION USING A ROBOTIC DEVICE - Technology is described for visually communicating using a robotic device. An example of a method can include a video feed sent from the video camera of the robotic device to the remote user. A projection surface identified in the video feed can then be sent to the remote user using an application. Another operation can be obtaining an image from the remote user using the application. The image created by the remote user can then be projected on the projection surface. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120281093 | DETECTION SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER WHEN DRIVING A VEHICLE USING A PLURALITY OF IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICES - A detection system ( | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120287275 | Time Phased Imagery for an Artificial Point of View - A method and apparatus for processing video information for a vehicle. A number of prior images is selected from images generated by the vehicle. An object is seen in the number of prior images. A model of the vehicle is displayed in the number of prior images in a current position of the vehicle and with a size that is based on the current position of the vehicle relative to the object in the number of prior images. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120287276 | VISION BASED NIGHT-TIME REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM, CONTROLLER, AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A night-time rear collision warning system that includes a camera and a controller. The system identifies a bright spot corresponding to a light source present in the field of view of the camera, determines if the bright spot corresponds to headlights of an approaching vehicle, and determines if a collision is likely. The headlights of a distant approaching vehicle may appear as a single bright spot and so the bright spot is classified as a fused spot. By analyzing bright spots from headlights, the system is able to operate at night when no other information regarding the size or shape of the approaching vehicle is available. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120287277 | MACHINE DISPLAY SYSTEM - A display system for a mobile machine operating at a worksite is disclosed. The display system may have at least one detection device configured to detect objects within a distance of the mobile machine, at least one camera configured to generate a plurality of camera views of the worksite around the mobile machine, a display located within the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the at least one detection device, the at least one camera, and the display. The controller may be configured to cause an indication of proximity of objects detected by the at least one detection device to be shown on the display, and to automatically cause the camera view of the plurality of camera views associated with a closest objected detected by the at least one detection device to be shown on the display simultaneous with the indication of proximity. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120287278 | Traffic Violation Photo Enforcement System - A portable, transportable or fixed Traffic Violation Photo Enforcement System, (TVPES) operating from either a moving or stationary position, capable of providing complete identification and documentation of multiple moving traffic violations across all lanes of moving traffic and transmitting or relaying the data to a specified law enforcement agency or their approved violation processing service to support municipal, county, and state traffic violation enforcement efforts through the use of constitutionally sufficient evidence for citation generating and later court prosecution. The (TVPES) consists of various off the shelf and customized components including but not limited to one or more of the following: computer based control units, speed detection devices, tracking devices, digital video and single frame cameras, facial recognition software/automated license-plate recognition software capable of analyzing digital video and single-frame imagery, voice recording devices, GPS location devices, data collection and storage devices and data transmitting and receiving devices. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120287279 | PARKING SUPPORT APPARATUS - A parking support apparatus includes: a vehicle position locating control unit for locating a present position; a parking support database in which a guideline to be displayed at parking is registered for each parking space; cameras for shooting surroundings; a parking support screen generating unit for acquiring, when parking in a parking space placed at the position located by the vehicle position locating control unit, the guideline corresponding to the parking space from the parking support database, and for generating a parking support screen by superposing the guideline upon an image or images taken with the cameras; and a display unit for displaying the parking support screen created by the parking support screen generating unit. Accordingly, it can offer a parking support apparatus capable of displaying the optimum parking support image corresponding to a parking space and improving convenience. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120287280 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SENSING THE POSITION OF A VEHICLE - The invention concerns a method and a system for purposes of registering the position of a vehicle ( | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120287281 | PERSONALIZED AND DYNAMIC RESTAURANT INTERFACES AND SYSTEMS - A consumer profile can store consumer presence data and restaurant transaction data, as well as financial data and other secondary data. The consumer presence data can used to detect a consumer presence at a restaurant. A corresponding transaction between the restaurant and the consumer can be automatically initiated at the restaurant in response to the detected consumer presence at the restaurant and without requiring the consumer to explicitly request the transaction be initiated. A consumer can also be presented with a personalized interface for initiating a transaction at the restaurant in response to the consumer's presence being detected at the restaurant. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120287282 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle is provided with an image obtaining means, a synthetic image generating means, and a model image supplying means. The image obtaining means is for obtaining a plurality of camera images captured by a plurality of cameras installed on the vehicle. The synthetic image generating means is for generating, on the basis of the plurality of camera images, a plurality of synthetic images viewed from one viewpoint among a plurality of viewpoints that are different from each other, and which indicate the surroundings of the vehicle. The model image supplying means is for outputting, to a display device installed on the vehicle, information corresponding to a model image wherein one field-of-view range associated with the one viewpoint among the plurality of viewpoints is indicated selectively, from among a plurality of field-of-view ranges. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120293656 | SIMPLIFIED DEVICE OF A CAMERA UNIT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a device ( | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120293657 | Road Surface Division Mark Recognition Apparatus, And Lane Departure Prevention Apparatus - A road surface division mark recognition apparatus includes: a vehicle-mounted camera that takes an image of a road surface ahead of a vehicle; an image processing portion which has a plurality of image processing modes that correspond respectively to a plurality of kinds of road surface division marks, and which recognizes a road surface division mark in a selected image processing mode; a temperature measurement portion that measures the temperature of the vehicle-mounted camera; and a restriction portion that restricts the action of the vehicle-mounted camera if the temperature measured by the temperature measurement portion is higher than or equal to a threshold value. The threshold value differs between the image processing modes. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120293658 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device that is part of an exterior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle. A control processes captured image data utilizing edge detection. Responsive at least in part to the processing, the control determines objects of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device. Objects of interest determined to be present in the field of view include (i) a vehicle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, (ii) a headlight of a vehicle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, (iii) a bicycle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, and/or (iv) a bicycle rider that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to the processing of captured image data, a driver of the vehicle is alerted to a hazardous condition. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120293659 | PARAMETER DETERMINING DEVICE, PARAMETER DETERMINING SYSTEM, PARAMETER DETERMINING METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A parameter determining device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, a parameter identifier, a synthetic image generator, and a validity judger. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The parameter identifier identifies installation parameters of the cameras based on the acquired camera images. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle viewed from a prescribed virtual viewpoint based on the acquired camera images and the identified installation parameters. The validity judger compares the synthetic image with a reference image showing the periphery of the vehicle viewed from a prescribed position to judge whether the identified installation parameters have validity. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120293660 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, an image selector, a first luminance adjuster, a synthetic image generator, and an image provider. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The image selector selects one of the camera images as a representative image based on luminances of the camera images. The first luminance adjuster adjusts a luminance of at least one of the other camera images based on a luminance of the representative image. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle, based on the representative image and the other camera images the luminance of at least one of which has been adjusted by the first adjuster. The image provider outputs, to a display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to the synthetic image. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120300072 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS - A device and method for vehicle collision avoidance and mitigation employing a video camera providing a frontal view of a roadway to a video display. A plurality of generally trapezoidal windows formed in front of and rearward of an iconic vehicle are employed to ascertain objects in front of and rearward of the vehicle. Using software, a pixel movement determined closing rate of any object is continually calculated. Thereafter warnings or evasive actions are taken if a collision is calculated. The device can differentiate between shadows and objects through a filtering method requiring pixel changes in two or more windows concurrently for an object to be determined. Speed of the vehicles and trajectory can be calculated ahead in virtual depictions to predict a collision and take evasive action. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300073 | APPLICATION SERVER AND METHOD FOR FINDING PARKING SPACE - An application server device and a method for finding parking space receives images of parking lots captured by cameras of the parking lot. The images are analyzed to obtain parking information of each of the parking lots. Location information of the parking lots, in which empty parking space exists, is sent to data receivers of cars, and location information of empty parking space of a parking lot is then sent to a data receiver of a car, when the car enters into the parking lot. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300074 | DETECTION APPARATUS AND DETECTION METHOD - A detection apparatus includes a control unit configured to switch an exposure time of an imaging device at a predetermined time, an image acquiring unit configured to acquire image data captured under different exposure times, and an object detecting unit configured to detect objects from the image data of the different exposure times acquired by the image acquiring unit. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300075 | IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD - An image display system is configured to display an image. An obtaining unit is configured to obtain a surrounding image indicating surroundings of a vehicle. A plurality of detecting units are disposed on the vehicle at different positions and configured to detect an object existing around the vehicle, respectively. If one of the detecting units detects the object, the one of the detecting units is referred to as specific detecting unit. An overlapping unit is configured to overlap an indicator represented in the form of a frame with the surrounding image. The indicator indicates the object and the specific detecting unit which has detected the object. A display unit is configured to display the surrounding image with which the indicator is overlapped. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300076 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE - A vehicle periphery monitoring device is provided with a symmetrical image portion extraction unit ( | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300077 | VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING DEVICE - A vehicle surroundings monitoring device for clarifying the accuracy of detection results and providing notification so that a driver can intuitively ascertain the position in which an object exists, the vehicle surroundings monitoring device comprising: an object detection unit for detecting objects in the periphery of a vehicle; a vehicle image generation unit for generating an image of the vehicle with the point of view set above the vehicle; a periphery image generation unit for generating an image of the periphery of the vehicle including the image of the vehicle; a position-calculating unit for calculating a corresponding position in the image of the periphery on the basis of detection results of the object detection unit; and an indicator unit for indicating the corresponding position in the image of the periphery when the degree of confirmation of the detection results of the object detection unit meets or exceeds an assessment threshold, and for indicating the corresponding region in the image of the periphery when the degree of confirmation of the detection results is less than the assessment threshold. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300078 | ENVIRONMENT RECOGNIZING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - There is provided an environment recognizing device for a vehicle capable of reducing false detections for an artificial object such as a utility pole, a guardrail and road paintings with smaller processing load, at the time of detecting a pedestrian by using a pattern matching method. The environment recognizing device for a vehicle includes an image acquisition unit ( | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120307058 | CONVEX MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A convex mirror assembly has a rear plate, a reflective plate and a video device. The reflective plate is connected securely with a front side of the rear plate and has a base plate. The base plate is pervious to light and has a window section. The video device is securely connected with the rear plate and has a camera aligning with the window section. The reflective plate provides a good reflecting effect and the video device also can record videos of the environment through the window section. Accordingly, the convex mirror assembly in accordance with the present invention has a reflecting and video recording effect and this is practical and convenient. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120307059 | DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND DIAGNOSIS METHOD - A diagnosis apparatus includes an object extraction unit to extract one or more objects around a vehicle, a line-of-vision determination unit to determine whether or not at least one region of the object is included in a line-of-vision space centered around a line of vision of a driver of the vehicle, and a degree-of-recognition diagnosis unit to diagnose the driver's degree of recognition of the object in accordance with the determination result. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120307060 | Bicycle Racing Apparatus - The present invention comprises a suite of innovations that reduce the coefficient of drag of a bicycle rider. The innovations include aerodynamically shaped bicycle riding shoes, an inflatable body fairing worn on the bicyclist's chest area that directly reduces the coefficient of drag of the bicyclist's torso while in an aerodynamically efficient riding position, and a riding goggle and a portable imaging system that reduce the coefficient of drag of a bicycle rider by allowing the athlete to assume and maintain a more aerodynamically efficient riding position. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120307061 | Apparatus for identifying threats using multiple sensors in a graphical user interface - A system of imaging and non-imaging sensors are used in combination with a graphical user interface (GUI) system on a vehicle to detect items of interest. In particular, a GUI has been developed that seamlessly integrates high magnification, Narrow Field of View (NFOV) imaging sensors and Wide Field of View (WFOV) imaging sensors. The GUI is capable of displaying both WFOV and NFOV images, gimbal controls, and allow NFOV sensor to be pointed to any location within the wide field of view efficiently by a single touch of a touch screen display. The overall goal is to allow an operator to select which imagery from multiple WFOV sensors to display in order to prescreen regions of interest that require further investigation using sensors with more magnification. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120307062 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - There is provided a vehicle-mounted image processing device that is capable of making a plurality of processing units appropriately perform processes corresponding to scenes in which there are many types, such as people, vehicles, etc., and in which they are combined. Based on processing results of image processing by a plurality of processing units | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120314069 | VEHICLE OPTICAL SENSOR SYSTEM - An optical sensor system adapted for use on a vehicle including a plurality of optoelectronic devices and a single high efficiency first lens. The optical sensor system is positioned on the vehicle to view a field of view about the vehicle. The optical sensor system may provide multiple independent video signals to multiple vehicle warning and control systems. Each video signal that is generated by each optoelectronic device may be optimized for a specific vehicle warning or control system by using additional second lenses to change the field of view, optical filters to change the spectral sensitivity, and/or independent exposure times to change the light sensitivity or dynamic range. The optoelectronic devices may be optoelectronic dies or cores, such as those used in wafer level cameras. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120314070 | LANE SENSING ENHANCEMENT THROUGH OBJECT VEHICLE INFORMATION FOR LANE CENTERING/KEEPING - A system and method for accurately estimating a lane in which a vehicle is traveling. A sensor mounted on the vehicle generates sensor data including lane information that is processed by several lane detection sub-systems to generate two or more estimated lanes with corresponding lane confidence information. A combining processor combines the estimated lanes based upon the confidence information to determine a combined estimated lane. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120314071 | PEDESTRIAN COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM - A method is provided for preventing a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. The method uses a camera and a processor mountable in the motor vehicle. A candidate image is detected. Based on a change of scale of the candidate image, it may be determined that the motor vehicle and the pedestrian are expected to collide, thereby producing a potential collision warning. Further information from the image frames may be used to validate the potential collision warning. The validation may include an analysis of the optical flow of the candidate image, that lane markings prediction of a straight road, a calculation of the lateral motion of the pedestrian, if the pedestrian is crossing a lane mark or curb and/or if the vehicle is changing lanes. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120314072 | IMAGE GENERATION APPARATUS - A shift determining part of an image display system determines a traveling direction of a vehicle. A composite image generator generates a composite image that shows a periphery of the vehicle and an area that is in a direction opposite to the determined traveling direction of the vehicle in a seamless manner. The periphery is viewed from a virtual viewpoint that is set looking down at the vehicle. A display displays a display image including the composite image. Since the display image includes the composite image that shows the area that is in the direction opposite to the determined traveling direction of the vehicle, a user can notice an object that exists in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle by looking at the display image. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120314073 | Apparatus and Method for Detecting Posture of Camera Mounted on Vehicle - An in-vehicle camera posture detecting apparatus includes a first image storing unit configured to store an image of a calibration sheet placed near the vehicle, the calibration sheet having a plurality of calibration marks, a first posture estimating unit for estimating the posture of the camera based on the first image, a second image storing unit that stores an image of the calibration sheet after movement of the vehicle, a second posture estimating unit that estimates the posture of the camera based on the second image, a sheet deviation calculating unit that calculates an amount of deviation of the calibration sheet from a predetermined position based on the estimates provided by the first and second posture estimating units, and a camera posture determining unit that determines the posture of the camera based on a posture estimated value and the calculated amount of deviation. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120314074 | SURROUNDING AREA MONITORING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A surrounding area monitoring apparatus, which is built into a vehicle, images the area surrounding the vehicle and detects physical objects in the area surrounding the vehicle based on the image taken. The apparatus determines whether the detected physical object is a pedestrian or an animal, and a warning is given to the driver of the vehicle if the determined physical object is present within a specified area from the vehicle. If it is determined that the detected physical object is an animal and that the animal is present within the specified area, the warning in continued for a specified period even after the animal has left the specified area. Since animals have habits of behaving in a herd, risk of lurking animals can be brought to the driver's attention by the continuation of the warning. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120314075 | LEFT/RIGHT REARVIEW DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - The present disclosure relates to a side-view and rearview apparatus for a vehicle which may be simply and conveniently employed in place of a conventional rearview mirror. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a side-view and rearview apparatus including a camera | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120320204 | ASSET ASSESSMENT SYSTEM - An asset assessment system that gathers information about a plurality of assets located at various geographical locations. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320205 | PERIPHERAL VIEWING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A peripheral viewing system for a vehicle includes a pair of digital cameras, each positioned on the exterior of the vehicle proximately positioned where a side view mirror would typically be mounted. An additional digital camera is mounted on the vehicle roof immediately adjacent the top edge of the rear window. A plurality of LCD's each discretely associated with a corresponding camera are mounted within the vehicle passenger compartment at a location that is readily observable by the vehicle driver. The driver can panoramically view trailing traffic by observing the LCD's in the passenger compartment. One or more infrared phototransistor receivers are positioned at the rear of the vehicle for detecting oncoming vehicles. If the driver attempts to change lanes and activates a turn signal, a warning message will be emitted within the passenger compartment if any of the transistors detect an approaching vehicle within a predetermined range of the vehicle. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320206 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING A LEAD OBJECT - An imaging system for tracking the location and direction of movement of a first object comprises a plurality of marker devices adapted to be disposed in a pattern on the first object, a sensing device, and a processor. The sensing device is adapted to be disposed on a second object so as to view the marker devices, the sensing device being operative to detect the relative positions of the plurality of marker devices on the first object, and the processor is coupled to the sensing device to form an image of the relative positions of the plurality of marker devices and to determine the direction of movement of the first object. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320207 | VEHICLE NIGHT VISION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME - A vehicle night vision support system includes an infrared camera that captures an image ahead of a vehicle; a main display that displays the image captured by the infrared camera; a sub-display; and a control unit that controls the sub-display so as to display warning information when it is determined that there is an object in the image displayed on the main display, and controls the sub-display so as to display the warning information when it is estimated or detected that an object that has disappeared from the displayed image is present in the field of view of a driver. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320208 | Device for Monitoring a Distance Between a Vehicle and an Object - A device for monitoring a distance between a vehicle and object, including distance sensors mounted in the front and/or rear vehicle region(s), an electronic unit connected thereto, and a display device for visually and/or acoustically displaying distances. The electronic unit generating a full warning signal even prior to reaching the predefined minimum limiting value for an ascertained distance at an established first warning distance value which is greater than the minimum limiting value of a first sensor, if a distance, which is smaller than a first limiting value, is ascertained by a direct echo of the first sensor, the first limiting value being greater than the minimum limiting value of the first sensor, and if a distance, which is greater than a second limiting value, is ascertained by a direct echo of the second sensor, the second limiting value being greater than the minimum limiting value of the second sensor. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320209 | VEHICULAR CAMERA AND METHOD FOR PERIODIC CALIBRATION OF VEHICULAR CAMERA - In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a vehicular camera and a method for calibrating the camera after it has been installed in a vehicle. In particular, the invention is directed to calibrating a vehicular camera after the camera has been installed in a vehicle, wherein the camera is of a type that applies an overlay to an image and outputs the image with the overlay to an in-vehicle display. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320210 | Lane Departure Warning Device - It is an object to provide a lane departure warning device capable of generating almost no false warning if a driver performs an avoiding operation of a lane departure. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320211 | VIHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING DEVICE - A vehicle surroundings monitoring device carries out a position mapping process of expressing a positional relationship in the detection ranges of distance sensors | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320212 | SURROUNDING AREA MONITORING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A surrounding area of a vehicle is imaged, and target objects in the area are detected based on captured images. A driver is warned of the presence of the detected target objects by displaying a warning indication on the displayed image. If a total number of simultaneously detected target objects is equal to or less than a specified number, the warning indication of a first display mode is applied in which each target object is emphasized individually. If the total number is more than the specified number, the warning indication of a second warning display mode is applied in which one emphasized indication predefined is displayed for the whole displayed image without displaying the warning indication of the first display mode. The warning image becomes easier to understand for a driver, compared to an image where all detected objects are always emphasized individually regardless of the total number of them. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120320213 | IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE - Disclosed is an image display device that allows intuitive guidance of a vehicle body based on an assisting image displaced in a screen. The image display device includes an image processing section for displaying a captured image of a rear camera on a monitor. This image processing section includes a synthesis processing unit for displaying a perspective image providing a perspective in superposition over the captured image being displayed on the monitor and a display mode setting unit that realizes selection between a viewing field-fixed mode for displaying the perspective image in superposition with the perspective image being fixed within a viewing field of the monitor and a road surface-fixed mode for displaying the perspective image in superposition with allowing scrolling thereof in unison with a road surface. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120327230 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA STABILIZED PASSIVELY BY VIBRATION ISOLATORS - System, including method and apparatus, for imaging with a vehicle-mounted camera having an optical axis that is restricted from angular displacement, in response to vibration, by passive stabilization via a set of vibration isolators. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327231 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING RADIATION EMISSIONS - A method includes receiving radiation sensor data from two radiation sensors that are positioned separately from each other about a path. Position information identifying a source of radiation as it passes by the two radiation sensors is received. The sensor data from the two radiation sensors is time shifted to correlate the sensor data to the identified source of radiation. The time shifted sensor signals are summed. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327232 | Automobile Equipment Control System and Control Method Thereof - An automobile equipment control system and a control method thereof. The system comprises an input module, a storage module, an image capturing module, a first recognizing module, a second recognizing module and a processing module. The input module is used to input a plurality of vehicle equipment setting values. The storage module is used to save a plurality of facial characteristic values and a plurality of setting values of vehicle equipment. The image capturing module is used to capture the image of the user. The first recognizing module analyzes the facial image in the image and extracts a facial characteristic point from the facial image. The second recognizing module analyzes the user's hand gesture, the user's head gestures or what the user speaks so as to decide which setting value of vehicle equipment is adopted to control the vehicle equipment. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327233 | Vehicle Attitude Angle Calculating Device, and Lane Departure Warning System Using Same - Provided is a vehicle attitude angle calculating device capable of finding a yaw angle of a vehicle with reference to a lane stably without using information on a road vanishing point even in the state where a vehicle pitch angle varies. The vehicle attitude angle calculating device includes: a dividing line detection unit that detects a dividing line from image information received from a vehicle-mounted imaging device having an optical axis, the image information being a captured image of an outside of a vehicle; a distance calculation unit that calculates a distance between the dividing line and the optical axis of the vehicle-mounted imaging device every predetermined processing period; and a vehicle angle calculation unit that calculates a dividing line angle on the basis of the calculated distance between the dividing line and the optical axis of the vehicle-mounted imaging device and a vehicle proceeding distance where the vehicle proceeds during a predetermined processing period. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327234 | ROOF MOUNTED IMAGER MODULE - An imager module for a vehicle includes a support having a first side and a second side. A shroud is operably coupled with the first side. The support and the shroud define a cavity. A viewing aperture is disposed in one of the support and the shroud. An imager system is disposed in the cavity. An electrical connector is configured to provide communication with the imager system. The electrical connector is disposed outside the cavity in abutting contact with the second side of the support. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327235 | VIDEO SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM - Video from a backup camera ( | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327236 | Vehicle Periphery Monitoring System - With a simple configuration, a vehicle periphery monitoring system that easily detects pedestrian that has a possibility to collide with a vehicle to which the monitoring system is installed. Based on a change rate in the size of the image of the observation object captured at a preset time interval by an onboard camera | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327237 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO RECORDING APPARATUS USING SOLAR CELL - There is provided a vehicle-mounted video recording apparatus. The vehicle-mounted video recording apparatus includes a sub-battery being charged with voltage generated by a solar cell, a power controller supplying an operating voltage using a first voltage from a main vehicle battery and a second voltage from the sub-battery, and a video recorder being supplied with the operating voltage from the power controller. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327238 | VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING DEVICE - A virtual-screen setup unit sets up a virtual screen in a seam of images captured by an image capturing unit, the virtual screen being orthogonal to a road surface and extending in a direction from a near side to a far side of the vehicle. A virtual-screen projection image generation unit performs conversion of the images captured by the image capturing unit for projection onto the virtual screen, and thereby generates a virtual-screen projection image. The virtual-screen projection image is displayed on the image display unit. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327239 | VEHICLE REAR VIEW MONITORING DEVICE - Because a vehicle rear view monitoring device changes the detection threshold level of each of distance sensors | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120327240 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING VEHICLE SPEED BASED ON MOVEMENT OF VIDEO CAMERA - A digital video camera is placed on a vehicle. The video camera is attached to the vehicle and is directed to a surface at a certain angle to the surface. The camera angle can change while vehicle is in motion. The camera angle is constantly measured by angular sensor (i.e., inclinometer). Images of the surface are projected onto a video matrix and transformed into a sequence of digital frames that are formed at a pre-set time interval. A speed of the video camera relative to the surface is calculated as a ratio of an off-set between the adjacent frames and the time interval between the frames. Then a known relative speed of the vehicle can be corrected by multiplication of the height of the camera (above the surface) by a coefficient that equals a ratio of the known vehicle speed and the measured camera speed. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130002870 | Method for the Output of Information - A method for the output of information by an output unit in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle on the basis of capturable personal data. Activation of an approach module is followed by initiation of person recognition, in which personal data from a person who is outside of the motor vehicle are captured by an ambient sensor system and are compared with stored personal data. If the captured personal data match stored personal data then output of information relating to the person is initiated by the output unit. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130002871 | Vehicle Vision System - In order to determine extrinsic parameters of a vehicle vision system or an aspect of a vehicle vision system, road lane markings may be identified in an image captured by a camera and provided to the vehicle vision system. For one or more of the identified road lane markings, a first set of parameters defining an orientation and a position of a line along which a road lane marking extends in an image plane may be determined. Also, a second set of parameters defining an orientation and a position of a line along which a road lane marking extends in a road plane may be determined. A linear transformation that defines a mapping between the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters may be identified. The extrinsic parameters may be established based on the identified linear transformation. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130002872 | ADAPTABLE NIGHT VISION SYSTEM - An adaptable night vision system comprises a series of individual night vision function providing modules that are adapted to selectively releasably interface with others in the system so that, when mated, each combination provides a product whose features are not available with the individual modules themselves. Such modules comprise a combined camera and illumination module, separate illumination and camera modules, a display module, auxiliary optics module for observing display images when close to the naked eye, and communication link modules. The modules are adapted with common interfaces to easily combine with base units to form a head mount night vision device, a hand held night vision device, a remote camera device, a toy vehicle, and a hand held vehicle controller. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130002873 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging or vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor disposed at the vehicle and having an imaging array of photosensing pixels. A first optical element is disposed at a first portion of the imaging array and has a first focal length, and a second optical element is disposed at a second portion of the imaging array and has a second focal length. The first focal length is longer than the second focal length so that the first portion of the imaging array captures focused images of a more remote or distant scene than that of the second portion of the imaging array. The first portion of the imaging array may capture images of a scene occurring forwardly of the vehicle and the second portion of the imaging array may capture images of a surface of the vehicle windshield. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130002874 | SURROUNDING AREA MONITORING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A surrounding area monitoring apparatus for vehicle includes an infrared camera mounted on a vehicle for capturing images of surrounding area around the vehicle, a unit for generating and displaying images based on image data captured by the camera, and a controller for calibrating output of the camera with respect to a relation between pixels, based on image data produced by imaging a surface of a shutter that opens and closes an aperture introducing a light to the camera. The controller estimates whether a temperature of the camera is stable, based on an operation state of the vehicle, and determines a possibility that a driver is looking at the unit, based on a behavior of the vehicle. When the temperature of the camera is estimated stable and the possibility that the driver is looking at the unit is determined to be low, the means for calibrating executes the calibration. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130002875 | Mobile Study - A mobile studio for producing video and audio content includes a vehicle having a body mounted on a chassis. The body includes a studio chamber enclosure formed by a floor, a ceiling, spaced opposite outer side walls and spaced outer front and rear walls, and the floor includes a stage area. The mobile studio further includes at least one LED lighting assembly located in the studio chamber enclosure that is suitable for providing sufficient illumination for image capture such that a captured image is suitable for projection as a Pepper's Ghost image, at least one camera to capture an image of a subject on the stage area and generate the captured image, and a communications device to transmit the captured image. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130002876 | EXTERIOR MIRROR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An exterior mirror vision system for a vehicle includes driver-side and passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assemblies including respective driver-side and passenger-side light modules and driver-side and passenger-side cameras. The light modules are sealed so as to be substantially water-impervious, and the light modules provide at least one of (a) a driver-side floodlight and a passenger-side floodlight and (b) a driver-side indicator and a passenger-side indicator. The driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera are part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle, and the multi-camera vision system has a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The displayed images displayed by the display device include an image portion derived from image data captured by at least one of the driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130002877 | IMAGE CONTROL APPARATUS - In order to provide an image control apparatus that allows a driver to easily check the situation of a passenger's getting on/off a vehicle through an opening operation of a door of the vehicle, the apparatus includes a camera which captures an image of the vicinity of the vehicle door, a monitor capable of displaying the image captured by the camera and a door opening detection sensor which detects an open state of the vehicle door. The monitor displays the image captured by the camera when the door opening detection sensor detects an open state of the door. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130010112 | Object detection apparatus and storage medium storing object detection program - In an object detection apparatus, a captured image of a scene around a host vehicle, information indicating a travel state of the host vehicle, and information indicating a surrounding situation around the host vehicle are obtained; risk areas in each of which an object is likely to exist, and area risk degrees of the risk areas are estimated based on the obtained information; posture risk degrees of respective postures are estimated based on a relation between each of the risk areas and the postures of the object assumed to exist in the risk area; a window image is extracted from a search range in the captured image, which corresponds to each of the risk areas, according to descending order of overall risk degrees; and it is identified whether the window image is an image showing the object, by comparing an identification model with the window image. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010113 | TRAFFIC SIGN INFORMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A traffic sign informing method includes: capturing images in front of a car by a camera. Scanning the image captured by the camera to detect and determine whether or not there is a traffic sign in the image. Reading the driver-information offered by the sign when the presence of a traffic sign in the image has been determined. Informing the driver about the traffic sign. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010114 | APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OBJECT APPROACHING VEHICLE - An apparatus for detecting an object approaching a vehicle by performing image recognition processing on an image captured by a camera that is mounted on the vehicle to cover a predetermined area around the vehicle includes a signal receiver, a selector, and a detector. The signal receiver obtains a vehicle signal indicative of an operating condition of the vehicle. The selector selects a predetermined region of the captured image, according to the vehicle signal, as an object detection region. The detector detects the object approaching the vehicle by performing the image recognition processing on only the object detection region of the captured image. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010115 | VEHICLE HAVING A REVERSING CAMERA - A vehicle is provided having a camera, in particular a reversing camera, and a cleaning device, which is used for cleaning an optical surface that interacts with the camera. The cleaning device has a cleaning element, which has a cleaning action on the optical surface due to a relative motion between the cleaning element and optical surface. Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning device has a moistening unit, by which a liquid media stream can be applied against the optical surface. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010116 | Universal Tolling System and Method - System and method for tolling includes a location determining system arranged in a vehicle to determine its location during vehicular travel, a memory device that stores data about predetermined locations, and a processor coupled to the location determining system and that compares the location of the location determining system to data in the memory device to determine whether a transmission of the location is necessary and if so, directs the transmission to a remote site via the Internet. The memory device and/or processor may also be arranged on the vehicle, i.e., to provide a completely vehicle-resident system that may be installed on the vehicle during manufacture or retrofit to the vehicle. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010117 | VEHICLE PERIPHERAL OBSERVATION DEVICE - Provided is a device whereby it is possible to accurately recognize which area has been enlarged when part of an overhead image displayed on a monitor is displayed as enlarged. When any one area of a plurality divided areas (D | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010118 | VEHICLE PERIPHERAL OBSERVATION DEVICE - Provided is a device whereby the position of an obstacle can be perceived on a monitor without compromising the effectiveness of displaying an overhead image on the monitor. An overhead image generating unit generates an overhead image from images captured using a plurality of cameras, and the overhead image is displayed in an auxiliary display area ( | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130010119 | PARKING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS, PARKING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, AND PARKING ASSISTANCE CAMERA UNIT - An object is to provide a parking assistance apparatus capable of readily generating a guide line image showing guide lines used as targets when a vehicle is parked. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130016216 | METHOD FOR EVALUATING AN OBJECT RECOGNITION DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLEAANM Nentwig; MirkoAACI IngolstadtAACO DEAAGP Nentwig; Mirko Ingolstadt DE - For testing an object recognition device for a motor vehicle at reasonable costs for different routes, image data for testing the object recognition device may be generated with a camera simulation device. Because the image data of a camera simulation device are artificially generated, it must be made certain that they have a realistic effect on the object recognition device. Reference image data are generated with a camera and simulation image data are generated with the camera simulation device for at least one route. The simulation image data and the reference image data are compared with each other based on at least two comparison measures. A value which is independent of the object recognition device to be tested can be determined for each of the comparison measures. It is then checked if the totality of the generated comparison values satisfies a predetermined validation criterion. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130016217 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE - An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having an electrochromic reflective minor element. A minor mount is configured for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly at an attachment element at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The interior rearview minor assembly includes a portion that does not adjust when the driver of the vehicle pivotally adjusts the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry, with at least a part of the circuitry accommodated within the mirror head. At least two electrical accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. The portion includes a CMOS-based camera that, with the interior rearview minor assembly normally mounted in the vehicle, has a field of view through a windshield of the vehicle. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130016218 | GENERATION DEVICE FOR VEHICLE-EVOCATIVE SOUND AND GENERATION METHOD FOR VEHICLE-EVOCATIVE SOUNDAANM Asao; KojiAACI TomiokaAACO JPAAGP Asao; Koji Tomioka JPAANM Tanaka; JunichiAACI KumagayaAACO JPAAGP Tanaka; Junichi Kumagaya JP - Based on the current position of a vehicle MV detected by a position detection part | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130016219 | CAMERA ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLEAANM Hahner; MartinAACI SindelfingenAACO DEAAGP Hahner; Martin Sindelfingen DEAANM Moczygemba; JuergenAACI ReutlingenAACO DEAAGP Moczygemba; Juergen Reutlingen DEAANM Scheurenbrand; RolandAACI GaeufeldenAACO DEAAGP Scheurenbrand; Roland Gaeufelden DEAANM Weikert; GuentherAACI AidlingenAACO DEAAGP Weikert; Guenther Aidlingen DE - A camera arrangement ( | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130021476 | CHILD SEAT SAFETY SYSTEM - A Child Seat Safety System for providing monitoring of an interior area of a vehicle is described herein. The monitoring system includes a plurality of sensor modules that are adapted to be mounted within the vehicle for monitoring a plurality of vehicle operating parameters, and a monitoring device that is coupled in communication with the plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring device transmits signals indicative of the associated sensed operating parameter to a user communication device, and receives, from the user communication device, signals indicative of a user selection input associated with one or more sensor modules of the plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring device also selectively activates one or more sensor modules of the plurality of sensor modules based on the received user selection to operate the monitoring system to facilitate monitoring the vehicle interior. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130027556 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURITY ZONE CHECKING - A system and method of tracking a trailer is provided. The system sends location requests and in response receives the location of the trailer. If the trailer is outside of a virtual fence, it generates an alert. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130027557 | DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A substance detection apparatus and method including a light source to emit light to a planar transparent member having a proximal first face and a distal second face opposite the first face, the light from the light source first striking the first face of the planar transparent member. The substance detection apparatus and method including an image capture lens, a polarization filter, an image sensor, and a substance detection processor. The light emitted from the light source is reflected at the substance present on the second face of the planar transparent member, and the image sensor receives light reflected from the substance, via the image capture lens and the polarization filter, to capture an image of the substance present on the second face of the planar transparent member. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130027558 | VEHICLE REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer-implemented method for reconstructing and displaying an image of an area behind a vehicle. The method includes capturing, by an image capturing device, an image of the area behind the vehicle; receiving, at a controller, the captured image; separating, by the controller, the image into three image pieces; correcting, at the controller, the middle image piece by using a distortion correction algorithm; cropping, at the controller, the first and second side image pieces into a rectangular format; converting, at the controller, the first and second image pieces into a trapezoidal format; aligning, at the controller, the two side image pieces with the corrected middle image piece; and creating, at the controller, a continuous image of the area behind the vehicle. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130027559 | VEHICLE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM - A method for collision avoidance for a machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting an obstacle with an obstacle detection system and generating a corresponding signal. The obstacle detection system includes an operator input device. The method also includes providing an obstacle detection warning in response to the signal. The method further includes determining with a controller whether the operator input device has been activated in response to the obstacle detection warning. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130027560 | Color mask for an image sensor of a vehicle camera - A color mask for an image sensor of a vehicle camera, the color mask having a matrix configuration of filter pixels having different spectral transmission behaviors, some filter pixels being transparent filter pixels, which are at least essentially uniformly transparent for optical light, and additional filter pixels being color pixels having a wavelength-selective transmission behavior, the color mask having a color pattern as a repeating configuration of filter pixels having a specific transmission behavior. The color mask has a central area having a first color pattern and a lower area and/or an upper area having a second color pattern, the first color pattern and the second color pattern being different, and the first color pattern containing transparent filter pixels. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130033599 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AN AREA ADJACENT A VEHICLE - A backup camera system for monitoring an area. In one aspect, the system comprises a camera assembly, a display device and a stand; the camera assembly comprising: (i) a camera adapted to produce an image signal corresponding to a perceived image, (ii) means for supplying power; (iii) a base having first and second holes that are configured and spaced from one another so as to facilitate attachment to the vehicle, (iv) a transmitter operably coupled to the camera for wirelessly transmitting the image signal; and the display device comprising: (i) a receiver for receiving the wirelessly transmitted image signal, (ii) means for supplying power, (iii) an image processing unit operably coupled to the receiver for converting the received image signal into a display image that is displayed on the display device. The backup camera system can form a retrofit kit. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130033600 | Image Processing Device - An image processing device which performs a tracking control with respect to a moving object which is travelling forward, based on the controlled variable of the own vehicle includes, an image processing unit which specifies an area of a moving object from an input image, sets the specified area of the moving object as a reference image area after starting tracking control, and sets an area of the moving object after a predetermined time as a comparison image area; a comparison unit which compares the set reference image area and the comparison image area with each other, and calculates travelling information relating to the moving object; and a controlled variable calculation unit which calculates a controlled variable of the own vehicle from travelling information which is calculated in the comparison unit. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130033601 | TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR OUTPUTTING SIGNAL INFORMATION OF A SIGNAL LIGHT IN THE TERMINAL - The present disclosure relates to a terminal, including an output unit; an image sensor configured to capture an image; and a controller functionally connected to the output unit and the image sensor. The controller controls to recognize a signal light on an image captured by the image sensor, and output the signal information of the recognized signal light through the output unit. The signal information includes at least one of a signal state of the signal light, a signal change expected time, an expected time required to pass through a signal light from a current location, and an expected signal change frequency. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130033602 | Surround View System - A system operable to generate a surround view based on image data, where the image data may include image data associated with surroundings of an object, such as a vehicle. The system may also be operable to project the surround view inversely onto a bowl-shaped projection surrounding the object. Further, the system may be operable to generate a virtual user view via a virtual camera position, where the virtual camera position is on a first horizontal ellipse that is about the bowl-shaped projection at a first height. Also, the system is operable to determine a viewing direction from the virtual camera position that points at a location on a second horizontal ellipse that is about the bowl-shaped projection at a second height. The second height may be lower than the first height and the second horizontal ellipse may be smaller than the first horizontal ellipse. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130033603 | ROAD CONDITION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND ROAD CONDITION MANAGEMENT METHOD - The present invention provides a road condition management system that can grasp an accurate state of a road condition and reduce a burden on a checker. A road facility management system for managing road facilities includes an on-board device and an information server. The on-board device includes a camera attached to a vehicle to photograph the outside of the vehicle, an image recognition unit that applies image recognition for detecting road facilities to a photographed image, a transmission image information generation unit that generates transmission image information including the photographed image, a road facility information database having stored therein road facility information, and a transmission unit that outputs the transmission image information if a recognition result by the image recognition unit is different from the road facility information stored in the road facility information database. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130033604 | CAMERA UNIT MOUNTING METHOD AND CAMERA UNIT - A camera mounting method and a camera for capturing images around a vehicle to assist the driver in safe driving. An imaging lens is mounted to a side mirror so that the angle (Ψ) that the optical axis of the imaging lens makes with a direction perpendicular to the ground directly below the camera satisfies the following equation | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130038730 | TRANSPARENT VIDEO SCREEN AND ALTERNATE REVERSE CAMERA MONITOR - An apparatus and method by which a rear-facing, ceiling-mounted entertainment display for a vehicle can be made transparent or virtually transparent to a vehicle's driver uses a camera and a second, forward-facing display panel on which an image what the entertainment display blocks from the driver's view. The camera is attached to the entertainment display and captures image-forming light blocked to the driver's rear-view mirror by the downwardly extending entertainment display. The second display panel projects forwardly, i.e., toward the rear-view mirror, what the camera sees looking rearwardly. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130038731 | MOVEABLE BACKUP CAMERA - A camera that is movable is provided for a vehicle. It can be placed at the rear of a vehicle or at the rear of a towed trailer to capture images that might not be within the driver's field of view. Captured images are modulated onto a radio frequency signal, which is broadcast and picked up by a mating radio frequency receiver, typically located inside the towing vehicle. Captured-picture information on the radio frequency signal is recovered and used to generate an image on a display device that can be seen by the driver. An attaching device is provided to the camera to allow the camera to be attached to the vehicle or a trailer and its location changed as needed. The camera thus provides a method and apparatus for wirelessly conveying to the driver, images in an otherwise obstructed field of view. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130038732 | FIELD OF VIEW MATCHING VIDEO DISPLAY SYSTEM - A field of view matching video display system may comprise a tracking device, a rear-facing camera, a processing device, and a display. The tracking device is configured to capture a first video image in a predefined area in the vehicle and provide a first video image signal. The rear-facing camera is configured to capture a second video image and provide a second video image signal. The processing device is configured to analyze the first video image obtained via the first video image signal to determine a head position of the driver, determine a first field of view for the driver based on the head position of the driver, generate a third video image that substantially corresponds with at least a portion of the first field of view of the driver, and provide a third video image signal. The display is configured to show the third video image. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130038733 | NIGHT VISION SYSTEM FOR USE IN A VEHICLE - A night vision system for use in a vehicle includes a night vision device configured as a handheld monocular device. A mount for coupling the night vision device to the vehicle includes a mounting plate configured for attachment at an attachment point in the interior of the vehicle, a coupling assembly coupled to the mounting plate and coupled to a quick release plate of a quick release mechanism, the coupling assembly configured to permit adjustment of orientation of a mounted night vision device in elevation and azimuth. The quick release mechanism is configured to allow one-handed removal of the night vision device from the mount. Image data captured by the night vision device may be communicated through a communications link to a display device in the vehicle. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130038734 | DRIVING SUPPORT APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a driving support apparatus includes a display device, a camera mounted on a vehicle, a vanishing line drawing processing unit that receives image information from the camera and generates a vanishing line by forming a set of vanishing points existing on a plane including the optical axis of the camera, the optical axis of the camera and the running direction of the vehicle being in parallel with each other, a vanishing point being defined as a virtual intersection point located at infinity of the optical axis of the camera and the running direction of the vehicle, and an image processing unit that converts the image information of the camera and the vanishing line into video signals, superimposes one of the video signals on the other and outputs the video signals to the display device. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130038735 | SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING DRIVING OF VEHICLE - Disclosed is a device which is mounted on a vehicle, and captures a rear region of a vehicle and a blind spot region outside of a viewing range of a side mirror adjacent to the rear region of the vehicle. A captured image is subjected to image processing so that the blind spot region on the captured image is compressed. The image after subjected to the image processing is displayed so as to be visible to a driver. The blind spot region on the captured image is compressed so that a sudden change of position of a object in a horizontal direction on the captured image is suppressed, as against a change of distance from the vehicle to the object. Compression is performed so that the ratio of transition of position of the object in the horizontal direction on the captured image to transition of distance from the vehicle to the object is substantially the same as the ratio of transition of position of the object in the horizontal direction in the side mirror to transition of distance from the vehicle to the object. The phenomenon of the object's appearance as if the object suddenly accelerates in the vicinity of the vehicle is avoided. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130038736 | OPTICAL UNIT, VEHICLE MONITOR, AND OBSTRUCTION DETECTOR - Disclosed is an optical unit wherein a rotating reflector rotates about a rotation axis in one direction, while reflecting light emitted from a light source. The rotating reflector is provided with a reflecting surface such that the light reflected by the rotating reflector, while rotating, forms a desired light distribution pattern, said light having been emitted from the light source. The light source is composed of light emitting elements. The rotation axis is provided within a plane that includes an optical axis and the light source. The rotating reflector is provided with, on the periphery of the rotation axis, a blade that functions as the reflecting surface. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130044217 | DRIVE ASSIST DISPLAY APPARATUS - Provided is a drive assist display apparatus which displays a main view | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130044218 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE - The device for monitoring surroundings of a vehicle is provided with means for detecting objects in the surroundings of the vehicle based on image acquired by an imaging device, display devices for displaying on display screens display images that are produced based on the captured image, and alerting means for alerting a driver of the existence of an object through the display devices when an object is detected. The display devices are placed at a plurality of locations visible from the driver. The alerting means reduces volume of information to be displayed on the display screen of the display device that requires large movement of line of sight of the drive for the driver to recognize the display screen from the reference line of sight that looks straight ahead. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130050493 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES - A system and method for detection of vehicle license plates including a video camera that has a first operating mode in which it generates a first image sequence of a small, strip-shaped section of its optical camera image at a high frame rate, and a second operating mode in which a second image sequence of its entire optical camera image is generated at a lower frame rate. In the first operating mode, at the time of the detection of a license plate in the first image sequence, the video camera is switched to the second operating mode to generate an image, which contains the license plate in or near the mentioned section. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130057686 | CROWD SOURCING PARKING MANAGEMENT USING VEHICLES AS MOBILE SENSORS - Systems and methods for monitoring parking spots are disclosed. A system includes at least one vehicle and a remote computer that are in communication with each other. A vehicle includes a camera that generates image data, a location device that generates geographic coordinates of the vehicle, a computing device that receives the image data from the camera and the geographic coordinates of the vehicle and optionally data from a laser scanner that is calibrated with the camera and is connected to a smartphone that transmits data to the remote computer. Image data generated by the camera is processed with a reference image and data from the laser scanner to determine an occupation status of the parking spot. The occupation status is transmitted by the remote computer to a second vehicle. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130057687 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING FOG USING SPECTROSCOPY - A method for detection or the density determination or the classification of an aerosol using spectroscopy includes: using an image taken by a camera for a vehicle, a first value of a parameter being ascertained from the at least one image in a first step, using a first color filtering, and a second value for the same parameter being ascertained in a second step having a second color filtering, which is different from the preceding color filtering, and the values ascertained in the at least two steps are compared, and as a function of the result of the comparison, the detection or the density determination or the classification of the aerosol is carried out. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130057688 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE, VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING METHOD AND VEHICLE DEVICE - A vehicle periphery monitoring device including a first data acquisition unit that acquires first frame image data imaged by a first imaging unit imaging a first region containing a rear side, a second data acquisition unit that acquires second frame image data imaged by a second imaging unit imaging a second region containing the rear side and different from the first region. First and second obstacle estimation processing units respectively estimate a first obstacle present in the first region based on the first frame image data and a second obstacle present in the second region based on the second frame image data, and a signal is output based on results of at least one of the first obstacle estimation processing and the second obstacle estimation processing, wherein conditions for the second obstacle estimation processing are changed based on the result of the first obstacle estimation processing. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130057689 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN IMAGE ON A DISPLAY DEVICE IN A VEHICLE, DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for displaying an image ( | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130057690 | DRIVING ASSIST APPARATUS, DRIVING ASSIST SYSTEM, AND DRIVING ASSIST CAMERA UNIT - A driving assist apparatus acquires vehicle information which includes a gear state and speed of a vehicle; judges a state of preparing for movement, a state of starting movement, and a state during movement; generates a wide-angle image that is an image that can see a wide range although having distortion when the vehicle state is the state of preparing for movement or the state of starting movement; and generates a no-distortion image that is an image in which the distortion due to the lens shape and the distortion by the projection system are eliminated from the camera image when the vehicle state is the state during movement. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130063594 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SURROUNDING INFORMATION OF VEHICLE - Technology for system and method of providing surrounding information of a vehicle which accurately calculates positions of obstacles around the vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of image acquisition units installed in the vehicle at a preset interval, an image acquisition unit selector which selects at least two image acquisition units of the plurality of image acquisition units and receives image data from the selected acquisition unit selector, and a control unit which recognizes an obstacle from the image data received from the image acquisition units, calculates a position of the obstacle, and controls the image acquisition unit selector to select the at least two image acquisition units of the plurality of image acquisition units according to information for vehicle speed of the vehicle. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063595 | Lane monitoring method and lane monitoring system for a vehicle - A lane monitoring method for a vehicle includes: detecting a lane of the vehicle with the aid of a camera of the vehicle; recording driving status measuring signals of the vehicle; evaluating the driving status of the vehicle according to at least one lane departure criterion; upon meeting the lane departure criterion, checking whether decision criteria for detecting an intentional trajectory shortening maneuver have been met; and generating a lane departure warning signal as a function of the evaluation according to the lane departure criterion, the output of the lane departure warning signal being suppressed if an intentional trajectory shortening maneuver is detected. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063596 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED DEVICE IDENTIFYING APPARATUS - If an iris or a pupil is detected as being positioned in a right area, a vehicle-mounted device identifier of a vehicle-mounted device identifying apparatus identifies a vehicle-mounted device group, which is disposed in an area that is on the right side of an area that is identified based on a facial direction detected by a facial direction detector. If the iris or the pupil is detected as being positioned in a left area, the vehicle-mounted device identifier identifies a vehicle-mounted device group, which is disposed in an area that is on the left side of an area that is identified based on the facial direction. If the iris or the pupil is detected as being positioned in a central area, the vehicle-mounted device identifier identifies a vehicle-mounted device group, which is disposed in an area that is identified based on the facial direction. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063597 | METHOD FOR IMAGE PROCESSING OF IMAGE DATA RECORDED WITH AN OPTICAL SENSOR IN A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND A MOTOR VEHICLE - In a method for image processing of image data recorded in a motor vehicle with an optical sensor, in particular with a camera, wherein the image data include images sequentially recorded with a defined image recording rate, an optical flux is determined from the image data and useful information is determined from the optical flux by at least one vehicle system, in particular a driver assist system. The optical flux is determined during compression of the image data and/or from flux information determined during the compression of the image data. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063598 | REARVIEW MIRROR - A rearview mirror is provided with dashboard camera functions and includes a mirror surface of the rearview mirror, an image processing unit coupled with an underneath of the rearview minor and linking the image capture unit, a display unit installed on the mirror surface to display images retrieved by the image capture unit, an input unit mounted on the rearview mirror body for operating commands entered by one user, and a control processing module which is installed inside the rearview mirror body, links the image capture unit and the display unit, and receives instructions from the input unit to control operations of both the image capture unit and the display unit. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063599 | VEHICLE DRIVING SUPPORT PROCESSING DEVICE, VEHICLE DRIVING SUPPORT DEVICE AND VEHICLE DEVICE - A vehicle driving support processing device, including a first data acquisition unit that acquires left rear image data, a second data acquisition unit that acquires right rear image data, and a lane departure detection unit having a lane departure detection state and a lane departure detection inhibition state, wherein the lane departure detection unit in the lane departure detection state estimates a first distance between a left-side boundary and the vehicle based on the left rear image data, estimates a second distance between a right-side boundary and the vehicle based on the right rear image data, and performs a signal generation operation to generate a signal for a warning or for controlling a steering gear or a braking device, and for transmitting a signal to other vehicles. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063600 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor operable to capture an image data set representative of a scene occurring in the exterior field of view of the imaging sensor. A processor processes the captured image data set via an edge detection algorithm, which is applied to a reduced image data set of the captured image data set to detect edges of objects present exteriorly of the equipped vehicle and within a target zone within the exterior field of view of the imaging sensor. The reduced data set is processed more than other image data of the captured image data set in order to detect objects present exteriorly of the equipped vehicle and within the target zone. The target zone encompasses a geographic area of the exterior scene where an object of interest to the driver of the equipped vehicle is realistically expected to be present. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130063601 | DRIVE ASSIST DEVICE - A drive assist device allows a driver to favorably check space for opening a back door along with an image of a periphery of a vehicle. The drive assist device is configured: to perform a viewpoint conversion that converts an image captured by a vehicle-mounted camera, which image is of a scene in the periphery of the vehicle including at least an area rearward of the vehicle, into an overhead image showing the vehicle from above; to superimpose on the overhead image a graphic image showing a flip-up back door in an open state from the same viewpoint as that of the overhead image; and to allow the superimposed image to be displayed on a monitor device in a vehicle compartment. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130070095 | FAST OBSTACLE DETECTION - Systems and methods for detecting obstacles using a single camera positioned on an apparatus in motion over an area of motion, or stationary over a moving area of motion. In an example method, a video stream of images is captured of the area of motion. The images in the video stream may be corrected for lens distortion prior to further processing. An Nth image frame is selected from a sequence of N images in the video stream. A set of N−1 difference images is calculated by subtracting each of the N−1 previous images from the Nth image. The N−1 difference images are added to one another to generate a combined difference image. A perspective transformation is performed on the combined difference image to generate a transformed image. The transformed image is analyzed to detect edges of obstacles in the transformed image. A signal indicating detection of an obstacle in the area of motion may then be generated. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130070096 | OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE, OBJECT DETECTION METHOD, AND OBJECT DETECTION PROGRAM - An object detection device ( | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130070097 | Video with Map Overlay on Pedestrian Carried Device - A system and method for placing reference locators on a streaming video image taken from a camera mounted on a vehicle. Sensors monitoring the camera field of view and direction of the optical axis along with sensors monitoring the vehicle's position are used to generate a video overlay having various indicia. The calculated positions of the indicia may be compared to the position of landmarks taken from the video image to compensate for any inaccuracies in the calculated position taken from the various sensors. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130070098 | APPARATUS FOR MONITORING SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE - The vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus is provided with an imaging device and a device that transforms captured image to digital image. A first edge extraction mask is applied to detect multiple horizontal edges. The apparatus further includes a detector that detects upper end of the head of the object by detecting a horizontal edge having a highest edge intensity out of the multiple horizontal edges. A second edge extraction mask is used to detect the lower end of the head of the physical object by detecting multiple vertical edges and matching the positional variation of the multiple vertical edges with predetermined patterns. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130076901 | ON-SCREEN DISPLAY APPARATUS - There is provided an on-screen display (OSD) apparatus including: a plurality of ultrasonic sensors having respective ranges previously assigned thereto to thereby detect an object therein; a camera module capturing an image of the ranges detected by the plurality of ultrasonic sensors; and a controlling unit controlling a display of positional information of the object detected in the ranges assigned to the plurality of individual ultrasonic sensors in the image captured by the camera module. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076902 | ROBOTICALLY OPERATED VEHICLE CHARGING STATION - A robotic charging station for charging a battery of an electric vehicle includes a base plate, a riser coupled with the base plate and extending substantially transverse to the base plate, and a robotic arm. The robotic arm extends from the riser and supports an end effector. The end effector includes a plurality of electrical contacts configured to couple with a receptacle disposed on the electric vehicle. The robotic arm is configured to move the end effector in three degrees of motion. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076903 | USB VIDEO INTERFACE FOR ALPR CAMERAS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A video processing system ( | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076904 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicular accessory mounting system includes a structure adhesively attached at a region of an interior surface of the vehicle windshield. The structure is configured to accommodate an accessory. A light absorbing layer at the region of the interior surface of the vehicle windshield at least partially hides the structure from view by a viewer, who is external the vehicle, viewing through the windshield. The accessory views through a light transmitting portion of the light absorbing layer and through the windshield to the exterior of the vehicle when the structure is attached at the region of the interior surface of the windshield and when the accessory is accommodated thereat. The structure may include a mirror assembly mount button and the mirror assembly mount button may be configured to be received by a mirror mount of an interior rearview mirror assembly. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076905 | APPARATUS FOR USE IN ASSOCIATION WITH A VEHICLE - An apparatus for use in association with a vehicle having a windshield, includes a module and a camera assembly disposed in the module. The camera assembly includes an image sensor and a camera lens. The camera lens has a first end portion disposed adjacent to the image sensor and a second end portion spaced from the image sensor. A polarizer lens is disposed adjacent to the second end portion of the camera lens. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076906 | TRAFFIC CITATION DELIVERY BASED ON TYPE OF TRAFFIC INFRACTION - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for vehicle speed acquisition and citation. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, multiple different imaging systems can be placed individually at different locations along a route of travel, such as a highway, byway or waterway. Images of different vehicles can be captured at each of the locations and different ones of the different vehicles can be image-recognized. A time of travel between pairs of the locations can be determined for selected ones of the different vehicles in order to compute a rate of travel for the selected ones of the different vehicles. A citation signal is generated when a speed of a vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed limit such that the vehicle owner may be automatically cited for speeding. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130083195 | POLARIZATION-BASED ANTI-BLINDING NIGHT VISION SYSTEM, VEHICLE COMPRISING SAME, AND METHOD THEREFOR - A night vision system has a night vision illuminator, an imaging apparatus, and a first light conditioning structure. The night vision illuminator is configured for illuminating a space with near-infrared (NIR) light that is linearly polarized in a direction substantially parallel with a first polarization axis. The imaging apparatus is configured for creating an electrical representation of an image defined by NIR light received thereby. A field of view of the imaging apparatus includes at least a portion of the space illuminated with the NIR light of the night vision illuminator. The first light conditioning structure is configured for linearly polarizing in a direction substantially non-parallel with respect to the first polarization axis the NIR light received by the imaging apparatus. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130083196 | Vehicle monitoring systems - A monitoring system for vehicles is disclosed. At least two cameras are disposed around a vehicle to generate videos or images representing surrounding scenes in which the vehicle is present. Video streams from the cameras are transported via wired means or wireless means to a video processing system. Depending on applications, the video streams are processed to be collectively displayed on a screen (e.g., on the dashboard of the vehicle), analyzed to assist the driver of the vehicle to perform a task, stored in a storage device of limited capacity, or transported to a remote server for remote assistance or analysis. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130083197 | STORAGE MANAGING METHOD AND STORAGE MANAGEMENT DEVICE - The disclosed video processing device contains: a video acquisition unit that acquires surroundings information including video taken of the surroundings of a vehicle; a line-of-sight acquisition unit that acquires the origin and direction of the line of sight of the driver of the aforementioned vehicle; a line-of-sight video generation unit which generates, from the surroundings information, line-of-sight video corresponding to the origin of the line of sight; a blocking-information computation unit that computes, on the basis of the origin of the line of sight, blocking information including video or a region of the body of the aforementioned vehicle that blocks the driver's line of sight; and a display-video generation unit that generates display video on the basis of the line-of-sight video and the blocking information. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130088595 | CONTROL OF ELECTRONIC FEATURES AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR A ONE DESIGN RACE CAR - A safety system for a single design racing automobile having a rear mounted airfoil member with an adjustable aerodynamic wing member includes a horizontal light panel with a multiple sections along the rear edge of the wing member, and a control unit programmed to control the sections of the horizontal light panel to be illuminated in synchronization with operation of the automobile's rear brake lights, reverse gear drive lights, turn signal lights, as well as emergency flashing of the lights. The safety system also includes one or more rearward facing cameras mounted to the rear edge of the adjustable aerodynamic wing member. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130088596 | MONITORING SYSTEM, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME, AND SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FOR THE SAME - An image comparison section provided in a monitoring system compares current image data with past image data acquired in at least one preceding cycle when a vehicle is determined to be in motion on the basis of an output signal input from a motion sensing section. On the basis of a comparison result, the image comparison section determines whether or not a camera or an image processing section broke down. When there is a failure, the image comparison section outputs an output signal reporting the failure to the image processing section. Upon receipt of the output signal, the image processing section performs image processing intended for the event of a failure, and transmits failure information while superimposing the failure information on an image signal, thereby changing a display device to a monochrome display or an alarm display. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130088597 | MULTIPLE RESOLUTION CAMERA SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION AND EVENT RECORDING - An in-car multiple-resolution camera system for first responder vehicles includes a high-resolution camera imager for capturing images in high resolution and outputting the same in a first high-resolution image output stream. A signal processing module is provided for processing the first high-resolution image output stream and producing ( | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130088598 | OBSTACLE DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD, AND OBSTACLE DETECTION APPARATUS - An obstacle detection system ( | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130088599 | CAMERA DEVICE FOR CAPTURING IMAGES OF AN EXTERNAL REGION OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a camera device for capturing images of an external region ( | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130093886 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING A VEHICLE-BASED DIGITAL IMAGERY SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY ANOTHER VEHICLE - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and a vehicle identification computer for identifying a vehicle are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, camera(s), mountable to a first vehicle, capture an image of at least a part of a second vehicle. The captured image includes vehicle identification indicia. An image file comprising the image and a tag are generated and transmitted to a vehicle identification computer. The vehicle identification computer identifies the second vehicle based on the vehicle identification indicia. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093887 | Obstacle Detection System and Obstacle Detection Method Thereof - An obstacle detection system and a method thereof The obstacle detection system comprises an object detection module used to generate a detected distance and a detected direction of a external obstacle; a camera module used to capture a camera image including an obstacle image; a calculation module used to calculate a first region for the obstacle image in the camera image; and an object search module used to execute a first image processing on the camera image within the first region to obtain the obstacle image. If no obstacle is found within the first region, the calculation module is used to calculate a second region. The object search module is used to execute a second image processing within the second region to obtain the obstacle image. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093888 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING VEHICLE DRIVING STATUS INFORMATION-BASED DRIVING CONCENTRATION - A method and system for determining driving concentration which is capable of analyzing a driver's driving concentration on the basis of variation of a steering angle and driving status information of a vehicle acquired from a front camera sensor. The method includes storing output data of a steering angle sensor and a front camera sensor mounted in a vehicle at a predetermined time interval, calculating a quantitative index include a value for recognizing a vehicle status based on information stored in a storage unit, statistically processing the calculated value to output status information which is an index for determining driving concentration, and comparing the information calculated in the statistically processing to the predetermined reference data and determining the driving concentration according to the comparison result. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093889 | SMART REAR-VIEW DISPLAY - A display system for a vehicle comprises a display mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle and at least one camera mounted to the vehicle and facing at least partially in a rear direction. The display shows the images recorded by the camera(s) to provide a rear view for the driver of the vehicle. An ECU for the display system analyzes the images to provide additional information. The ECU controls the camera viewing angle as well to provide wide-angle images, and to pan or zoom the camera(s). | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093890 | VEHICLE DATA COMMUNICATION AND DISPLAY SYSTEM - A vehicle data communication and display system includes at least one display device for vehicular mounting, at least one communications device for obtaining data from at least one extra-vehicular data source and at least one electronic controller for vehicular mounting, the at least one electronic controller in signal communication with the at least one display device and the at least one communications device and operating the at least one vehicle display device based on the data obtained by the at least one communications device. The at least one communications device can obtain traffic signal information for an imminent traffic signal and the at least one electronic controller operate the at least one display device to display the traffic signal information. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093891 | VEHICLE OCCUPANT DETECTORS - In the field of vehicle occupant detectors there is a need for an improved vehicle occupant detector which is able to consistently identify the number of occupants in vehicles having windscreens with different infrared transmission characteristics. A vehicle occupant detector comprises a first infrared illuminator that is operable at a first infrared wavelength to illuminate an interior of a vehicle, and a second infrared illuminator that is operable at a second infrared wavelength to illuminate an interior of a vehicle. The vehicle occupant detector also includes a first infrared detector to capture a first image of the interior of the vehicle illuminated at the first infrared wavelength, and a second infrared detector to capture a second image of the interior of the vehicle illuminated at the second infrared wavelength. The first and second infrared detectors have the same infrared detection characteristics. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093892 | RECOGNITION OF A ROAD ILLUMINATION - In a method for recognizing a road illumination, light reflected at a road surface is taken by a camera and a modulation over time of the brightness of the reflected light is detected. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093893 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a forward field of view exterior of the vehicle. The imaging device is operable to capture multiple frames of image data, and the multiple frames of image data include repeating frame sets. A particular frame set of the repeating frame sets has at least two frames. An image processor operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. A control, responsive to processing of captured image data, controls, at least in part, an intelligent headlamp control feature of the vehicle and a lane departure warning feature of the vehicle. One frame of a particular frame set is processed by the image processor for the intelligent headlamp control feature and no other frame of the particular frame set is processed by the image processor for the intelligent headlamp control feature. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130093894 | COUNTER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM - Vehicle mounted cameras are used as counter surveillance devices to detect surveillance of a protected vehicle. These cameras are located in forward and rearward looking locations in the protected vehicle and are in communication with vision processing software that a.) identifies license tags of surrounding vehicles, which are then run through various data-bases of friends and foes, and b.) records surrounding vehicle movements in an attempt to identify trailing vehicles that (for instance) remain within a certain distance of the protected vehicle for long periods of time, or fit other criteria. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130100286 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING VEHICLE LOCATION - A system and method for detecting a traffic signal violation. In one embodiment a system includes a video image capture device, an image rectifier, and a vehicle position predictor. The image rectifier is configured to provide a rectified image by applying a rectification function an image captured by the video image capture device. The vehicle position predictor is configured to provide a prediction, based on the rectified image, of whether a vehicle approaching an intersection will enter the intersection. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130100287 | Blind Spot Detection System and Blind Spot Detection Method Thereof - A blind spot detection system and method thereof applicable to a transportation vehicle. The blind spot detection system comprises a plurality of detection modules, a processing module and a display module. When the transportation vehicle moves at a speed less than a predetermined speed or at a stop moving state, each detection module is used to detect a plurality of blind spot images around the transportation vehicle. The processing module is connected to each detection module and used to receive the plurality of blind spot images and execute an image processing for detecting and identifying a moving object in the plurality of blind spot images, and to generate a mark pattern corresponding to the moving object. The display module is connected to the processing module and used to display the plurality of blind spot images and the mark pattern in a blind spot display mode. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130100288 | AUDIO/VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for programming and/or charging one or more audio/video devices such that the audio/video devices will be programmed and charged to receive transmitted audio and video signals associated with an event, allowing a user to use the audio/video device to observe the sights and sounds of the event. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cart with a docking port for each of a plurality of personal audio/video devices, a charger configured to charge the power source of each personal audio/video display device, and programming logic configured to program each of the personal audio/video devices. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130100289 | AUTOMOTIVE STORED VISION SYSTEM - A method for the driver of an automotive vehicle to avoid distraction from the task of driving, but yet to preserve and later recover legal evidence of events, objects, or conditions that may be encountered during the driving of the vehicle, by utilizing a perimeter optical viewing system in conjunction with a central digital recording system to record and subsequently retrieve images of those events, objects, or conditions. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130100290 | IMAGE CALIBRATION METHOD AND IMAGE CALIBRATION DEVICE - To alleviate the strictness degree required for a relative positional relationship between a calibration index and a vehicle in an image calibration method and an image calibration device. The image calibration device includes a calibration index | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130107044 | Blind Spot Camera System | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107045 | REAR-VIEW MIRROR WITH MULTI-MODE DISPLAY SCREEN, SYSTEM COMPRISING SAME, AND METHOD OF USING SAME | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107046 | VEHICLE FRONT GRILLE ASSEMBLY | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107047 | Multifunction Vehicle Display Monitor With Video Capability | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107048 | AUTOMATIC IMAGE EQUALIZATION FOR SURROUND-VIEW VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEMS | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107049 | ACCIDENT AVOIDING SYSTEM AND METHOD | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107050 | OBSTACLE ALARM DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107051 | OBSTACLE ALARM DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107052 | Driver Assistance Device Having a Visual Representation of Detected Objects | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107053 | PORTABLE TERMINAL DEVICE AND STORAGE MEDIUM | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107054 | INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130107055 | IMAGE SYNTHESIS DEVICE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130113935 | ACTIVE VISION SYSTEM WITH SUBLIMINALLY STEERED AND MODULATED LIGHTING - An active vision system includes an image capture device for capturing images in a region exterior of a vehicle and a headlamp control unit for controlling a vehicle headlamp beam for illuminating an environment exterior of a vehicle. The headlamp control unit is configured to selectively illuminate between making a path of travel of a road visible to a driver of the vehicle and making the region exterior of the vehicle visible for capturing images by the image capture device. The headlamp control unit utilizes a duty cycle for controlling a first cycle time that the headlamp beam illuminates the path of travel for making the road visible to the driver and for controlling a second cycle time that the headlamp beam makes the captured region visible for capturing images by the image capture device. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130113936 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A PARKING LOT BASED ON INTELLIGENT IMAGING - To manage a plurality of parking spaces, one or more images are acquired, with each parking space appearing in at least one image. Periodically acquired images of occupancy and identity are used in directing a customer to a parked vehicle. Periodically acquired images of just occupancy are used in controlling respective environment aspects, such as illumination and ventilation, of the parking spaces. For these purposed, the images are classified automatically as “vacant” or “occupied”, and are displayed along with their classifications so that the classifications can be corrected manually. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130113937 | Entry Control Point Device, System and Method - The present invention provides an entry control device, system and method which can recognize a vehicle by its undercarriage image only. The present invention compares a new vehicle undercarriage image with those stored in a reference database to facilitate the automatic search of a vehicle's undercarriage. The present invention can compare the new undercarriage image to the same or similar undercarriage image previously entered in the reference database, highlighting any anomalies such as, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernalia and other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130120572 | PARKING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM USING PROJECTOR AND METHOD THEREOF - A parking assistance system using a projector and a method thereof are provided. The parking assistance system includes a projector, a capture module, and a control unit. The projector projects an image to outside a vehicle. The capture module captures a projection region of the projector. The control unit controls the projector to illuminate the projection region, and controls a screen output of an image captured by the capture module. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120573 | REAR VIEW CAMERA DISPLAY DURING BRAKING - A display system for a vehicle comprises a display mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle and at least one camera mounted to the vehicle and facing at least partially in a rear direction. A sensor is connected to the display system for the vehicle. An ECU is controllably connected to the display and the at least one camera. The ECU provides an image from the at least one camera when a predetermined threshold of brake application is sensed or anti-lock brake activity is sensed. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120574 | STATE MONITOR APPARATUS - In a state monitor process, it is determined whether a stop state, which requires a stop of a function of a state monitor apparatus, takes place based on detection signals from sensors, namely, it is determined whether an installed position of the state monitor apparatus is displaced from a fixing position or prespecified position. When the installed position of the state monitor apparatus is not displaced from the fixing position, it is determined that the stop state does not take place, permitting a light emitter to irradiate a defined irradiated area with near-infrared lights to capture an image of a driver. When the installed position of the state monitor apparatus is displaced from the fixing position, it is determined that the stop state takes place, executing a restriction process including a reduction process to reduce an emission of the near-infrared lights and a warning output process. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120575 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING ROAD MARKERS - An apparatus for use in a vehicle identifies road markers. The apparatus includes a sensor unit configured to collect image information ahead of the vehicle, distance information, and information on the reflected amount of a road surface. The apparatus includes a recognizer unit configured to recognize the road markers ahead of the vehicle on the basis of the image information, distance information, and information on the reflected amount provided from the sensor unit. Information on the road markers recognized in the recognizer unit is provided on an output unit. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120576 | IMAGE-BASED VEHICLE MANEUVERING ASSISTANT METHOD AND SYSTEM - An image-based vehicle maneuvering assistant method and system are provided in the present invention, in which images captured by a single image sensing device is processed to determine the changes with respect time by a controller having capability of image processing and identification and distance estimation in image space for providing a complete assisting image-information while the carrier is maneuvering. By means of the presented method of the presented invention, the system is capable of generating track of the carrier, view point transformation, and identifying the characteristic object in the image so as to performing the distance estimation. The present invention may be utilized and applied in different kinds of carrier type to solve the problem of guiding of carrier maneuvering, and assist the carrier lane changing, parking assistance and blind spot detection. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120577 | VIDEOMETRIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFFSHORE AND OIL-WELL DRILLING - A crane control system for determining a suitable real-time operating regime for a crane arranged to lift cargo from a marine vessel, the system includes an imaging means associated with the crane, a processing means, and a memory means. The imaging means is arranged to capture images of the vessel when it is located generally below the crane and within the operational range of the crane. The processing means is operable to calculate from the captured images movement parameters characterising the movement of the vessel relative to the crane. The memory contains performance data representative of the performance characteristics of the crane and cargo data representative of the weight of individual items of said cargo. The processing means is further configured to compare the calculated movement parameters to the performance data and the cargo data and to determine from said comparison a safe operating regime for the crane. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120578 | DRIVE ASSIST DEVICE - A drive assist device includes: a overhead image generating unit that generates a vehicle periphery overhead image; a forward trajectory setting unit that sets a forward trajectory serving as an expected trajectory in the travel direction of the vehicle occurring when the turning based on a calculated steering angle; a reverse trajectory setting unit that sets a reverse trajectory serving as an expected trajectory in the travel direction of the vehicle or in the opposite direction as the travel direction of the vehicle occurring when turning based on a steering angle in the opposite direction as the calculated steering angle; and a image synthesizing unit that generates a drive assist overhead image for display in a monitor by synthesizing the forward trajectory and the reverse trajectory with the vehicle periphery overhead image. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130120579 | LOAD DISPLAY DEVICE FOR DUMP TRUCK - A periphery monitoring device ( | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130128043 | Lawn Mower - A vegetation cutting apparatus including a movable carriage having a conveyance system for facilitating conveyance of the carriage over ground. The conveyance system can have conveyance members for facilitating such conveyance. A cutting system can be mounted to the carriage for cutting vegetation. The cutting system can include at least one cutting member which is positionable laterally around the periphery of at least one conveyance member for enabling cutting of vegetation laterally around the at least one conveyance member. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130128044 | VISION-BASED SCENE DETECTION - A method of distinguishing between daytime lighting conditions and nighttime lighting conditions based on a captured image by a vision-based imaging device along a path of travel. An image is captured by a vision-based imaging device. A region of interest is selected in the captured image. A light intensity value is determined for each pixel within the region of interest. A cumulative histogram is generated based on light intensity values within the region of interest. The cumulative histogram including a plurality of category bins representing the light intensity values. Each category bin identifies an aggregate value of light intensity values assigned to each respective category bin. An aggregate value is compared within a predetermined category bin of the histogram to a first predetermined threshold. A determination is made whether the image is captured during the daytime lighting conditions as a function of the aggregate value within the predetermined category bin. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130128045 | DYNAMIC LIINE-DETECTION SYSTEM FOR PROCESSORS HAVING LIMITED INTERNAL MEMORY - A line-detection system computes, using a local memory, a result of a partial conversion of image-space pixel data from image space to Hough space. The result is analyzed for edges corresponding to a line present in the partial conversion. The line is compared against other lines detected in previously computed partial results to identify a longest line in the image. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130128046 | CAMERA EQUIPPED HELMET - A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed configured to allow viewing of scenes not directly in the field of view of the viewer. In various embodiments, a helmet is equipped with a video camera, facing in a direction other than the direction of view of the user of the helmet, and a display visible to the user to display the images captured by the video camera. The helmet may be used while riding a bicycle, a motorcycle, a horse, while walking, and the like. In some embodiments, the video camera transmits data wirelessly and the direction of its view is adjustable. In some embodiments, a storage device is integrated in the helmet to allow recording of the images and sounds captured by the video camera for future download to another recording medium or a computing device. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130128047 | TOUCH TYPE DISPLAY MIRROR - A touch type display mirror apparatus, may include a touch panel though which a user inputs a first signal, a photosensitive panel arranged on a rear surface side of the touch panel, and a display panel arranged on a rear surface side of the photosensitive panel and including a signal processing unit processing the first signal that may be input from the touch panel, wherein the signal processing unit may be connected to an angle-adjustable rear view camera and adjusts a shooting angle of the angle-adjustable rear view camera according to a second signal that may be input from the touch panel. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130128048 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND IMAGING DEVICE - Disclosed herein is an imaging system including: an imaging section attached to a bottom of a vehicle to capture an omnidirectional image; and a display section adapted to display the omnidirectional image captured by the imaging section | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130128049 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a first imager disposed at a left side of the vehicle, a second imager disposed at a rear of the vehicle and a third imager disposed at a right side of the vehicle. The first, second and third imagers have respective fields of view and the first imager is spatially separated from the second imager and the third imager is spatially separated from the second imager. A display system has a single display screen that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The display screen is operable to display an image derived from image data captured by the first, second and third imagers. The display screen displays an image synthesized from image data captured by each of the first, second and third imagers. The displayed image approximates a view from a single virtual camera location. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130135472 | INTELLIGENT DRIVING RECORDING AND INSPECTION SYSTEM - An intelligent driving recording and inspection system is introduced for recording a car's driving process and for a user to review the driving process in an intelligent manner. The system includes an image-capture unit for capturing image signals in the driving process; a sensing unit for generating event signals corresponding to all events encountered in the driving process, such as lane departure, close distance from a preceding car, changes in gravity sensing, and abnormalities shown in inside-car driving data; a processing unit for linking the event signals with and marking the same on corresponding image signals; a memory unit for storing the image signals and the event signals; and a inspection unit for a user to review the stored image signals marked with the event signals. Therefore, any event occurred in the driving process can be easily analyzed by reviewing the image signals having corresponding event signal marked thereon. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130135473 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE SURVEILLANCE - A method and a system for vehicle surveillance are provided. The vehicle surveillance system integrates a global position system (GPS) and a vehicle recorder. The geographic coordinate of the current parking position is obtained by the GPS system. The vehicle surveillance system is turned off if the vehicle surveillance system is outside a predetermined radius of geographic coordinates of pre-saved non-safe parking positions. The activation of the vehicle surveillance system is maintained such that the vehicle is surveilled and its surrounding images are recorded in a selective and continuous manner if the vehicle surveillance system is within a predetermined radius of the geographic coordinates of non-safe parking positions. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130135474 | Automotive Camera System and Its Calibration Method and Calibration Program - Provided is a calibration method for an automotive camera system that can easily calibrate intrinsic parameters and extrinsic parameters of an image taking unit. A calibration method for an automotive camera system | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130135475 | MONITORING AND AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS - The present invention relates to monitoring and automatic control systems. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130135476 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An information display system for a vehicle includes a display screen disposed within an interior cabin of a vehicle and a rearward facing camera of the vehicle. The display screen displays video images captured by the rearward facing camera for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. When the equipped vehicle is not executing a reversing maneuver, the information display screen is operable to display information or instructions. The information/instructions may include at least one of (a) at least one instruction pertaining to how to service an accessory of the vehicle to remediate a fault condition, (b) a video clip pertaining to how to service an accessory of the vehicle to remediate a fault condition, (c) at least one instruction pertaining to how to operate an accessory of the vehicle and (d) a video clip pertaining to how to operate an accessory of the vehicle. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130135477 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An accessory mounting system for mounting an electronic device at a windshield of a vehicle includes a bracket. The bracket is configured to mount at an interior surface of the vehicle windshield. The bracket includes an attaching structure configured to attach the bracket at the interior surface of the vehicle windshield. The bracket may include a support frame coupled to an attaching structure and to an adjustable support of an interior rearview mirror assembly. The support frame may have a set off portion set off from the interior surface of the windshield to accommodate an electronic device between the windshield and the set off portion. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130141574 | VEHICLE OCCUPANCY DETECTION VIA SINGLE BAND INFRARED IMAGING - What is disclosed is a method for vehicle occupancy detection using a single band infrared imaging system. First, an infrared image of a vehicle intended to be processed for human occupancy detection is captured using a single band infrared camera set to a predefined wavelength band. A candidate sub-image is identified within the captured image. A cumulative histogram is formed using the reflectance values of each pixel in the candidate region. A threshold reflectance value is then determined from the cumulative histogram using a pre-defined cumulative occurrence fraction value which corresponds to a value equivalent to an average sized human face. Embodiments for setting the threshold reflectance value are disclosed. Thereafter, human occupants can be distinguished in the image from the vehicle's interior by comparing pixel reflectances in the sub-image against the threshold reflectance value. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141575 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - An exemplary driving assistance method includes obtaining images captured by a plurality of cameras, each of the images comprising a distance information indicating a distance between one camera and objects captured by the camera. Next, the method extracts the distance information from the obtained images. The method further includes detecting whether a road surface or a road width is abnormal according to the extracted distance information and the captured image. Lastly, the method generates a prompt message to warn a driver when the road surface or the road width is abnormal. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141576 | DETERMINING THREATS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM ROAD-BASED DEVICES IN A TRANSPORTATION-RELATED CONTEXT - Techniques for ability enhancement are described. Some embodiments provide an ability enhancement facilitator system (“AEFS”) configured to enhance a user's ability to operate or function in a transportation-related context as a pedestrian or a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, the AEFS is configured to perform vehicular threat detection based on information received at a road-based device, such as a sensor or processor that is deployed at the side of a road. An example AEFS receives, at a road-based device, information about a first vehicle that is proximate to the road-based device. The AEFS analyzes the received information to determine threat information, such as that the vehicle may collide with the user. The AEFS then informs the user of the determined threat information, such as by transmitting a warning to a wearable device configured to present the warning to the user. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141577 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ROAD SURFACE PROPERTIES - Disclosed is a technique for detecting a road surface property. More specifically, the technique includes a reflectivity table that stores a degree of reflectivity of a rainy road relative to a reference reflectivity and a degree of reflectivity of a snowy road relative to the reference reflectivity. A reflection measurement unit measures a reflection which is the amount of a laser beam that is emitted through a light emitting unit of a laser sensor, reflected from the road surface, and received by a light receiving unit, and a reflectivity calculation unit calculates a degree of reflectivity for the road in front of the vehicle via a ratio of the measured reflection and the reference reflectivity. A road surface property determination unit then detects the corresponding road surface property based on the reflectivity table. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141578 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY - A vehicle vision system includes at least one camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle, and includes a control having an image processor for processing image data captured by the at least one camera. The control, responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data by the image processor, is operable to carry out one or more actions based on the detection of selected elements in the image data captured by the at least one camera. The control may control the operation of an additional component in the vehicle aside from the camera. The vision system may include a forward facing camera, a rearward facing camera and/or a sideward facing camera. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141579 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of a vehicle. The attachment element has a mirror mounting button. At least one attachment member is attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield local to the attachment element. An interior rearview minor assembly has a mirror head and a minor support. The mirror head includes a minor reflective element and a mirror casing. The minor support includes a minor mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the minor mounting button of the attachment element. A structure is configured for mounting to the attachment member and is configured to receive and be supported by the attachment member. The structure is configured to accommodate a forward facing camera having a field of view through the vehicle windshield. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141580 | ROAD VERTICAL CONTOUR DETECTION - The driver assistance system includes a camera operatively connectable to a processor. The driver assistance system is operable while the host vehicle is moving to detect a deviation in vertical contour of a road. A first image frame and a second image frame are captured in the field of view of the camera. Image motion is processed between respective images of the road derived from the first image frame and the second image frame. The vertical contour of the road is estimated using a road surface model of the road and the deviation in the vertical contour is computed from the road surface model. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141581 | WORK VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - A periphery monitoring apparatus for a work vehicle includes a plurality of obstacle detection sensors, a warning region setting section and a warning section. The obstacle detection sensors are mounted on the work vehicle, and each of the obstacle detection sensors is configured to determine a relative position of an obstacle with regard to the work vehicle by detecting the obstacle in the surroundings of the work vehicle. The warning region setting section is configured to set a warning region, where it is necessary to warn a driver of a presence of the obstacle, according to a movement state of the work vehicle. The warning section is configured to warn a driver that the relative position of the obstacle is positioned in the warning region. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141582 | UPGRADE SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER IN DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE - The field of use of a portable communication appliance ( | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130141583 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING, MONITORING AND/OR CONTROLLING RACING VEHICLES - A device and a method for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling racing vehicles on a racetrack, having a camera for monitoring when a predetermined track section is crossed, a recording device for recording the images provided by the camera, a recording control device for automatically recording the images provided by the camera only during a specific time window within which the crossing of the track section, and a sensor device for detecting the crossing of the track section. A marking device generates a marking for a recorded image as a function of a sensor signal of the sensor device and the occurrence thereof in the specific time window. The marking is stored in an event list. An image of interest can be simply selected on the basis of the associated marking, without the images which are provided by the camera having to be evaluated themselves for this purpose. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130147953 | COMBINED BACKUP CAMERA AND DRIVER ALERTNESS SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A combined backup camera and driver alertness system for a vehicle includes an imaging device that is adapted to be supported on a vehicle for capturing images adjacent a rearward portion of the vehicle. A sensor is provided that generates a signal when either (1) a transmission contained in the vehicle is operated in the rearward operating mode or (2) the vehicle is actually moved in the rearward direction. The system also includes a driver alertness processor and an image display. A data router routes the images from the imaging device to the driver alertness processor when not the signal is generated by the sensor and to the image display when the signal is generated by the sensor. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130147954 | PARKING LOT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN WORKING COOPERATION WITH INTELLIGENT CAMERAS - A parking lot management system that works in cooperation with intelligent cameras is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of intelligent cameras connected to each other via a wired/wireless mesh network, a license plate recognition unit which can recognize a license plate of a vehicle entering and exiting a parking lot, a server for storing and managing information about the vehicle, a parking information board and a vehicle information about the position terminal which provide a user with parking information, and a personal computer for controlling all information. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130147955 | WARNING SYSTEM, VEHICULAR APPARATUS, AND SERVER - In-vehicle systems are in host vehicles. Each in-vehicle system transmits a vehicle information item indicating a present position, travel course, and size of the host vehicle to a server. Out of the host vehicles, detecting vehicles pass through a dangerous spot where a dangerous object is present. The in-vehicle system in each detecting vehicle transmits a dangerous object information item indicating an image and position of the dangerous spot, to the server. The server extracts warned vehicles expected to pass through the dangerous spot, from the present positions and travel courses of the host vehicles. The server determines a danger degree when passing through the dangerous spot, based on an image of the dangerous spot and a width of each warned vehicle, thereby preparing warning information and distributing it to the in-vehicle system of each warned vehicle. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130147956 | ACTUATING DEVICE FOR A DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS - An actuating device is provided for a device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings, which actuating device is functionally connected to the device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings. A calibration of the device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings is able to be initiated by means of the actuating device, the initiation of the calibration being correlated with a weather parameter detected by the actuating device. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130147957 | DETECTION OF OBSTACLES AT NIGHT BY ANALYSIS OF SHADOWS - A driver assistance systems mountable in a host vehicle while the host vehicle is moving forward with headlights on for detection of obstacles based on shadows. The driver assistance system includes a camera operatively connectible to a processor. A first image frame and a second image frame are captured of a road. A first dark image patch and a second dark image patch include intensity values less than a threshold value. The first and the second dark image patches are tracked from the first image frame to the second image frame as corresponding images of the same portion of the road. Respective thicknesses in vertical image coordinates are measured of the first and second dark image patches responsive to the tracking. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130147958 | PERIMETER MONITORING DEVICE FOR WORK VEHICLE - A perimeter monitoring device for a work vehicle is configured to monitor a surrounding of the work vehicle and display a monitored result on a display device. The perimeter monitoring device includes cameras, a bird's-eye image display unit, obstacle detecting sensors, a camera image specifying unit, and a camera image displaying unit. The camera image specifying unit is configured to specify one or more camera images in which one or more of obstacles are captured when the one or more of obstacles are detected by the obstacle detecting sensors. The camera image displaying unit is configured to display a relevant camera image in alignment with the bird's-eye image on the display device when a plurality of camera images are specified by the camera image specifying unit, the relevant camera image being ranked in a high priority ranking based on a priority order set in accordance with travelling states. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130155236 | CAMERA-MIRROR SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - A CAMERA-MIRROR system for a motor vehicle which comprises a side view mirror frame coupled to the motor vehicle. A mirror is carried in the side view mirror frame. A camera is mounted in the side view mirror frame adjacent to the mirror. A screen monitor is positioned inside the motor vehicle, the screen monitor being operationally coupled to the camera. The screen monitor will display a rear image captured by the camera to a driver of the motor vehicle. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130155237 | INTERACTING WITH A MOBILE DEVICE WITHIN A VEHICLE USING GESTURES - A mobile device is described herein which includes functionality for recognizing gestures made by a user within a vehicle. The mobile device operates by receiving image information that captures a scene including objects within an interaction space. The interaction space corresponds to a volume that projects out from the mobile device in a direction of the user. The mobile device then determines, based on the image information, whether the user has performed a recognizable gesture within the interaction space, without touching the mobile device. The mobile device can receive the image information from a camera device that is an internal component of the mobile device and/or a camera device that is a component of a mount which secures the mobile device within the vehicle. In some implementations, one or more projectors provided by the mobile device and/or the mount may illuminate the interaction space. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130155238 | Device Having A Camera Unit - The invention relates to a device, comprising a camera unit, which is used to record images of the exterior area of a motor vehicle, and a cover element, which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of a drive, wherein the camera unit is behind the cover element and inaccessible from outside in the closed position of the cover element and images can be recorded in the open position of the cover element. For this purpose, the cover element has an outer surface facing away from the camera unit, and the drive interacts with a mechanism in such a way that the outer surface is always in the exterior area of the motor vehicle in each position of the cover element during the movement of the cover element between the closed position and the open position. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130155239 | IMAGE SENSOR WITH IMPROVED DYNAMIC RANGE - An image sensor having improved dynamic range includes a signal that is read out for a selection of pixels which act as a calibration to govern the choice of exposure levels to be applied to the rest of the array. In this way, the sensor is operable to adapt to variations in scene intensity. The pixels in the array are vertically and horizontally addressed so as to enable accounted for small areas of intensity variation across an imaged scene. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130155240 | WORK VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - A periphery monitoring apparatus for a work vehicle is adapted to display an image of surroundings of the work vehicle on a display apparatus. The periphery monitoring apparatus includes a camera and a display control section. The camera is disposed below a vehicle body of the work vehicle, the camera being configured to acquire a camera image of the surroundings of the work vehicle. The display control section is configured to display the camera image acquired using the camera and a vehicle body outer edge line on the display apparatus. The vehicle body outer edge line indicates an outer edges of the vehicle body which is vertically projected on a ground surface in the camera image. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130155241 | SURROUNDING AREA MONITORING DEVICE FOR WORK VEHICLE - A surrounding area monitoring device for a work vehicle includes a first imaging unit, a bird's-eye view image creating unit, and a display unit. The first imaging unit is mounted on the work vehicle and configured and arranged to capture an image of a first region in a surrounding area of the work vehicle to obtain a first image data. The birds-eye view image creating unit is configured to create a bird's-eye view image of the surrounding area of the work vehicle by projecting the first image data on a predetermined virtual projection plane. The display unit is configured and arranged to display the bird's-eye view image. The virtual projection plane includes a shape that increases in height from a ground surface as a distance from the work vehicle decreases. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130162823 | SURVEILLANCE TRAILER WITH HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SOLAR POWER PANELS - A surveillance trailer includes a wheeled chassis and an electronics enclosure mounted atop the wheeled chassis. A first solar power panel is provided for charging a portable power supply and is positioned and oriented so that the first solar power panel extends generally transversely over the ground. A second solar power panel is provided for charging the portable power supply and is positioned and oriented so that the second solar power panel is generally perpendicular to the ground. The surveillance trailer can include an altitude adjustment for tilting the first solar panel to adjust the vertical orientation of the first solar panel to correspond with the local latitude. Also optionally, the surveillance trailer can include a pivoting azimuth mount so that the first solar panel can be pointed toward the sun to better capture the solar energy. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162824 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING CURRENT POSITION OF VEHICLE USING INTERNAL NETWORK OF THE VEHICLE AND IMAGE SENSOR - An apparatus and method for recognizing a current position of a vehicle are disclosed. The apparatus receive information about an initial position of a vehicle from an external input, and receive an image signal from an image sensor to take a picture of an identifiable object and extract image signal information corresponding to the identifiable object from the image signal, and connect to an internal network of the vehicle of the vehicle and receive information about a traveling state of the vehicle, and calculate the current position of the vehicle based on the information obtained. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162825 | AVM TOP VIEW BASED PARKING SUPPORT SYSTEM - An AVM (Around View Monitoring) top view based parking support system using AVM, may include a camera unit including the AVM and photographing and acquiring images around a vehicle by using the AVM, and converting and synthesizing the acquired images into top view images, a parking space recognizing unit recognizing a parking space by periodically receiving the top view images generated from the camera unit and comparing top view images that may be sequentially continuous by using an image recognition technology, a control unit receiving vehicle traveling information from each sensor of the vehicle and determining and generating a parking path based on the vehicle traveling information with respect to the parking space recognized from the parking space recognizing unit, and a parking support unit receiving steering information of the vehicle and converting a display of the parking path generated in the control unit to correspond to the steering information. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162826 | METHOD OF DETECTING AN OBSTACLE AND DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM - To detect an obstacle in a single image captured using a single image sensor of a driver assist system, at least one image feature is established in the single image which extends along a line passing through a projection point of the image sensor. At least one line extending along a direction normal to a road surface in the world coordinate system is thereby identified based on the single image, which is used as a signature for an obstacle. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162827 | Camera Arrangement for a Motor Vehicle - A camera arrangement includes a camera and a prism. The camera includes a camera sensor having an array of pixels. The prism is arranged between a window pane such as a vehicle windshield and the camera sensor. Optical properties of the camera sensor and the prism are matched to one another such that a maximum broadening of a light beam due to dispersion of the prism lies within one pixel of the camera sensor. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162828 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device that captures image data and a control for processing captured image data. The control may utilize edge detection in processing captured image data. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, the control determines objects of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device. The objects of interest determined to be present in the field of view of the imaging device include at least one of (i) vehicles present exterior of the vehicle, (ii) headlights of vehicles present exterior of the vehicle, (iii) a bicycle that is present exterior of the vehicle and (iv) a bicycle rider that is present exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, a driver of the vehicle is alerted to a hazardous condition. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162829 | PARKING ASSISTANCE DEVICE - A parking assistance device with a simple configuration that flexibly guides a vehicle to a reverse start position in assisting reverse parking computes a guide route for allowing the vehicle to move forward to a reverse start position and then reverse to the parking target and the reverse start position based on the parking target with a predetermined tolerance included, generates forward guide markers constituted by a marker group including a far marker corresponding to the reverse start position and a near marker that represents an area via which the vehicle can reach the reverse start position and is located closer to the vehicle than the far marker, the forward guide markers indicating a forward route to the reverse start position by an arrangement of the marker group the width of which is increased toward the near marker from the far marker, and superimpose the markers on the surrounding image. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130162830 | SURROUNDING AREA MONITORING DEVICE FOR WORK VEHICLE (as amended) - A work vehicle surrounding area monitoring device includes an imaging unit, a bird's-eye view image creating unit, a display unit and a traveling state determining unit. When the work vehicle is in the stopped state, the bird's-eye view image creating unit is configured to use a first virtual projection plane to create the bird's-eye view image, and at least an outer edge portion of the first virtual projection plane has a shape that increases in height from the ground surface as a distance from the work vehicle increases. When the work vehicle is in the traveling state, the bird's-eye view image creating unit is configured to use a second virtual projection plane to create the bird's-eye view image, and at least an outer edge portion of the second virtual projection plane has a shape having a uniformly flat height from the ground surface. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130169809 | MONITORING SYSTEM, MONITORING MODULE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MONITORING A VOLUME - A monitoring system for a periphery of a structure ( | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130169810 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FRAUD DETECTION - A system and method of preventing fraud in a retail establishment having a drive through window using a point-of-sale (POS) system, a vehicle sensor and customizable algorithms. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130169811 | SELF-CALIBRATED, REMOTE IMAGING AND DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM - An imaging sensor system, adaptably mountable to a vehicle having a view of a target area comprising: a rigid mount unit having at least two imaging sensors disposed within the mount unit, wherein a first imaging and a second imaging sensor each has a focal axis passing through an aperture in the mount unit, wherein the first imaging sensor generates a first image area comprising a first data array of pixels and the second imaging sensor generates a second image area comprising a second data array of pixels, wherein the first and second imaging sensors are offset to have a first image overlap area in the target area, wherein the first sensors image data bisects the second sensors image data in the first image overlap area. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130169812 | VEHICULAR IMAGING SYSTEM - A vehicular imaging system comprises a single imaging sensor having a plurality of photosensor elements. The imaging sensor captures image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle within its field of view. Image data captured by the imaging sensor is provided to a control. The control also receives via a communication bus at least one of vehicle pitch information, vehicle yaw information and vehicle steering information. The control detects two substantially straight and converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where they would converge using, at least in part, the received vehicle information and the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging sensor mounted at the vehicle. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130169813 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING TIRE PARAMETERS OF A VEHICLE - A device for measuring tire parameters of a vehicle, comprising a detector for detecting a tire pressure of the vehicle, a measuring system for detecting a tire profile depth of the vehicle, and an output unit for outputting measured tire parameters that include and/or take into account the tire pressure and the tire profile depth. The detector and the measuring system have a measuring arrangement which is designed to be driven over by the vehicle and which is designed to measure the tire pressure as well as the tire profile depth in a moving vehicle, and the output unit is designed to display a result of the measurement such that an operating person that drives the vehicle can detect the measurement in the vehicle or from the vehicle directly after driving over the measuring arrangement. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130176434 | SURVEILLANCE POLE WITH PIVOTING CAMERA MOUNTING HEAD - A surveillance pole for supporting a surveillance camera includes a camera support head mounted atop the camera support pole for selective pivotal motion such that the camera support head can be selectively oriented in various orientations. A surveillance camera is mounted to the camera support head. The camera support head can be adapted and configured for pivotal motion or for complete/endless rotation, as desired. Optionally, the camera mounting head is motor driven for pivotal motion relative to the camera support pole. Alternatively, the camera mounting head can be manually movable relative to the camera support pole. Optionally, a lock is provided for securing the camera mounting head in a fixed position relative to the camera support pole. The pole can be a stand-alone pole or part of a self-contained surveillance trailer. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130176435 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INEXPENSIVE RAILROAD TRACK IMAGING FOR INSPECTION - An imaging system includes an image capturing device and a plurality of reflective devices. The image capturing device is configured to receive a plurality of images reflected by the plurality of reflective devices. Responsive to receiving the plurality of images, the image capturing device is further configured to capture within a single frame at least a first image corresponding to a first side of a first railroad track rail, a second image corresponding to a second side of the first railroad track rail, a third image corresponding to a first side of a second railroad track rail, and a fourth image corresponding to a second side of the second railroad track rail. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130176436 | Image Capturing Device Applied in Vehicle and Image Superimposition Method Thereof - An image capturing device applied in a vehicle and an image superimposition method thereof. The image capturing device comprises an image capturing module, a processing module and an image superimposition module. The processing module dynamically controls a sampling time of a plurality of temporary images captured by the image capturing module according to driving information of the vehicle. The image superimposition module superimposes feature regions in the temporary images to produce at least one superimposed image based on the driving information of the vehicle. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130182109 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - A vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus detects the presence of a moving object along a vehicle periphery. The apparatus sets multiple detection lines along a horizontal axis of an image captured by a camera, and detects a brightness change of a pixel along the detection lines. With reference to the brightness change detected along the detection line and a parameter for determining whether such brightness change is caused by the moving object, the apparatus determines the presence of the moving object. In addition, the apparatus changes a determination condition for determining the moving object such that as the number of detection lines along which the brightness change is detected decreases, the harder it is to satisfy the determination condition for determining that the moving object is present. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130182110 | METHOD, DEVICE AND INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR PAYMENT OF PARKING FEES BASED ON CAMERAS AND LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY - System and method for billing of parking fees, including providing a camera adjacent to a supervised parking spot, the camera is located and aimed so as to have a License Plate Number (LPN) of vehicles driving along a lane adjacent to the supervised parking spot and parking in the supervised parking spot within the field of view (FOV) of the camera at least at some time; taking images, in at least one of which LPNs of the vehicles driving along a lane adjacent to the parking spot and parking in the supervised parking spot is visible and clear enough for later extraction; monitoring vehicles travelling along the road lane adjacent to the supervised parking lane; sensing that a vehicle has parked in the supervised parking spot; extracting the LPN of the parking vehicle from the image; and according the parking vehicle an LPN that has been captured for that vehicle. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130182111 | VEHICLE DRIVING ENVIRONMENT RECOGNITION APPARATUS - There is provided a vehicle driving environment recognition apparatus. When an onboard camera does not recognize a vehicle ahead during when a vehicle runs at night, an exposure amount of the onboard camera is set to a first exposure amount mode. When the vehicle ahead is not recognized, or only a light source of an oncoming vehicle is recognized, the exposure amount of the onboard camera is set to a second exposure amount mode. In the first exposure amount mode, a low-luminance detection exposure amount and a high-luminance detection exposure amount are alternately switched for each frame, and an image is captured with the switched exposure amount. In the second exposure amount mode, the exposure amount is fixed to the low-luminance detection exposure amount. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130182112 | CAMERA ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A CAMERA ARRANGEMENT IN A VEHICLE - A camera arrangement for a vehicle, with a camera unit constructed to be pivoted into an active position and into an inactive position, and a chamber accommodating the camera unit, wherein in the inactive position a sealing cover that seals the chamber is arranged on the camera unit, with the camera unit being inaccessible from outside, and wherein in the active position the camera unit is pivoted out of the chamber for optically capturing a surrounding area and the camera unit seals the chamber. A method for installing the camera arrangement in a vehicle is also disclosed. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130182113 | CAR SIDE VIDEO ASSIST SYSTEM ACTIVATED BY LIGHT SIGNAL - A car side video assist system activated by light signals is revealed. The system includes at least two cameras respectively disposed on the left, right or rear side of a car for capturing images at corresponding sides and forming image signal sources. By using different light signals including left/right turn, warning or reversing signals as the activation signal sources, at least one camera is selected and activated and the images capture form at least one image/picture on a screen. The video signal source switch processor further includes a light signal interpretation processor that starts interpretation after a preset critical time such as 8 milliseconds when a light signal is activated and input. The interpretation continues for a preset period of time such as 300 milliseconds to output the result for preventing misinterpretation and interpreting the light signal is a single left/right turn signal or a warning signal accurately. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130188050 | REAL-TIME SYSTEM FOR AIDING DRIVERS DURING VEHICLE BACKUP AND IMAGE CAPTURE AND TRANSMITTER UNIT FOR USE THEREIN - A real-time surveillance system for aiding vehicle drivers and portable first unit for use therein is provided. The unit includes an image sensor that generates a sequence of images from received light. The system further includes a support to detachably support the unit on the vehicle so that the sensor is capable of receiving light from obstacles, hazards or individuals located in a blind spot region of the vehicle. A display is supported on the vehicle so that the images are viewable by a driver of the vehicle in real time. The system further includes a mechanism to authenticate a person desirous of using the system or removing the unit from the vehicle as an authorized person based, at least in part, on an authenticator. The authenticator includes at least one of a password, a passphrase, a personal identification number, a security token, a security card, and a biometric identifier. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130188051 | IMAGING APPARATUS, VEHICLE SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME, AND IMAGE-PROCESSING METHOD - A dynamic expansion operation of an index value image is performed by specifying an index value range before correction (Gmin to Gmax) for one index value image, calculating magnification K for which to be expanded to an ideal index value range (0 to 1023), and correcting an index value before correction G by the magnification K. An effective magnification Kthre to expand a maximum effective index value range (215 to 747) that can be taken by the index value before correction G calculated from transmittance of a filter to the ideal index value range (0 to 1023) is stored, and in a case where the calculated magnification K is smaller than the effective magnification Kthre, the expansion operation is performed by use of the effective magnification Kthre. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130188052 | Method of Providing Street View Data of a Comparable Real Estate Property - Video drive-by data provides a street level view of a neighborhood surrounding a selected geographic location. A video and data server farm incorporates a video storage server that stores video image files containing video drive-by data corresponding to a geographic location, a database server that processes a data query received from a user over the Internet corresponding to a geographic location of interest, and an image processing server. In operation, the database server identifies video image files stored in the video storage server that correspond to the geographic location of interest contained in the data query and transfers the video image files over a pre-processing network to the image processing server. The image processing server converts the video drive-by data to post-processed video data corresponding to a desired image format and transfers the post-processed video data via a post-processing network to the Internet in response to the query. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130194423 | Railroad Crossing Warning System - The present invention relates to a warning system for displaying a warning message to a vehicle approaching a railroad crossing. The railroad crossing includes a railroad along which a train can travel, and a road crossing the railroad and along which the vehicle can travel. The warning system includes an identification system for identifying at least one identity characteristic (e.g. number plate, vehicle type, etc.) relating to the vehicle. A train detection system detects at least one train characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the train approaching the railroad crossing along the railroad. A vehicle detection system detects at least one vehicle characteristic (e.g. presence, position, speed) relating to the vehicle approaching the railroad crossing along the road. The warning system further includes a display system for displaying the warning message to the vehicle responsive to detecting both the train and vehicle characteristics. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130194424 | EXPOSURE CONTROLLER FOR ON-VEHICLE CAMERA - An exposure controller for an on-vehicle camera mounted on a vehicle is capable of performing exposure control such that a predetermined subject such as a lane marker can be imaged with a constant contrast regardless of variation of peripheral brightness and directions of the variation. An exposure controller images information imaged by an imaging part based on a second exposure property having linearity, the second exposure property being obtained by converting a first exposure property having non-linearity, calculates a target density value with which pixels in a window set in the image are to be imaged based on brightness values corresponding to density values of the pixels in the window, sets a third exposure property for obtaining the calculated target density value, and performs imaging with the set third exposure property. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130194425 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element attached at a vehicle windshield, a module mounted at a side of the mounting element that opposes the side that attaches at the windshield, and a camera disposed in the module. The module includes attaching structure that cooperates with attaching structure of the mounting element in order to detachably mount the module at the mounting element. The camera, with the module mounted at the mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, may view forwardly through the vehicle windshield via a generally wedge-shaped structure. The camera captures image data for a driver assistance system of the vehicle. Electrical circuitry is disposed in the module and, with the module mounted at the mounting element attached at the vehicle windshield, the electrical circuitry communicates over a vehicle communication bus with at least one system of the vehicle. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130194426 | MULTI-CAMERA VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes first, second and third image capture devices disposed at respective vehicle portions. The first image capture device field of view overlaps with the third image capture device field of view defining a first overlap zone, and the second image capture device field of view overlaps with the third image capture device field of view defining a second overlap zone. Responsive to processing by an image processor of received image data, a synthesized image is generated without duplication of objects present in the first overlap zone and in the second overlap zone. The synthesized image approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle, and is displayed by a single display screen of a reconfigurable display device that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when normally operating the vehicle. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130201334 | Illumination Invariant and Robust Apparatus and Method for Detecting and Recognizing Various Traffic Signs - The present application provides a robust, illumination invariant apparatus and method for detecting and recognizing various traffic signs. A robust method for detecting and recognizing the traffic signs using images captured by a digital color and night vision camera, the said method characterized in being illumination invariant comprising the processor implemented steps of: transforming RGB image into HSV color model and subsequently extracting desired color components by using color quantization; filtering the noise components in the HSV color model based on object symmetrical shape property; detecting edges of the objects and subsequently detecting the distinct objects in the noise components filtered image; classifying the shapes of the traffic signs based on shape of the determined distinct objects; and recognizing the classified shapes of the traffic signs by template matching. Further, the method provides the provision for warning the driver by use of the recognized data of the traffic signs. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130201335 | METHOD FOR VISUALIZING THE VICINITY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for visualizing a vicinity of a motor vehicle, includes recording the vicinity of the motor vehicle with a camera, displaying the camera image on a display, and providing another detected road user in the camera image with a framing of a defined color, wherein the color is a function of a speed of the detected road user relative to the motor vehicle and is indicative of whether or not the speed of the detected road user is critical. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130201336 | TRAFFIC SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING DRIVER VISIBILITY - Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130208117 | Imaging Device - An imaging device is provided with an imaging element. The imaging element has a sensitive wavelength region including an infrared wavelength region, and selectively including a visible wavelength region, and is composed of at least three types of pixels having spectral sensitivities different from each other. The imaging device generates a color image, based on a luminance signal including an infrared wavelength component, and based on a color-difference signal that has been generated based on a visible wavelength component in original image data. The luminance signal including an infrared wavelength component is generated, based on a signal obtained by compressing the dynamic range of original image data including at least three types of original image components acquired by an imaging operation of the imaging element. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130208118 | VEHICULAR INFRARED NIGHT ASSISTANT DRIVING SYSTEM - A vehicular infrared night assistant driving system may include a vehicle rotation followup mechanism that rotates at an angle corresponding to a rotation of a wheel, a night vision infrared camera that rotates synchronously with the rotation of the vehicle rotation followup mechanism and captures infrared images of objects ahead of the vehicle in real time, a wheel sensing mechanism that detects in real time the rotation angles of the wheel and gear position of the vehicle, and an Electronic Control Unit connected respectively with the wheel sensing mechanism and the vehicle rotation followup mechanism to generate control signals for controlling the rotation of the vehicle rotation followup mechanism based on the information output from the wheel sensing mechanism. The infrared camera rotates synchronously with that of the wheel, eliminating the visual-field defect of the thermal imaging while the vehicle is changing direction, which improves security while driving at night. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130208119 | VEHICLE VIDEO RECORDING APPARATUS - A vehicle video recording apparatus has multiple cameras mounted on a car, a video processing unit electronically connected to the cameras, a storage unit for storing videos output from the cameras, and a control unit. The control unit has a signal detecting module for receiving vehicle status signals, a distance detecting module for sensing a distance between the car and an object, an output module for outputting warning signals, and a central control module for controlling the cameras based on the vehicle status signals. The vehicle video recording apparatus properly selects and activates the camera to record images around the car to enhance the driving safety. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130208120 | ATTACHED MATTER DETECTOR AND IN-VEHICLE DEVICE CONTROLLER USING THE SAME - An attached matter detector includes a light source; an imager receiving transmitted light from a predetermined imaging region on a light-receiving region for an imaging region and imaging an image of the imaging region, and receiving reflected light on a light-receiving region for attached matter detection when light from the light source is reflected by attached matter and imaging an image of the attached matter; a parameter calculator of an image for an attached matter image region calculating a parameter of an image for an attached matter image region as information of an image region of the attached matter; a parameter calculator of an image for an imaging region calculating a parameter of an image for an imaging region as information of the imaging region; and an output device of an attached matter state signal outputting a signal showing a state of the attached matter based on the calculated parameters. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130215269 | BIRD VIEW SYSTEM AND COMPENSATING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a bird view system and a compensating method thereof. The system comprises a processing module and an image compensating module. The processing module receives and processes a bird view image generated from concatenating each image captured by each camera in the bird view system. The image compensating module compensates the bird view image. The processing module calculates a first compensation value and a second compensation value according to the difference of image information of overlapping or concatenating regions between an image and its adjacent right-hand or left-hand side images. The compensating module compensates the bird view image according to the first compensation value, the second compensation value and a compensation condition. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130215270 | OBJECT DETECTION APPARATUS - In an object detection apparatus, an image obtaining part obtains, continuously in time, captured images captured by a vehicle-mounted camera capturing images of a vicinity of a host vehicle. A first detector detects an object by using the plurality of captured images obtained by the obtaining part at different time points. The first detector stores, as a template image, an area relating to the object detected by the first detector and included in one of the plurality of captured images that have been processed, in a memory. Moreover, a second detector detects an object by searching for a correlation area, having a correlation with the template image, included in a single captured image obtained by the image obtaining part. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130215271 | INDICIA AND CAMERA ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE - A vehicle indicia assembly includes a vehicle indicia element having an indicia surface with indicia established thereat and having an attaching surface opposite the indicia surface. The attaching surface of the vehicle indicia element is configured to be mounted at a vehicle with the indicia surface facing outwards away from the vehicle. The vehicle indicia element has a light transmitting portion. A vehicle camera is disposed at the attaching surface of the vehicle indicia element. The vehicle camera is positioned at the vehicle indicia element so that the vehicle camera views through the light transmitting portion and is operable to capture image data. When the vehicle indicia assembly is mounted at a vehicle, the vehicle camera is disposed at the vehicle and views through the light transmitting portion of the vehicle indicia element and is operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior the vehicle. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130215272 | ANTI-PIRACY SYSTEM FOR THE MARITIME NAVIGATION IN CRITICAL AREAS, AND DEVICE FOR DATA EXTRACTION FROM ON BOARD SENSORS - The invention concerns a maritime anti-piracy system, for the recognition of suspect watercrafts around one or more co-operating ships to be protected. The system includes a shore-based control system having one or more centres, geographically distributed, with shore sensors for detecting watercrafts surveillance data. The system also includes a central station for collecting and elaborating watercrafts surveillance data and a bi-directional communication network between the one or more centres and the central station, in such a way that the central station be able to send commands to the shore-based sensors. The system also includes a communication system between the one or more centres and the one or more co-operating ships to be protected. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130222589 | SINGLE-CAMERA DISTANCE ESTIMATION - Systems and methods for estimating distances to objects or features are described. The distance estimation tracks features across images captured from a single camera and uses an estimation of the ground motion to determine the distance estimate to the tracked features. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222590 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY SIMULATING A REMOTE AUDIOVISUAL ENVIRONMENT - Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting sensory data over a bi-directional data link to reproduce an audiovisual environment for a physically displaced operator. The apparatus includes a stationary or mobile surveillance platform equipped with transducers for capturing local sensory information including audio, visual, haptic, thermal, and other metrics associated with human perception. The sensory data is processed, transmitted over the data link, and displayed to the operator to simulate a virtual presence. The system further includes ergonomic sensors for detecting head, body, limb, and/or eye related operator motion to allow the operator to remotely manipulate the sensory transducers to selectively configure the field of perception within the measured environment. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222591 | SECURING REMOTE VIDEO TRANSMISSION FOR THE REMOTE CONTROL OF A VEHICLE - A method and system secure remote video transmissions for the remote control of a vehicle. The system secures the remote transmission of an image via a photosensitive receiver of a camera capable of remotely displaying the image. The system contains an optical securing information generator capable of generating optical securing information and an optical module capable of optically superimposing a securing image including the optical securing information and the image of the object to form a secured optical image for acting on the photosensitive receiver capable of generating a video signal. The system couples a device for remotely receiving the video signal from the video system to a device for processing the video signal. The video signal processing device is capable of detecting, reading and extracting optical securing information in the video signal of the secured optical image. The system has a display device for displaying the optical securing information. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222592 | VEHICLE TOP CLEARANCE ALERT SYSTEM - A vehicle clearance alert system includes at least one sensor or camera disposed at a vehicle and having an exterior field of view in a direction of travel of the vehicle. A control is responsive to the camera and is operable to determine a height dimension of a structure in the path of travel of the vehicle. The control is operable, responsive to (i) the determined height dimension of a structure in the path of travel of the vehicle and (ii) a height dimension of the vehicle, to determine if there is sufficient clearance between the structure and the vehicle for the vehicle to pass under the structure. Responsive to a determination that there is not sufficient clearance between the structure and the vehicle for the vehicle to pass under the structure, the alert system is operable to generate an alert to the driver of the vehicle. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222593 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH MULTI-PANED VIEW - A vehicle vision system includes a camera configured to be positioned on a vehicle and a processing system operatively coupled to the camera. The processing system is operable to process image data captured by the camera. The image data is representative of a scene viewed by the camera. The processing system may further generate an image having three image panes including a central image pane derived from a first subset of captured image data and two side image panes derived from second and third subsets of captured image data. Each of the side image panes are shaped as parallelograms and arranged with respect to the central image pane to appear folded with respect to the central image pane. The processing system can output the image to a display for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222594 | IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE AND OPERATION SUPPORT SYSTEM - An image generation device generates an output image including a road image based on plural input images that are captured by plural cameras mounted to a body to be operated. The image generation device includes a control part that arranges input image portions of two cameras that correspond to an overlapping area of the image capturing ranges of the two cameras to form a lattice pattern on the output image. The lattice pattern includes as a unit pattern a region that is defined by two circles having a center at the position of a first camera of the two cameras and two circles having a center at the position of a second camera of the two cameras. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222595 | VEHICULAR CAMERA SYSTEM WITH REDUCED NUMBER OF PINS AND CONDUITS - A camera assembly for a vehicle includes an end connector with a first connection point that carries a video+ signal, a second connection point that carries power, and a third connection point that receives a video− signal, video shield current and ground current. The camera assembly may connect to a conduit assembly of the vehicle that includes a first conduit that carries the video+ signal from the end connector to a display in the vehicle, a second conduit that carries power from a power source (such as a battery) to the camera assembly, and a third conduit that connects between the third connection point and a ground point for the display in the vehicle. The camera may include a radio frequency identification element operable to wirelessly communicate between a remote device and the camera to identify the camera module and/or to program the camera. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222596 | CAMERA AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A camera and a method for manufacturing the camera are disclosed, the camera including parts including a lens unit formed with at least one lens for concentrating an image of an outside object, and an image sensor for converting the image of the outside object concentrated in the lens to an electric signal; and a molding unit for exposing the lens of the lens unit and for integrating the parts without any coupling seams. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130229517 | VEHICLE SPEED MEASUREMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM UTILIZING A SINGLE IMAGE CAPTURING UNIT - A vehicle speed measurement method and system for identifying a violating vehicle utilizing single image capturing unit. A vehicle image can be captured by the image capturing unit in order to estimate speed of the vehicle utilizing an ALPR unit. The license plate characters can be located and extracted from the captured image. A distance of the license plate from the image capturing unit can be calculated utilizing a physical character height from a reference point of the image capturing unit and a pixel character height generated by the ALPR unit. A position of the license plate in the field of view of the image capturing unit along with the distance information can be be utilized to determine a height of the license plate from a road surface. The height of the license plate can be employed to accurately estimate the vehicle speed. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229518 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS THAT EMPLOY OBJECT RECOGNITION - An illumination system and methods to control a light source are provided. An illumination system includes a light source, a two-dimensional non-Passive Infrared (non-PIR) imager, and a controller. The light source may provide at least two levels of illumination. The non-PIR imager images an area and to produce image data representative of images across at least part of a visible portion of an electromagnetic spectrum. The controller is communicatively coupled to receive the image data from the non-PIR imager and process the received image data to detect at least one object in the area of a defined type of object. The controller is also coupled to control operation of the light source based on, at least in part, detection of the ambient characteristic of the environment. Alternatively, one or more components of a system may be used to monitor traffic, with or without active illumination. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229519 | AUTOMATIC REAR VIEW DISPLAY IN VEHICLES WITH ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS - An automatic rear view display includes a single camera configuration and a dual camera configuration. In the single camera configuration, as soon as an entertainment screen in a ceiling mounted entertainment system is opened or when the driver puts the vehicle in reverse, the view from a first camera proximate to the rear license plate is displayed on the rearview mirror. In the dual camera version, when the entertainment screen is opened, the view from a second camera near the roof of the vehicle is displayed in the rearview mirror. In the dual camera version if the driver puts the vehicle in reverse, with the entertainment screen open or closed, the view from a first camera would be displayed instead. In both versions as soon as the entertainment screen is closed (and the vehicle is not in reverse) the rearview mirror goes back to being a regular mirror. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229520 | VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING APPARATUS - In an image captured by an infrared camera mounted in a vehicle, a featured image portion group including first and second high luminance image portions lined up side by side vertically or horizontally and a third high luminance image portion located below the first and second high luminance image portions is defined. The featured image portion group has a feature indicating that a similarity of one of a luminance distribution and a shape between the first high luminance image portion and the second high luminance image portion is higher than between the third high luminance image portion and at least one of the first and second high luminance image portions. If the featured image portion group is found in the captured image, it is determined that at least the third high luminance image portion is the image of a component of a traffic signal structure. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229521 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECOGNISING PULSING LIGHT SOURCES - The invention relates to a method and a device for recognising a pulsing light source, in which a sequence of individual images is acquired with a light sensitive sensor. In an evaluation unit, all or at least some of the picture points of each individual image are examined with regard to at least one predefined feature. A gray value of any picture point depends on two or more charge levels of at least one of the photodetectors of the sensor corresponding to the picture point at the ends of at least two integration intervals for the picture point. The at least two integration intervals for said picture point have different lengths. The examination comprises an examination of the picture points as to whether the picture points have gray values in a defined vicinity of one of at least one predefined gray value. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229522 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and a mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield separate from the mounting button. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, which includes a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. A module is configured to be received at and supported by the mounting element attached at the windshield. The module accommodates a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The forward facing camera may be part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the mounting element, the mirror mount can be mounted to the mirror mounting button and can be demounted from the mirror mounting button without demounting the module from the mounting element. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229523 | VEHICLE IMAGING SYSTEM - A vision system for a vehicle includes an image sensor and image processor. The image sensor is disposed at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle for capturing image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. The field of view encompasses at least a portion of a road surface ahead of and in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The image processor processes captured image data. Responsive to image processing of captured image data by the image processor, the vehicle vision system determines the presence of an animal on the road surface within the field of view. At least in part responsive to determination of the animal on the road surface within the field of view, the vehicle vision system at least one of (a) generates an alert and (b) controls the vehicle. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229524 | METHOD FOR GENERATING AN IMAGE OF THE SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE AND IMAGING DEVICE - An imaging device and method for producing an image of a vehicle surroundings of a vehicle with at least one camera includes recording a first partial image in a first position or alignment of the camera and recording at least a second partial image in at least a second position or alignment of the camera, each partial image corresponding to the entire coverage area of the camera. The first partial image and the second partial image are assembled to form the image of the vehicle surroundings such that the image shows a larger area than each partial image. The imaging device includes the camera and an image synthesis device with which the first partial image and the second partial image can be assembled to form the image. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130229525 | A DEVICE FOR MONITORING SURROUNDINGS OF A VEHICLE - A device for monitoring surroundings of a vehicle mounted in a vehicle, captures an image of surroundings of the vehicle, extracts from the captured image an image area for a predetermined part of a desired type of object, and sets a predetermined area below the extracted image area. The device extracts candidates for the desired type of object present outside the vehicle based on the predetermined area and determines, for each of the extracted object candidates, whether the object candidate is the desired type of object. When no pattern different from the background is captured in the predetermined area, or when a pattern different from the background is captured only in one of a first and a second areas, then the object in the image area is excluded from the candidates for the desired type of object. Thus, a pedestrian, for example, can be distinguished from an artificial structure. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130235200 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING A REPRESENTATION IN A MOTOR VEHICLE DEPENDING ON A VIEWING DIRECTION OF A VEHICLE OPERATOR - The physiological characteristics of the eye are particularly well taken into account in a motor vehicle by selecting a representation at a representation site from at least two types of representations depending on whether the respective representation site is located in a central field of view of the vehicle operator or is located in a peripheral field of view of the vehicle operator. Preferably, intensive colors and strong color contrasts are selected in the central field of view of the vehicle operator, whereas representations that change over time are selected in the peripheral field of view. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130235201 | Vehicle Peripheral Area Observation System - To provide a vehicle peripheral area observation system that can, with a simple configuration, detect a pedestrian who has a possibility of hitting against the vehicle by removing an appearance motion due to water vapor or a light source fluctuation. A water vapor region is detected from motion information and luminance information from videos captured with an on-vehicle camera, and recognition of a moving object in the water vapor region is invalidated for a given period of time. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130235202 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING TYPE OF OBJECT FOR USE IN VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - If a pedestrian head candidate extractor extracts a light as a pedestrian head candidate, then when an other vehicle candidate detector detects a horizontal high-luminance area which is greater in area than the light extracted as the pedestrian head candidate, within a prescribed range beneath the horizontal position of the light, an other vehicle determiner determines the light extracted as the pedestrian head candidate as part of another car. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130235203 | INDICIA IDENTIFYING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an indicium identifying system. The system comprises at least one image sensor ( | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130235204 | CAMERA UNIT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - Camera unit ( | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130235205 | METHOD FOR MONITORING WOOD HARVESTING, AND A SYSTEM - A method and a system for monitoring wood harvesting. According to the method, image data, measuring device data and location data are generated on wood harvesting at a forest working site. The produced data is conveyed from a forest machine ( | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130242097 | VIDEO-BASED DETERMINATION OF VEHICLE COMPONENT RISK FOR FAILURE DUE TO OVERHEATING - What is disclosed is a system for non-contact, video-based determination of vehicle component failure due to overheating. In a manner more fully disclosed herein, at least one infrared camera is used to capture an infrared image of a component of a vehicle to be inspected for overheating. The images are processed to isolate that component. A temperature is estimated for the isolated component in the image using a camera calibration curve which relates pixel intensities to temperature. A temperature threshold for the isolated component is retrieved from a database based upon a classification of the vehicle. The estimated temperature is then compared to that component's temperature threshold. If the estimated temperature is above the retrieved threshold, a signal is initiated. The teachings hereof find their uses in a variety of remote and non-cooperative vehicle inspection modes in the field of transportation safety. Various embodiments are disclosed. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242098 | TRAFFIC INFORMATION SYSTEM - A traffic information system includes first vehicles equipped with first optical sensor means. An image of an environment of the first vehicles is generated with the first optical sensor means and includes as associated image attributes: a current position of the first vehicles at which the image was generated, a time at which the image was generated, and a viewing direction with which the image was generated. The image and the associated image attributes of the environment of the first vehicles are communicated to a network and the image and the associated image attributes are at least buffered in the network. A second vehicle comprises a utilisation device that includes an input means and a display means. An image relating to a position POI in a road transport network is retrieved via the utilisation device from the network and the image is displayed on the display means. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242099 | VEHICLE CAMERA WITH TOLERANCE COMPENSATING CONNECTOR - A camera assembly or module for a vehicle vision system includes a housing having a connector portion for connecting to a vehicle wiring. A circuit element is disposed within the housing and a plurality of electrical connector elements is disposed at the connector portion of the housing. Each of the electrical connector elements has a first end configured for electrically connecting to circuitry of the circuit element and a second end configured for electrically connecting to the vehicle wiring. The electrical connector elements self-adjust so that the first ends engage the circuitry and make electrical connection therewith during assembly of the camera assembly. Adjustment of the electrical connectors may include at least one of (i) extending toward an extended state, (ii) retracting toward a retracted state, and (iii) flexing toward a flexed state. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242100 | HEADLIGHT CONTROLLER, OPTICAL UNIT AND VEHICLE HEADLIGHT - A headlight controller, an optical unit and a vehicle headlight can include a headlight controller and an optical unit. The headlight controller can include a system controller and a camera photographing vehicles located in a forward direction thereof, and the system controller can be configured to output a control signal to provide various favorable light distribution patterns by using image data output from the camera in accordance with traffic conditions. The optical unit can be configured to emit beam lights each having a light-emitting angle using lights emitted from first and second white LEDs via a projector lens so that the beam lights can be used as a high and low beam without movable parts. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can include providing vehicle headlights that can form various favorable light distribution patterns by utilizing the characteristics of the controller and the optical unit in accordance with the traffic conditions. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242101 | Method and Device for Representing Obstacles in a Parking Assistance System of Motor Vehicles - A method for representing obstacles in a parking system of motor vehicles is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: a) determining an image of the surroundings and detecting obstacles located therein, b) determining at least one distance value and/or one angular position of the detected obstacles, c) applying an edge reinforcing method to regions of the image of the surroundings depending on the determined distance values and/or angular positions, and d) displaying the edge reinforcement with the determined image of the surroundings in a display of the parking assistance system. A device for carrying out the method is also disclosed. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242102 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE AND METHOD OF DETECTING VEHICLE ADJACENT THERETO - A driving assistance device includes a camera, a moving object detector, a candidate reflection region detector, a predetermined position brightness detector and a cause determiner. The moving object detector and the candidate reflection region detector sets a detection region for detecting, from image data captured by the camera, existence of an adjacent vehicle in an adjacent lane. The predetermined position brightness detector detects a candidate light projecting object which projects light with brightness equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. The cause determiner determines whether or not there exists a candidate light projecting object which indicates existence of the adjacent vehicle in the detection region. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130242103 | VEHICLE - MOUNTED TRANSDUCER - A communication system, including an apparatus, method and program, is provided for communicating a message from a vehicle to a location. The communication system detects a distance to an object that is located at the location and a speed of the vehicle. A target distance is then calculated on the basis of the detected distance to the object and the detected speed of the vehicle. A determination is made as to whether the object is configured for communication with the vehicle. According to the determination, a message is communicated to the object from the vehicle. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130250106 | LICENSE PLATE IMAGE-PICKUP DEVICE AND IMAGE EXPOSURE ADJUSTMENT METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a license plate image-pickup device and an image exposure adjustment method thereof. The license plate image-pickup device comprises an image-sensing module, a recognition module and a processing module. The license plate image-pickup device takes a scene. The image-sensing module senses the scene to produce an image. The recognition module detects a vehicle object. The processing module adjusts the exposure of the vehicle object to produce an exposure adjusted vehicle object, and then the recognition module detects a license plate object from the exposure adjusted vehicle object, and the processing module adjusts the exposure of the license plate object. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250107 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions that cause the processor to execute, capturing an image including vehicle side information, dividing the image into a plurality of areas, and defining a first divided area image including a center of a side end of the image and a second divided area image not including the center of the side end of the image; smoothing the first divided area image using a first filter, or smoothing the second divided area image using a second filter having a greater coefficient than that of the first filter; extracting a plurality of feature points from the first divided area image or the second divided area image; calculating an optical flow from the plurality of feature points of the first divided area image or the second divided area image. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250108 | Access Control System by Face Recognition in An Automobile - An access control system in an automobile is provided. The access control system includes a grayscale camera, an infrared camera and a processing device. The grayscale camera is configured to capture a grayscale image of the face of a driver. The infrared camera is configured to capture an infrared image of the face of the driver simultaneously with the grayscale camera. The processing device includes a processor and a controller. The processor is configured to receive the grayscale image and the infrared image, convert the grayscale image and the infrared image to a grayscale matrix and an infrared matrix respectively, extract a feature matrix from the grayscale matrix and the infrared matrix, and compute a similarity value by comparing the feature matrix with multiple feature matrices. The controller is configured to receive a result of face recognition and control a startup device and a warning device of the automobile. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250109 | MULTI-LENS CAMERA SYSTEM, VEHICLE MOUNTING THE MULTI-LENS CAMERA SYSTEM, AND RANGE-FINDING METHOD EXECUTED BY THE MULTI-LENS CAMERA SYSTEM - A multi-lens camera system includes multiple camera units including respective optical filters and image sensors that acquire a captured image via the optical filter, each of the optical filters having multiple filter regions whose optical characteristics differ respectively, and an image processor, operably connected to the multiple camera unit, to execute different types of image processing on the captured image to form an image that contains multiple image regions whose characteristics differ depending on the optical characteristics of the filter region in which they are acquired. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250110 | IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE - Embodiments of the invention relate to a black box system for vehicles, and more particularly to an image recording apparatus and method for detecting image input sources (cameras) to optimally record an image according to the number of image input sources. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250111 | Video Monitoring Apparatus - A video monitoring apparatus capable of efficiently superimposing additional information on a monitoring camera image is provided. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250112 | TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING SAFE OPERATION OF A VEHICLE - Vehicle control system and method in which restrictions on travel of the vehicle are determined based on an indication of the visibility of a driver and information about objects moving in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle are considered. The travel restrictions include preventing a passing maneuver on a two-lane road when an oncoming vehicle precludes safely initiating or completing an already-initiated passing maneuver. A warning system is provided to warn a driver about the travel restrictions so that the driver will, hopefully, not attempt an unsafe maneuver. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250113 | AUTOMATIC VEHICLE EQUIPMENT MONITORING, WARNING, AND CONTROL SYSTEM - An automatic vehicle equipment control system and methods thereof are provided, the system includes at least one imager configured to acquire a continuous sequence of high dynamic range single frame images, a processor, a color spectral filter array including a plurality of color filters, at least a portion of which are different colors, and pixels of an imager pixel array being in optical communication with substantially one spectral color filter, and a lens, wherein the imager is configured to capture a non-saturated image of nearby oncoming headlamps and at least one of a diffuse lane marking and a distant tail lamp in one image frame of the continuous sequence of high dynamic range single frame images, and the system configured to detect at least one of said highway markings and said tail lamps, and quantify light from the oncoming headlamp from data in the one image frame. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130250114 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ESTABLISHING A MULTI-CAMERA IMAGE USING PIXEL REMAPPING - A camera or vision system for establishing a composite image for displaying in a vehicle includes a first camera and a second camera and a controller. Each camera has a respective field of view that overlaps partially with the respective field of view of the other camera. Each camera has a respective imager for generating a respective preliminary digital image. The cameras together have a combined field of view. The controller is programmed to generate a final composite digital image that corresponds to a selected digital representation of the combined field of view of the cameras by using a remapping table to remap selected pixels from each of the preliminary digital images into selected positions of the final composite digital image. A plurality of methods for establishing a composite image are also provided. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130258107 | METHOD OF DETERMINING PARKING LOT OCCUPANCY FROM DIGITAL CAMERA IMAGES - Described herein is a method of determining parking lot occupancy from digital images, including a set-up procedure that includes receiving a layout of a parking lot and estimating parking space volume for at least one viewing angle and the probability that an observed pixel belongs to the parking space volume. The method further includes acquiring one or more image frames of the parking lot from at least one digital camera; performing pixel classification using a vehicle detector on the acquired image frames to determine a likelihood that a pixel belongs to a vehicle; computing a probability that a parking space is occupied by a vehicle based on a spatially varying membership probability density function and a likelihood of vehicle pixels within a region of interest; and determining parking lot vacancy via a comparison of the computed probability that a parking space is occupied by a vehicle to a pre-determined threshold. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130258108 | Road Surface Shape Recognition System and Autonomous Mobile Apparatus Using Same - Disclosed is a road surface shape recognition system adapted to recognize a shape of a road surface and obstacles present thereupon, even when the road surface is illuminated with extraneous light of a plurality of wavelengths from illumination lamps, street lamps, electric signboards, and the like. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130265423 | VIDEO-BASED DETECTOR AND NOTIFIER FOR SHORT-TERM PARKING VIOLATION ENFORCEMENT - A method for determining the occurrence of a short-term parking violation includes receiving video data in a sequence of frames provided by an image capture device monitoring a parking area over a duration of time. The method includes determining the presence of a vehicle captured in at least one of the sequence of frames. The method tracks the location of the vehicle across the sequence of frames. The method further determines a spatial location of the vehicle in each frame. The method includes determining spatio-temporal information describing the location of the vehicle as a function of time by associating the spatial location of the vehicle at each frame with the time instant at which the frame was captured. In response to the spatio-temporal information indicating that the vehicle becomes stationary, the method determines a duration that the vehicle is stationary using the determined spatio-temporal information of the vehicle. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265424 | RECONFIGURABLE CLEAR PATH DETECTION SYSTEM - A reconfigurable clear path detection system includes an image capture device and a primary clear path detection module for determining corresponding probability values of identified patches within a captured image representing a likelihood of whether a respective patch is a clear path of the road. A plurality of secondary clear path detection modules each are used to assist in identifying a respective clear path of the traveled road in the input image. One or more of the secondary clear path detection modules are selectively enabled for identifying the clear path. The selectively enabled secondary clear path detection modules are used to identify the clear path of the road of travel in the input image. A fusion module collectively analyzes the clear path detection results of the primary clear path detection module and the selectively enabled secondary clear path detection modules for identifying the clear path in the input image. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265425 | IDENTIFYING AND CONFIGURING CONTROLS ON A CONTROL PANEL - A method includes receiving, at a processor from a camera, image data associated with a control panel. The method also includes presenting one or more images at a display. The one or more images are generated based on the image data. The method includes determining a location of a first control of the control panel based on the image data and based on control settings data. The method includes providing an indication of the location of the first control at the display, and providing an indication of a desired configuration of the first control at the display. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265426 | SMARTPHONE AUGMENTED VIDEO-BASED ON-STREET PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method and a system for automating parking payment includes receiving video data in a sequence of frames provided by a video capture device observing a parking area. The method includes detecting a vehicle in the parking area using the video data. The method further includes receiving information of a vehicle in the parking area provided by a user device. The method includes comparing the characteristics of the detected vehicle with the information from the user device. In response to the characteristics of the detected vehicle being a match to the information sent from the user device, the method includes tracking the detected vehicle across the sequence of frames. The method includes computing a duration that the detected vehicle remains stationary using the tracking. The method includes computing an amount for charging the associated user device based on the duration. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265427 | VEHICLE VIDEO RECORDER MODULE - A vehicle video recorder module has an enclosure, a power supply circuit board, an isolation shield, an image recording circuit board, a lens and a connector. The enclosure has a rear base and a front cover connected to each other. The power supply circuit board, the isolation shield and the image recording circuit board are mounted inside the enclosure. The isolation shield is mounted around the power supply circuit board and the image recording circuit board. The lens is mounted on the front cover. The connector is connected to the rear base and is electrically connected to the power supply circuit board and the image recording circuit board. The structural design of the vehicle video recorder module can prevent electromagnetic interference, enables a stable operation and provides better waterproof performance. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265428 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SETTING PARKING POSITION BASED ON AV IMAGE - Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method of setting a parking position based on an around-view (AV) image. After the continuous AV images of the parking space are obtained in cooperation with an around-view monitoring (AVM) system, a parking space, designated by a driver in various designating schemes, is set to a parking position, allowing the driver to select the parking space and easily identify a surrounding space limitations of the selected parking space. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265429 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING PARKING SPACE LINE MARKINGS FOR VEHICLE - Disclosed is a system and method for recognizing a parking space line marking for a vehicle. In particular, a corner capturing process is configured to capture an angled corner in an image including the parking space line marking, and a cross capturing process is configured to capture a cross point by combining adjacent corners among the captured corners. A space capturing process captures a space which is an end periphery of the parking space line marking by combining the captured cross points. As a result of the above processes, a type selecting process can then select a type of the parking space line marking from the captured space, and a final selection process may select a final space based on the selected type. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265430 | IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND ITS METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A FIELD IN WHICH TO CAPTURE AN IMAGE - An image capturing apparatus and a method for adjusting a field in which to capture an image are provided for use with a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a support structure, an image capturing body, and a reacting element. The support structure includes a securing base to be secured to the vehicle, a connecting part connected to the image capturing body, and an orientation adjustment structure adjustable to change an orientation of the connecting part relative to the securing base. The image capturing body includes a processing unit configured to generate an event signal upon judging that the image does not conform with a predefined condition. And the reacting element is disposed on the support structure or the image capturing body and is configured to receive the event signal or be activated by the event signal. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130265431 | OUTSIDE VIEW MONITOR SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A monitor system is used for a vehicle equipped with a camera for capturing an image of a predetermined area outside the vehicle, a display device for displaying the captured image to a driver, and a mirror for reflecting the predetermined area. The monitor system includes a failure detector for detecting a failure of a function that allows the display device to display the captured image, a report device for causing the display device to display failure information when the failure detector detects the failure, and a state detector for detecting whether the mirror is in a state where the mirror reflects the predetermined area such that the driver views the predetermined area on the mirror. When the mirror is in the state, the report device causes the display device to delete or zoon out the displayed failure information. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130271605 | Detection of the Use of Mobile Communication Devices in a Vehicle - The invention provides notification externally of a vehicle that the operator of the vehicle is using a mobile communication device (MCD) such as a cell phone during vehicle operations. The invention includes a first sensor for sensing whether the vehicle is being operated. A second sensor senses whether an MCD is located in the immediate vicinity of what is customarily an operator's seat and whether the sensed MCD is being used during vehicle operations. The first sensor can be a detector coupled with a gear shifter, transmission, speedometer, GPS device, or other kind of motion and/or position sensor, while the second sensor can be one or more RF power meters. Notification of MCD usage during vehicle operations can be provided by illumination of an external lamp, by activation of a camera and video recorder located in the immediate vicinity, or by transmission of a signal to a law enforcement vehicle. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130271606 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING AN ASSISTANT SCREEN FOR IMPROVING DRIVING SAFETY OF A VEHICLE - A display method includes: detecting objects by sensor array; utilizing an environment reconstruction unit for receiving sensing information from the sensor array and perform a reconstruction process based on the sensing information and transforming the latter into object coordinate based on user-chosen mode; and utilizing a display device to display an iconized environment video or scene resulted by integrating an indicative icon of the object with the object coordinate. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130271607 | POSITIONING APPARATUS AND POSITIONING METHOD - The present invention provides a positioning apparatus which enables output of accurate position information related to a mobile object. The positioning apparatus, which is mounted in a mobile object, stores therein, in a mutually correlated manner, a first image feature at a first spot where a mobile object exists, approximate position information related to the mobile object at the first spot, position information related to a second spot on which the mobile object is predicted to move, and a second feature at the second spot; selects a plurality of the second features on the basis of the approximate position information; calculates a plurality of relative position information between the first spot and the respective second spots corresponding to the plurality of second features; determines consistency among the plurality of relative position information; and outputs determinate position information related to the mobile object. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130271608 | IMAGE PROVIDING DEVICE - An image providing device is installed in a vehicle and provides images of vehicle surroundings to a driver. The device includes a right side camera and a left side camera that respectively pick up an image of a first image pickup range and an image of a second image pickup range that does not overlap the first image pickup range in the vehicle surroundings, a first display that provides to the driver a right rear image picked up by the right side camera, a second display that is provided separately from the first display and provides to the driver a left rear image that is picked up by the left side camera, and an image display parameter correction unit that corrects an image display parameter of the left rear image according to an image display parameter of the right rear image. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130278767 | VEHICLE COUNTING METHODS AND SYSTEMS UTILIZING COMPRESSED VIDEO STREAMS - This disclosure provides method and systems of recording a predetermined event associated with a moving object, the predetermined event captured with an image capturing unit and one or more of the associated frames compressed, producing one or more motion vectors. According to one exemplary embodiment, vehicle counting is performed based on motion vectors produced during the data compression process, either inline or offline. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130278768 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE OCCUPANCY DETECTION USING SMART ILLUMINATION - A multi-view imaging system for Vehicle Occupancy Detection (VOD) including a gantry mounted camera and illuminator to view the front seat of vehicles, and a roadside mounted camera and illuminator to view the rear seat of vehicles. The system controls the illuminator units to preserve/maximize bulb life, thus reducing the service cost of the system. In one embodiment, a target vehicle's license plate is read. If the vehicle is on a pre-approved list to use the HOV lane, then no further interrogation of the vehicle is performed. If the vehicle is not on the pre-approved list, then the front seats are interrogated by a camera and illuminator located on an overhead gantry as the vehicle continues down the highway. If the front seat analysis indicates that the passenger seat is not occupied, then the system interrogates the rear seats using a separate camera and illuminator located on the roadside. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130278769 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH ACCELERATED OBJECT CONFIRMATION - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera and an image processor. The camera has a forward field of view exterior of the vehicle. The image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. At least one device is operable to detect objects that are present forward of the vehicle and outside of the forward field of view of the camera. The device may include at least one of (i) a sensor, (ii) an element of a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system and (iii) an element of a vehicle-to-infrastructure communication system. Responsive to detection of the object being indicative of the object about to enter the field of view of the camera, the image processor anticipates the object entering the field of view of the camera and, upon entering of the field of view of the camera by the object, the image processor detects the object. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130278770 | TOTAL BUS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM - A synchronized video monitoring system may include a plurality of separate sensor modules that each include a lens assembly, an image sensor, and a sensor controller. Each sensor module may be connected to a data bus. A collection module that includes a digital image compressor engine may also be connected to the data bus. Each sensor module may capture an image of a field of view of a monitored area. Each sensor module may insert its image data onto the data bus within a different allotment of time within a frame capture cycle. The collection module may compress and encode the image data received from each sensor module, and may generate a composite video image frame. Each region of the composite video image frame may depict image data captured by a different sensor module. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130278771 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING VEHICLE WHEEL ASSEMBLY - Various techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using small form factor infrared imaging modules to monitor various components of a vehicle wheel assembly. For example, a vehicle-mounted system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a processor, a memory, a display, a communication module, and a vehicle speed sensor. The vehicle-mounted system may be mounted on, installed in, or otherwise integrated into a vehicle that has one or more wheel assemblies. The one or more infrared imaging modules may be configured to capture thermal images of desired portions of the wheel assemblies. Various thermal image analytics and profiling may be performed on the captured thermal images to determine the operating condition of various components of the wheel assemblies and to detect abnormalities. Monitoring information may be generated based on the detected condition and abnormalities, and presented to a driver or other occupants onboard the vehicle in real time. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130278772 | RUNNING INFORMATION RECORDING DEVICE FOR HEAVY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT - A running information recording device for heavy construction equipment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cameras installed on the side surfaces of a unit of heavy construction equipment to gather image data about the area around the unit of heavy construction equipment; an image processor generating the image data about the area around the unit of heavy construction equipment; and a memory storing the image data, and the image data includes a synthetic moving image in which an image of the unit of heavy construction equipment is positioned in the middle, and the image data acquired from the plurality of cameras is synthesized into a single image to be displayed such that the area around the unit of heavy construction equipment is shown in bird's eye view. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130286204 | MOTOR VEHICLE CAMERA AND MONITORING SYSTEM - A camera that is mounted on a vehicle is used to monitor the vehicle, the driver and the contents therein. The camera includes an external housing, a camera module having a camera lens, a lighting component, a dimmer switch and a transmission medium. The external housing may be made of alloy. The camera module may capture video data and the transmission medium may be coupled to the camera module to transmit the captured video data as a live video stream to an external device. The lighting component included in the fleet camera apparatus may include LEDs and have infra-red capabilities to provide a night vision mode. The dimmer switch is included to control the LEDs' brightness. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286205 | APPROACHING OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING APPROACHING OBJECTS - An approaching object detection device that detects moving objects approaching a vehicle on the basis of images generated by an image pickup unit that captures images of surroundings of the vehicle at certain time intervals, the approaching object detection device includes: a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, detecting moving object regions that each include a moving object from an image; obtaining a moving direction of each of the moving object regions; and determining whether or not the moving object included in each of the moving object regions is a moving object approaching the vehicle on the basis of at least either an angle between the moving direction of each of the moving object regions in the image and a horizon in the image or a ratio of an area of a subregion. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286206 | DISPLAY SYSTEM - A mobile apparatus obtains a posted data set of a social networking service. The mobile apparatus generates an augmented reality image by superimposing, on a captured image, an icon representing a posted data set posted in an objective capturing range of a camera, based on a posted location of the posted data set, a vehicle location of a vehicle, and a direction of an optical axis of the camera. The mobile apparatus transmits the generated augmented reality image to a vehicle-mounted apparatus. The vehicle-mounted apparatus displays the received augmented reality image on a display. Thus a user who sees the vehicle-mounted apparatus can instinctively understand the posted location of the posted data set. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286207 | IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGING PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGING PROCESSING SYSTEM - An imaging apparatus includes: an image sensor; a signal processing unit repeatedly performing processing different from each other in a given number of sequential frames to imaging signals obtained by the image sensor to thereby obtain image data of respective frame; and an image data output unit sequentially outputting the image data of respective frames. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130293712 | BACK-UP CAMERA CAPABILITY THROUGH A VEHICLE-INTEGRATED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Back-up camera capabilities through a vehicle-integrated wireless communication device include receiving a triggering event via a control system of a vehicle and activating a back-up function responsive to the triggering event. The back-up function includes sending a request to a wireless communication device to transmit in real-time a recording from a recording component of the wireless communication device to a wireless interface of the control system. The back-up camera capabilities also including receiving the recording from the wireless communication device as a live data stream, transmitting the recording to a display device of the vehicle, and displaying the recording on the display device. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130293713 | DEVICE HAVING A CAMERA UNIT - The invention relates to a device, comprising a camera unit, which is used to record images of the exterior area of a motor vehicle, and a cover element, which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of a drive, wherein the camera unit is behind the cover element and inaccessible from outside in the closed position of the cover element and images can be recorded in the open position of the cover element. For this purpose, the cover element has an outer surface facing away from the camera unit, and the drive interacts with a mechanism in such a way that the outer surface is always in the exterior area of the motor vehicle in each position of the cover element during the movement of the cover element between the closed position and the open position. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130293714 | FULL SPEED LANE SENSING USING MULTIPLE CAMERAS - A system and method for providing lane sensing on a vehicle by detecting roadway lane-markers, where the system employs multiple cameras providing images around the vehicle. The method includes detecting left-side and right-side lane boundary lines in the camera images, and then determining whether the lane boundary lines in the images are aligned from one image frame to a next image frame and are aligned from image to image. If the boundary lines are not aligned, then calibration of one or more of the cameras is performed, and if the lines are aligned, then a model fitting process is used to specifically identify the location of the boundary lines on the roadway. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130293715 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed in the vehicle and viewing forward of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The imager has a field of view exterior the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The imager includes (i) a lens, (ii) a spectral filter and (iii) a CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements. The system includes a control that may be operable to process captured image data for at least a first application and a second application, with the first application including lane departure warning and the second application selected from the group consisting of (i) headlamp control, (ii) vehicle detection and (iii) rain sensing. The control may be operable to adjust a parameter or setting of the imager. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130293716 | MOBILE MAPPING SYSTEM FOR ROAD INVENTORY - Vehicle for obtaining data for road mapping including a first camera system mounted on the vehicle and positioned to obtain images in a substantially vertical plane of at least part of the road lane and adjacent area, a second camera system mounted on the vehicle adjacent the first camera system and positioned to obtain images in a substantially vertical plane of substantially the same portion of the road lane and adjacent area as the first camera system, a source of structured light emanating from a location apart from the second camera system but illuminating the ground in the field of view of the second camera system and at least one GNSS module containing a GPS receiver and an inertial navigation system. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130300869 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH LENS POLLUTION DETECTION - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera and a processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. When the vehicle is moving, the processor at least one of (a) reads a selected set of imager register values and compare a contrast of auto exposure control zones, and wherein, responsive to a determination that a range of contrast levels is less than a threshold level, the processor determines that there are contaminants at the lens or cover of the camera, and (b) monitors outputs of photosensing elements of the camera and, when the outputs fit a Gaussian distribution, the processor classifies the photosensing elements as blocked elements and, responsive to a determination that a number of the blocked photosensing elements is greater than a threshold level, the processor determines that there are contaminants at the lens or cover of the camera. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130300870 | METHOD FOR MONITORING A TRAFFIC STREAM AND A TRAFFIC MONITORING DEVICE - A traffic monitoring device may comprise a radar and a camera, said radar having a radar field of view extending around a radar central axis and said camera having a camera field of view extending around a camera central axis in such a manner that said radar field of view is situated within said camera field of view. The radar and the camera may be positioned so that their central axis of their field of view make a predetermined angle with respect to each other, said radar being provided for determining coordinates of moving objects. The device may comprise selecting means for selecting within said image an image section or portion representing at least part of said radar field of view and may also comprise transformation means for transforming said coordinates of said moving object within said image portion into further coordinates relative to an image reference frame for display. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130300871 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed in a housing and a control. The imager includes a CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and a lens. With the housing disposed in a vehicle, the imager views forwardly to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that is swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The CMOS photosensor array is operable to capture image data. The control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, streetlights present exterior of the vehicle and viewed by imager are discriminated from other objects present exterior the vehicle and viewed by imager. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130300872 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A BLIND SPOT - The aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for displaying a blind spot, which involve displaying at least one image of the surroundings of a vehicle, said image being provided by an imaging unit including a camera, a GPS navigation system, and/or a street-view receiver, so as to provide a driver with information on the blind spots of a front portion, a rear portion, and a side portion of a vehicle that are hidden by said vehicle and thus not easily seen within the field of view of the drive during the travel of the vehicle. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130307978 | Personnel Classification and Response System - A personnel classification and response system, and related method and computer program product are disclosed. The system may comprise an image capture member and a controller connected to the image capture member. Some embodiments may also comprise a ranging apparatus. The ranging apparatus may be configured to provide a distance from a person to a vehicle. The image capture member may be configured to provide an image of the vicinity of the vehicle, the image including the person. The controller may be configured to identify in the image a marker and to activate a warning apparatus based on the marker and a zone in which the marker is disposed. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307979 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATING MULTIPLE CAMERA IMAGES TO TRACK A VEHICLE - A method and a system for integrating multiple camera images to track a vehicle are provided. In the method, a security request of a vehicle to be tracked is received from a user, in which the security request comprises registration information and position information of the vehicle. Next, images captured by multiple cameras in a specific range around a location of the position information are retrieved. The retrieved images are analyzed according to the registration information, so as to recognize the images comprising the vehicle. Finally, a message is issued when the images comprising the vehicle are recognized. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307980 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL TIME SECURITY DATA ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION FROM MOBILE PLATFORMS - A system and method for real time security data acquisition and integration from mobile platforms are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: deploying a plurality of sensors and video sources in a monitored venue, the plurality of sensors and video sources generating security data in the monitored venue; receiving the security data wirelessly in real time at a real time wireless data integrator positioned adjacent to the monitored venue; establishing a real time wireless data integrator network between at least two real time wireless data integrators; and causing the transfer of the security data to an operations center via a network. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307981 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING DATA OF HETEROGENEOUS SENSORS IN INTEGRATED MANNER TO CLASSIFY OBJECTS ON ROAD AND DETECT LOCATIONS OF OBJECTS - Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for processing the data of heterogeneous sensors in an integrated manner to classify one or more objects on a road and detect the locations of the objects. The apparatus includes a camera image processing unit, a scanning information processing unit, and an integrated processing unit. The camera image processing unit generates the results of the processing of camera images based on the camera images collected from one or more cameras. The scanning information processing unit generates the results of the processing of scanning information based on the scanning information collected from one or more laser scanners. The integrated processing unit generates the types and final locations of the objects located on the road by processing the generated results of the processing of the camera images and the generated results of the processing of the scanning information in an integrated manner. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307982 | ONBOARD CAMERA AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, an onboard camera automatic calibration apparatus includes at least a road surface point selection unit, an amount-of-rotation-around-Z-axis calculation unit and a coordinate rotation correction unit. The road surface point selection unit selects multiple points not less than three on a road surface in a predetermined image among the multiple images obtained by an onboard camera and selects multiple combinations of two points from among the multiple points. The amount-of-rotation-around-Z-axis calculation unit determines, in a camera coordinate system with an optical axis as a Z axis, an amount of rotation around the Z axis such that the road surface is parallel to an X axis, based on the multiple combinations and motion vectors. The coordinate rotation correction unit performs rotation correction around the Z axis for the images obtained by the onboard camera based on the determined amount of rotation around the Z axis. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307983 | Device Having A Camera Unit - The invention relates to a device, comprising a camera unit, which is used to record images of the exterior area of a motor vehicle, and a cover element, which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by means of a drive, wherein the camera unit is behind the cover element and inaccessible from outside in the closed position of the cover element and images can be recorded in the open position of the cover element. For this purpose, the cover element has an outer surface facing away from the camera unit, and the drive interacts with a mechanism in such a way that the outer surface is always in the exterior area of the motor vehicle in each position of the cover element during the movement of the cover element between the closed position and the open position. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307984 | Multi-Functional Vehicle Rearview Mirror - A multi-functional vehicle rearview minor that includes a cover, a glass reflecting mirror face, a large sized liquid crystal display device which includes a large sized display screen and a large sized display driver board, wherein the large sized display screen includes a large sized displaying liquid crystal glass and a large sized display device backlight module, wherein the large sized liquid crystal display device is provided with a retention frame and a high obscuration media, wherein a small window with a small sized backlight module and a control circuit is provided. The rearview minor automatically shifts between multiple cameras via signals from vehicle lamps. The RF modules with little power consumption are embedded into the circuits of the rearview minor and the cameras for providing the video shift and information communication of the whole system. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307985 | VEHICLE DRIVING ASSIST DEVICE - Provided is a vehicle driving assist device which can clearly display superimposing guide lines on an image captured from the surrounding area of a vehicle without increasing the areas of the superimposing lines. The vehicle driving assist device displays an image captured from the surrounding area of a vehicle on a vehicle monitor. The vehicle driving assist device comprises: an imaging unit mounted in a vehicle for capturing the image from the surrounding area of the vehicle; and an image processing unit for displaying superimposing guide lines on the image output from the imaging unit. The image processing unit displays the guide lines in a manner such that colors are periodically altered in the length directions thereof and displayed. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307986 | VEHICLE DRIVING ASSIST DEVICE - Provided is a vehicle driving assist device, said device being capable of reliably and accurately warning any driver, regardless of the perception or skill thereof, to avoid collisions with obstacles. Said driving assist device, which uses a monitor in the vehicle to display images taken of the surroundings of the vehicle, has: an imaging unit that is mounted in the vehicle and takes the aforementioned images; an information-acquisition unit that acquires vehicle-speed information; and an image-processing unit that processes image signals configured by the images outputted from the imaging unit. Said image-processing unit contains an image-superimposition unit that superimposes, onto the taken images, images pertaining to the braking distance corresponding to the vehicle-speed information acquired by the information-acquisition unit. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130314536 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING VEHICLE OCCUPANTS - Various techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using small form factor infrared imaging modules to monitor occupants in an interior compartment of a vehicle. For example, a vehicle-mounted system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a processor, a memory, alarm sirens, and a communication module. The vehicle-mounted system may be mounted on, installed in, or otherwise integrated into a vehicle that has an interior compartment. The infrared imaging modules may be configured to capture thermal images of desired portions of the interior compartments. Various thermal image processing and analytics may be performed on the captured thermal images to determine the presence and various attributes of one or more occupants. Based on the determination of the presence and various attributes, occupant detection information and/or control signals may be generated. Occupant detection information may be used to perform various monitoring operations, and control signals may adjust various vehicle components. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130314537 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM - A multi-functional remote monitoring system for use in a mobile surveillance system comprising a host controller, at least one hub transceiver, and at least one remote monitoring transmitter (“RMT”) operable to capture and transmit data, wherein the hub transceiver is operable to communicate to and receive data from the at least one RMT. The hub transceiver and the RMT are adapted for bi-directional transmission and receipt of data, including audio and data signals. The host controller is operable to control the hub transceiver and facilitate communication of the audio and data signals between the RMTs and the hub transceiver. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130314538 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment member attached at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield, an accessory module configured to mount to the attachment member and an accessory disposed at least partially in the accessory module. The accessory includes a camera having a lens. The accessory module is detachably mounted to the attachment member. With the camera disposed in the accessory module and with the accessory module mounted to the attachment member, the camera has a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. With the camera disposed in the accessory module and with the accessory module mounted to the attachment member, the lens of the camera is spaced from the interior surface of the vehicle windshield. A resilient element is provided to cushion the accessory module when the accessory module is mounted to the attachment member. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130314539 | Monitoring of the Close Proximity Around a Commercial Vehicle - A system for capturing and displaying not directly-viewable spaces near a vehicle includes an apparatus for image capturing and an apparatus for image display. The apparatus for image capturing captures at least two arbitrary points Q and R. A ground plane is spanned by the Cartesian coordinates xv and yv, and xv lies in the vehicle middle plane. The display displays an image that includes an image Q′ of the point Q and an image R′ of the point R on a display plane spanned by the Cartesian coordinates xv′ and yv′, with xv′ lying on a reproduction of the vehicle middle plane. A projection QR,xv of the vector QR onto xv and a projection Q′R′,xv′ of a vector Q′R′ onto xv′ have the same direction, and a projection QR,yv of the vector QR onto yv and a projection Q′R′,yv′ of a vector Q′R′ onto yv′ have the same direction. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130314540 | ARRANGEMENT FOR AN IMAGE RECORDING DEVICE IN A VEHICLE - An arrangement for an image recording device in a vehicle having an image recording device for recording image data. The arrangement includes a carrier part which can be positioned on the vehicle with the front side of the carrier part on or in front of the inside of a vehicle window, retaining elements for retaining the image recording device, the retaining elements are coupled to the carrier part in such a way that the optical recording axis of the image recording device is directed into an area in front of the front side of the carrier part, and a heating device, the heating device designed in such a way that the thermal radiation produced by the heating device in the direction of the area in front of the front side of the carrier part is determined. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the heating device in such an arrangement. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130321627 | ROAD DEPARTURE SENSING AND INTELLIGENT DRIVING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A Road Departure Sensing and an Intelligent Driving System which uses near-infrared illumination to collect a continuous sequence of images from an area ahead of a moving vehicle, measure the distance to potential obstacles or obstructions, calculate the potential for collisions, detect the edges of a road or path or changes in the surface texture of a driving surface, and warn a vehicle operator in advance of the vehicle departing the drivable surface or communicate with an unmanned vehicle navigation system to sense and supply real-world navigational data. The unmanned vehicle navigation system can be integrated with existing civilian or military vehicles to provide autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operation. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321628 | VEHICLE COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle collision warning system and method that alerts a driver of an impending collision by displaying enhanced video of an upcoming road segment, where the enhanced video includes an in-path object that is highlighted so that it stands apart. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method receive video of an upcoming road segment from a forward-looking vision system, obtain certain collision data for an in-path object, and then use the video and the collision data to provide enhanced video to a visual display that is seen by the driver. The enhanced video may include an in-path object that is highlighted according to the collision data (e.g., highlighted with a color-coded scheme where the in-path object changes color based on time-to-collision data) so that it stands apart from the rest of the upcoming road segment. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321629 | DYNAMIC GUIDELINE OVERLAY WITH IMAGE CROPPING - A method for dynamically registering a graphic upon a cropped image obtained from a camera device includes capturing an original image obtained from the camera device. Intrinsic calibration information for the camera device, extrinsic information for the camera device and vehicle information are monitored. The cropped image is generated based on cropping parameters to exclude undesirable content from the original image. The intrinsic calibration information is adjusted based on a relationship to the cropping parameters. The graphic is dynamically registered upon the cropped image based on the adjusted intrinsic calibration information for the camera device, the monitored extrinsic information for the camera device and the monitored vehicle information. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321630 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LANE DEPARTURE WARNING - A lane departure warning system and method are provided. The lane departure warning system includes a camera, a tunnel recognition module, a virtual lane module, and a determination/warning module. The camera captures a front image of a vehicle. The tunnel recognition module determines whether a current position of the vehicle is in a tunnel section, using the front image captured by the camera. The virtual lane module determines whether two or more lanes are detected from the front image when the current position is in the tunnel section and, when only one lane is detected, generates a virtual lane at a position corresponding to the one lane using a pre-calculated road width. The determination/warning module determines whether the vehicle departs from a lane, using the one lane and the virtual lane or the two or more lanes detected, and warns of lane departures accordingly. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321631 | ON-SCREEN DISPLAY DEVICE AND ON-SCREEN DISPLAY METHOD - Disclosed herein is a technology of reflecting a line width of an on-screen display (OSD) image to calculate an appropriate interpolation rate and interpolating the OSD image according to the calculated interpolation rate to output the interpolated OSD image, in order to provide an OSD image smoother as compared to the case according to the related art by smoothly displaying an OSD image to reduce image shaking. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321632 | VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A vehicular vision system includes a camera including an image sensor, a control including a microcontroller, and a serial data interface. The camera has a field of view exterior of a vehicle. A video output is configured for transmitting a stream of video captured by the image sensor. The microcontroller is operatively connected to the image sensor. The serial data interface permits the microcontroller to communicate with at least one electronic device in the vehicle. A resistor having a selected impedance is connected in series with a switch. The resistor and the switch connect a video plus electrical conduit and a video minus electrical conduit. The switch is openable by the microcontroller to deactivate the video output into a high impedance state and is closable to activate the video output. The microcontroller is configured to comply with selected messages received through the serial data interface by opening the switch. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321633 | DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A display system of a vehicle includes a windshield of a vehicle, an interior rearview mirror assembly, an assembly disposed at an upper region of the windshield, and a display device disposed at the assembly. The upper region of the windshield includes a display region. The display device is operable to project a mirror image of display information towards and onto the display region of the windshield for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The display information is viewable at the display region of the windshield and is viewable and discernible by the driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321634 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE AND TOWING VEHICLE - A driving support device outputs, to a display means ( | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130321635 | IMAGE CAPTURING - A camera array and method are disclosed for capturing and processing images of an area of terrain. For each of a plurality of time-steps within a time period, using each of a plurality of cameras in a camera array, an exemplary method includes: generating an image of a respective portion of terrain, wherein the cameras in the camera array have substantially fixed positions relative to each other, and the portions of terrain are such that the whole of the area of terrain has been imaged by the end of the time period; selecting a subset of the images such that the whole of the terrain is covered by the portions of the terrain in the images in the subset; and for an image not in the subset, if an object of interest is in that image, extracting a sub-image containing the object from that image. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130329045 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOVING A REFLECTED LIGHT FROM AN IMAGING DEVICE IMAGE - Disclosed herein is an apparatus for removing a reflected light from an imaging device image, including a processor on a controller configured to output at a predetermined interval to a windshield or an imaging device lens, a control signal for controlling an on or off operation of at least one filter; obtain an image photographed by the camera, wherein the camera is installed in a direction toward the windshield of the vehicle, generate a differential image by subtracting a reflected image photographed when the filter is turned on from a general image photographed when the filter is turned off, and obtain a final image by correcting an area corresponding to the reflected image of the differential image based on a blurred image of the differential image. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130329046 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA - A vehicle-mounted camera includes a camera module mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, and further includes a mirror occupying at least a part of an imaging range of the camera module. The camera module may be arranged to face a forward vehicle traveling direction. The mirror may occupy a lower part of the vertical direction in the imaging range. The camera module and the mirror may both be disposed in the vehicle. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130335567 | VEHICLE EVENT DATA RECORDER SET CAPABLE OF RETAINING A HANDSET - A vehicle event data recorder set capable of retaining a handset; comprises a main body of a vehicle event data recorder; the main body including a processor; the main body being installed with: a display screen at a front side of the main body; a handset retaining seat extending from the main body for locating a handset. The main body includes: a camera for capturing images out of a windscreen of a car; the images captured by the camera being transferred to the processor; a fixing unit for fixing the main body to a specific object having a connecting rod and a disk connected to the connecting rod; the disk being sucked to a windscreen of a car; a G-sensor connected to the processor and for detecting the accelerations in different three dimensions; and a WiFi system for inducing communication between a handset and the main body. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130335568 | MULTI-CAMERA VEHICULAR IMAGE RECORDER - A multi-camera vehicular image recorder has a hollow body and a first image capturing module and a second image capturing module mounted in the body. The body has a first lens opening and a second lens opening formed through a front cover thereof. A lens of the first image capturing module is pivotally oscillated up and down within the first lens opening The second image capturing module is fixed to be adjacent to the second lens opening. The body further has a third lens opening formed through a rear cover thereof. A third image capturing module is pivotally oscillated up and down within the first lens opening. As the first image capturing module is pivotable upwards and downwards, a view angle images taken by the first image capturing module is broader in collaboration with the second image capturing module and more complete driving conditions can be captured and provided. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130335569 | VEHICLE WITH IMPROVED TRAFFIC-OBJECT POSITION DETECTION - A method is proposed for detecting the position of a target object in the environment of a host vehicle, comprising the steps of
| 12-19-2013 |
| 20130335570 | Pop-up test reference image - An apparatus for deploying test images for a preset period within the field of view of a camera, and having; a panel supporting the test image, and moveable transmission connected with the panel and operable to deploy, and retrieve, the panel. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130342694 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USE OF INTRINSIC IMAGES IN AN AUTOMOTIVE DRIVER-VEHICLE-ASSISTANCE DEVICE - In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an automated, computerized method is provided for processing an image. According to a feature of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of arranging a digital camera on a vehicle body, operating the digital camera to provide an image file depicting an image of a scene related to vehicle operation, in a computer memory, generating an intrinsic representation of the image and using the intrinsic representation to analyze the scene. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130342695 | Vehicle Display System - A method and apparatus comprising a view generator. The view generator is configured to identify a position of a mobile display device relative to an exterior of a vehicle. The view generator is further configured to identify image data from a sensor system for the vehicle that corresponds to a field of view of the mobile display device from the position of the mobile display device relative to the vehicle. The view generator is further configured to display an external view for the vehicle on the mobile display device using the image data. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130342696 | MONITORING THROUGH A TRANSPARENT DISPLAY OF A PORTABLE DEVICE - Traffic obstacles or other objectives in front of a person is monitored by using a monitoring system including a portable device, a camera unit, and a control unit. The portable device can be a helmet or glasses, which includes a display unit with a transparent display allowing a user to view a scene through the transparent display. The camera unit produces scene images of the scene. The control unit determines objective(s) according to the scene images, and transmits objective data corresponding to the objective(s) to the display unit. The transparent display of the display unit displays objective information indicating virtual image(s) of the objective(s) seen through the transparent display according to the objective data. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130342697 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED VIDEO SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING - A vehicle-mounted system for recording video and audio. The system uses distributed processing, including encoding the video and audio at their source(s), and a high-speed, e.g., Ethernet, bus connecting the various system components and external devices. The system may include a display monitor which is integrated into the same housing as a rear view mirror of the vehicle, with the display monitor being located behind the mirror and video displayed on the monitor being visible through the mirror. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130342698 | Method of Processing Images and Apparatus - A method of processing an image includes a region of a highway in front of the vehicle captured using an imager having a two dimensional array of image capturing pixels. The array includes a first set of pixels substantially independent of hue and a second set of pixels dependent of a limited range of hues. The method further includes the steps of producing a first image where each pixel is assigned a value derived from the first set of pixels and producing a second image where each pixel is assigned a value derived from the first set of pixels and the second set of pixels. The method includes identifying-for at least one pixel in the first image a first intensity change value indicative of the difference between that pixel and at least one adjacent pixel identifying for a corresponding pixel in the second image a second intensity change value indicative of the difference between that pixel and at least one adjacent pixel. A combined image is formed using a defined set of combination rules to assign a value to the corresponding pixel in the combined image which depends on the first and second identified intensity change values for that corresponding pixel. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140002650 | WIDE BASELINE BINOCULAR OBJECT MATCHING METHOD USING MINIMAL COST FLOW NETWORK | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002651 | Vehicle Event Recorder Systems | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002652 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN VEHICLE LANE DETERMINATION USING CMOS IMAGE SENSOR | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002653 | ARRANGEMENT FOR WIRELESS TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICAL SIGNALS IN A MOTOR VEHICLE | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002654 | WHITE TURBID STATE DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002655 | LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM AND LANE DEPARTURE WARNING METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002656 | LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM AND LANE DEPARTURE WARNING METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002657 | FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002658 | OVERTAKING VEHICLE WARNING SYSTEM AND OVERTAKING VEHICLE WARNING METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002659 | CAMERA FOR VEHICULAR APPLICATIONS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140002660 | BIRDS-EYE-VIEW IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE, AND BIRDS-EYE-VIEW IMAGE GENERATION METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140009614 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECT USING AN IMAGE AROUND A VEHICLE - An apparatus for detecting a three dimensional object using an image around a vehicle includes a plurality of imaging devices disposed on a front, a rear, a left side, and a right side of the vehicle; a processor configured to: collect an image of the front, the rear, the left side, and the right side of the vehicle through a virtual imaging device; generate a composite image by compounding a plurality of top view images of the image; extract a boundary pattern of the plurality of top view images in each boundary area; compare the boundary pattern of the plurality of top view images to analyze a correlation between a plurality of neighboring images in each boundary area; and detect a three dimensional object according to the correlation between the plurality of neighboring images in each boundary area. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140009615 | In-Vehicle Apparatus - An in-vehicle apparatus includes: a camera with a shielded area formed within a photographing area thereof by a light shielding member, which outputs a photographic image of an area surrounding a vehicle photographed through a photographic lens; and an adhering matter detection unit that detects adhering matter settled on the photographic lens based upon images in the shielded area included in a plurality of photographic images output from the camera at different time points. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140009618 | Lane Departure Warning Device - A lane departure warning device includes: a compartment line detection unit that detects a compartment line in an image of a running lane on which a vehicle is traveling, the image being captured by an image capturing device which the vehicle has; a dirtiness detection unit that detects dirtiness on any one of a lens of the image capturing device or a partition between an outside of a vehicle interior of the vehicle and the image capturing device; a departure judgment unit that judges whether or not the vehicle departs from the compartment line; and a warning judgment unit that when it is judged that the vehicle departs from the compartment line, outputs a warning signal based on a degree of the dirtiness detected. A position of the vehicle with respect to the compartment line when the warning signal is output varies depending on the degree of the dirtiness. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140009619 | CAMERA SUITABLE FOR USE IN A VEHICLE - A camera having a housing, an optical system and an electrical image sensor, particularly for applications in the exterior region of motor vehicles, i limits or events undesirable influences from moisture penetrating the camera or the housing. This is achieved by virtue of there being channels provided for air circulation in an interior of the optical system on the basis of the heating of air in the housing by operation of the image sensor, with the channels channeling air around lenses of the optical system. The channels may be along an internal wall of a lens frame of the optical system, and the channels may extend from an end portion of the lens frame at or near the image sensor to an internal space within the lens frame and between two adjacent lens elements of the optical system. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140015971 | SYSTEM FOR PASSENGER MONITORING - In one aspect, the present invention embraces a system for passenger monitoring. The system typically includes a monitoring device and a monitor positioned in a motor vehicle. The monitoring device typically includes a camera having a field of view directed towards a first passenger location in the motor vehicle. The monitor typically includes a user interface and a processor in communication with the user interface and the monitoring device. The user interface typically includes a visual display. The processor is typically configured to receive images from the camera and display the images on the visual display in near real time. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140015972 | STAND ALONE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM - A blind spot detection system for a vehicle having an external rearview device including a substrate having an at least partially transmissive portion. An imaging device positioned behind the at least partially transmissive portion and including a field of view that extends through the substrate at an angle away from the vehicle in the general direction of a vehicle blind spot. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140015973 | Vehicle and Mobile Device Traffic Hazard Warning Techniques - A computer-implemented method includes monitoring an environment external to a vehicle via a sensor of the vehicle or a mobile device. The monitoring includes recording audio or video signals based on an output of the sensor. Audio or image recognition is performed via the mobile device based on the audio or video signals. Based on results of the audio or image recognition, objects in an area through which the vehicle is to pass are detected. The method includes determining which ones of the detected objects satisfy a predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria includes object features that are indiscernible or marginally discernible to a vehicle operator with a perception deficiency. Selected ones of the detected objects that satisfy the predetermined criteria are monitored. The vehicle operator is alerted of the selected ones of the detected objects with an alert predetermined to be discernible to the vehicle operator. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140015974 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING A VEHICLE PARKING SPACE - The invention relates to a device for monitoring a parking space ( | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140015975 | EXTERIOR MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes driver-side and passenger-side exterior rearview mirror assemblies including respective driver-side and passenger-side light modules and driver-side and passenger-side cameras. The light modules provide a driver-side indicator and a passenger-side indicator. The driver-side light module and the passenger-side light modules are disposed at respective mirror housing portions and move therewith when the exterior mirror housing portion moves relative to the mounting portion between its normal operating position and its folded position. The driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera are part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle, and the multi-camera vision system has a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The displayed images displayed by the display device may include an image portion derived from image data captured by at least one of the driver-side camera and the passenger-side camera. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140015976 | VEHICULAR ACCESSORY SYSTEM - A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element attached at an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and an accessory assembly having a housing that accommodates an accessory element. The accessory assembly includes structure used in attaching the accessory assembly to the attachment element. The accessory assembly includes circuitry disposed in the housing, and at least two electrical accessories of the accessory assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. One of the at least two electrical accessories includes a video camera and another of the at least two electrical accessories is selected from the group consisting of (i) a headlamp controller, (ii) a remote keyless entry receiver, (iii) a cellular phone and (iv) a vehicle status indicator. The video camera, when the accessory assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle, may have a field of view through the windshield of the vehicle. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140015977 | DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assist system for a vehicle includes a camera and a video display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The video display screen is operable to display images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by the camera. A visual cue is displayed by the video display screen in conjunction with display of the captured image data. During a reversing maneuver of the vehicle, image data captured by the camera is displayed by the video display screen as video images so as to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle. When a reversing maneuver of the vehicle is not being executed, the display screen may be operable to display information associated with at least one of (i) a navigational system, (ii) a telematics system and (iii) a vehicle information system. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140022389 | REAR CAMERA SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH A TRAILER - An apparatus including a video control circuit is configured to receive a first video signal from a first camera and a second vide signal from a second camera. The video control circuit is configured to provide the first video signal or the second video signal in response to a control signal. The control signal is indicative of whether a trailer plug is connected to a vehicle plug. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140022390 | INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY - An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a video display device operable to display video information that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle through said mirror reflective element and at a display region of said mirror reflective element. The video display device may be operable to display a directional heading at a compass display portion of the display region, and means may be provided to adjust the directional heading display to limit image sticking of the displayed directional heading. The mirror assembly may have a touch zone having at least one touch pad established at a perimeter border band of the reflective element, and may have another touch sensor to detect a touch of a user away from the touch zone to determine when a detected touch at the touch zone is an unintentional touch. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140028847 | IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM AND IMAGE CAPTURE METHOD - An image capture system adapted for a movable vehicle is provided. The image capture system includes a camera apparatus, a capture apparatus and a positioning analyzer. The positioning analyzer is adapted for analyzing a traveling direction of the movable vehicle. The capture apparatus is coupled to the camera apparatus and the positioning analyzer to receive image frames taken by the camera apparatus, and captures the image frames according to a cropping window. Further, the capture apparatus decides whether correspondingly adjusts the cropping window for capturing the image frames according to the traveling direction. In addition, an image capture method adapted for an image capture system installed on a movable vehicle is provided. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140028848 | DRIVE VIDEO RECORDING DEVICE AND METHOD, DRIVE VIDEO RECORDING SYSTEM, AND SUMMARIZED MOVING IMAGE CREATING DEVICE - A drive video recording device is provided. The drive video recording device creates a summarized moving image in which the inputted video is culled such that a playback speed of the video of the time period during which the amount of information is smaller is faster than a playback speed of the video of the time period during which the amount of information is larger, and stores the summarized moving image in a storage section. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140028849 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND RAINDROP DETECTION METHOD THEREOF - A driving assistance system | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140036075 | WINDSHIELD DISPLAY SYSTEM - A windshield display system that includes a light source such as a laser configured to project light from a plurality of source locations onto a desired location of a windshield. The number of source locations and relative spacing apart of the source locations is such that light emitted from the source locations and reflected into an eye of an operator is characterized as having a reflected light power less than a reflected power threshold. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036076 | Method for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - A method of tracking the use of at least one destination location, the method including identifying a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determining characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determining usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036077 | Method for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - A method of tracking the use of at least one destination location, the method including identifying a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determining characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determining usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036078 | System for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - An apparatus for tracking the use of at least one destination location, the apparatus including multiple cameras and one or more processors configured to identify a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determine characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determine usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036079 | External Camera Device That Thermally Couples Camera Optics To A Vehicle's Ventilation System - An external camera device for a motor vehicle prevents condensation on the camera optics by thermally coupling the optics to an air stream from the vehicle's ventilation system. The camera optics are disposed adjacent to an optical window in a camera holder that is attached to an outer surface of the motor vehicle. A flow channel guides the air stream through the camera holder. An inlet of the flow channel is connected to the ventilation system, and the flow channel is thermally coupled to the camera optics. The device is mounted onto the vehicle through a mounting surface of the camera holder. The inlet of the flow channel passes through the mounting surface. The outlet of the flow channel can either pass through the mounting surface or exit adjacent to the optical window, in which case a fluid-guide element guides the air stream from the outlet towards the optical window. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036080 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EXTERIOR VEHICLE LIGHTS RESPONSIVE TO DETECTION OF A SEMI-TRUCK - An exterior light control system is provided for controlling exterior lights of a vehicle. The system includes an imaging system configured to image a forward external scene and to generate image data corresponding to the acquired images; and a controller configured to receive and analyze the image data and for generating an exterior light control signal that is used to control the exterior lights in response to analysis of the image data. The controller is further configured to analyze the image data to detect a semi-truck. When a semi-truck is detected, the controller generates an exterior light control signal that indicates the detection of a semi-truck or simply the presence of an oncoming vehicle. The controller may detect groups of lights belonging to a semi-truck other than headlamps, e.g., cab lights, so that a semi-truck may be detected even when the headlamps of the semi-truck are not detected due to being blocked by a roadside barrier. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036081 | MIRROR REPLACEMENT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A mirror replacement system for a vehicle includes an image capture unit, a supply unit, and an image reproduction unit. The image reproduction unit is adapted to be disposed in the vehicle interior in a manner viewable by the driver. The image capture unit and the supply unit are disposed in spaces, which are separated from each other and are separately sealed. Further, the image capture unit and the supply unit are each disposed separated from and outside the image reproduction unit. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036082 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPTICALLY RECORDING THE UNDERBODY OF A VEHICLE - A device for optically recording the underbody of a vehicle using at least one camera, includes at least two mirrors which are disposed and oriented in such a way that images of several areas of the underbody of the vehicle are able to be recorded simultaneously by the camera. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036083 | System for stabilizing a positioner with motorized axes of an item of equipment, method and application - System for stabilizing a positioner of an equipment item, the positioner being oriented via an orientation command, and installed on a vehicle undergoing motions, the positioner including angular coders producing angular measurements and a set of gyrometric sensors producing measurements of rates of instantaneous rotation, and exhibiting biases, the positioner including a calculation unit with elements of intra-positioner slaving-correction of the instantaneous rates of rotation of the item using measurements and the orientation command to stabilize the item following the line of sight. The vehicle includes an element for measuring the attitude of the vehicle giving vehicle attitude measurements. The system includes calculation elements for controlling the positioner according to a control law to correct the biases by virtue of the vehicle attitude information and by implementing a state observer combining an estimation of attitude of an item and the measurements of rates of rotation of an item of equipment. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140036084 | VEHICULAR CAMERA WITH VARIABLE FOCUS CAPABILITY - A vehicular camera has a lens assembly, a housing and an image sensor. The lens assembly has at least one adjustable lens and a lens adjustment structure. The lens assembly has an effective focal length and an optical axis associated therewith and an effective distance from the image sensor. A controller may be operatively connected to the lens adjustment structure for controlling the operation of the lens adjustment structure. The lens adjustment structure is controllable to adjust at least one of an effective focal length and an effective distance of the lens assembly to the image sensor, so as to control the distance at which an object in the field of view of the camera appears in focus on the image sensor. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140043482 | VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM - The vehicle security system contains an image recorder module, a navigation and positioning module, a storage module, at least a security and surveillance module, and a central processing unit. The image recorder module captures at least a target vehicle's image. The navigation and positioning module produces a location coordinate. The storage module stores an electronic map. The security and surveillance module performs identification to the image. The central processing unit receives the image and then produces and stores at least an identification parameter in the storage module. The security and surveillance module then determines if the identification parameter satisfies a preset alarm condition. If the preset alarm condition is satisfied, a warning signal is produced and delivered to the central processing unit which, according to the location coordinate and the electronic map, produces navigation guidance and warning message. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140043483 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - A motor vehicle includes a control device and at least one lighting device which is controllable by the control device sequentially in at least two modes which illuminate surroundings of the vehicle differently. At least one camera captures at least two images of the differently illuminated surroundings of the vehicle. The at least two different images are processed by an image processing device for producing a processing result which is transmitted for control of a driver assistance system. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140043484 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN OPTICAL DEVICE AND OPTICAL DEVICE - A method for manufacturing an optical device including manufacturing a first element from a first component, manufacturing at least one second element from a second component, the first and second elements being manufactured with the aid of a two-component injection molding process and at least the first element being designed as an optical element. An optical device, a corresponding image sensor and a corresponding use are also described. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140049644 | SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MOVING OBJECTS - The present invention presents a sensing system | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140049645 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMAGING AN EXTERNAL SCENE BY EMPLOYING A CUSTOM IMAGE SENSOR - A method and system are provided to image an external scene by employing a custom image sensor. The custom image sensor may use a GRRB array to filter the images of oncoming and preceding vehicle taillights captured by a vehicle camera. The method and system may also calculate a GRRB color metric for use in the custom image sensor by performing interpolation on a number of color channels, summing the brightness values for each of the color channels interpolated, normalizing each of the brightness values, and converting the normalized brightness values from an RGB scale to a linear scale of non-red to red. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140049646 | METHOD OF OBTAINING DATA RELATING TO A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE - A method of obtaining data relating to a driver assistance system installed on a vehicle, including capturing sensory data (such as images) external to the vehicle via a sensor of the driver assistance system, buffering a first group of vehicle signals and storing a pre-event value for a signal of the first group in a pre-event buffer, and analyzing the sensory data to detect one or more types of probability events. After a probability event is detected, the method includes monitoring a second group of vehicle signals for a post-event time period after the occurrence of the detected probability event, and during the post event time period processing signals of the second group with a predetermined function to generate a post-event signal value, and recording data in a memory, with the recorded data including the type of detected probability event, a pre-event signal value and a post-event signal value. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140049647 | METHOD FOR DETECTING TARGET OBJECTS IN A SURVEILLANCE REGION - The present application presents methods and apparatuses for detecting target objects in an image sequence of a monitoring region. In some examples, such methods may include adjusting pixel values of images of the image sequence for interference components associated with at least one interfering object, generating the interference components associated with the at least one interfering object that is situated in the monitoring region, searching the image sequence for the target objects based on the adjusted pixel values, detecting a start of a predetermined sequence of motions associated with the interfering object, and computing an instantaneous position of the at least one interfering object during the predetermined sequence of motions, wherein adjusting the pixel values of the images is based upon the instantaneous position. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140049648 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING OBSTRUCTIONS IN A CAMERA FIELD OF VIEW - A system mounted on a vehicle for detecting an obstruction on a surface of a window of the vehicle, a primary camera is mounted inside the vehicle behind the window. The primary camera is configured to acquire images of the environment through the window. A secondary camera is focused on an external surface of the window, and operates to image the obstruction. A portion of the window, i.e. window region is subtended respectively by the field of view of the primary camera and the field of view of the secondary camera. A processor processes respective sequences of image data from both the primary camera and the secondary camera. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140055614 | Vehicular Pedestrian Sensor Apparatus - A vehicular pedestrian sensor apparatus including a vehicular sensor disposed within an automobile, the vehicle sensor in wireless communication with at least one sensor disposed exteriorly relative to the automobile, the at least one sensor sensible of motion within a field of view, wherein the at least one sensor activates a first alarm signal, said first alarm signal displayed by the vehicular sensor, and a second alarm signal, said second alarm signal displayed by the at least one sensor, whereby a driver is notified of motion of an object within the field of view, and the at least one sensor displays an alarm sensible to a person proximal to the field of view. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140055615 | PARKING ASSISTANT DEVICE - A parking assistant device is built in with a parking-path planning software which is capable of calculating a parking path based on a selected parking mode, the only thing that the driver needs to do, during parking, simply involves turning the steering wheel to the extreme left, right and to the center, and driving the vehicle forward and backward, the parking operation is very simple, so that the possibility of error operation can be reduced to the least. Furthermore, the parking assistant of just provides assistant in parking, it does not require the use of complicated control system or devices, and therefore, the cost of the present invention is relatively low, which arouses the consumers' desire to buy the products. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140055616 | Rearview Imaging Systems for Vehicle - A rearview imaging system for a vehicle includes at least one video camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle for providing a wide angle horizontal field of view (FoV) rearwardly of the vehicle, and a display device in the vehicle at a position viewable by the driver. A video processor subdivides the camera FoV into three horizontally disposed sub-FOVs and displaying said sub-FoVs on visually separated side-by-side regions of the display device screen. The horizontal position and/or extent of at least one sub-FoV is variable as a function of the motion of the vehicle. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140055617 | MIRROR MOUNTING ASSEMBLY - A mirror mounting assembly for a rearview mirror, including a housing connector having a first pivot member operably connected with an extension tube. A mount includes a windshield bracket and a sensor assembly. The windshield bracket is proximate to the sensor assembly and supports the sensor assembly against the vehicle windshield. A second pivot member includes a first end operably connected with the extension tube and a second end operably connected with the mount. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140063244 | CONSTRAINED PARAMETRIC CURVE DETECTION USING CLUSTERING ON HOUGH CURVES OVER A SEQUENCE OF IMAGES - A method for automatically detecting a constrained curve over a set of images includes: obtaining a set of one or more binary images of a scene wherein pixels thereof are designated as an edge pixel or not; and, processing at least one of the images. The processing includes: applying a Hough transform to the image to generate an accumulator array; determining Hough peaks from the accumulator array; selecting Hough peaks subject to a set of constraints; determining Hough curve segments for the selected Hough peaks; grouping the Hough curve segments into clusters; selecting from the clusters a cluster having a greatest number of Hough curve segments; and fitting a curve to the Hough curve segments grouped in the selected cluster. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063245 | VEHICLE MIRROR ASSEMBLY - A vehicle mirror assembly includes a vehicle attachment member, a mirror housing, a mirror and a camera. The vehicle attachment member is configured for attachment to a vehicle. The mirror housing is telescopically coupled to the vehicle attachment member between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the vehicle attachment member. The mirror housing defines a camera receiving recess. The mirror is coupled to the mirror housing. The camera is coupled to the vehicle attachment member and disposed in the camera receiving recess of the mirror housing at a fixed position relative to the vehicle attachment member while the mirror housing is moved between the extended position and the retracted position. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063246 | VEHICLE BACK-UP CAMERA CAPABILITY - Implementing vehicle back-up camera capabilities includes receiving, at a computer processor, dimensions of a vehicle extension for a vehicle make and model. The vehicle back-up camera capabilities also include integrating, via the computer processor, the dimensions with image software of a recording system on a vehicle having the vehicle make and model. The vehicle back-up cameral capabilities also include translating the dimensions to scale with a scaling component of the recording system, and overlaying a graphical depiction of the vehicle extension with a recorded image on a display device using translated dimensions. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063247 | VIDEO-BASED VEHICLE SPEED ESTIMATION FROM MOTION VECTORS IN VIDEO STREAMS - Automated low-complexity video-based vehicle speed estimation is described, that operates within the video stream to screen video sequences to identify and eliminate clear non-violators and/or identify and select potential violators within a multi-layer speed enforcement system, in which deeper layers provide enhanced accuracy on selected candidate (speeding) vehicles. Video motion vector clusters corresponding to a vehicle are identified and tracked across multiple frames of captured video. Movement of the motion vector clusters translated from pixels per second to real speed (e.g. miles per hour) to determine whether the vehicle was speeding. Estimated speed data is added to the video stream data is metadata, and video segments of candidate speeding vehicles are stored and/or transmitted for subsequent review (e.g. automated or manual). | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063248 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE - A vehicle periphery monitoring device | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063249 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING FACIAL RECOGNITION - A method, apparatus, and system for performing facial recognition utilizing large databases is provided herein. During operation a large database is quickly narrowed by determining an automobile attribute (e.g., a license plate number) and determining a registered owner and possibly an address based on the automobile attribute. The image database is narrowed based on the registered owner of the vehicle, and possibly the address of the registered owner. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063250 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PROCESSING IMAGE OF VEHICLE AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING IMAGE OF VEHICLE USING THE SAME - Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of processing an image of a vehicle capable of reducing a load of transmitting an image by setting a region of interest and transmitting only a part corresponding to the region of interest, and a system for processing an image of a vehicle using the same. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063251 | LANE CORRECTION SYSTEM, LANE CORRECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CORRECTING LANE - The embodiment provides a method of correcting a lane. The method includes receiving first lane information detected by a lane departure warning system; comparing the received first lane information with previously stored second lane information to identify a degree of variation of a lane as a function for time; sensing whether a fault detection of the received first lane information exists according to the identified degree of variation of the lane; correcting the received first lane information when the fault detection of the first lane information is sensed; and transmitting the corrected lane information to the lane departure warning system. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063252 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING AN IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE - In a method for calibrating an image capture device that is mounted on a motor vehicle and able to successively capture images of a road area located in front of the vehicle, at least two image objects which correspond to line segments which are straight and substantially parallel to each other in world coordinates are detected in a captured image. With the aid of the image objects, the position of a vanishing point in the captured image is estimated and tracked by a tracking method. In the process, an error is calculated for the position of the vanishing point. As soon as the calculated error decreases to less than a predetermined threshold value, the image capture device is calibrated with reference to the position of the vanishing point associated with the error. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063253 | AVM SYSTEM OF VEHICLE FOR DIVIDING AND MANAGING CAMERA NETWORKS AND AVM METHOD THEREOF - The vehicle AVM system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first camera network constructed of some of the cameras configuring the AVM system; a second camera network constructed of some of the cameras configuring the AVM system; and a processor configured to create a first image from the images created by the cameras configuring the first camera network, and to create a second image from the images created by the cameras configuring the second camera network. Accordingly, by installing more number of cameras in an AVM system of a vehicle than the number of cameras in a general vehicle and thus removing dead zones according to vehicle characteristics, it becomes possible to perform smooth networking and prevent image delay, thereby preventing accidents due to dead zones and image delay. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063254 | METHOD FOR CALIBRATING VEHICULAR VISION SYSTEM - A method for calibrating a vehicular vision system includes providing a camera at a vehicle, with the camera having a field of view. Images are captured with the camera and a set of resultant images are acquired for a classification. Information is extracted related to image features in the set of resultant images, and an appropriate subset of coefficients is determined. For each classification, a classification vector of at least one appropriate weight is stored that corresponds to the determined subset of coefficients. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063255 | Techniques for Improving Safe Operation of a Vehicle - Vehicle control system and method in which restrictions on travel of the vehicle are determined based on an indication of the visibility of a driver and information about objects moving in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle are considered. The travel restrictions include preventing a passing maneuver on a two-lane road when an oncoming vehicle precludes safely initiating or completing an already-initiated passing maneuver. A warning system is provided to warn a driver about the travel restrictions so that the driver will, hopefully, not attempt an unsafe maneuver. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140071278 | SYSTEM AND METHOD THAT MINIMIZES HAZARDS OF BLIND SPOTS WHILE DRIVING - A blind-spot detection and collision avoidance system and method employ a blind-spot camera located between a side-view mirror and an automobile body. A rear view mirror has an integrated display that displays an indication of objects detected in blind spots. Side and rear view cameras are also included and images captured by these cameras are used to track objects as they are moved about the perimeter of the driver's automobile. Additional sensors are used to detect when the automobile is expected to change lanes so the collision avoidance system may be activated. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140071279 | VEHICLE VIDEO SYSTEM - A vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a cargo area, a display mounted to the vehicle, a first video camera and an image processor. The first video camera is fixedly mounted to the vehicle at a first fixed location in a prescribed orientation relative to the vehicle to capture a video image of the cargo area. The image processor is operatively coupled to the first video camera and the display to process the video image captured by the first video camera and to stream a simulated video overhead view including at least a portion of the cargo area on the display. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140071280 | VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM USING AUDIO/VISUAL CUES - A system may include one or more data modules operable to receive, process, and transmit data associated with one or more audio and/or visual cues from surroundings of a user. The system may also include one or more cameras and one or more microphones communicatively coupled to the one or more data modules, where the one or more cameras and the one or more microphones are operable to: record, respectively, the one or more audio and/or visual cues; and transmit, respectively, the data associated with the one or more audio and/or visual cues to the one or more data modules. Also, the system may include one or more speakers driven by audio signals received from the one or more data modules. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140071281 | INTELLIGENT USE OF SCENE AND TEST PATTERN ANALYSES FOR TRAFFIC CAMERA DIAGNOSTICS - A method for determining a response to misalignment of a camera monitoring a desired area includes acquiring temporal related frames from the camera including a reference frame. A pixel location is determined of a reference object from the frames. Using the pixel location of the reference object, a displacement of the camera between a current frame and the reference frame is determined. For the displacement exceeding a first threshold, a new displacement of the camera is measured by introducing at least one additional object to a camera field of view and comparing the new displacement to a second threshold. For the new displacement not exceeding the second threshold, the camera is recalibrated using a determined pixel location and a physical location of the at least one additional object. For the new displacement exceeding the second threshold, notification is provided of a misalignment to an associated user device. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140071282 | ALERT SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING REAL-TIME LANE INFORMATION - Methods and systems are provided for alerting a driver of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving sensor data that is generated by an image sensor that senses conditions in proximity of the vehicle; determining real-time lane information from the sensor data, wherein the real-time lane information includes at least one of a lane width, a lane type, and a lane curvature; selectively performing an alert method that evaluates the presence of objects in proximity to the vehicle based on the real-time lane information; and selectively generating an alert signal to alert the driver based on the alert method. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140071283 | IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - An identification system for identifying, recording, and alerting to an impact between a vehicle and an impacting object, such as another vehicle that impacts the vehicle. At least one sensor positions on a front and rear bumper of the vehicle for sensing the impact and actuating the system in response. At least one camera on the vehicle periphery records the impacting object. Each camera positions on a periphery of the vehicle and tilts up to 180 degrees. An alert portion emits an alert in response to the impact. An antenna communicates with a positioning system to identify a location of the vehicle during the impact. A communication device stores and relays information, such as vehicle identification number, license plate number, and drivers license information of the impacting object to an emergency department. A processor and a SIM card store and identify information about each vehicle. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140071284 | LASER-BASED SPEED DETERMINATION DEVICE FOR USE IN A MOVING VEHICLE - A method of laser-based speed determination includes determining, via a digital scan of a field of view, a location of a target, directing, via a laser-aiming device, a laser from a laser device to the determined location, and determining a speed of the target via light reflected from the target to the laser device. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140071285 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a forward facing camera and a processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the driver assistance system is operable to determine a lane along which the vehicle is traveling and to detect oncoming vehicles approaching the vehicle in another lane that is to the right or left of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling. The driver assistance system is operable to control, at least in part, a light beam emanating from a headlamp of the vehicle and adjusts the light beam emanating from the headlamp to limit directing beam light towards the eyes of a driver of the detected oncoming vehicle. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the driver assistance system is operable to provide lane departure warning to a driver of the vehicle. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140078302 | Backward Movement Indicator Apparatus for a Vehicle - A backward movement indicator apparatus is provided for a vehicle having an alert device. The backward movement indicator apparatus comprises an image capture device arranged to capture image data which is representative of objects in vicinity of the vehicle. The backward movement apparatus further comprises an electronic controller arranged to process the captured image data to provide a signal which is indicative of the vehicle moving backwards. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140078303 | System and Method for Implementing Pass Control using an Automated Installation Entry Device - An AIE device and an improved method for implementing pass control is disclosed herein. The AIE device can comprise an enclosure comprising a first surface viewable to an entrant from a first surface of the enclosure, and a second surface viewable to a guard from a second surface behind the enclosure. A first screen can be mounted within the first surface. A card reader and a biometric reader can be mounted within the first surface. A second screen can be mounted within the second surface, and a warning indicator can be mounted to the enclosure. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140078304 | COLLECTION AND USE OF CAPTURED VEHICLE DATA - In an example embodiment, a method of collecting observation data from vehicles is described. The method includes sending a request to each vehicle in a plurality of vehicles for observation data associated with at least one of an area of interest, a time period of interest, or an object of interest. The method also includes receiving observation data from one or more of the plurality of vehicles, the received observation data being captured by the one or more of the plurality of vehicles and being associated with the at least one of the area, the time period, or the object. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140078305 | Image-Processing Camera System and Image-Processing Camera Control Method - An image pickup device that acquires images is controlled by an image pickup device controller that accepts image acquisition requests from multiple application programs, and an application scheduler selects application programs to be executed. Information indicative of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates required for each of the multiple application programs is stored and used to select multiple concurrently executable application programs on the basis of the image data volumes and image data acquisition rates. An image acquisition scheduler determines the timing and intervals at which the multiple executable application programs repeat receiving image data from the image pickup device, without overlapping in terms of time. In addition, an operations section, which explicitly presents concurrently executable application programs to a user and commands the startup of these programs, is displayed on a navigation screen menu. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140078306 | PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS - A periphery monitoring apparatus capable of photographing a vicinity of a vehicle without impairing the outer appearance of the vehicle includes a light source configured to be provided in the vehicle for illuminating the periphery of the vehicle, and a camera photographing a condition of the periphery of the vehicle with an optical axis changed by a mirror toward the underside of the circumferential edge of the vehicle illuminated by at least a portion of light irradiated from the light source reflected by the mirror configured to be disposed on the outer side of the circumferential edge of the vehicle. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140085466 | IMAGE GENERATING APPARATUS - An image generating apparatus generates a vicinity image including a vehicle and a vicinity of the vehicle viewed from a virtual viewpoint, based on a captured image, and generates a combined image by superimposing a vehicle image of the vehicle on the vicinity image. Then the image generating apparatus generates the vehicle image in a frame style that shows a body frame of the vehicle by frame lines and changes a style form in the frame style in accordance with a predetermined condition. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085467 | CAMERA ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE AND AN INSTALLATION METHOD - The invention relates to a device ( | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085468 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING A SIGNAL FOR A LIGHT CONTROL UNIT - A method for providing a signal to a light control unit of at least one headlight of a vehicle that has a camera for acquiring a surrounding environment of a vehicle, the method including a step of determination of an interval between the vehicle and another vehicle using the camera. The method further includes a step of determination of a distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle using a camera-independent sensor. In addition, the method includes a step of plausibilization of the interval using the distance, the interval being plausibilized if a difference between the interval and the distance is smaller than a tolerance value. Finally, the method includes a step of provision the interval via an interface to a light control unit of the headlight. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085469 | Calibration Method and Apparatus for In-Vehicle Camera - Calibration method of cameras is performed by using images generated by imaging a peripheral area of a vehicle by the cameras, wherein the peripheral area of a vehicle includes a calibration index pre-set on a road surface where the vehicle is positioned. The cameras are mounted on the vehicle, and the calibration index includes intersections formed by at least two first parallel straight lines and two second parallel straight lines having different inclination from the two first parallel straight lines. The camera calibration method includes steps of generating a bird's-eye-view video by viewpoint-converting each of the images based on a first camera parameter that is stored in advance; recognizing the intersections from the generated bird's-eye-view video; and calculating a second camera parameter, via which a non-deviated bird's-eye-view video can be generated, based on the recognized intersections and information on positions and poses of the cameras. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085470 | MOBILE OBJECT AND STORAGE MEDIUM - There is provided a mobile object including an imaging unit configured to capture a perimeter of the mobile object, a speaker configured to be capable of controlling directivity, a determination unit configured to determine whether the mobile object is in a driving mode, and a speaker control unit configured to control the speaker in the driving mode in a manner that predetermined audio is output toward a warning target that is recognized based on a captured image captured by the imaging unit, and to control the speaker in a non-driving mode in a manner that the predetermined audio is output in a non-directional way. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085471 | DISPLAY ROOM MIRROR SYSTEM - Provided is a display room mirror system, including a display module that outputs images captured by a first camera and a second camera, so that the driver can secure his or her field of vision for the side rear as well as the rear of a vehicle using only one room mirror disposed in an inner part of the vehicle without confirming the side mirror, thereby effectively reducing moving lines in the driver's field of vision. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085472 | TRAILER ANGLE DETECTION SYSTEM - A vision system for a vehicle includes a rearward facing camera disposed at a rearward portion of a vehicle. With a trailer attached to the vehicle and rearward of the vehicle, a processor is operable to process captured images and, responsive at least in part to the processing, is operable to determine a plurality of trailer and vehicle-trailer interface parameters. The system is operable to calculate a calculated trailer angle based at least in part on calculations involving the parameters and a steering angle of the vehicle. Responsive to processing of images captured by the camera, the system is operable to determine a determined trailer angle of the trailer relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Responsive to the determined trailer angle and the calculated trailer angle, the system is operable to determine a degree of offset between the calculated trailer angle and the detected trailer angle. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085473 | IN-VEHICLE CAMERA APPARATUS - An in-vehicle camera apparatus having improved object visibility of a shaded area in a photographed image includes a shaded area calculation section for calculating a shaded area of interest in a photographed image based on luminance characteristics data of a generated photographed image, a luminance increase amount calculation section for calculating a luminance increase amount for the shaded area of interest, a luminance adjustment section for increasing the luminance of the photographed image based on the luminance increase amount, and a photographed image output section for outputting a luminance-adjusted photographed image adjusted by the luminance adjustment section to an in-vehicle image processing section. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085474 | PARKING CAMERA SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a parking camera system and a method of driving the same, the system including a plurality of cameras equipped with a vehicle, an image synthesizer for synthesizing images photographed by the plurality of cameras, and an estimated travel trajectory generating and overlaying processor for generating an estimated travel trajectory of the vehicle by receiving steering angle information of the vehicle, and synthesizing the estimated travel trajectory of the vehicle with the images synthesized by the image synthesizer. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085475 | DYNAMIC BAYESIAN NETWORKS FOR VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION IN VIDEO - A system and method for classification of passenger vehicles and measuring their properties, and more particularly to a stochastic multi-class vehicle classification system, which classifies a vehicle (given its direct rear-side view) into one of four classes Sedan, Pickup truck, SUV/Minivan, and unknown, and wherein a feature pool of tail light and vehicle dimensions is extracted which feeds a feature selection algorithm to define a low-dimensional feature vector, and the feature vector is then processed by a Hybrid Dynamic Bayesian Network (HDBN) to classify each vehicle. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085476 | VISION SUPPORT APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A vision support apparatus of the invention includes a first obstacle detecting part configured to detect an obstacle near a vehicle with a visible light image; a second obstacle detecting part configured to detect the obstacle using an infrared light image, a detection status determining part configured to determine whether it is difficult or impossible for the first obstacle detecting part to detect the obstacle; and an obstacle information providing part configured to provide a driver of the vehicle with information about the obstacle detected by the second obstacle detecting part, if it is determined by the detection status determining part that it is difficult or impossible for the first obstacle detecting part to detect the obstacle, thereby informing the driver of the existence of the obstacle when it is difficult for the driver to visually perceive the obstacle because of insufficient reflection of the visible light from the obstacle. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140085477 | VEHICLE MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MONITORING VEHICLE - A vehicle monitoring system is provided which determines the mode of display and the compressibility of a moving image, a streaming video and a still image based on a monitoring level determined by vehicle conditions detected. The system generates a monitoring image using the determined display mode or compressed at the determined compressibility and transmits the monitoring image to an external terminal device. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140092248 | FRONT AID CAMERA - A front aid camera license plate holder comprising of a camera combination, for the purposes of viewing traffic, maximizing vision, minimizing hazards and blind zones. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140092249 | VEHICLE PERIMETER DETECTION SYSTEM - A perimeter detection system for a vehicle has a plurality of sensors provided on an exterior of the vehicle for sensing an object in a peripheral field of view during motion of the vehicle. The plurality of sensors includes a front sensor configured for sensing substantially forward the vehicle, a rear sensor configured for sensing substantially rearward the vehicle; and a side sensor configured for sensing substantially laterally adjacent the vehicle. The perimeter detection system also has a controller for processing the plurality of sensors to detect the object in the peripheral field of view when the vehicle is stopped, such as when a transmission of the vehicle is in park. An output signal is generated that is indicative of the object detected in the peripheral field of view. The output signal may be audible and visual and may include a door lock signal and a window raising signal. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140092250 | VISUAL GUIDANCE SYSTEM - A visual guidance system includes an image display to present an image overlaid on a windshield in front of a driver of a vehicle and a processor to output image information on the image display. The processor outputs image information for presenting a virtual line extending from an upper side of the driver to a visual guidance target seen within the windshield in such a manner that the virtual line is overlaid on the windshield. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140092251 | MOBILE VIDEO AND IMAGING SYSTEM - An all-weather non-enclosed-vehicle mounted system for recording video and audio. The weatherproof system comprises an interface for connecting various system components and external devices, a display monitor integrated into the same housing as an electronics module operable to receive the video and audio, and a memory operable to receive and store the video and audio. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140092252 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANNOTATING VIDEO - A method of providing test data for a vehicle may use the test data to verify the performance of a system in the vehicle under different environmental conditions (such as at night, while it is raining, during high glare conditions, during fog and/or the like). The method entails driving a test vehicle through a selected set of environmental conditions. Environment data, such as, for example, images, are captured while driving the test vehicle. The environment data relates to the environment outside the test vehicle. The environment data may be recorded to a memory. Additionally, environmental condition data relating to the environmental conditions outside the vehicle while it is being driven may be recorded to the memory. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140098228 | MEMORY MANAGEMENT IN EVENT RECORDING SYSTEMS - A vehicle event recorder is provided that includes a camera for capturing a video as discrete image frames, and that further includes a managed loop memory and a management system for generating a virtual ‘timeline dilation’ effect. To overcome size limits in the buffer memory of the video event recorder, the maximum time extension of a video series is increased by enabling a reduction in temporal resolution in exchange for an increase in the temporal extension. Memory cells are overwritten in an ‘interleaved’ fashion to produce a reduced frame rate for the recording of certain time periods connected to an event moment. In time periods furthest from the event moment, the resulting frame rate is minimized while in time periods closest to the event moment, the resulting frame rate is maximized. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140098229 | MULTI-CAMERA IMAGE STITCHING CALIBRATION SYSTEM - A vision system of a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras with exterior overlapping fields of view. The vision system is operable to calibrate at least one of the cameras and includes a plurality of targets disposed at locations near the vehicle and within the fields of views of the cameras. A display device is operable to display images captured by the cameras of the vision system. A plurality of user inputs may be provided and a user may selectively actuate the user inputs to manipulate images captured by the cameras to align portions of a target in overlapping regions of the captured images of adjacent cameras to calibrate the cameras. The vision system may calibrate cameras automatically, such as responsive to the targets moving into the fields of views of the cameras, whereby the vision system may calibrate the cameras as the vehicle is moved along an assembly line. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140098230 | BLIND ZONE DETECTION AND ALERT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An alert system for a vehicle includes a sensor and a control. The sensor is disposed at a side portion of a vehicle and has at least a generally sidewardly and rearwardly sensing direction. The control is operable to process an output of the sensor to determine if an object of interest is present in the sensing region at or near the side of the vehicle. Responsive to at least one of (i) the vehicle being stopped, (ii) the vehicle transmission being shifted into park and (iii) the vehicle ignition being turned off, the control is operable to process the sensor output to detect an object at or near the side of the vehicle or approaching the vehicle along the side of the vehicle, and, responsive to detection of such an object, the alert system generates an alert to an occupant of the vehicle. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140098231 | STOP-ARM WITH CAMERA SYSTEM - Certain embodiments provide a stop-arm with camera system for a vehicle. The stop-arm with camera system includes a shield, a stop-arm, and a camera assembly. The stop-arm includes a first side and a second side. The stop-arm is deployable between a first position where the first side of the stop-arm is disposed at least partially inside the shield, and a second position where the stop-arm is substantially perpendicular to the shield. The camera assembly is coupled to the first side of the stop-arm. In various embodiments, the stop-arm with camera system is mounted on a rear passenger side of the vehicle, which may be a bus. In certain embodiments, the camera assembly provides a view including an area that is under the vehicle and between a rear wheel of the vehicle and a front wheel of the vehicle when the stop-arm is in the second position. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140098232 | OCCUPANT SENSING DEVICE - An occupant sensing device that accurately detects the state of an occupant regardless of the influence of extraneous noise and outside light and the influence of a defect in detected data when lighting of auxiliary light is delayed. When a specific part detection possibility/impossibility determination unit determines that the detection of the position of a specific part, such as a head, in the latest image is impossible, on the basis of past data stored as data corresponding to images outputted from a camera earlier than the latest image in a storage unit, the position of the head is predicted and detected. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140104422 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PARKING AREA - An apparatus for determining including a processor configured to: analyze a surrounding image of a vehicle; recognize a parking line in the surrounding image based the analysis of the surrounding image; sense a plurality of parking areas based on the recognized parking line; analyze the plurality of sensed parking areas divided into a plurality of predetermined intervals; determine an occupied state of the plurality of sensed parking areas based on analyzing each sensed parking area; and set an empty parking area as a parkable area. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140104423 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING AND DISPLAYING THE HEIGHT OF AN OBJECT DETECTED IN AN IMAGE ON A DISPLAY - Disclosed is an apparatus for calculating the actual height of an object and displaying the calculated height on an image, including: an object detection unit that detects an object in an image of the vehicle's surroundings acquired by a camera disposed on a vehicle; an object position measurement unit that measures a position of the object in the image and measures an object distance and an object length of the object in the image based on a distance value acquired by a distance measuring sensor disposed on the vehicle; an object height calculation unit that calculates an object height using the object distance and the object length of the object displayed in the image; and a display controller controlling display of the calculated the height of the object on a display. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140104424 | IMAGING SURFACE MODELING FOR CAMERA MODELING AND VIRTUAL VIEW SYNTHESIS - A method for displaying a captured image on a display device. A real image is captured by a vision-based imaging device. A virtual image is generated from the captured real image based on a mapping by a processor. The mapping utilizes a virtual camera model with a non-planar imaging surface. Projecting the virtual image formed on the non-planar image surface of the virtual camera model to the display device. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140104425 | IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS - An image capturing apparatus includes an optical system and an image sensor to capture images of a close object and distant object. The optical system includes a convex lens as a first optical member and a glass plate as a second optical member with a refractive index higher than that of air. The second optical member is located in between the first optical member and a first image point at which a real image of the close object is formed, to absorb a positional difference between the first image point and a second image point at which a real image of the distant object is formed. The image sensor includes multiple light reception elements to generate a single picture frame that contains simultaneously a real image of the close object and a real image of the distant object. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140104426 | VEHICLE CAMERA LENS DIRT PROTECTION VIA AIR FLOW - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having an imager and a lens. The camera is disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle. An air flow element has an inlet port and an outlet port, with the outlet port configured to direct air flow in front of the lens to direct debris away from the lens. The outlet port is configured to direct air flow at a velocity that is greater than a velocity of air flow that is flowing into the inlet port. The inlet port may have an inlet area that is substantially greater than an outlet area of the outlet port. The system may include an air flow generating device for generating or enhancing air flow through the air flow device. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140104427 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA - The vehicle-mounted camera ( | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140111644 | VEHICLE ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLAY AND CORRECTIVE LENS - Assemblies are provided for vehicles having an occupant seat. The assemblies comprise a display and a corrective lens. The corrective lens is disposed between the display and the occupant seat. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140111645 | Method For Evaluating Component Calibration In Machine Vision Vehicle Wheel Alignment System - A process for calibrating and evaluating a machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment system having front and rear imaging components associated with each of the left and right sides of a vehicle support structure. Each pair of imaging components defines a front and rear field of view, with a common overlapping region associated with each respective side of the vehicle support structure. Optical targets disposed within each of the overlapping field of view regions are observed by the imaging components to establish performance ratings for the system as a whole, for groups of components within the system, and for individual components within the system. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140111646 | Cell Phone Safety Monitor With Interactive Camera - Some embodiments of the invention include a novel cell phone safety monitoring system that assists a cell phone user to remain aware of areas of concern while the person is dialing, texting, or viewing text messages on the cell phone. The cell phone safety monitoring system works independently of the dialing and texting features of the cell phone and comprises an interactive camera to capture images of the areas of concern and a safety monitor to display the captured images. In some embodiments, the interactive camera is physically separate from the cell phone and the safety monitor. The camera can be placed anywhere suitable to capture video of areas of concern to send to the safety monitor. In some embodiments, the safety monitor and the cell phone are separate devices and are connected together by a retractable pedestal. In some other embodiments, the safety monitor is integrated into a display screen of the cell phone. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140111647 | AUTOMATIC IMAGE CONTENT ANALYSIS METHOD AND SYSTEM - A system and method for analyzing and wirelessly transmitting information in real-time, comprising capturing snapshots and videos, by utilizing for example a smartphone. The images are analyzed in conjunction with other system data to provide the user: 3 dimensional images, GPS coordinates, safety alerts, etc. In particular, the system is mountable within a vehicle interior to provide: road conditions, dangerous driving situations, the make/model/manufacturer of surrounding cars, GPS coordinates, and the identity of local businesses. The user may also share the information via wireless transmissions with surrounding users possessing the same system, such as for real-time video gaming systems. And the system may also be detached from the vehicle for use in other scenarios, such as searching a merchant database for matching items and wirelessly sending the information to other system users. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140111648 | Device For Monitoring Area Around Working Machine - An around view monitor system for monitoring surroundings of the working machine includes a plurality of cameras arranged on the upper swiveling unit, each two of which are arranged such that view field ranges thereof partially overlap with each other; an image transformation device to convert camera images of respective cameras to viewpoint transformation such that upper viewpoint images; an image composing device for addressing to respective display areas; and a display image pattern converting device for changing boundary positions between the display areas for the respective virtual viewpoint images. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140118548 | VIDEO CAMERA DEVICE AND CHILD MONITORING SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a system and methods of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing a video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision. The video camera as envisioned herein is placed within a child's stuffed toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display monitor screen device, viewable to the parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is directed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, the invention includes a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, which provides the driver with a view of the child. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140118549 | AUTOMATED VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING APPARATUS AND IMAGE DISPLAYING METHOD - An automated vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus is basically provided with a camera, an image displaying device, a position location device and a controller. The image displaying device is operatively connected to the camera to display an image captured by the camera. The position location device acquires a current location of the automated vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus. The controller is operatively coupled to the image display device and the position location device. The controller is programmed to automatically display the image captured by the camera on the image display device upon determining that the current location of the automated vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus matches a prescribed location. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140118550 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING OBSTACLE FOR AROUND VIEW MONITORING SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is an apparatus for detecting an obstacle for an around view monitoring system including a processor configured to store a plurality of images captured through an imaging device, convert a view of the images, generate a plurality of view conversion images corresponding to the images, compare the view conversion images corresponding to a plurality of images captured at a different time interval, extract a plurality of overlapping areas between the view conversion images, calculate a degree of mismatch of the overlapping areas between the view conversion images, detect a mismatch area in the overlapping areas, classify the mismatch area as an obstacle area, and display a position of the obstacle through a display of a vehicle. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140118551 | VEHICLE SURROUNDING-AREA MONITORING APPARATUS - A vehicle surrounding-area monitoring apparatus that, when recognizing an obstacle, allows for easy determination of the positional relationship between the obstacle and scenery included in a video image of the area surrounding the vehicle, generates a narrow view-field region that is a part of the video image as a notable video image, and if an obstacle region that is a region of the recognized obstacle in the video image is located outside of the narrow view-field region and if the obstacle region is contained in an image region that is partially overlapping with the narrow view-field region and is a part of the video image, generates the image region as a notable obstacle image so as to generate a surrounding-area monitoring display image comprised of the notable video image and the notable obstacle image. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140118552 | ROAD SHAPE DETERMINING DEVICE, IN-VEHICLE IMAGE RECOGNIZING DEVICE, IMAGING AXIS ADJUSTING DEVICE, AND LANE RECOGNIZING METHOD - An imaging angle of an imaging unit disposed in a vehicle is estimated with a less computational load. An in-vehicle image recognizing device disposed in a vehicle recognizes a lane shape of a traveling lane in which the vehicle travels based on an image captured by a camera capturing an image of a traveling road around the vehicle. An imaging angle of the camera is calculated based on the recognized lane shape. It is determined whether or not there is a bias in the recognized lane shape, and the imaging angle of the camera is corrected using the imaging angle when it is determined that there is no bias. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140125802 | FAULT TOLERANT DISPLAY - A fault tolerant display displays safety information on a display shared with an infotainment system even if the processor or software of the infotainment system is unresponsive. The display can be a streaming video from a rear view camera mounted on a vehicle. The safety displayed can be triggered by placing the vehicle in reverse. Failure of the infotainment software and/or processor can be detected by a policy enforcing module that switches to a backup display that streams video directly from the camera in the event of failure of the infotainment processor. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140125803 | VEHICLE IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM - A vehicle image capture system is provided. The system may include a vehicle mounted image capture device adapted to capture one or more images external of a vehicle, a navigation system adapted to determine an instantaneous position of the vehicle, and a user interface arranged to allow a user to input a first position. The system is adapted to compare an instantaneous position of the vehicle with the first position, and to capture one or more images if the instantaneous position of the vehicle and the first position are within a predetermined proximity. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140125804 | MOBILE FILM STUDIO AND SYSTEM - A device and system to provide a user with a platform from which video and audio productions can be shot, edited and produced to final form is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a vehicle with a climate controlled cabin and at least one camera, lighting equipment, editing and production equipment. The vehicle further includes platforms for mounting lighting and cameras on the exterior of the vehicle to facilitate filming of scenes. The vehicle allows the remote control of the filming and editing process either from within the vehicle or by users outside of the vehicle, such that finished video can be produced therein. Communications equipment to and from the vehicle is provided and the vehicle is fully mobile so as to facilitate the movement of equipment and people to the site of production. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140132767 | Parking Information Collection System and Method - An integrated parking information system is disclosed. The system includes a collection system and a means for collection of parking data, and an information provision system and a method for the provision of parking information, for instance, enabling a driver to know exactly which city parking rules and fines apply for any given street parking space, as well as other associated information. The system can notify members about available parking spots through a GPS application that is integrated with phones & in dash Navigation Systems. The system can provide alerts to protect members against parking violations. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140132768 | CAMERA FOR CAR - Disclosed herein is a camera for a car, and more particularly, a camera for a car with increased productivity by combining each component according to an ultrasonic fusion. There is provided a camera for a car including upper and lower housings having a lens assembly received therein and a harness coupled with the lower housing, the camera including: a rib provided at a corner of any one of the upper and lower housings, wherein a high frequency fusion is performed on an adhering portion of the upper and lower housings and between the lower housing and a harness. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140132769 | EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENT RECOGNITION DEVICE - An exterior environment recognition device includes: a specific object detection unit to detect a specific object on the basis of a color image; a data retaining unit to associate and retain the specific object and a luminance range indicating the color of the specific object; and a transparency reduction determination unit to compare a luminance of the color image of the specific object and a luminance range associated with the specific object, and to determine a reduction in transparency of a transparent body located in an image-capturing direction of the onboard camera. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140132770 | SIDE CAMERA SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Provided herein is a vehicle side camera system and control method thereof. The vehicle side camera system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure controls the photographing direction and angle of a left/right side camera mounted on a left/right side mirror location of the vehicle based on driving information of the vehicle. Accordingly, it is possible to provide driver's convenience and safe driving, and especially, to remove dead zones occurring due to pillars when the driver makes a turn. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140139669 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FRONT-ORIENTED VISUAL INFORMATION TO VEHICLE DRIVER - 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. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139670 | AUGMENTING ADAS FEATURES OF A VEHICLE WITH IMAGE PROCESSING SUPPORT IN ON-BOARD VEHICLE PLATFORM - Systems and methods directed to augmenting advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features of a vehicle with image processing support in on-board vehicle platform are described herein. Images may be received from one or more image sensors associated with an ADAS of a vehicle. The received images may be processed. An action is determined based upon, at least in part, the processed images. A message is transmitted to an ADAS controller responsive to the determination. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139671 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE CAMERA CALIBRATION - A method and apparatus for providing a vehicle camera calibration includes choosing overlap images from among the image information captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle, and filtering images having the same vehicle attitude from among the chosen overlap images on a basis of a map coordinate system and status information of the vehicle, picking out objects in the filtered images, separating stationary objects from the picked out objects, and predicting an angular misalignment with respect to the separated stationary objects. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139672 | NOTIFICATION CONTROL METHOD AND NOTIFICATION CONTROL DEVICE - A notification control method executed by a computer, the notification control method includes: acquiring image data of a displayable image captured by an imaging device, and controlling a notification concerning detection of an object based on output of a sensor, depending on a determination of visibility for the displayable image based on the image data. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139673 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING IMAGE - An image processing device includes: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: obtain image data regarding an image captured by an image capture device that moves along with a moving body and of which image capture direction is a certain traveling direction of the moving body, and detect a feature caused by a reflection from features based on information regarding positions of the features in the image data at a time when the moving body has moved in a direction different from the image capture direction. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139674 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - An image processing apparatus includes an image obtaining section for obtaining images from cameras on a moving object; a correspondence processing section for generating a correspondence between characteristic points extracted from a pair of images before and after the moving object moves straight; a height/orientation estimating section for estimating orientations and heights of the cameras, by estimating a homography matrix from the corresponded characteristic points, then decomposing the homography matrix, and using the decomposition result, a movement direction vector, a road surface normal vector, and a moved amount of the moving object; a projective transform section for applying projective transform to common view parts between the cameras; and a relative position estimating section for estimating a relative position of one of the cameras relative to another one of the cameras using translation for overlapping the common view parts after projective transform. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139675 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SAFE DRIVING - In a method for monitoring safe driving of a vehicle, the method obtains a current image captured by an image capturing device positioned on an outside sideview mirror of the vehicle, determines a horizontal distance and a vertical distance between each pixel point in the current image and the lens of image capturing device, and selects a reference point from first specified pixel points whose horizontal distances are less than a first preset value. The method further determines second specified pixel points whose vertical distances are less than or equal to a second preset value based on the reference point, to obtains a processed image based on the second specified pixel points, and displays the processed image on an inside rearview mirror of the vehicle. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139676 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED DISPLAY FUNCTIONS - A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one image sensor, a control and a display. The image sensor is disposed at a subject vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The control, at least in part responsive to image processing of image data captured by the image sensor, is operable to generate an avatar representative of at least one object or scene segment in the field of view of the image sensor. The display is operable to display the avatar. The vision system may display an avatar that is a substantial representation of an object that is only partially viewed by the image sensor to enhance the display for viewing and understanding by the driver of the subject vehicle, and a portion of the avatar representing the non-viewed portion of the object may be displayed as a phantom image. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140139677 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PARKING A VEHICLE - A method for assisting a reverse parking maneuver of a motor vehicle equipped with a rear-view camera system into a longitudinal parking space, wherein the image of the surroundings to the rear of the motor vehicle is displayed on a display of the motor vehicle. For the determination of the parking position on both sides of the vehicle, two 3D symbols, in particular 3D cuboids, are respectively blended into the image of the rear-view camera system, wherein the distance between two 3D symbols corresponds to one side of a minimum parking space for the motor vehicle. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140146175 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HIGH LAMP OF VEHICLE - According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for controlling high lamp in a vehicle includes a camera photographing a subject in front of the vehicle, a brightness measurer measuring brightness from an image of the subject in front of the vehicle photographed by the camera, and a controller controlling the high lamp using a brightness data measured by the brightness measurer. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140146176 | MOVING BODY DETECTION DEVICE AND MOVING BODY DETECTION METHOD - A moving-body-detecting device is provided with an image capture unit, an image conversion unit, a three-dimensional-object-detecting unit, a turn detecting unit, and a control unit. The image capture unit captures images of the rear side of a vehicle. The image conversion unit performs viewpoint conversion of the captured images into bird's-eye view images. The three-dimensional-object-detecting unit generates differential waveform information based on a differential image of bird's-eye view images taken as different points in time, and detects three-dimensional objects based on the differential waveform information. The control unit suppresses detection of the three-dimensional object based on the differential waveform information, in cases in which turning of the vehicle has been detected as compared with cases in which the vehicle is not turning. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140152821 | PEDESTRIAN DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A pedestrian detection system and method includes: dividing an image to a plurality of granules, and counting magnitude difference value of each granule in diagonal orientation to obtain features of HOGG. And the HOGG and the HOG captured can work together to improve the detection rate and reduce the false alarm rate, which is the ultimate goal of the vision based pedestrian detection. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152822 | User Display Providing Obstacle Avoidance - A visual display for use by a user for navigation and obstacle avoidance. A typical user employs the invention in operating a vehicle. The user may be located in the vehicle but will more typically be remotely located. The display may include a conventional video feed. A visual arch metaphor is also provided. If used in conjunction with a video feed, the arch metaphor preferably extends from the left side of the video, over the top of the video, and on to the right side of the video. A ranging device mounted on the vehicle collects ranging data around the vehicle. As an example, the ranging device might collect 180 degrees of ranging data extending from the vehicle's left side, across the vehicle's front, and over to the vehicle's right side. The ranging data is correlated to a predefined color scale. The ranging data is also correlated to a position on the arch metaphor. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152823 | Techniques to Obtain Information About Objects Around a Vehicle - Method for monitoring an area surrounding a host vehicle or objects external of the vehicle includes projecting light into an area of interest external to the vehicle from one or more light sources on the vehicle, detecting reflected light at at least one camera on the vehicle at a position different than the position from which the light is projected and at a position from which light reflected from any objects in the area of interest in the exterior of the vehicle is received and analyzing the reflected light relative to the projected light to obtain information about a distance between the vehicle and objects located in the area of interest and/or motion of the objects located in the area of interest. Then, one or more actions are undertaken on the vehicle based on the information about the distance and motion of the external object. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152824 | Parking Management System Including Rail - A parking management system including a rail is described. A camera module takes images of a parking area, has a chargeable battery, and moves along the rail using a motor and wheels. A charging and AP module charges the camera module, receives image information from the camera module, and is movable using a motor, a running rail and gears. A server processes the image information received from the charging and AP module. A computer is connected to the server, and contains management software which executes a parking situation search using a database of the server. The camera takes images from the parking area while moving along the rail, and is positioned on the charging rail so as to be charged from the charging and AP module. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152825 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM UTILIZING CORNER DETECTION - A vehicular vision system includes an image sensor operable to capture image data and an image processor operable to process frames of captured image data. The image processor is operable to detect edges or corners in the captured images. The image processor is operable to determine a number of edges detected in individual frames of captured image data. The vision system adjusts a sensitivity of the image processor responsive to the determined number of edges detected in at least one frame of captured image data. The image processor may detect up to a selected maximum number of edges in a frame of captured image data, and the vision system may adjust the sensitivity of the image processor so that the determined number of edges detected in a subsequent frame of captured image data is at or near the selected maximum number of edges. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152826 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A BRIGHT CITY CONDITION - An imaging system and method is provided that generates image data. A processor is configured to process the image data and to generate a signal in response to analysis of the image data and a selected mode of operation. The processor selects either a village mode or a non-village mode as a mode of operation depending on whether at least one characteristic in the image data meets village detect conditions. The processor monitors an ambient light level over a period of time and modifies the village detect conditions when the ambient light level reaches a threshold that indicates that the driver's eyes have adapted to a bright ambient light level. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152827 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING SYSTEM - Provided is a vehicle periphery monitoring system that facilitates a driver's understanding about a photographing direction of an object which appears in an overlapping area of a bird's-eye view image generated from multiple photographed images. A displaying bird's-eye view image is generated by combining bird's-eye view image segments generated from the multiple photographed images photographed in a partially overlapping manner with superimposing mutually overlapped areas thereof. In displaying the displaying bird's-eye view image, a boundary-added bird's-eye view image formed by adding a boundary indicator to the overlapping area of the bird's-eye view image is displayed on a display unit; then, a merged superimposed image is displayed. The merged superimposed image is obtained by merging the overlapped areas of the bird's-eye view image according to a preset merger relationship. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152828 | POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMOTIVE VIDEO EVENT RECORDERS - Video event recorders are coupled to a vehicle power source via an on-board diagnostic system including its power bus, data bus, and scanner port connector. Video event recorders are provided with a power input arranged in conjunction with a standard ODBII type “D” connector. Systems further include an extension cable between the connector and the vehicle event record to accommodate mounting needs associated with each. In advanced versions, both OBD power and data networks are coupled to the vehicle event recorded such that data relating to vehicle diagnostic systems can be captured in a triggered event along with video data. In addition, some versions are provided with special detection mechanism to determine the use state of a vehicle and adjust application of power accordingly. Thus an “in-use” detector is coupled to the vehicle and/or OBD systems to provide feedback which helps to conserve power and regulate the power connections. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152829 | CRUISING LANE RECOGNITION DEVICE - A cruising lane recognition device, which is to be mounted on a vehicle, includes a camera which captures an image of an area of the road ahead of a vehicle, a luminance detection section which detects luminances within the images, and a cruising lane recognizing section which recognizes a cruising lane-marker of the road in the images on the basis of the detected luminances. The device further includes a storing section in which a position of the recognized cruising lane-marker is stored, and a virtual cruising lane-marker setting means which sets a virtual cruising lane-marker, based on of a an archival record of the position of a cruising lane-marker which has been stored in the storing section, in a case where the cruising lane recognizing section cannot recognize the cruising lane-marker. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140152830 | MULTI-IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a multi-image processing apparatus. The multi-image processing apparatus is such that a subject is photographed by a camera to obtain an image, and the image is branched out and performed with respectively different image processes. According to the multi-image processing apparatus according to the present invention can reduce the number of cameras that are mounted. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140160287 | GUIDE METHOD OF A REVERSE GUIDELINE SYSTEM - A guide method of a reverse guideline system, wherein a reverse guideline system is used to draw a reverse guideline on the image shot behind the car, the reverse guideline system comprises a detected and computed reverse direction route line and an actual direction curve, which is computed according to the current steering wheel angle, each route line of the reverse direction route line, which is marked by different features to increase the recognition, is served as the basis for the driver operating the steering wheel, the driver reverses the car according to the planed parking path as long as the front sections of the actual direction curve and the reverse direction route line are overlapped, to thereby guide the driver to park in the parking space quickly. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140160288 | SECURITY MONITOR - The invention provides an improve security of a vehicle, resident of houses, office workers, data and property. It consists of software, controllers, sensors, recording and communication devices, filing video, audio and other signals, recording and recognizing devices; thus in addition contains at least one control object, or at least one control action, or their combination. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140160289 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION OF BLIND SPOT - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing information regarding a blind spot in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a view transforming area detector that is configured to detect a predefined side area and rear side area from a captured image input from a side imaging device. The imaging device is configured to capture the image including the blind spot of the vehicle. Additionally, the apparatus includes a view transformer that is configured to view transform an image of the side area and an image of the rear side area based on a pre-set view transformation parameter and generate view transformed images corresponding to the images of the side area and the rear side area. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140160290 | INFRARED NIGHT DRIVING ASSISTANT SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - A night driving assistant system uses a tablet to wirelessly control an infrared camera in a motor vehicle. An infrared camera system is detachably fixed to the motor vehicle and captures the infrared thermal images of the road scene while the motor vehicle is moving and outputs the video signals of the captured infrared thermal images. A magnetic base is positioned under the chassis of the infrared camera system and attaches the infrared camera system to the motor vehicle. A tablet is detachably mounted inside the motor vehicle, connecting wirelessly with the infrared camera system and displaying video signals transmitted from the infrared camera system. By manipulating the tablet, functions can be realized such as operating the infrared camera system, recognizing a human/animal, triggering Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, record/store/redisplay videos as well as processing multi-functions like split-screen display etc. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140160291 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM UTILIZING CAMERA SYNCHRONIZATION - A vehicular vision system includes an image sensor and an image processor. The image sensor is disposed at a vehicle and has an exterior field of view. The image sensor is operable to capture image data. The image processor is operable to process captured image data. The vision system is operable to automatically synchronize the image sensor to an ECU reference timing. The vision system may power on the image sensor synchronous to the ECU reference timing, and the vision system may regulate the timing of the image sensor synchronous to the ECU reference timing. The vision system may regulate the timing of the image sensor between a fast mode and a slow mode to synchronize the timing of the image sensor to the ECU reference timing. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140160292 | CALIBRATION OPERATION DEVICE AND CALIBRATION OPERATION METHOD - An object of the present invention is to simplify a calibration operation of a camera and to shorten a time necessary for calibration. A calibration operation device | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140168435 | STANDBY VIRTUAL BUMPER FOR PARKED VEHICLE PROTECTION - A method of providing parked vehicle protection comprises determining if a vehicle ignition is in an off position and monitoring an exterior area proximate to a vehicle with a plurality of sensors when the vehicle ignition is off to detect an object proximate to the vehicle. The ECU determines whether the object is within a first object range and provides a first external warning when the object is within the first object range and determines whether the object is within a second object range and provides a second external warning when the object is within the second object range. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140168436 | LICENSE PLATE INTEGRATION & COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A method of posting information to an online database regarding driving behavior of motorists is provided. The posting is based on identifying driver's by license plate number. The online database may be accessible by the public, registered website users, insurance companies, and/or law enforcement. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140168437 | VEHICLE CAMERA AND DOOR SWITCH ASSEMBLY - A camera and switch assembly for a vehicular vision system includes a housing, a circuit board, an image sensor disposed at the circuit board, a handle switch disposed at the housing and circuitry disposed at the circuit board. The circuitry includes sensor circuitry that is associated with the image sensor and switch circuitry that is associated with the handle switch. The housing is configured for attachment at a door of a vehicle. The handle switch is operable to actuate a latch of the door of the vehicle when actuated by a user. A vehicle wire is electrically connected to the sensor circuitry associated with the image sensor and to the switch circuitry associated with the handle switch. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140168438 | CAMERA MODULE FOR VEHICLE AND MONITORING SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - Disclosed herein are a camera module for a vehicle and a monitoring system provided with the same capable of conveniently identifying circumstances around a vehicle by photographing the circumference of the vehicle in various directions. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140168439 | INFRARED CAMERA SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MARITIME APPLICATIONS - Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140168440 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE - A three-dimensional object detection device basically includes a three-dimensional object detection unit, a natural object assessment unit and a control unit. The three-dimensional object detection unit detects three-dimensional objects based on image information of a rear of a vehicle from a camera. The natural object assessment unit assesses that a detected three-dimensional object is a natural object, such as a plant or snow, based on an irregularity evaluation value calculated based on a first pixel number of first pixels representing a first predetermined differential in the differential image containing the detected three-dimensional object and a second pixel number of second pixels corresponding to the three-dimensional object and representing a second predetermined differential greater than the first predetermined differential. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140168441 | VEHICLE OCCUPANT DETECTION DEVICE - A vehicle occupant detection device for capturing as an image the behavior of a vehicle occupant, who is seated on a seat of a vehicle, by an image capture unit and detecting the position of a specific portion of the vehicle occupant. When the presence of the vehicle occupant is determined, a control unit controls the image capture unit so that image capture is performed in a high-speed mode in which image capture intervals are relatively small, and when it is determined that the occupant is not present, image capture is performed in a low-speed mode in which image capture intervals are relatively large. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140176711 | Track Data Determination System and Method - A track data determination system including: a video camera device positioned on a vehicle to capture video data in at least one field-of-view; a geographic positioning unit associated with the vehicle to generate position data and time data; a recording device to store at least one of the following: at least a portion of the video data, at least a portion of the position data, at least a portion of the time data, or any combination thereof; and a controller to: (i) receive the video data, the position data, and/or the time data; and (ii) determine track data based at least in part upon the video data, the position data, and/or the time data. A computer-implemented track data determination method is also disclosed. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176712 | THERMAL IMAGER FOR A MINE VEHICLE - An imaging system for enhancing situational awareness during movement of an underground mine vehicle includes a forward viewing camera sensor, such as a thermal camera sensor, that is mounted on the front end of the vehicle. The camera sensor provides a Field of View (FOV) covering a predetermined area in front of the vehicle as the vehicle moves in a forward direction. A second camera sensor can be included to provide a second FOV covering a predetermined area in back of the vehicle as the vehicle moves in a reverse direction. A display monitor is mounted on the vehicle at a vehicle driving station. Transmission lines are provided that extend from each camera sensor to the display monitor. Each camera sensor can include one or more wide angle lenses to establish a relatively wide angle FOV. Typically, the FOV for each camera sensor is about ninety degrees (90°). | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176713 | VEHICULAR BIFOCAL REAR CAMERA SYSTEM - A rear camera system, and method, and an apparatus configured to provide at least a rear-view and a backup mode are described. The system comprises a controller communicatively coupled to the camera/lens/actuator device. The camera/lens/actuator device comprises a camera, a lens system, and an actuator. The lens system comprises at least two lens setups, a first setup configured for long distance vision and a second setup configured for short distance vision. The camera is in a movable relationship with the lens system, such that the camera and the lens system are configured to be aligned at the first setup when rear-view mode is engaged and at the second setup when backup mode is engaged. The actuator is configured to engage each of the rear-view and the backup modes. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176714 | COLLISION PREVENTION WARNING METHOD AND DEVICE CAPABLE OF TRACKING MOVING OBJECT - A collision prevention warning method and device capable of tracking a moving object, the method comprises the following steps. Firstly, capturing a plurality of continuous images in a front region of 180 degrees, through identifying category of at least an obstacle in these continuous images, to find a moving obstacle. Next, detect continuous relative positions of the moving obstacle and vehicle, to estimate a first collision region of the vehicle. Then, based on the continuous relative positions and an Extended Kalman Filter Algorithm, to estimate a second collision region of the moving obstacle. Finally, based on the first collision region and the second collision region to calculate a collision point. When the first collision region and the second collision region at least partially overlap each other, estimate out a collision time, and then output an alarm signal to warn the driver and raise driving safety. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176715 | EXTERIOR MIRROR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An exterior mirror system for a vehicle includes exterior rearview mirror assemblies mounted at respective sides of the vehicle. The mirror assemblies include a light module and a camera. The cameras are part of a multi-camera vision system that includes a display device that is operable to display images for viewing by the vehicle driver. The indicator of the light module includes a signal light that is configured to provide light that is observable to another driver of another vehicle who is (i) approaching the vehicle from its rear and/or (ii) overtaking the vehicle in the side lane adjacent to the side of the vehicle at which mirror assembly is mounted. Actuation of the signal light provides (i) light forwardly of the vehicle so that drivers of other vehicles approaching the vehicle may observe the actuated signal light and/or (ii) light laterally with respect to the vehicle. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176716 | TRAILER LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM - A lane departure warning system has a trailer detector for detecting that a trailer is attached to a vehicle, a lane boundary detector for detecting a position of a lane boundary on a roadway over which the vehicle is travelling, and an information processor including a calibrator for generating calibration parameters used in determining an unintended lane departure event with respect to the lane boundary. The information processor initiates a process for allowing an operator to provide trailer width information when the trailer detector indicates that the vehicle is towing a trailer. The lane departure warning system also includes a sensor for detecting a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller determines a lateral offset of the trailer relative to the vehicle based on the hitch angle and a length of the trailer for generating a warning signal when the lateral offset crosses the lane boundary. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176717 | DEVICES TO EQUIP VEHICLES WITH CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION BACKUP SYSTEM - A mechanism to secure a closed circuit camera to a vehicle includes a securing mechanism and a locking system, wherein locking the locking system provides power to the camera, allowing it to communicate with a monitor within the vehicle to allow a driver to see the camera's transmissions. The communication includes a synchronization protocol, such as Bluetooth® SSP, that ensures the camera and monitor are communicating exclusively with one another, avoiding cross-talk or other interference from nearby systems. The securing mechanism can take the form of various clamping devices, magnets, suction devices or other appropriate means to secure the assembly to the vehicle. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140176718 | CAMERA APPARATUS OF VEHICLE - A camera apparatus of a vehicle is disclosed. The camera apparatus is such that an image quality of an image can be adequately changed in response to brightness of an optical image of a subject to allow a driver to view a bright image even in the night, thereby preventing an accident and enabling a safe driving, a width of a maximally opened door of a vehicle and a width of a parking space are compared to allow a character of whether to park to be combined with an image of a subject and displayed, thereby enabling a driver to safely park the vehicle, and a driver can view a moving object or obstacle at the rear of a vehicle when the driver is driving the vehicle backward, thereby preventing an accident from happening. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140184796 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A MICROPHONE - A method and vehicle-based communication system are provided that control a remote microphone by determining that one or more of the remote microphone and a user of the remote microphone is in a field of view (FOV) of a video camera and, in response, instructing the remote microphone to configure itself to receive ambient audio. In various embodiments, the remote microphone may configure itself, or be explicitly instructed to configure itself, to receive ambient audio by adjusting one or more of a beam forming or omni-directional pattern, potentially including noise cancellation algorithms to facilitate reception of ambient audio in contrast to user directed audio. When the one or more of the remote microphone and a user of the remote microphone no longer is in a FOV of the video camera, the method and vehicle-based communication system may instruct the remote microphone to reconfigure itself to receive user directed audio. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140184797 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING VEHICLE DRIVING STATE - A system is adapted for detecting a driving state of a vehicle, and is operable to obtain real-time image frames corresponding to a driver of the vehicle for determining if the driver is in a dangerous driving state, to obtain operation information of the vehicle for determining if the vehicle is being operated in a dangerous condition when the driver is unable to be identified by the system, and to provide a notification when the driving state of the vehicle is determined to be dangerous. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140184798 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CAMERA ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a vehicle ( | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140184799 | VEHICLE CAMERA ALIGNMENT SYSTEM - A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one imaging sensor disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view. The imaging sensor is operable to capture image data. The imaging sensor includes or is associated with an inclination sensor. At least one other inclination sensor is disposed at the vehicle. A processing system is operable to process outputs of the inclination sensors to determine an alignment or misalignment of the at least one imaging sensor at the vehicle. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140184800 | IMAGING DEVICE, OBJECT DETECTING APPARATUS, OPTICAL FILTER, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF OPTICAL FILTER - An imaging device includes an optical filter. The optical filter has a configuration in which a polarization filter layer and a spectral filter layer are laminated in light transmission direction. Of the polarization filter layer and the spectral filter layer, the layer on the lower side in lamination direction has an uneven top face in the lamination direction. The optical filter is formed by filling the uneven top face with a predetermined filling material so as to even out the top face and then forming other layer. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140192194 | Vehicle Surveillance System - A security system for monitoring activities occurring within and around a vehicle. The security system includes a video camera positioned to monitor activities occurring within said vehicle. A receiver receives video data and other data and stores the data. The receiver also monitors for defined triggering events. When a triggering event is detected, data associated with the time of the triggering event is stored for subsequent retrieval. The system also includes a method for transmitting the event data to an external device. A notice of the occurrence of the event is also sent to a defined notice receiving device. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140192195 | LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM, LANE IDENTIFICATION APPARATUS AND RELATED METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a lane departure warning system including an image sensing device, an identification module and a determination module. The image sensing device generates a video. The identification module identifies a plurality of lane lines of at least one lane on which a vehicle is currently driven from the video, to generate an identification result, wherein the identification result is generated based on specific borderlines of the lane lines. The determination module determines a determination strategy according to vehicle speed information, and generates a determination result according to the determination strategy and the identification result. The lane departure warning system determines whether to issue a warning according to the determination result. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140192196 | CAMERA SYSTEM FOR LARGE VEHICLES - A vehicle-borne camera-based observation system for monitoring areas adjacent a vehicle or passenger vehicle, such as a bus or schoolbus, is disclosed, to provide safer operation for passersby, including for children, and driver convenience. The system includes several cameras, and several monitors in a driver's area displaying all of the fields of view from the cameras, such that each monitor may be controllable to show either the field of view of a first camera or a the field of view of a second camera, according to a driver selection or according to an automatic selection. Night vision, automatic tracking, and illumination systems are also provided. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140198212 | VEHICULAR VIDEO-RECORDING MODULE - A flat vehicular video-recording module has a housing being transversely elongated and having a circuit board therein. The housing further has a photo-sensing element thereon to align with the circuit board, a connector extending outwards from the housing and sticking plasters thereon. Given the foregoing structural design, the video-recording module can be effectively reduced in thickness and can be applied to a vehicle with narrow space available inside the vehicle, thereby rendering higher flexibility in mounting and design. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140198213 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING FOG CONDITIONS - An imaging system and method is provided for detecting fog conditions surrounding a controlled vehicle. An imager having an image sensor is configured to image a scene external and forward of the controlled vehicle and to generate image data corresponding to the acquired images. A processor is configured to receive the image data and to receive additional information including at least one of an outside temperature, a windshield wiper speed, and a vehicle speed. The processor selects logic and/or parameters for detecting the presence of fog in response to the received additional information. The processor then analyzes the image data using the selected logic and/or parameters to detect the presence of fog and generates a signal responsive to the detection of fog. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140198214 | OBSTACLE ALERT DEVICE - An obstacle alert device notifies a driver of the presence of an obstacle approaching a vehicle without making it difficult to see a state of the periphery of the vehicle. The apparatus includes: a captured image obtainment unit that obtains a captured image of a scene of the periphery of the vehicle; a target captured image generation unit that generates a target captured image based on the captured image; an object presence determination unit that determines whether or not an object is present in an outside region that is on an outer side of the target captured image; a movement direction determination unit that determines a movement direction of the object in the outside region; and a notification image output unit that, in the case where the movement direction determination unit has determined that the object in the outside region is moving toward the center of the target captured image, sequentially displays a plurality of indicators, that appear for a set amount of time and then disappear, in different locations of the target captured image, starting with the side having the outside region in which the object is present and moving toward the center of the target captured image, and repeats this display while displaying the plurality of indicators in positions where the indicators partially overlap with each other, with the indicator displayed later being displayed over the indicator displayed immediately previous thereto at the areas where the indicators overlap. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140204209 | TRAFFIC LIGHT DETECTION - A traffic light detection system is provided that includes, but is not limited to an optical sensor for recording image data of an environment ahead of the vehicle, and an evaluation device for detecting a traffic light mapped in the image data, and an evaluation device for detecting a traffic light mapped in the image data, as well as a method for traffic light detection. The evaluation device is configured to detect a stop line in the image data, which is arranged on a carriageway ahead of the motor vehicle, in a predefined area ahead of a traffic light associated with the carriageway, transversely to the carriage longitudinal direction. The evaluation device includes, but is not limited to a verification device, which does not verify a traffic light associated with the carriageway and detected in the image data, until such a stop line has been detected in the image data. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140204210 | Retrofitting Kit For Parking Guidance - A method for ascertaining a relative position between a vehicle and an object located laterally to the vehicle, and a retrofitting kit having components to carry out this method. The object is initially detected in that the vehicle passes the object at least once. Subsequently, the vehicle movement is detected by a camera system which is situated in the vehicle and which generates video images at different recording points in time. Then, the detected vehicle movement is linked to the installation position of the camera system in the vehicle, the position of the at least one object detection sensor and a reference point. Next, the relative position change of the vehicle relative to the previously detected object is determined. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140204211 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VEHICLE ACCESS CONTROL - A method and apparatus for controlling access to a motor vehicle using heartbeat rhythm patterns. An electronic camera installed in or on the vehicle images a skin surface of a person seeking access to the vehicle. A chronological change in coloration or swelling of the imaged skin surface indicates the person's heartbeat rhythm, and this rhythm is compared to stored reference data of authorized persons. The person is allowed access if the detected rhythm corresponds to the reference data. The allowed access to the vehicle may be the unlocking and/or opening of a door and or the starting of an engine. The method is initiated if the door latch is actuated, if a person is recognized in the vicinity of the vehicle, or if a near field communication occurs, for example, by means of capacitive sensors. The electronic camera is preferably a LIDAR camera. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140204212 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes a single forward facing camera and a control having a processor, with the camera and processor disposed in a unitary module installed in the vehicle. The processor, responsive to processing of captured image data, detects headlights of oncoming vehicles and the control, responsive to the detection, provides an output for a headlamp control system of the vehicle. The processor, responsive to processing of captured image data, detects lane marks on a road being traveled by the vehicle and, responsive to the detection, provides an output for a lane departure warning system of the vehicle. The processor may estimate distance from the vehicle to an object or vehicle present exteriorly of the vehicle. The module is supplied by an automotive supplier to the vehicle manufacturer with software operable by the processor for a plurality of driver assistance systems of the vehicle. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140211007 | OBJECT DETECTOR - An object detection circuit detects an object moving in a periphery of a vehicle by use of a shot image. A state judgment part changes a parameter relevant to a detection function so as to change whether the detection function of the object detection circuit is to be enabled or disabled while the object detection circuit is kept activated. Thus, even when the detection function of the object detection circuit is disabled, the object detection circuit is kept activated. Therefore, since there is no need to restart the object detection circuit in order to enable the detection function of the object detection circuit, a detection result by the object detection circuit is promptly obtained. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211008 | MOTORCYCLE HAVING A VIDEO CAMERA MOUNTED THEREON FOR MONITORING A ROAD SURFACE, AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A motorcycle has a video camera attached thereto in such a manner as to shoot sharp images. A motorcycle includes a camera adapted to shoot a road surface. The camera is arranged below an engine or a swing arm and more rearward than the center of a crankshaft of the engine. The swing arm pivotally supports a rear wheel with a rear edge portion thereof. The camera is fastened to, and supported either by a lower portion of the engine or by a lower portion of a vehicle body frame connected to the engine. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211009 | LENS ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM CAMERA - A vehicular vision system includes a camera having an image sensing array and a lens assembly. The camera is disposed at a vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle, and the image sensing array is operable to capture image data. The lens assembly images light onto the image sensing array and the lens assembly includes a plurality of optic elements disposed along an optic path generally perpendicular to the image sensing array. The plurality of optic elements includes (i) an outer wide angle glass optic, (ii) a doublet optic comprising two optic elements that are bonded together and (iii) at least one intermediate plastic optic disposed between the doublet optic and the outer wide angle glass optic, with the doublet optic disposed closer to the image sensing array than the outer wide angle glass optic. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211010 | DEPLOYABLE CAMERA SYSTEMS - A deployable camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a housing having an exterior surface. The camera is reversibly transitionable between a stowed position in which the camera is recessed into the cavity and the exterior surface is substantially flush with the body, and a deployed position wherein the camera protrudes from the cavity and the exterior surface is not substantially flush with the body. The deployable camera system includes a first shape memory alloy element transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a first thermal activation signal. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211011 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPLEMENTING AN INSTRUMENT PANEL BY UTILIZING AUGMENTED REALITY - An approach is provided for complementing various devices and/or instruments by utilizing augmented reality and providing an adaptive user interface to a user at a user device. A user device determines one or more information items associated with at least one instrument panel of at least one vehicle. Then the user device determines one or more representations of the one or more information items and causes, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more information items at the user device, wherein the user device may complement and/or may be substituted for the at least one instrument panel. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211012 | Tracking Traffic Violations within an Intersection and Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras - Tracking traffic violations within an intersection and use of a destination location are disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. Next, a first unique identifier of a first vehicle and a violated traffic restriction within the intersection are determined based on the two or more first images. Next, two or more second images from a second camera having a second field of view are received. A second unique identifier and a first characteristic of a second vehicle are determined based on the two or more second images. Next, two or more third images from a third camera having a third field of view are received. That the second vehicle is stopped in a destination location at a first time and that the second vehicle has left the destination location at a second time are determined based on the two or more third images. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211013 | ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a control and an accessory disposed at and behind a windshield of the vehicle. The accessory includes a forward facing camera viewing forward and through the windshield of the vehicle. The control includes digital circuitry and a microprocessor. The control controls at least the forward facing camera. The control includes a bus interface that connects with a vehicle network of the vehicle. The control sends data via the vehicle network of the vehicle and receives data via the vehicle network of the vehicle. The vehicle network includes a controlled area network. The control may connect with the vehicle network via at least one of (i) a cable connection and (ii) a fiber-optic connection. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211014 | BOUNDARY LINE RECOGNITION APPARATUS - In a boundary line recognition apparatus, a boundary line candidate extracting part extracts boundary line candidates from image data obtained by an on-vehicle camera based on known image processing such as pattern matching and Hough transform. One or more kinds of boundary line feature calculating parts calculate one or more likelihoods of each boundary line candidate. The likelihood indicates a degree of probability to be the boundary line. A boundary line feature combining means multiplies the likelihoods of each boundary line candidate and outputs a combined likelihood. A boundary line candidate selecting part selects the boundary line candidate having a maximum likelihood as the boundary line. The boundary line feature calculating part further calculates the likelihood of the boundary line candidate using a dispersion of brightness and an internal edge amount, and changes the likelihood based on an additional likelihood obtained by a driving lane surface feature extracting part. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211015 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING IMAGE DATA OF PROPERTY - Video drive-by data provides a street level view of a neighborhood surrounding a selected geographic location. A video and data server farm incorporates a video storage server that stores video image files containing video drive-by data corresponding to a geographic location, a database server that processes a data query received from a user over the Internet corresponding to a geographic location of interest, and an image processing server. In operation, the database server identifies video image files stored in the video storage server that correspond to the geographic location of interest contained in the data query and transfers the video image files over a pre-processing network to the image processing server. The image processing server converts the video drive-by data to post-processed video data corresponding to a desired image format and transfers the post-processed video data via a post-processing network to the Internet in response to the query. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140211016 | Profiling and Tracking Vehicles Using Cameras - Profiling and tracking vehicles using cameras is disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. A first static characteristic of a first vehicle is determined based on at least one of the two or more first images. Next, a desired static characteristic of a vehicle of interest is received. The desired static characteristic of the vehicle of interest is compared with the first static characteristic of the first vehicle. In response to the comparison, it is determined that the desired static characteristic of the vehicle of interest is approximately equal to the first static characteristic of the first vehicle. In response, it is determined that the vehicle of interest is present in the first field of view of the first camera. Finally, it is indicated that the vehicle of interest is present in the first field of view. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140218521 | VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH MEANS FOR ILLUMINATING/WATCHING A SIDE AREA THEREOF - In order to provide a vehicle in which a side road area of the vehicle to be watched by a side area watching camera is illuminated by a side area illumination lamp for illuminating a foot area of a man climbing into the vehicle when the vehicle is parked or driven carefully on an alley or a mountain road in the darkness, the vehicle is equipped with the side area illumination lamp for illuminating a side road area, a side area watching camera for watching the side road area, a navigation display and an electronic control unit, whereby the side area illumination lamp is put on when a man approaches the vehicle as well as when the vehicle is being driven at a vehicle speed less than a certain low threshold speed with the side area watching camera being made on. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218522 | TRAILER ACTIVE BACK-UP ASSIST WITH LANE WIDTH HMI - A vehicle comprises a communication interface for enabling information to be communicated to a and from an occupant of the vehicle and a trailer back-up assist system coupled to the communication interface. The trailer back-up assist system is operable for determining a selected width of a lane within which the vehicle and an attached trailer are to be backed from a current position of the vehicle to reach a targeted location for the attached trailer and for outputting to the occupant of the vehicle via the communication interface information characterizing an ability of the vehicle to be backed within the lane from the current position of the vehicle. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218523 | BURGLARPROOF DEVICE - A burglarproof device for vehicle comprises a main body and at least one mobile communication device is disclosed. The main body has a control circuit connecting to detection units, camera units, audio module, and wireless communication and GPRS module. The mobile communication device has APP program for receiving the transmitted signal of the main body and controlling the function of the APP program; wherein the wireless communication and GPRS module store at least one series of number dedicated to the mobile communication device; wherein the detection unit drives the camera unit to record a video, the control circuit collects the video and translates the format of the video, and then the wireless communication and GPRS module dials the series of number of the mobile communication device when the stealing is occurred. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218524 | REMOTE CONTROL TOY CAR WITH WIRELESS REAL-TIME TRANSMISSION OF AUDIO AND VIDEO SIGNALS - This invention discloses a remote control toy car wirelessly communicable with a client terminal and configured to support wireless real-time transmission of video and audio signals. The toy car comprises a microprocessor, a clock generation circuit, a program memory, a random access memory, a power conversion circuit, a power supply module, a video capturing circuit, an audio circuit and a radio transceiving circuit. The toy car is compact, convenient to carry, ready to use and simple to operate. Furthermore, it has a rechargeable battery. When the toy car is wirelessly linked to a smart mobile terminal with Wi-Fi functions, wireless video playing can be achieved, and no settings are required for the smart mobile terminal. Picture taking and audio/video recording can be achieved by the smart mobile terminal. The toy car can also produce an audio output upon receiving audio data packets sent from the client terminal. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218525 | Method for determining a pitch of a camera installed in a vehicle and method for controling a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle. - A method for determining a pitch of a camera installed in a vehicle includes: production of first image gradient data from a first camera image, the first image gradient data representing a brightness change of adjacent pixels of the first camera image along a vertical axis of the first camera image; production of second image gradient data from a second camera image recorded subsequent to the first camera image, the second image gradient data representing a brightness change of adjacent pixels of the second camera image along a vertical axis of the second camera image; generation of an image displacement value, which represents a displacement of a pixel of the second camera image in relation to a corresponding pixel of the first camera image; and ascertainment of a pitch based on the image displacement value. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218526 | LANE-TRACKING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a lane-tracking assistance system for a motor vehicle including a surroundings detection device for determining at least one roadway marking and with at least one vehicle headlight which, depending on the detected roadway marking and a position of the motor vehicle that is able to be detected from this relative to the roadway marking, is designed to generate light of a differing spectral composition. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218527 | ADVANCED PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A parking management system that facilitates motorist guidance, payment, violation detection, and enforcement using highly accurate space occupancy detection, unique vehicle identification, guidance displays, payment acceptance, violation detection, enforcement data generation, electronic booting, and towing management is described. The system enables reduced time to find parking, congestion mitigation, accurate violation detection, and easier enforcement, and increased payment and enforcement revenues to cities. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218528 | Three-Dimensional Sound Human Machine Interface, Navigation, And Warning Systems In A Vehicle - Systems and methods for providing a vehicle occupant with a three-dimensional sound human machine interface, three-dimensional sound navigation, and three-dimensional sound warnings. One method includes retrieving a menu option, determining a virtual location of the menu option relative to the vehicle occupant, and emitting audio related to the menu option through a three-dimensional sound system to cause the vehicle occupant to hear the audio at the virtual location. The method also includes receiving feedback from the vehicle occupant related to the menu option and interpreting the feedback to adjust the virtual location of the menu option. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218529 | VEHICLE DATA RECORDING SYSTEM - A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one camera having a field of view exterior the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. When the vehicle is parked, a control controls the camera to capture frames of image data at a first capture rate. The control compares a frame of captured imaged data to at least one previous frame of captured image data. Responsive to the comparison determining a change in the frames of captured image data beyond a threshold degree of change, (i) the control increases the capture rate to a second capture rate, (ii) the at least one camera captures frames of image data at the second capture rate and (iii) the control activates a recording device to record images captured by the camera at the second capture rate. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218530 | Traffic Event Detection System for Vehicles - Platforms and techniques are described in which a traffic event detection system includes a camera connected to a central processor unit (CPU), and a video display with sound speaker also connected to the CPU. The camera is mounted outside the vehicle on an extendable and/or rotatable support, and captures images of traffic in front of the vehicle at a height generally above that of vehicles that may be ahead of the vehicle mounted with the detection system. The CPU can feed all of the images to the video display inside the vehicle visible to the driver. The CPU also analyses those images for sudden change in traffic pattern based on spectral content of the image stream, and can warn the driver with an audible sound if the cars in front of him or her break suddenly, or other traffic events occur. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218531 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS - A driving assistance apparatus is provided in which the detection range of a left-front-corner sonar ( | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218532 | Defining a Handoff Zone for Tracking a Vehicle Between Cameras - Defining a handoff zone for tracking a vehicle between cameras is disclosed. Initially, a first image stream is received from a first camera having a first field of view. A second image stream is also received from a second camera having a second field of view, where the second field of view is different from and at least partially overlapping with the first field of view. Next, an overlap area that defines the overlap between the first image stream and the second image stream is determined. A handoff zone within the overlap area is then determined, where tracking of the vehicle is passed from the first camera to the second camera after the vehicle enters the handoff zone. Finally, boundaries of the handoff zone are stored. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218533 | Defining Destination Locations and Restricted Locations Within an Image Stream - Defining destination locations and restricted locations within an image stream is disclosed. Initially, a first image stream is received from a first camera having a first field of view, where the first field of view includes at least one destination location and at least one restricted location. Next, first boundaries of the at least one destination location and a first description of one or more rules associated with the at least one destination location are received. A first identifier is then assigned to the at least one destination location. Next, second boundaries of the at least one restricted location and a second description of one or more rules associated with the at least one restricted location are received. Finally, the first boundaries, the first description of one or more rules, the first identifier, the second boundaries, and the second description of one or more rules are saved. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218534 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH REAR MOUNTED CAMERA - A vehicle vision system includes an extender element disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle. The extender element includes an extender portion and an end portion, with the end portion viewable to a viewer who is viewing the rear of the vehicle. The end portion includes at least one of (i) a vehicle emblem and (ii) a vehicle logo. A rear backup camera assembly is at least partially disposed in the extender portion of the extender element. The rear backup camera assembly is disposed with its lens viewing exterior of the vehicle. The extender element is incapable of extending such that the rear backup camera is non-movable relative to the rear portion of the vehicle when disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140218535 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM USING IMAGE DATA TRANSMISSION AND POWER SUPPLY VIA A COAXIAL CABLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view. A control is disposed at the vehicle and a coaxial cable is in communication between the imaging sensor and the control. The vision system communicates image data captured by the imaging sensor to the control and supplies power to the imaging sensor via the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable may include an inner core comprising copper, a dielectric medium, a foil screen, an outer conductor comprising copper, a separating layer and an outer sheath. When initially powering up the vision system, a transceiver of the imaging sensor may be tuned to an initial communication mode, which is suitable for communication with at least one of the control, a communication interface of the vision system and a display device of the vision system. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140232868 | CAMERA SYSTEM FOR USE IN A VEHICLE AS WELL AS A VEHICLE HAVING SUCH A CAMERA SYSTEM - A camera system for use in a vehicle for simultaneously recognizing rain on its windshield and for monitoring the surroundings, includes: a camera having a camera lens and an image sensor, a mirror system having at least one first mirror and at least one second mirror which are situated in such a way that they define a beam path from a monitored area of the windshield to the first mirror, from there to the second mirror, and from there through the camera lens to a first subarea of the image sensor, the distance along the beam path between the at least one second mirror and the camera lens being smaller than the distance along the beam path between the at least one second mirror and the monitored area. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140232869 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH DIRT DETECTION - A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having an image sensor and a lens. When the camera is disposed at the vehicle, the lens is exposed to the environment exterior the vehicle. The camera has an exterior field of view exterior the vehicle and is operable to capture image data representative of a scene occurring in the field of view of the camera. An image processor is operable to process multiple frames of image data captured by the camera, and wherein, responsive to processing multiple frames of captured image data, the image processor is operable to detect contaminants, such as water droplets or dirt, at the lens of the camera. Responsive to the image processor detecting contaminants at the lens of the camera, the vision system generates an alert and may trigger a function. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140232870 | VEHICLE VIDEO DISPLAY SYSTEM - A vehicle display system and methods of controlling the same. In certain embodiments, an image processing module receives video signals from a video camera and generates first video data in a first format. A system management mode (SMM) program is stored in a memory. When executed at a processor, the SMM program reads the first video data from a first area of the memory, converts the first video data to second video data in a second format, and writes the second video data to a second area of the memory. A PCI express switch forwards the first video data in the first format to a memory controller for storing in the first area of the memory, and forwards the second video data in the second format from the second area of the memory to the graphic controller. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140232871 | METHOD FOR MANUALLY CALIBRATING A CAMERA MOUNTED ON VEHICLE - A method for manually calibrating a camera mounted on a camera mount of a vehicle is provided. According to the present disclosure, the method includes acquiring an image data in a field of view of the camera based on an actual position of the camera. The captured image data is processed to determine a current pattern based on the actual position of the camera. The image data is displayed, wherein the current pattern is superimposed on the image data. The image data is also processed to display a marker pattern in the field of view of the camera. Thereafter a pre-determined orientation and/or a pre-determined height for the camera is calculated. Further, the actual position of the camera is manually adjusted to achieve the pre-determined orientation and the pre-determined height of the camera and to align the current pattern with the marker pattern. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140232872 | VEHICLE CAMERA IMAGE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN POOR VISIBILITY CONDITIONS BY CONTRAST AMPLIFICATION - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view, and an image processor. The imaging sensor captures image data and the image processor is operable to process successive frames of captured image data. Responsive to a determination of a low visibility driving condition, the image processor increases the contrast of the captured images to enhance discrimination of objects in the field of view of the imaging sensor. The image processor may execute a first brightness transfer function on frames of captured image data to enhance the contrast of captured image data, and may execute a second brightness transfer function over successive frames of earlier captured image data and may execute a tone mapping of the earlier captured image data and the currently captured image data to generate a contrast enhanced output image. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140240499 | FRONT-AND-REAR-FACING CAMERA DEVICE - A front-and-rear-facing camera device has a camera unit mounted on a selected position on a carrier. The camera unit has a front lens and a rear lens oppositely mounted on a lens-mounting base to take a front-view video stream and a rear-view video stream, and displays the front-view and rear-view video streams on two non-overlapping display areas of a display, or displays the front-view video stream on an overlapping display area of the display and the rear-view video stream on the displayed front-view video stream through an image-processing circuit and a signal transmission interface electrically connected between the front and rear lenses and the display. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140240500 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING AN IMAGE FOR A VEHICLE MOUNTED CAMERA - A system and method provides an image that adjusts in response to at least one vehicle mounted sensor. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140240501 | LOCALISING TRANSPORTABLE APPARATUS - Method and apparatus for localising transportable apparatus ( | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140240502 | Device for Assisting a Driver Driving a Vehicle or for Independently Driving a Vehicle - A device for assisting a driver driving a vehicle or for autonomously driving a vehicle includes several distance sensors ( | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140247348 | VIRTUAL RENT-A-CAR SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH IN-CAR CONCIERGE DEVICE - A virtual rent-a-car system and method with an in-car device and related systems and methods are disclosed for providing customer service interactions, tools, and entertainment to a vehicle rental customer. The functions of the in-car device include, for example, navigational assistance, local recommendations, driving condition alerts, itinerary management, vehicle comfort controls, and entertainment media play controls. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247349 | INTEGRATED LIGHTING, CAMERA AND SENSOR UNIT - In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an integrated assembly for a vehicle includes a body, a light and a sensor configured to detect objects proximate the integrated assembly. The assembly also includes a camera, wherein the light, sensor and camera are housed by the body within the integrated assembly. The assembly includes a connector on the body to provide signal communication with the light, sensor and camera. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247350 | TRACKING SYSTEM - The present invention is related to a tracking system, comprising at least one driver and a master control device having a camera module. The driver and the master control device are each allowed to detect spatial change of body, so as to generate a first/second spatial motion data, respectively. A relative spatial motion data between the master control device and the driver is calculated according to the first/second spatial motion data. The spatial location of the master control device is adjusted or the rotation angle/focal length of the lens of the camera module is adjusted according to the relative spatial motion data, so that the master control device is capable of approaching the driver and the camera module is allowed to focus on the driver. Thus, the master control device of the present invention is allowed to track the driver for monitoring without the need for manual operation. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247351 | VEHICLE IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CATEGORIZING OBJECTS USING RELATIVE MOTION ANALYSIS - An imaging system is provided for a vehicle. The imaging system includes: an imager configured to image a forward external scene of the controlled vehicle and to generate image frame data corresponding to each frame of a series of acquired image frames; and a processor configured to receive and analyze the image frame data to detect a dominant scene motion and to determine relative motion of objects as compared to the dominant scene motion, and wherein the analysis of the image frame data performed by the processor includes categorizing objects detected in the image frame data using the relative motion of those objects. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247352 | MULTI-CAMERA DYNAMIC TOP VIEW VISION SYSTEM - A dynamic image stitching system for stitching images captured by multiple cameras of a vision system of a vehicle includes a first camera disposed at a vehicle and having a first field of view exterior the vehicle and a second camera disposed at the vehicle and having a second field of view exterior the vehicle. The first and second fields of view at least partially overlap. A processor is operable to process image data captured by the first and second cameras. The processor processes captured image data to determine characteristics of features or objects present in the overlapping region of the first and second fields of view. The processor is operable to adjust a stitching algorithm responsive to a determination of a difference between a characteristic of a feature as captured by the first camera and the characteristic of the feature as captured by the second camera. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247353 | Viewing System For Monitoring The Area Surrounding A Vehicle - A viewing system for displaying to a driver inside a vehicle cabin an outside field surrounding the vehicle includes a deflection device, a recording device, a carrier arm and a reproduction device. The carrier arm is attached to an outer wall of the vehicle. The recording device is disposed in a first part of the carrier arm, and the deflection device is disposed in the second part of the carrier arm. The recording device is separated by a distance from the deflection device. The deflection device is disposed farther from the outer wall of the vehicle than is the recording device. The reproduction device is disposed inside the vehicle, and the deflection device is disposed outside the vehicle. The deflection device reflects an image of the outside field surrounding the vehicle onto the recording device, the recording device records the image, and the reproduction device displays the image. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247354 | CALIBRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-CAMERA VISION SYSTEM - A calibration system for a multi-camera vision system of a vehicle includes a plurality of calibration targets disposed at an area at which the vehicle is positioned for a calibrating procedure. The calibration targets may include a patterned array of markings, such as colored or black/white or shaded markings or dots, disposed at forward, rearward and/or sideward regions of the vehicle. The control is operable to process image data captured by the cameras and, responsive to processing of captured image data, the control is operable to determine a particular local pattern of markings of the respective calibration target to determine the position of the respective calibration target relative to the camera that is imaging that target. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the calibration system is operable to calibrate the multi-camera vision system of the vehicle. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247355 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM CAMERA WITH INTEGRATED PHYSICAL LAYER COMPONENTS - A vision system for a vehicle includes an imager for a vehicular camera and a data receiving device operable to receive image data captured by the imager. A data transfer system communicates captured image data from the imager to the data receiving device. The data transfer system includes a single differential data line. The single differential data line may use a bi-directional high speed serial differential signaling protocol and a mixed signal PHY interface at each of a plurality of nodes of the single differential data line. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247356 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE AVAILABILITY OF A LANE FOR A GUIDED VEHICLE - A method and a system determine track availability. The system is configured to be fitted to a guided vehicle liable to move downstream on a track. The system contains at least one camera able to capture images of a downstream section of track. The downstream section being a track portion extending from a first point of the track located downstream of the guided vehicle to a second point of the track located downstream of the guided vehicle. The distance separating the camera from the second point is being greater than the distance separating it from the first point. At least one image processing and analysis device is provided and is able to analyze each image taken by each camera, to locate the downstream section therein, to determine first a downstream safety distance, and second an availability state of the track between the first point and the second point. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247357 | ATTACHED MATTER DETECTOR, AND ATTACHED MATTER DETECTION METHOD - An attached matter detector includes: a light source that emits light to a transparent member; imaging device that receives light emitted from the light source and reflected by an attached matter on the transparent member, and consecutively images an image of the attached matter at a predetermined imaging frequency; and an attached matter detection processor that detects the attached matter based on an image imaged by the imaging device, wherein the light source emits light that flickers at a drive frequency different from the imaging frequency, and the imaging device receives the reflected light via an optical filter that selects and transmits the reflected light, and the attached matter detection processor detects a beat on an image generated by a difference between the imaging frequency and the drive frequency, and identifies an image region where the beat is detected as an attached matter image region. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140247358 | IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE FOR MONITORING SURROUNDINGS OF VEHICLE - Provided is an image generation device that can generate a monitor display image suited for monitoring surroundings of a vehicle, even from an image captured using a wide-angle lens, such as a fisheye lens. Such an image generation device includes: an input unit to which a captured image of the surroundings of the vehicle is input, the captured image being acquired by a vehicle-mounted camera equipped with a wide-angle lens and being distorted; a setting unit that sets specific correction values for respective regions of the captured image that are separated by a reference line at a predetermined interval along a vertical direction of the captured image, the specific correction values being calculated based on a reference correction value of the wide-angle lens along the vertical direction of the captured image, the reference line extending in a horizontal direction of the captured image; an execution unit that applies distortion correction to the captured image using the specific correction values set by the setting unit; and an output unit that outputs, to a monitor, the captured image to which the distortion correction has been applied by the execution unit. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140253729 | FRAME TO FRAME PERSISTENT SHADOW REDUCTION WITHIN AN IMAGE - An apparatus, computer program product, and method for reducing persistent shadows within an image. The apparatus includes a camera configured to generate frames of the image. The apparatus also includes a computer processor. The computer processor calculates the average normalized brightness for each pixel in the image and adjusts the brightness of each pixel with the average normalized brightness. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140253730 | ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - An accessory system for a vehicle includes a mounting element attached at an inner surface of a windshield and configured for mounting of an accessory module thereto and demounting of the accessory module therefrom. The accessory module is configured for mounting to the mounting element via snap attachment. The accessory module accommodates a camera comprising a CMOS photosensor array and a lens. The accessory module is configured so that, when mounted to the mounting element at the windshield, the lens has a field of view through the windshield. The camera is operable to capture image data for use by a driver assistance system of the vehicle. The accessory module includes an electrical connector for electrically connecting with circuitry disposed in the accessory module. The electrical connector is configured for electrical connection to at least a power source of the vehicle and a communication bus of the vehicle. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140253731 | IMAGING DEVICE PROTECTOR AND CLEANER - An imaging device enclosure for a vehicle including a housing having an image device aperture. A motor is disposed in the housing and is operably connected with a mobile wedge. The mobile wedge is operable between an extended position and a retracted position. An imaging device is slidably connected with the mobile wedge and is movable between the retracted position corresponding to the extended position of the mobile wedge and the extended position corresponding to the retracted position. A flexible boot is disposed over the image device aperture. The flexible boot defines a flexible opening. The imaging device protrudes through the flexible opening when the imaging device is in the extended position. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140267724 | RECORDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE - A recording system may include a camera configured to record images including a first image and a storage device configured to store the images. The recording system may include a controller configured to identify at least one vertical line contained in the first image and determine whether the first image is indicative of a probable event area based on the identification of the at least one vertical line. The controller may be configured to command the camera to record the images at a first quality if the first image is indicative of a probable event area. The controller may also be configured to command the camera to record images at a second quality if the first image is not indicative of a probable event area. The images recorded at the second quality occupy less memory in the storage device than the images recorded at the first quality. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267725 | AVERAGE SPEED DETECTION WITH FLASH ILLUMINATION - An average speed detection camera system. The system includes a first automatic license plate reader (ALPR) camera having an infrared camera for capturing identification information from a vehicle passing an entrance point. A first communication module is coupled to the first ALPR camera for transmitting the identification information and either an entrance timestamp or an exit timestamp for the vehicle. A second ALPR camera includes an infrared camera and an overview camera is coupled to a second communication module. The second communication module receives the vehicle identification information and the reference time stamp from the first communication module. The infrared camera of the second ALPR camera captures identification information from the vehicle as it passes the exit point, and if the time at which the vehicle passes an exit point is prior to an exit timestamp for the vehicle, the overview camera flash illuminates the vehicle with visible light and captures an image of the vehicle. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267726 | VEHICLE APPROACHING DETECTOR AND NOTIFICATION - A vehicle approaching detector and notification device includes a central processing device, a number of detectors attached to different portions of a vehicle and electrically connected to the central processing device for sending detecting signals to the central processing device, a number of vibration generating devices attached to a driver seat of the vehicle and electrically connected to the central processing device and actuated in corresponding to the detectors for generating a vibrating and warning signal in order to indicate different approaching direction and location or position of another vehicle. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267727 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE FIELD OF VIEW OF A PROCESSED IMAGE BASED ON VEHICLE INFORMATION - Systems and methods for determining a field of view, based on vehicle data, for displaying an image captured by a vehicle mounted camera. A system for determining a field of view includes a receiver configured to receive an image having a first field of view from an image capturing device, a processor configured to process the image based on vehicle data and output a processed image that has a second field of view that is narrower than the first field of view, and a transmitter configured to transmit the processed image to a display for presentation to an occupant of the vehicle. Computer-implemented methods are also described herein. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267728 | VEHICLE DETECTION AND IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND CAPTURING IMAGES OF VEHICLES - A vehicle detection and image capture system that detects a vehicle at the location of a radio frequency identification tag when a radio frequency identification reader fails to receive a response from the radio frequency identification tag during interrogation, and captures an image of the vehicle with a camera. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267729 | ENHANCED SURVEILLANCE CAMERA - A camera structure includes a camera, a frame defining a space to partially contain the camera, at least one plate connected to the frame to cover the camera and luminous elements securely fixed on the surface of the camera, wherein the luminous elements provide lights to the plate which is used as a billboard showing commercial messages to the public. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267730 | AUTOMOTIVE CAMERA VEHICLE INTEGRATION - Systems and methods may provide for a handheld computing device to receive a trigger command and orientation data from a remote computing device, obtain image data from one or more external devices in response to the trigger command and based on the orientation data, and transmit data to the remote computing device. A vehicle computer may receive a trigger command and orientation data from a remote computing device, obtain image data from one or more external devices in response to the trigger command and based on the orientation data, and transmit data to the remote computing device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267731 | PERIPHERAL IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING PERIPHERAL IMAGE FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINE - A peripheral image display device for displaying a peripheral image around a construction machine including at least two imaging units capturing the peripheral image around the construction machine; an image combining unit that combines at least two images obtained from the at least two imaging units to form a single projection image, the at least two images including an overlapping area overlapping between the at least two images; a guideline setting unit that sets a guideline, which includes at least two color information pieces, on the projection image formed by the image combining unit at a position a predetermined distance apart from the construction machine; a guideline generating unit that generates the guideline on the projection image based on setup information obtained by the guideline setting unit; and a display unit that displays the projection image having the guideline generated by the guideline generating unit on a screen. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267732 | REAR VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A camera vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera operable to capture video images rearward of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver of the vehicle. The rearward field of view of the rear backup video camera encompasses a vehicle hitch of the vehicle, which is configured to connect to a trailer tongue of a trailer to connect the trailer to the vehicle. A display device includes a video screen operable to display video images captured by the rear backup video camera for viewing by a driver of the vehicle, such as when a transmission of the equipped vehicle is shifted into reverse gear by the driver. The control continues to display video images captured by the rear backup video camera during a short term forward movement of the vehicle after the shifting of the transmission of the equipped vehicle into reverse gear. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140285661 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COLORIZING AN ENHANCED IMAGE DURING ALERT - Methods and systems for improving presentation of terrain/obstacle alerting information in a composite (synthetic and sensor) image. An exemplary system includes an imaging device that obtains image data for a region exterior to the vehicle, a processing system, and a display device. The processing system is in data communication with the display device and the imaging device. The processing system receives information from an alerting (e.g., a terrain awareness and warning) system and the obtained image data, colors, or makes transparent at least a portion of the obtained image data, if the received information indicates that an alert condition exists for the portion of the obtained image data, and generates a composite image comprising a previously generated synthetic image and the obtained image data with the enhanced portion. The display device displays the composite image. The obtained image data overlie the synthetic image. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140285662 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND METHOD - An image processing apparatus includes: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: acquire image data, and extract a corner point from the image data, based on brightness information of plurality of pixels in image data, the corner point corresponding to a pixel arranged in a first edge of a horizontal direction and a second edge of the vertical direction, when a number of pixels arranged in each of the first and second edges is more than certain value. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140285663 | VISION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at a first location at an in-cabin surface of a windshield and an attachment member attached at a second location at the in-cabin surface of the windshield. A light absorbing layer is disposed at the windshield and at least partially masks the presence of the attachment member from view by a viewer who is viewing through the windshield from outside the vehicle. An accessory module is releasably attached to the attachment member and accommodates a forward facing camera. With the accessory module releasably attached to the attachment member at the windshield, the forward facing camera views through the windshield. The forward facing camera includes a component of a camera-based driver assistance system of the vehicle. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140285664 | Object Recognition in Low-Lux and High-Lux Conditions - A system for capturing image data for gestures from a passenger or a driver in a vehicle with a dynamic illumination level comprises a low-lux sensor equipped to capture image data in an environment with an illumination level below an illumination threshold, a high-lux sensor equipped to capture image data in the environment with the illumination level above the illumination threshold, and an object recognition module for activating the sensors. The object recognition module determines the illumination level of the environment and activates the low-lux sensor if the illumination level is below the illumination threshold. If the illumination level is above the threshold, the object recognition module activates the high-lux sensor. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140285665 | Apparatus and Method for Assisting Parking - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for assisting parking, the apparatus including: an image sensor photographing front/rear view images of a vehicle; and an estimated trace of vehicle generation and process unit generating an estimated trace of the vehicle to a parking target area using steering angle information of the vehicle, and overlaying the estimated trace of the vehicle to the photographed front/rear view images of the vehicle, wherein the estimated trace of the vehicle includes a first estimated trace of the vehicle based on a rear wheel of the vehicle and a second estimated trace of the vehicle based on a front wheel of the vehicle. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140285666 | VISION SYSTEM WITH DOOR MOUNTED EXTERIOR MIRROR AND DISPLAY - A vision system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at an exterior portion of a door of a vehicle, an imaging sensor having a field of view exterior the vehicle and a video display screen operable to display video images captured by the imaging sensor. The video display screen is disposed at an interior portion of the vehicle door at which the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted. The exterior rearview mirror assembly and the video display screen may be part of a mirror and display module that is mountable at the vehicle door as a unit. The camera may be disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140285667 | VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING DEVICE - This vehicle periphery monitoring device appropriately determines whether or not an animal detected by an imaging device is a high-risk animal which may possibly contact the vehicle. For example, compared with an animal in a posture with the head facing downwards, an animal in a posture with the head facing upwards is determined to be a high-risk animal which may suddenly bolt, so the latter animal is enclosed in a thick red frame and highlighted as a warning, and an alarm is emitted from speakers. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140293051 | DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING REARWARD FIELD OF VIEW OF HYDRAULIC SHOVEL - The present invention obtains a device for displaying the rearward field of view of a hydraulic shovel, the device enabling safe and efficient work by a front working machine. A device for displaying the rearward field of view of a hydraulic shovel is provided with a lower traveling structure, an upper revolving structure provided on the lower traveling structure so as to be rotatable, a front working machine provided in the front part of the upper revolving structure, a camera provided in the rear part of the upper revolving structure in order to obtain the rearward field of view of the revolving structure, and a monitor ( | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140293052 | IMAGE-BASED VEHICLE DETECTION AND DISTANCE MEASURING METHOD AND APPARATUS - In an example embodiment, an image based vehicle detection and measuring apparatus that employs an accelerated, structured, search method is described for quickly finding the extrema of a multivariable function. The input domain of the function is determined. The method exploits information as it becomes available, calculating a best possible value with the information available so far, and terminating further evaluation when the best possible value does not exceed the extreme value found so far. Ordering and best guess schemes are added to the best possible value idea to accelerate it further. The method is applied to speed up an image processing problem, an example of which is given, but has general application, for example, in fields such as vehicle detection. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140293053 | SAFETY MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF FOR HUMAN-DRIVEN VEHICLE - A safety monitoring apparatus and method thereof for human-driven vehicle are provided. The safety monitoring apparatus includes a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a warning unit. The sensing unit and the warning unit are electrically connected to the processing unit, respectively. The sensing unit is arranged on a steering member of the human-driven vehicle and is used for sensing whether the steering member is in contact with a hand of a driver and generating a sensing signal accordingly. The processing unit determines whether the hand of the driver is placed on the steering member. The warning unit is used for generating a safety warning message. When the processing unit determines that the hand of the driver has not been placed on the steering member according to the sensing signal, the processing unit drives the warning unit to generate the safety warning message to warn the driver. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140293054 | OPTICAL DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - An optical device and a camera for a vehicle, which is arranged inside the vehicle behind the windscreen, including at least one optical module for detecting electromagnetic radiation, including an imaging system and an image recording element, and including at least one circuit board on which image evaluation electronics is arranged and which is electrically connected to the at least one optical module, wherein the at least one circuit board is arranged substantially parallel to the windscreen. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140293055 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - In order to extract, given information from a stereo camera, only the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or the taillights of a preceding vehicle from various light spot at night for the purpose of offering the driver a safer field of view, there are provided: first distance information calculation means which calculates information on a first distance to a detection object candidate from two images obtained by a first imaging element and a second imaging element; second distance information calculation means which calculates information on a second distance to the detection object candidate from the image obtained by the first imaging element; and object detection means which compares the first distance information with the second distance information to detect the object from the detection object candidate on the basis of the result of the comparison. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140293056 | WADING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A motor vehicle includes imaging apparatus comprising at least one camera. The apparatus is operable to provide a wade image to an occupant of the vehicle being an image of at least a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle that is exposed to liquid when wading. The wade image is arranged to allow the occupant to determine whether the level of the liquid is below a prescribed level. Embodiments of the invention are advantageous over known wade aid devices such as ultrasonic sensor arrangements in that a driver is able to view directly a level of liquid such as water in which the vehicle is wading. Furthermore embodiments of the invention have a reduced settling time when switched on compared with ultrasonic sensor arrangements. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140293057 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH ASYMMETRIC ANAMORPHIC LENS - A vision system for a vehicle includes a rear camera disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle and having an exterior field of view rearward of the vehicle. The rear camera includes an imaging array and a lens system for imaging external sources of light at the imaging array. The lens system includes at least one asymmetric anamorphic lens optic. The asymmetric anamorphic lens optic may include a longitudinally truncated conical-shaped lens optic. The longitudinal axis of the longitudinally truncated conical-shaped lens optic may be generally vertical when the rear camera is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle, with a smaller diameter portion at an upper region of the optic and a larger diameter portion at a lower region of the optic. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140300738 | Camera System for a Vehicle - A camera system for a vehicle, which is to be arranged inside the vehicle behind a windshield of the vehicle, includes a housing, a first camera module that detects or images an area ahead of the vehicle and a second camera module that detects or images at least an area of the windshield. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140300739 | VEHICLE SECURITY WITH ACCIDENT NOTIFICATION AND EMBEDDED DRIVER ANALYTICS - The present invention relates to a vehicle telematics device with one or more cameras embedded in the same package for evidentiary surround audio-video recording, automatic accident detection and emergency help request notification, facial processing for drowsiness and distraction accident avoidance, and embedded multiple profiles of driver analytics, and mobile internet connectivity for contacting emergency services directly and without the delay of a call center and for mobile hot spot for in-vehicle infotainment. Each profile of driver analytics has many selectable advanced driver analysis parameters and multiple profiles can be active for a given driver. In case of emergency help request accident panoramic accident video is uploaded to a cloud drop box and link to video of accident is available along with severity index, location, nearest address, number of passengers, etc. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140300740 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED CAMERA ADAPTER IN VEHICLE-MOUNTED MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle-mounted camera adapter in a vehicle-mounted monitoring system includes a vehicle-mounted camera including a top-down view forming unit configured to form a top-down image obtained by looking down from above. The adapter includes a detection unit configured to detect a predetermined event indicative of a behavior of a vehicle body to determine whether or not a sequence of backing has proceeded to a final stage. When receiving a trigger signal, a switching control unit is configured to supply to an image switching unit a specific switching control signal to switch a converted image displayed on a monitor device to a top-down image. When the event continues for the predetermined time or more during backing, the vehicle-mounted camera adapter is configured to control the image switching unit so that the top-down image is displayed. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140300741 | Arrangement and Method for Recognizing Road Signs - Various embodiment include a system and a method for recognizing road signs. An image of a road sign may be captured by least one image sensor. A vehicle computer may receive the image data representing one or more road signs along a route and display one or more images of the road sign based on the image data. The display may be capable of presenting one or more status of the road sign based on one or more travel states for the vehicle. These travel states may include at least one of an amount of elapsed travel time, distance travelled, or speed. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140300742 | CAMERA MODULE FOR VEHICLE - A camera module is provided, the camera module including a camera module body ( | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140300743 | VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING APPARATUS AND VEHICLE SURROUNDINGS MONITORING METHOD - A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus includes a processing device. The processing device outputs a surrounding image as viewed from an eyepoint behind a host vehicle, including a current location of the host vehicle, to a display device mounted on the host vehicle on the basis of an image captured by a camera located a predetermined distance behind the current location of the host vehicle while the host vehicle is travelling forward or the host vehicle is stopped. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140300744 | IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM, VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - According to an embodiment, provided is an image processing system that includes: a light source that emits light; an imaging unit including an imaging element that captures light emitted and reflected from a foreign matter attached to the other surface of the transparent member and that captures light transmitted through the transparent member from the other surface side; and an image analyzing unit that analyzes captured image data. The captured image data is formed of a first image area frame used for detecting a foreign matter, and is formed of a second image area frame that corresponds to an effective imaging area excluding a predetermined area. Different rules are applied to read pixel data of between the first image area frame and the second image area frame. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140307091 | IMAGE DISPLAY METHOD AND IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM - An image display method and an image display system are provided. The image display system is deployed in a vehicle. An external image outside the vehicle is captured through a first image capturing unit, and a specific range image is selected in the external image according to an adjusting signal. The specific range image is displayed in a display unit disposed on a pillar inside the vehicle. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140307092 | HEADLINER INTEGRATED WITH CAMERA OF BLACK BOX FOR VEHICLE - A camera and a black box for a vehicle are accommodated in the headliner to minimally expose the black box to the inside of the vehicle, preventing robbery of or damage to the black box and not spoiling the interior design of the vehicle. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140307093 | VISUAL POSITIONING WITH DIRECTION ORIENTATION NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A visualization system is provided for permitting a driver of a vehicle to observe a 180 degree rearward view of his or her vehicle and surroundings. The visualization system can include a display device which provides a 180 degree substantially rearward view. The 180 degree substantially rearward view can be seamless and/or undistorted. The display device can be positioned within the vehicle in front of the driver. The display device can be mounted on the inside surface of a windshield of the vehicle. At least a portion of the display device can be positioned above the eyes of the driver of the vehicle when the driver is seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140307094 | VEHICLE HAVING IMAGE CAPTURING SYSTEM - A vehicle includes a main body, a front windshield mounted on the main body, an image capturing system and a display system. The image capturing system is mounted on the main body and is configured for capturing images of the surrounding of the vehicle. The display system is adhered to the front windshield and configured for displaying the images captured by the image capturing system. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140307095 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH COLOR CORRECTION - A vision system for a vehicle includes a color camera disposed at a vehicle and having an exterior rearward field of view. The color camera includes an imaging array of photosensing pixels and at least one color filter disposed at or in front of at least some of the photosensing pixels. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the color camera. Processing of captured image data by the image processor includes utilization of a color correction algorithm that includes a color correction matrix. The color correction matrix algorithm may utilize a 3×3 color correction matrix. The color correction algorithm may include a color correction matrix algorithm and a histogram algorithm that function to determine a color correction for the captured image data. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140313333 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGING A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for imaging a driver of a vehicle is provided. The system includes an imager mounted to a steering wheel hub that images a scene containing a bodily feature of the driver and generates image data therefrom. An image processor receives and analyzes the image data and generates biometric information related to the driver. The biometric information is useable as input for a variety of vehicle operations. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140313334 | TECHNIQUE FOR IMAGE ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT - A technique for image acquisition and management, by utilizing a mobile device equipped with a camera and a mobile software application. The software application enables a) providing guidance to an operator for making, by the camera, a set of one or more images of an object, so as to obtain them at one or more angles suggested by the software application for properly registering currently existing visible features of the object, b) obtaining the set of images, c) storing the set of obtained images as a current set, along with its related data, in at least one storage/processing location for further analysis. The technique, using the mobile software application, may also perform d) analysis of thus obtained current set of images by comparing it with another reference set of images of the same or similar object. The technique may be used, for example, for detecting defects on a vehicle body. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140313335 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE WITH ADJUSTABLE CAMERAS - A vision system of a vehicle includes a forward viewing imager, a rearward viewing imager and sideward viewing imagers. The forward viewing imager is disposed at a forward portion of the vehicle and has a forward field of view. The rearward viewing imager is disposed at a rearward portion of the vehicle and has a rearward field of view rearward of the vehicle. The sideward viewing imagers are disposed at respective sides of the vehicle and have respective sideward fields of view sideward of the vehicle. At least one of the forward viewing imager, the rearward viewing imager and the sideward viewing imagers is dynamically adjustable via a respective stepper motor. The fields of view of the imagers may be adjustable via the respective stepper motors responsive to actuation of a user input and/or a speed input indicative of the traveling speed of the vehicle. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140313336 | EFFICIENT DATA TRANSMISSION - A method for controlling video in a system includes receiving wirelessly at a stationary base station a low quality video from a mobile device, the mobile device configured to record both the low quality video and a high quality video of a same video stream, to store each of the low quality video and the high quality video, and to wirelessly transmit only the low quality video. The method includes analyzing the low quality video at the stationary base station and, based on the analysis, transmitting a signal to the mobile device to delete the low quality video and the high quality video from the mobile device, to allow overwrite of the low quality video and the high quality video from the mobile device, or to request transmission of the high quality video from the mobile device. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140313337 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH FASTENERLESS LENS ATTACHMENT - A vehicle vision system includes a camera module including an image sensor array, a lens holder and a lens. The camera module is configured to mount at a receiving structure at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield of a vehicle. When the camera module is mounted at the receiving structure of the interior surface of the vehicle windshield, the image sensor array views forward of the vehicle and through the vehicle windshield. The image sensor array is established at a circuit element. The lens holder includes a lens holding portion and an attaching portion, with the lens holding portion accommodating the lens and the attaching portion configured to attach at the circuit element. The attaching portion of the lens holder includes a plurality of pins configured to be received at least partially through apertures of the circuit element so as to be soldered at the circuit element. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140313338 | INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE-CAPTURING DEVICE AND METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND PROGRAM - A feature extracting unit obtains sensor data from a plurality of sensors to calculate each feature. When an event determining unit determines the occurrence of an event based on each feature, a display data constructor generates remote-controller display data for displaying the event, and controls a remote-controller display device to display the remote-controller display data. When a user decision is input from a user input IF based on this display, a control unit controls the sensors to be turned ON or OFF. When an infrared sensor detects an abnormality, a microwave sensor whose power consumption is small after the infrared sensor is turned ON. When the microwave sensor detects an abnormality, a video camera and a microphone are turned ON, and the microwave sensor is turned OFF. A communication unit wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the video camera and an audio signal processed by the microphone. Then, if the infrared sensor does not detect an abnormality, the video camera and the microphone are turned OFF. With this arrangement, power consumption can be suppressed. The present invention is applied to, for example, a security system, for example, for monitoring outside a vehicle by a video camera disposed in the vehicle when the vehicle is parked. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140313339 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vision system for a vehicle includes an image sensor disposed at a subject vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the subject vehicle. A control is operable to process image data captured by the image sensor to detect an object exterior of the subject vehicle. The control is operable to process captured image data to detect points of interest present in the field of view of the image sensor and, responsive to processing of captured image data, the control is operable to determine movement of the detected points of interest. The control is operable to process captured image data to determine movement vectors and, responsive to processing of captured image data, the control is operable to determine an object of interest in the field of view of the image sensor and exterior of the subject vehicle. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140320652 | MID-INFRARED VEHICLE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM - A method of warning a driver of a vehicle of an obstacle that is more than one kilometer from the vehicle includes emitting MIR laser energy from the vehicle. The laser energy has a wavelength approximately between 3500 nanometers and 5000 nanometers. A phase conjugate lens is used to orthogonally direct a portion of the laser energy that is reflected by the obstacle to an image-capturing device or sensor within the vehicle. An image of the obstacle is displayed to the driver. The image is based on the laser energy directed to the image-capturing device. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140320653 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED BOTTOM FEATURE NAVIGATOR - System and method for generating vehicle position fixes for an underwater vehicle based on images of a target object on the seafloor. The position of the target object is estimated based on a selected pixel on the target. For each image of the target, there is a different selected pixel, and a different uncertainty associated with the target location based on the selected pixel. Vehicle position fixes for the underwater vehicle are computed based on an analysis of the selected pixels for each target, the uncertainties of the selected pixel positions, the location and uncertainty of location of the vehicle collecting the pixel positions, and other information collected about the target. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140320654 | DEVICE WITH A CAMERA UNIT - The invention relates to a device with a camera unit, serving to take pictures of the outside of a motor vehicle, and a lid element movable via a drive between a closed position, in which the lid element covers an opening of the device and an open position, in which the lid element exposes the opening, wherein in the closed position of the lid element the camera unit is inaccessible from the outside behind the lid element and in the open position of the lid element pictures can be taken. According to the invention provision is made for the lid element to be an actuating element for the camera unit in order to move the camera unit between an idle position and an operating position. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140320655 | VEHICULAR IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PROCESSING EVENT USING THE SAME - Provided are a vehicular image processing apparatus and a method of processing an event using the same that may prevent unnecessary event records from being generated in a driving state while the vehicular image processing apparatus, for example, a vehicular black box, is performing ordinary recording, and may block event recording to be performed through an impact sensor in an uneven zone, for example, a speed bump zone and a construction zone, thereby increasing data usage and utilization. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140320656 | MULTI-FOCUS OPTICAL SYSTEM - An imager system and a display system for a vehicle are provided. The imager system includes at least one imager configured to capture a multi-focus image having depth data. The display system includes at least one display assembly configured to display a multi-focus image having depth data. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140320657 | Camera Module for Vehicle - A camera module for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a first Printed Circuit Board (PCB) configured to have an image sensor mounted on its surface; a second PCB configured to supply a power source to the first PCB; an outer shield installed to surround the side of the first and the second PCBs and to shield the first and the second PCBs from electromagnetic interference (EMI); and a plurality of support units disposed at positions where the supports units interfere with the first and the second PCBs of the outer shield and configured to support the first and the second PCBs. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140320658 | CALIBRATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICULAR SURROUND VISION SYSTEM - A camera calibration system for calibrating cameras of a vehicle includes at least one reconfigurable calibration target established or disposed at a ground area at which a vehicle is positioned for a camera calibrating procedure. The camera calibration system is operable, responsive to an input indicative of a type or size of the vehicle positioned at the ground area, to reconfigure the at least one reconfigurable calibration target to adapt the calibration target for the particular type or size of the vehicle positioned thereat. The camera calibration system may reconfigure at least one of a size of the target and a location of the target. The camera calibration system may reconfigure the target via a covering element that selectively exposes a portion of the reconfigurable calibration target and covers another portion of the reconfigurable calibration target. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140320659 | DRIVE RECORDER AND DISPLAY DEVICE - To reduce manufacturing costs and facilitate analysis of the conditions of occurrence of an accident, a drive recorder includes a vehicle state detector ( | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140327770 | IMAGE MONITORING AND DISPLAY FROM UNMANNED VEHICLE - An image capture and display system comprises an image capture array positioned on a vehicle, the image capture array comprising a plurality of image sensing members. At least one transmitter is provided for transmitting images from the image sensing members. The system also includes a monitor display array positioned remotely from the image capture array. The monitor display array comprises a display monitor for and corresponding to each image sensing member, and a receiver for receiving the images corresponding to each transmitter. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140327771 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DISPLAYING A SCENE AS A LIGHT FIELD - A system, method, and computer program product that displays a light field to simulate a reflected scene. The method includes the operations of receiving a scene representing an exterior viewpoint relative to an observer positioned in a vehicle, determining a pre-filtered image that simulates a reflection of the scene, where the pre-filtered image represents a light field and corresponds to a target image that simulates a mirror. The pre-filtered image is displayed as the light field to produce the target image. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140327772 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH TRAFFIC SIGN COMPREHENSION - A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view forward of the vehicle. The camera includes a two dimensional imaging array of a plurality of photosensing pixels and is operable to capture image data. A control includes an image processor that is operable to process image data captured by the camera. The image processor, responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data, is operable to determine road signs ahead of the vehicle, and the image processor uses a matrix algorithm for determining road signs along the road and for determining road sign information for displaying to the driver of the vehicle. The road signs may include speed limit signs and the control may, responsive at least in part to a determination of weather conditions, determine the appropriate speed limit to display to the driver. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140327773 | AUTOMOTIVE SECURITY SYSTEM - An automotive security system enables users to remotely monitor their vehicles with the system providing a complete, recorded view of the interior and exterior of the car, while at the same time offering a remote alert that their car's security has been breached. The system comprises a 360 degree rotating camera mounted in the vehicle and a remote handheld, companion video monitor receiving s and control system for viewing and receiving an audible signal. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140327774 | VEHICULAR MULTI-CAMERA VISION SYSTEM - A vision system of a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras disposed at the vehicle and having respective fields of view exterior of the vehicle. An image processing system is operable to process image data captured by the cameras. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the vision system is operable to generate a composite image derived from image data captured by at least two cameras of the plurality of cameras. One of the plurality of cameras functions as a master camera and the vision system, responsive to processing image data captured by the master camera, determines operating parameters for the master camera. The determined operating parameters for the master camera are used by the other cameras of the plurality of cameras. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140327775 | Mirrorless Driving of Automotive Vehicle Using Digital Image Sensors and Touchscreen - Automotive mirrors may be replaced by a multi-lens-equipped touchscreen to enable mirrorless driving that may help open a new avenue for identifying energy-saving and environment-friendly solutions to enhance driving safety by harnessing vehicle traffic to incentivize a mixed reality. The mirrorless driving may eventually encompass not just vehicular black boxes and rearview backup cameras but also ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140327776 | DRIVE ASSISTANCE DEVICE - The device comprises: a first image capture means ( | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140333769 | PASSENGER COUNTER - A passenger counter that counts the number of persons who get on/off a vehicle comprising an imaging unit | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140333770 | REARVIEW VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A rearview vision system for a vehicle includes a reflective element disposed at a driver or passenger side portion of a vehicle and a camera disposed at or near the reflective element and having a field of view that encompasses at least a portion of the reflective element. The camera and the reflective element are disposed at the side portion of the vehicle so that images of the scene occurring to the side and rear of the vehicle are reflected off of the reflective element and viewed by the camera. The camera captures image data for display of images by a display device that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when normally operating the vehicle so as to provide the driver with a generally sideward and rearward field of view. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140340516 | REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM USING REAR VIEW MIRROR LOCATION - A rearward viewing system for an automotive vehicle comprises an image display mounted proximate to a front windshield of the vehicle. An exterior image sensor captures a first image directed externally of the vehicle with a first field of view. An internal image sensor captures a second image directed internally of the vehicle with a second field of view. An image integrator merges the first and second images according to a predetermined alignment of the first and second fields of view, wherein the second image is muted in the merged image so that the first image is emphasized when displayed on the image display. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340517 | VEHICLE DATA RECORDER, VEHICLE DATA RECORDER SYSTEM AND EMPLOYING METHOD FOR THE VEHICLE DATA RECORDER SYSTEM - A vehicle data recorder fixed to a pair of glasses includes a main body and a fixing element. The main body includes a main portion, a connection rod, and an earphone. The main portion is connected to the connection rod, and the earphone extends from a free end of the connection rod. The fixing element is fixed to the main portion, and a free end of the fixing element is spaced from the main portion. The vehicle data recorder is fixed to the glasses with the fixing element. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340518 | EXTERNAL SENSING DEVICE FOR VEHICLE, METHOD OF CORRECTING AXIAL DEVIATION AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A driving support device has a lane marking recognition unit that recognizes at least two lane markings based on a taken image; a deviation angle calculation unit that calculates a deviation angle based on at least the two lane markings; an obstacle recognition unit that recognizes an obstacle position based on the taken image; a camera deviation angle correction unit that corrects the obstacle position recognized by the obstacle recognition unit by the deviation angle; a radar deviation angle correction unit that corrects the obstacle position detected by a radar by the deviation angle; and a driving support processing unit that executes a driving support process based on the corrected obstacle positions. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340519 | VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM - An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment member attached at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield and an accessory module configured to detachably mount to the attachment member. The accessory module and attachment member are configured so that when the accessory module mounts to the attachment member, an electrical element of the accessory module is biased toward and against the inner surface of the windshield. The electrical element includes a camera and, with the accessory module mounted to the attachment member, the camera has a forward field of view through the windshield. The camera may be associated with at least one of (i) a headlamp control system, (ii) a lane departure warning system, (iii) an adaptive cruise control system, (iv) a sign recognition system, (v) a night vision system, (vi) a pedestrian detection system and (vii) a pre-crash avoidance system. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340520 | SYSTEMS AND TOOLS FOR DETECTING RESTRICTED OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES - Systems and tools for detecting the presence of a substance of interest is presented. The system utilizes a hyperspectral imaging camera to obtain images of an enclosed area, such as a vehicle. Vehicles can include cars, trucks, trains, or boats. The system also includes a processor and storage device. The processor receives the images taken by the hyperspectral imaging camera. Next, the processor determines whether such images contain certain substances. These substances include alcohol, carbon monoxide, illegal substances, and hazardous chemicals. The storage device is electrically coupled to the processor, and is used to store certain data information such as detection events, substance detected, and the time of detection. Such information can be sent over the internet, or streamed live to a laptop at a remote location. The present embodiment can be used by law enforcement to monitor vehicles of interest, and become an important part of public safety. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340521 | OPTICAL AXIS ASCERTAINING DEVICE FOR IN-VEHICLE CAMERA - The present invention aims to provide an optical axis ascertaining device for an in-vehicle camera which can simply adjust and correct the optical axis of the camera. This device comprises image processing device (image recognition portion and tracking portion detecting a static obstacle (for example, wheel stopper disposed on ground surface) from an image acquired by rear camera through image recognition and tracking the static obstacle and rear wheel rotation sensor as a sensor detecting a movement distance of a vehicle, for example; and ascertains the optical axis direction of the camera, based on an attachment position of the camera and the movement distance of the vehicle from where a static object being tracked is out of an image capturable region of the rear camera due to an approach of the vehicle to where the vehicle comes into contact with the static object. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140347483 | WORK VEHICLE PERIPHERY MONITORING SYSTEM AND WORK VEHICLE - A work vehicle periphery monitoring system ( | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347484 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION OF VEHICLE - The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing the surrounding environment information of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a first information extraction unit for collecting sensing information about a surrounding environment of a vehicle and extracting lane information and object information based on the sensing information. A second information extraction unit acquires an image of the surrounding environment of the vehicle, and extracts lane information and object information based on the image. An information integration unit matches and compares the lane information and the object information extracted by the first information extraction unit with the lane information and the object information extracted by the second information extraction unit, determining ultimate lane information and ultimate object information based on results of comparison, and providing the ultimate lane information and the ultimate object information to a control unit of the vehicle. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347485 | ENHANCED FRONT CURB VIEWING SYSTEM - A system and method for determining when to display frontal curb view images to a driver of a vehicle, and what types of images to display. A variety of factors—such as vehicle speed, GPS/location data, the existence of a curb in forward-view images, and vehicle driving history—are evaluated as potential triggers for the curb view display, which is intended for situations where the driver is pulling the vehicle into a parking spot which is bounded in front by a curb or other structure. When forward curb-view display is triggered, a second evaluation is performed to determine what image or images to display which will provide the best view of the vehicle's position relative to the curb. The selected images are digitally synthesized or enhanced, and displayed on a console-mounted or in-dash display device. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347486 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH TARGETLESS CAMERA CALIBRATION - A camera calibration system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. An image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. The camera calibration system is operable to generate camera calibration parameters utilizing a bundle adjustment algorithm. Responsive to image processing of captured image data during movement of the vehicle along an arbitrary path, and responsive to the bundle adjustment algorithm, the camera calibration system is operable to calibrate the camera. The bundle adjustment algorithm may iteratively refine calibration parameters starting from a known initial estimation. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347487 | METHOD AND CAMERA ASSEMBLY FOR DETECTING RAINDROPS ON A WINDSCREEN OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method and a camera assembly for detecting raindrops ( | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347488 | VIDEO DISPLAY MIRROR AND VIDEO DISPLAY MIRROR SYSTEM - A video display mirror is provided with a half mirror, a monitor, and an interlocking mechanism. The half mirror is used so that a vehicle passenger can look toward the rear of the vehicle. The monitor is disposed near the half mirror toward the front of the vehicle. The interlocking mechanism moves in relation to a video image being displayed on the monitor and changes the angle of a reflection surface of the half mirror from the position of the half mirror when the rear of the vehicle is viewed. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347489 | VEHICLE REAR MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle rear monitoring system ( | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347490 | VEHICLE, DISPLAY DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - To provide a semiconductor device in which a layer to be peeled is attached to a base having a curved surface, and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a display having a curved surface, and more specifically a light-emitting device having a light emitting element attached to a base with a curved surface. A layer to be peeled, which contains a light emitting element furnished to a substrate using a laminate of a first material layer which is a metallic layer or nitride layer, and a second material layer which is an oxide layer, is transferred onto a film, and then the film and the layer to be peeled are curved, to thereby produce a display having a curved surface. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140354810 | CONTAINER DATA CENTER MOVING SYSTEM - A container data center moving system employed to a container data center during transportation includes a photo processing module, a calculating module, a determining module and a control module. The photo processing module obtains moving state of the container data center and other moving objects on a road according to a photo of the road. The present moving state includes movement directions, movement speeds and movement accelerations. The calculating module determines whether the container data center is likely to collide with any moving object under their present moving states and evaluates a time length to a collision likely happened between the container data center and any moving object. The determining module determines whether the time length is less than a preset value. The control module stores date of the container data center in running to a data backup module if the time length is less than the preset value. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354811 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED LOW LIGHT CAPABILITIES - A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera, a control and a display device. The camera is disposed at a vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera includes a two dimensional array of a plurality of photosensing elements. The control has an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. The display device is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and includes a video display screen. Responsive to a determination of a reduction in light level at the imaged scene, the control is operable to adjust at least one of (i) an exposure time for image capture by the camera and (ii) a frame rate of image capture by the camera. The control is operable to adjust the camera to control the display intensity of video images displayed by the video display screen. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354812 | Headrest-Supported Vehicle Monitoring System - A means for a driver to monitor the back seat of an automobile without having to physically turnaround is provided. The present invention comprises a camera, a camera holder that is removably mountable to an automobile car seat headrest, a video monitor, a monitor holder that is removably mountable to an automobile air vent, and a means of wirelessly transmitting video captured by the camera to the monitor for viewing thereon. The present invention is adapted to provide individuals who are driving with the ability to watch their children who are secured in rearward-facing car seats without having to physically turn around and take their eyes off of the road. The present invention thereby provides drivers with peace of mind and increases road safety. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354813 | Surroundings Monitoring Device for Work Machine - [Problem] The present invention has an object to improve the safety and the efficiency of the work by making surveillance of the situation around a work machine more precisely with excellent visibility. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354814 | Pop-Up Type Camera Module for Vehicle and Method of Controlling Appearance and Disappearance of the Camera Module - A pop-up type vehicle camera unit according to the present invention includes a camera module; a cover member installed in the rear of the camera module and configured to protect the camera module; a driving motor configured to have one end coupled to the cover member and to rotate the cover member while operating in conjunction with forward rotation and backward rotation operations; and a control unit configured to detect a power source supplied to the camera module, forward rotate the driving motor so that the camera module pops up when the power source supplied to the camera module is turned on, and backward rotates the driving motor so that the camera module is hidden when the power source supplied to the camera module is turned off, wherein the pop-up type camera unit is installed at least one of a front grill and a rear garnish of the vehicle. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354815 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DRIVER ASSISTANCE DEVICE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, DRIVER ASSISTANCE DEVICE AND MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for operating a driver assistance device ( | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354816 | Peripheral Monitoring Device for Transportation Vehicle - This invention comprises, for the sake of improving the safety at the time of traveling a transportation vehicle by displaying an image corresponding to the traveling direction of the dump truck | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354817 | TRAFFIC SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING DRIVER VISIBILITY - Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140354818 | Vehicle Service System Optical Target Assembly Calibration - A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140362219 | CAMERA FOR A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE HAVING THE CAMERA - A camera for a vehicle, the camera including: an image sensor; and a camera lens system for imaging a coverage region on the image sensor; the camera lens system having at least one lens; and the camera lens system and the image sensor determining an optical axis of the camera. In this connection, The camera lens system further includes a nonplanar reflector element which deflects the optical axis of the camera. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140362220 | PERIPHERY-MONITORING DEVICE FOR WORKING MACHINES - A periphery-monitoring device for working machines creates an output distance image based on an input distance image taken by a distance image sensor attached to a working machine. The periphery-monitoring device for working machines includes a computer programmed to execute a process including obtaining coordinates on an input distance image plane on which the input distance image is positioned, obtaining coordinates on an output distance image plane on which the output distance image is positioned and associating the input distance image and the output distance image with each other. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140362221 | VISION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A vehicular vision system includes a forward facing camera at a windshield of a vehicle with a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The camera is operable to capture image data for a plurality of driver assistance systems of the vehicle. Responsive to processing by an image processor of captured image data, a lane of a road along which the vehicle is traveling is determined and an oncoming vehicle approaching the vehicle is detected, and the vision system determines whether a detected oncoming vehicle is in a lane to the right of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling or is in a lane to the left of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling. The at least three driver assistance systems of the vehicle includes a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and at least another driver assistance system. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140368651 | MOBILE IMAGING PLATFORM CALIBRATION - Mobile platforms are used to capture an area using a variety of sensors (e.g., cameras and laser scanners) while traveling through the area, in order to create a representation (e.g., a navigable set of panoramic images, or a three-dimensional reconstruction). However, such sensors are often precisely calibrated in a controlled setting, and miscalibration during travel (e.g., due to a physical jolt) may result in a corruption of data and/or a recalibration that leaves the platform out of service for an extended duration. Presented herein are techniques for verifying sensor calibration during travel. Such techniques involve the identification of a sensor path for each sensor over time (e.g., a laser scanner path, a camera path, and a location sensor path) and a comparison of the paths, optionally after registration with a static coordinate system, to verify that the continued calibration of the sensors during the mobile operation of the platform. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140368652 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EFFICIENTLY MONITORING PARKING OCCUPANCY - A system and method for determining parking occupancy and maintaining a database of parking occupancy data by receiving video data for a parking area from multiple video cameras, determining parking occupancy data for the parking area using the video data for the parking area, generating textual data corresponding to the parking occupancy data for the parking area, and transmitting the textual data corresponding to the parking occupancy data for the parking area to a central server. The central server can receive textual data from multiple devices and maintain and update a database of parking occupancy data based on the textual data received. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140368653 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING RESPONSIVENESS IN A VEHICLE COMPUTING PLATFORM - A method and system for improving responsiveness of a vehicle computing platform includes enabling a camera feature during the pre-boot phase of a computing device and using a special-purpose operating mode of the computing device to initiate the streaming of camera image data to a display. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140368654 | CHROMATIC ABERRATION COMPENSATION FOR VEHICLE CAMERAS - A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera includes a lens and a pixelated imaging array having a plurality of photosensing elements. The camera is operable to sense color via color filters at respective photosensing elements. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. The vision system is operable to determine an aberration of colors in the captured image data and to correct the aberration of colors. The vision system determines the aberration based on parameters of the lens, and the vision system may corrects the aberration of colors by scaling the color channels according to a location of the respective pixels and the respective parameters of the lens for that location. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140368655 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DRIVER ASSIST SYSTEM FOR MANEUVERING AND/OR PARKING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for operating a driver assist system for supporting a driver during maneuvering and/or parking a motor vehicle includes recording with at least one environmental sensor three-dimensional environmental data of an environment of the motor vehicle; generating with the driver assist system a three-dimensional model based on the three-dimensional data recorded by the environmental sensor, said model describing at least a portion of the motor vehicle and at least a portion of the environment of the motor vehicle; generating with the driver assist system at least one image using the three-dimensional model, said image showing at least the at least one portion of the motor vehicle in relation to surrounding objects; and displaying the image on a display. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140368656 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE - A three-dimensional object detection device can enhance the accuracy in detecting a three-dimensional object regardless of the brightness in the detection environment. The device has an image capture means that captures an image of a predetermined area and an image conversion means that converts the image through a viewpoint conversion into birds-eye view image. A first three-dimensional object detection means aligns positions of bird's-eye view images at different times obtained by the image conversion means, counts the number of pixels that exhibit a predetermined difference on a differential image of the aligned bird's-eye view images to generate a frequency distribution thereby creating differential waveform information, and detects a three-dimensional object on the basis of the differential waveform information. A second three-dimensional object detection means detects edge information from the bird's-eye view image obtained by the image conversion means and detects a three-dimensional object on the basis of the edge information. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140368657 | VEHICLE REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE PROVIDED WITH SAID VEHICLE REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM - [Problem] To provide a vehicle rearview mirror system which is capable of eliminating a circumstance that a driver feel a sense that something is wrong, even in a case where a screen of a display device is caused to one-to-one correspond with an aspect ratio of the vehicle rearview mirror, and the ratio of the display screen of the display device is made different from an aspect ratio of an image which is acquired by a vehicle-mounted camera. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140375804 | METHOD FOR AVAILABLE PARKING DISTANCE ESTIMATION VIA VEHICLE SIDE DETECTION - A computer-implemented method, system, and computer-readable medium is disclosed for determining an estimated available parking distance for a vehicle via vehicle side detection in one or more image frames from an operational video. The operational video can be acquired from a fixed parking occupancy video camera and can include a field of view associated with a parking region. The method can include obtaining operational video from a fixed parking occupancy video camera; detecting, within a region of interest (ROI) of the one or more image frames from the operational video, a side of one or more vehicles parked in a parking region facing a traffic lane using a trained classifier that is trained to detect the side of the one or more vehicles; and determining an estimated available parking distance based on the side of the one or more vehicles that are detected. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375805 | CAMERA ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE - A camera assembly includes a camera unit including a lens module, a camera housing accommodating the camera unit, and a vehicle housing disposed on the vehicle. A hanging element and an angle adjustment element are formed on an upper portion and a lower portion of the camera housing respectively. The hanging element is hanged on the vehicle housing and the angle adjustment element is fastened on the vehicle housing. A lens opening is formed between the hanging element and the angle adjustment element to allow the capture of images. The elevation/depression angle of the lens module of the camera unit can be changed by turning the angle adjustment element in or out. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375806 | CONFIGURABLE DISPLAY SYSTEM - A system for assisting an operator to maneuver a machine is provided. The system includes an image capturing device configured to capture an image of an environment in relation to the machine. The system also includes a display device configured to display an overlay of a plurality of zones on the captured image, the zones have one or more associated parameters. A controller is communicably coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to receive a user input indicative of a change associated with the one or more parameters associated with at least one of the plurality of zones. The controller is also configured to adjust the one or more parameters of at least one of the plurality of zones based on the user input. Further, the controller is configured to display the adjusted overlay on the display device. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375807 | CAMERA ACTIVITY SYSTEM - A vehicle may be equipped with one or more cameras, each of which may be connected to a storage medium. In turn, the storage medium may be connected to a transmitter that may be used to transmit images (still or video) to a remote server. Image capture may be triggered by various occurrences, events, or signals. An input device, including but not limited to, a button, switch, or voice-activated interface, may be used to trigger image capture. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375808 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR MONITORING A NUMBER OF PASSENGERS IN AN AUTOMOBILE - A monitor is utilized for installing inside an automobile to monitor a number of passengers in an automobile. The monitor includes an image capturing device, and a processing unit is connected to the image capturing device. The image capturing device successively captures a plurality of images in the automobile. The processing unit receives the images from the image capturing device to arrange an image sequence, wherein the processing unit includes an image dividing module, an image processing module, and a motion detecting module. The image dividing module divides each of the images into a plurality of recognition blocks, the image processing module compares the recognition blocks of consecutive images in the image sequence to acquire an image variance value, and the motion detecting module has a threshold value and determines the recognition blocks as a human-present condition when the image variance value surpasses the threshold value. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375809 | VEHICLE CCTV CAMERA APPARATUS - In a vehicle closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera apparatus mounted on a vehicle to capture images of internal and external surroundings thereof and to transmit the captured images, the camera apparatus includes: a camera module; a holding device configured to hold the camera module in a manner that enables capturing angles of the camera module to be adjusted; a housing configured to house the camera module while having an inner bottom surface coupled to the holding device; and a shock-absorbing member interposed between the holding device and the housing to absorb shock by elastically supporting the holding device and the camera module. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375810 | VEHICULAR SAFETY METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS - In accordance with one aspect of the present technology, a driver's inattention is communicated to other drivers, so that they may take appropriate defensive measures. Examples of measures that may be taken include increasing a distance from the inattentive driver, and driving so as to avoid the need for sudden braking or other abrupt action. Many other features and arrangements are also detailed. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375811 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A DISPLAY DEVICE SITUATED ALONG A STREET, AND CORRESPONDING VEHICLE SYSTEM - A device for operating a display device located on a road includes: a determination device for determining when a vehicle is entering a visual range of the display device; and a control for controlling the display device as a function of a result of the determination. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375812 | Method for representing a vehicle's surrounding environment - A method for modifying a plane of projection in response to detection of at least one object, in particular, at least one raised object in the surroundings of a vehicle. The surroundings of the vehicle are monitored for raised objects. The coordinates of a base point of at least one detected, raised object and the width thereof are determined. The plane of projection is raised in front of the at least one detected, raised object, starting from the base point thereof, if indicated, within a transition region. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375813 | INTEGRATED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SURVEILLANCE CAMERA FOR VEHICLE - An integrated control system and method using a vehicle surveillance camera, the method including: receiving vehicle license plate number information obtained by analyzing an image captured using the vehicle surveillance camera, from the vehicle surveillance camera via a server; receiving time information and position information about when and where the captured image was generated, from the vehicle surveillance camera via the server; and constructing a database by referring to the vehicle license plate number information, the time information, and the position information received via the server. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375814 | Periphery Monitoring Device for Self-Propelled Industrial Machine - This invention discloses an around surveillance device for an automotive industrial machine to display camera images taken by plural cameras disposed on the automotive industrial machine having a display controller which comprises a view point convertor to convert the view point of the camera images to upper view point to create a bird's eye image, an image selector one or more images to be displayed on the monitor from a plural number of camera images and the bird's eye image, an image composite devise to compose an icon to indicate the position of the camera to be selected image from the image selector, and an image creator to create an composite image of the image composited said icon. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375815 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE - An exposure level determination unit ( | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140375816 | Vehicle Display Device with Movement Compensation - A method for operating a camera assembly for a vehicle involves displaying at least one image information item on a surface. In response to a proper motion of the surface, the at least one image information item is changed in such a way that the proper motion of the surface is at least largely compensated for. To this end, at least two sequential images are captured by a camera of the camera assembly. At least one reference object that is present in both sequential images is identified. The at least one image information item is fixed in relation to the at least one reference object during the proper motion of the surface. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150009327 | IMAGE CAPTURE DEVICE FOR MOVING VEHICLES - A device is configured to determine location information associated with a set of image capture devices, and determine an object location associated with an object. The device is configured to select an image capture device, of the set of image capture devices, based on the location information and the object location. The image capture device may be selected based on the location information, of the image capture device, relative to the location information of other ones of the set of image capture devices. The device is configured to receive image information associated with the image capture device based on selecting the image capture device, where the image information includes an image of the object. The device is configured to provide the image information. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150009328 | Agricultural harvesting machine - An agricultural harvesting machine has a control arrangement including an optical sensor device for recording image series of a continuous main crop stream, an evaluation device for ascertaining a portion of damaged grain, a portion of non-grain in the main crop stream or both, on the basis of an image analysis of the recorded image series and a visualization device for displaying the portion of damaged grain and/or the portion of non-grain. The control arrangement cyclically records image series of the continuous main crop stream and, within a predetermined processing time after an image series has been recorded, displays a current portion of damaged grain, a current portion of non-grain or both, based on the image series. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150009329 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING SURROUNDINGS OF MACHINERY - A surroundings monitoring device ( | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150009330 | OBJECT DETECTION DEVICE - An object detection device is equipped with an object detection unit that detects a moving object in a periphery of a vehicle, and a threshold change unit that changes, based on mobility information on the vehicle, a detection threshold in detecting the moving object. Thus, by changing the detection threshold T such that the moving object becomes difficult to detect during a movement of the host vehicle, especially during a turn thereof, the occurrence of an erroneous detection can be suppressed even in a situation where an erroneous detection is likely to occur. It is preferable that the detection threshold be changed such that the moving object becomes difficult to detect as a speed increases or as a steering angle increases. The detection threshold may be changed in stages or continuously based on the mobility information on the vehicle. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150009331 | REAL TIME RAILWAY DISASTER VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND RESCUE GUIDANCE SYSTEM USING MULTI-LAYERED VIDEO COMPUTATIONAL ANALYTICS - The system for real time train disaster vulnerability assessment and rescue guidance using multi layered video computational analytics comprises digital video cameras mounted on train, video cameras mounted at fixed locations on rail route; unmanned aerial monitoring vehicle; train on-broad computer system mounted on train and centralized system centrally located in railway network. The digital video cameras capture video images of railways track and adjacent structure from running train and automatically compute degree of disaster vulnerability from collective analysis of output from all video cameras. In case degree of disaster vulnerability exceeds predetermined threshold value a disaster alert is triggered to take immediate precautionary measures while simultaneously activating On Board Rescue and Response System. In case degree of disaster vulnerability is below predetermined threshold value, the analytics output is transmitted to higher level modules for in-depth advanced analytics by combining real-time train data or real-time geographic and environmental data contributing to a potential disaster. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150015706 | VEHICLE EXTERIOR IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE - A vehicle exterior image capturing device is provided with a detecting unit, such as a sensor microphone and a sensor camera, that detects a predetermined change n conditions of an occupant in a compartment of a vehicle, an exterior image capturing unit that continuously images the exterior of the vehicle compartment and generates a series of exterior images, and a storage unit that stores a part of the series of exterior images when the predetermined occupant's condition change is detected by the detecting unit. The vehicle exterior image capturing device may further include an interior image capturing unit that continuously images the interior of the vehicle compartment and generates a series of interior images. In the latter case, the storage unit also stores a part of the series of interior images. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015707 | TELEPRESENCE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRACKING HEAD MOVEMENT OF A USER - A telepresence system and method is disclosed for removing error introduced to video images displayed to a user. A remote pan and tilt system tracks the motion of the user's head, and moves a pan and tilt system to capture images of the remote environment. By sensing noise in the movement of the user and/or the motion of the vehicle, error caused by noise is reduced within the displayed video images. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015708 | TELEPRESENCE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING OUT OF RANGE MOTION - A telepresence system and method is disclosed for aligning a remote pan and tilt system with the position of a user's head and for displaying to the user a first portion of the field of capture of the remote pan and tilt system. The pan and tilt system moves to track the movement of the user's head. When the pan and tilt system is in a misaligned position with the position of the user's head the image displayed to the user is a second portion of the field of capture of the remote pan and tilt system. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015709 | MONITORING A PARKING PERMIT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - With a method according to the invention for monitoring a parking permit of a motor vehicle, it is determined whether the motor vehicle is in a parking situation in which a parking authorization pass is necessary for a parking permit, and on the occurrence of such a parking situation the presence of a parking authorization pass is checked for and a first information signal is output to a driver of the motor vehicle in the absence of the parking authorization pass. The invention also relates to a device for monitoring a parking permit of a motor vehicle. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015710 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM - A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera in the vehicle with a field of view that encompasses at least a hand of a driver of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the camera. The control, responsive to image data processing, is operable to determine a hand of the driver of the vehicle and, responsive to determination of movement of the driver's hand, is operable to determine if the movement is indicative of a gesture for controlling an accessory of the equipped vehicle. The control learns habitual movements of the driver's hand and, responsive to (i) determination that a detected gesture is not indicative of a learned habitual movement and (ii) determination that the detected gesture is indicative of a gesture for controlling an accessory of the equipped vehicle, the control generates an output for controlling the accessory. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015711 | METHOD AND CAMERA ASSEMBLY FOR DETECTING RAINDROPS ON A WINDSCREEN OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for detecting raindrops ( | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015712 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE METHOD - Herein provided are an object detection section | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015713 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH LIGHT BAFFLING SYSTEM - A vehicle vision system includes a bracket, a stray light shield and a camera module. The bracket is configured to attach at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield. The light shield includes a base portion and side walls that extend upward from the base portion so as to establish a pocket. The camera module includes a camera having an image sensor array and a lens, and the camera module is configured to mount at the bracket. The stray light shield, when the camera module is mounted at the bracket attached at the windshield, shields the image sensor array from light emanating from within the cabin of the vehicle. At least the base portion of the stray light shield comprises light traps structurally established thereat and configured to reduce incidence of extraneous light at the image sensor array. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015714 | TRAVEL CONTROL DEVICE AND TRAVEL CONTROL METHOD - A travel control device includes ultrasonic obstacle detection sensors detecting an obstacle entering a rear side of a vehicle and a distance to the obstacle, and an image obstacle detection unit detecting the obstacle entering the rear side of the vehicle by using an image of the rear side. If a distance to the obstacle detected by the sensors is equal to or less than an activation threshold for warning, the travel control device issues a warning, and sets the activation threshold larger as the vehicle speed of the vehicle becomes higher. If the vehicle is detected preparing to move rearward and the image obstacle detection unit detects the obstacle, the travel control device sets the activation threshold to a constant value regardless of the vehicle speed. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015715 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING AN ENVIRONMENT OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a device for monitoring an environment of a vehicle, wherein the environment is captured by means of a plurality of image capturing units, the capture ranges ( | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150022663 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE THEFT DETECTION AND PREVENTION USING A SMARTPHONE AND VIDEO-BASED PARKING TECHNOLOGY - Methods and systems for preventing vehicle theft. A video stream of a parking area wherein a vehicle is parked can be captured, the video stream provided by a theft notification service to which the vehicle is pre-registered. The vehicle in the video stream can be identified. The video stream is then analyzed to detect motion with respect to the vehicle. An alert can then be generated if motion is detected. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150022664 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM WITH POSITIONABLE VIRTUAL VIEWPOINT - A vehicle vision system includes a plurality of cameras disposed at a vehicle and having respective exterior fields of view and a display screen for displaying images derived from captured image data in a surround view format where captured image data is merged to provide a single composite display image from a virtual viewing position. A gesture sensing device is operable to sense a gesture made by the driver of the vehicle. A control provides a selected displayed image for viewing by the driver to assist the driver during a particular driving maneuver. The control is responsive to sensing by the gesture sensing device, whereby the driver can adjust the displayed image by at least one of (a) touch and (b) gesture to adjust at least one of (i) a virtual viewing location, (ii) a virtual viewing angle, (iii) a degree of zoom and (iv) a degree of panning. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150022665 | VEHICLE CAMERA SYSTEM WITH IMAGE MANIPULATION - An image, such as a frame of video, is captured by a single camera positioned on a vehicle to capture a scene external to the vehicle. A first image manipulation is performed on a first region of the image to generate a first manipulated region. A second image manipulation is performed on a second region of the image to generate a second manipulated region. The second region is different from the first region. The second image manipulation is different from the first image manipulation. A manipulated image including the first manipulated region and the second manipulated region is generated by a processor and displayed on a display in the cabin of the vehicle. In this way, central, left, and right regions of the image can be manipulated differently to aid the driver of the vehicle. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150029336 | DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER - A video recorder mounted on a car windscreen. Sidewalls of a housing form an enclosed internal cavity housing a video camera. One sidewall of the housing is substantially flat, providing a fastening side for mounting the housing to the windscreen either directly or through a gasket, or through a gasket with a firm plate for forming a detachable fixation of the recorder to the windscreen. The housing fastening side, the gasket and the plate each have an opening of the same form and arrangement as the window. An optical axis of a video camera lens is directed through the cavity to the window, wherein an external radiation passing into the cavity and falling on the lens can be acquired by a camera image sensor for obtaining an image. Such a construction avoiding stray external light sources hitting the lens and avoids distortion of the received image from the external sources. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150029337 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE MODULE - An electronic device module includes a metallic casing having at least one boss formed therein, an electronic device unit placed inside the casing, connector terminals for external device connection electrically connected to the electronic device unit, and a metallic ground shell disposed so as to surround the connector terminals, having a front surface covered with a metal coated layer and including at least one boss insertion portion formed, a head of the at least one boss inserted into the at least one boss insertion portion and the coated layer positioned on a periphery of the corresponding at least one boss insertion portion being welded to each other to electrically connect and fix the ground shell to the casing. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150029338 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING BIRD'S-EYE VIEW HAVING FUNCTION OF AUTOMATICALLY CORRECTING IMAGE - The present invention discloses a bird' s-eye view image-producing device having a function of automatically calibrating an image. The bird's-eye view image-producing device automatically corrects a change in camera location due to a passenger getting into an automobile even if a driver does not perform a separate calibration step to produce the bird's-eye view image. The bird's-eye view image-producing device may include: a first camera and a second camera for taking images of perimeters of a vehicle to generate a first image and a second image, a tilt calibrating unit for calibrating a tilt of the first camera caused by the passenger's weight, by comparing an image acquired through the first camera when the vehicle starts with a reference image for the first camera taken before a passenger has gotten into the vehicle; and a bird's-eye view image producing unit for producing a bird's-eye view image having a perspective that views the perimeter of the vehicle from an upper part of the vehicle by combining a first image with the second image, the first image being taken by the first camera that is calibrated with regard to the tilt. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150035979 | METHOD FOR DERIVING ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION FROM DETECTING THE REAR LIGHTS OF PRECEDING VEHICLES - A method for deriving environmental information from detecting the rear lights of preceding vehicles, including the following steps: Recording a sequence of images with a camera that captures the surroundings in front of the vehicle; Detecting and tracking rear lights of preceding vehicles in the sequence of images; and Analysis of the position and movement of the tracked rear lights and deriving environmental information from this analysis. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150035980 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - The invention relates to an image capturing device comprising an image sensor. A first polarizing filter is arranged in at least one first subarea in front of the image sensor while a second polarizing filter is arranged in at least one second subarea. The polarizing filters have different directions of polarization (h;v). The image capturing device of the invention comprises an evaluation unit which is able to detect the presence of polarized light by comparing the intensities of the at least two subareas that are polarized differently. In other words, the intensity in the subarea of the image sensor which receives electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the first polarizing filter is compared with the intensity in the subarea of the image sensor which receives electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the second polarizing filter. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150035981 | SIGN INFORMATION OUTPUT APPARATUS - A sign information output apparatus includes an output instructor for instructing an information output section to stop output of sign information if a traveled distance measured in response to the detection of a sign exceeds a threshold value, and a threshold value changer for changing a threshold value depending on at least one of interval information with respect to an interval at which signs of one type are placed, speed limit information with respect to a speed limit of the road, and a speed of the vehicle. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150035982 | IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - An image capturing device for a vehicle includes: a first image capturing apparatus configured to image a surrounding environment of the vehicle, situated outside a window of the vehicle, through a first region of the window, in a first image; and a second image capturing apparatus configured to image a second region of the window in a second image, the first region and the second region overlapping at least partly. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150035983 | METHOD AND VEHICLE ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR ACTIVE WARNING AND/OR FOR NAVIGATION ASSISTANCE TO PREVENT A COLLOSION OF A VEHICLE BODY PART AND/OR OF A VEHICLE WHEEL WITH AN OBJECT - A method for active warning and/or for navigation assistance to prevent a collision of a vehicle body part and/or of a vehicle wheel with at least one curb and/or another similar object, the at least one object being recognized based on an evaluation of the images of the vehicle surroundings recorded with the aid of at least one camera situated on the vehicle, and an active warning being issued and/or an active intervention in the vehicle dynamics being carried out when a possible collision exists between a vehicle body part and/or a vehicle wheel and the at least one recognized object. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150035984 | In-Vehicle Image Processing Device and Method - The object of the present invention is to improve the detection capability for detecting a preceding vehicle that may collide with a driver's vehicle using a stereo camera having rolling shutter types of CMOS sensor. The present invention relates to an in-vehicle image processing device that includes: plural imaging sections for imaging the area ahead of a driver's vehicle; an image processing section for detecting another vehicle using disparity information about plural images obtained by the imaging sections. In this case, the imaging sections include imaging devices the exposure timing of each of which is different on the basis of a line of the imaging screen, and the imaging devices |
