ITBO20080506A1 - VISUALIZATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

attached to a patent application for INDUSTRIAL INVENTION having the title

SYSTEM. DISPLAY FOR VEHICLES

The present invention relates to a display system for vehicles and in particular a universal display system that can be installed after market on any vehicle and which allows viewing from the rear of the vehicle itself.

The present invention also relates to a method for installing the aforementioned display system on board the corresponding vehicle.

The known type of display systems, intended in particular to provide assistance during the parking phase referred to in the present discussion, are based on the vision, by means of a camera, video camera or the like, of the area behind and behind the vehicle.

This vision is obtained with a system consisting of a video camera, a possible video processing system and a monitor, which can integrate the video processing system, positioned in the passenger compartment and visible to the driver.

If these systems are installed on board the vehicles from the outset or in the factory, the monitor displays the rear dimensions of the car, together, in general, with lines superimposed on the images; such lines indicate, for example, distances from objects, the real trajectory and the ideal trajectory for parking.

The most sophisticated systems integrate a sensor to know the steering angle which allows the processing system to exploit the information acquired by the camera as a function of the steering position and consequently modify the reticle superimposed on the real images and the overall dimensions of the vehicle. depending on the maneuvers performed by the driver. Such sophisticated systems can also evaluate, by means of digital image processing, obstacles and warn or help the driver in the maneuver.

It is important to note that the systems installed on board for initial assembly are designed knowing all the characteristics of the vehicle and in particular the overall dimensions of the same and the position in which the camera is mounted, which allows to appropriately choose the type of vehicle. camera as well as the type of functionality to be performed.

Conversely, the so-called "after market" display systems, that is to say that can be mounted on vehicles after their manufacture, which generally include a camera and a monitor for viewing the images, generally provide only the image of the rear of the vehicle, without further information about the vehicle.

This situation is substantially unavoidable since the information of interest relating to the vehicle is distinguished among the different types of vehicle on which an after market system can be mounted and therefore cannot be implemented in a universal system.

Display systems that can be installed after market are known which are capable of providing predefined clearance lines which, however, have nothing to do with the actual dimensions of the vehicle or with a real distance from the objects surrounding the vehicle during parking.

Such information, such as the overall dimensions or the real measure of a distance, depend in particular on the shape of the vehicle and on the type of lens used in the camera; an objective comprising a lens which allows a more or less wide angular vision deforms the image differently.

The positioning of the camera on the rear of the vehicle, in the center, on the right side, on the left side, higher or lower, also affects the type of image displayed, risking providing misleading information to the driver.

In practice, known systems that can be installed after market are not satisfactory from the point of view of the information provided to the driver since they are not specifically dedicated to the generic vehicle on which they are installed and do not allow interaction with the technical characteristics of the same.

The cameras of known after-market systems can be installed in a multiplicity of positions depending on the shape of the vehicle, the bumper, any wiring or accessories installed that can force the cameras to be mounted in positions that are not entirely favorable for their effective use.

in this context, the main technical task of the present invention is to propose a display system which allows to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks.

An object of the present invention is to propose an after market installable display system which is effective and precise regardless of the vehicle on which it is mounted.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a display system that is precise and functional regardless of the type of camera used.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a method for installing a display system on a vehicle which allows the installation itself to be optimized.

The specified technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a display system according to claim 1 and one or more of the dependent claims and by an installation method according to claim 17 and one or more of the dependent claims.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a display system as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram relating to the display system for vehicles according to the present invention in a configuration of use, with some components omitted for greater clarity;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a first step of the installation process of the display system according to the present invention;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a second phase of the installation process of the display system according to the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a monitor of the display system during a fourth step of the installation process according to the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates the monitor of Figure 4 in a fifth step of the installation process according to the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates the monitor of the display system according to the present invention in a generic configuration of use;

Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram relating to the display system according to the present invention during a configuration of the same, with some components omitted for greater clarity.

In accordance with the attached drawings and with particular reference to Figure 1, the number 1 indicates a display system according to the present invention.

The system 1 can be installed on board a vehicle 2, illustrated in Figure 2, and comprises a camera, or video camera or video camera or the like 3 and a monitor 4 for viewing the images transmitted by the camera 3 in the form of a video signal S.

The monitor 4 comprises a processing unit 4a of a substantially known type which in alternative embodiments not shown is absent or integrated in the monitor 4.

Advantageously, the chamber 3 can be installed in a rear area 5 of the vehicle 2 to display on the monitor 4 what is behind the vehicle 2, in particular during reversing such as, for example, when parking.

The monitor 4 can be installed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 2 in a position which is easy to consult for a driver not shown.

The system 1 comprises a module 6 for processing a video signal interposed between the camera 3 and the monitor 4 to associate the aforementioned video signal S with the images coming from the camera 3 itself, a plurality of additional information in the form of a signal A.

Advantageously, in alternative embodiments not shown, the module 6 is integrated in the monitor 4.

The processing module 6 comprises a memory 7 in which the additional information is allocated, intended, in particular, to facilitate the driver of the vehicle 2 in driving in reverse.

Preferably, for example, the additional information comprises a series of lines, displayed on the monitor 4 together with the images transmitted by the camera 3, which are significant for the overall dimensions of the vehicle 2.

The additional information also includes significant lines of some predetermined distances from the vehicle 2 itself, to allow the driver to better assess the distance or proximity of any objects or obstacles from the vehicle 2.

It is important to note that the display system 1 according to the present invention is preferably of the universal type and can be installed "after market" on any vehicle 2 or after its commercialization.

This means that the aforementioned additional information, such as the overall dimensions of the vehicle 2 on which the system 1 will be mounted, are not known a priori to a generic installer but must be acquired and stored by the same in the system 1 at the end of the assembly on the vehicle, as will be clarified below. With reference to Figure 7, where a configuration of the system 1 is shown on the occasion of the acquisition of the aforementioned information, it can be observed that the system 1 comprises means 8 for acquiring said additional information, in particular the size of said vehicle 2.

In a first preferred embodiment, the acquisition means 8 comprise the chamber 3.

In general, the acquisition means 8 allow to read and / or record a datum, in particular the additional information, from an external system.

In a first configuration of the system 1, the installer, once the hardware has been assembled, i.e. with the monitor 4, the camera 3 and the processing module 6 positioned on the vehicle 2, functioning and interconnected, traces to the ground , for example on the floor, in an area B behind the vehicle 2, a plurality of lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Advantageously, the lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are traced by adhesive tape or, alternatively, they are traced on a pre-printed sheet of paper which is positioned behind the vehicle.

The lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are taken from the chamber 3 and, being included in the video signal S, displayed on the monitor 4.

Lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are significant of information of interest to the driver and relating, in particular, to the vehicle 2 and its position.

In this configuration, the chamber 3 defines the means 8 for acquiring information relating to the vehicle 2 since it is through the chamber 3 that the system 1 obtains such information.

For example, the lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 comprise two lines 9, 10 parallel to each other and obtained as a substantial extension of the sides of the vehicle 2 or significant in terms of its width; in practice the lines 9 and 10 show the overall dimensions of the vehicle 2 projected behind the vehicle 2 itself.

A line 11 is drawn behind the vehicle 2 to identify its end, a line 12 at a first distance of, for example 50 cm from the line 11 and a second line 13 at a distance d2, for example 75 cm, from the line 11 which, in practice, identify a predetermined distance from the vehicle 2.

The monitor 4 shows an image of the zone B behind the vehicle 2, defined by the signal S coming from the chamber 3, in which the lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are visible, correlated to the dimensions of the vehicle 2 and indicative of the predetermined distances.

According to what is illustrated in Figure 7, the system 1 comprises means 14 for positioning a graphic symbol 15 on the images displayed by the monitor 4. The positioning means 14 allow to generate and position, by means of an appropriate software, a graphic line 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, defining the symbol 15, in correspondence with each line 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 drawn behind to vehicle 2 and displayed on monitor 4.

In practice, the positioning means 14 generate a signal A comprising the graphic symbol 15 which is superimposed on the images coming from the chamber 3. In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the positioning means 14 comprise a plurality of buttons 30 which can be operated. manually to move, as will be better described below, the generic graphic symbol 15 until it superimposes it on the corresponding line 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

In other words, according to what is illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 5, the system 1 allows to associate a corresponding line to the lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 traced behind the vehicle 2 and significant for its actual size. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 graphics on the monitor 4.

As exemplified in Figure 4, the graphic lines arise in a first position of the monitor and are movable, by means of the positioning means 14, in particular by means of the buttons 30, on the monitor itself until they are positioned on the corresponding line drawn behind the vehicle 2.

Advantageously, the positioning means 14 allow an adjustment of the extension of the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Alternatively, the graphic symbol 15 comprises a predefined grid 31 and the positioning means 14 allow the grid 31 to be suitably positioned on the images displayed by the monitor 4.

For simplicity's sake, reference 31 indicates the grid defined by lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 as an example of a grid that can be positioned by means of the positioning means 14.

The graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 or the grid 31 are therefore positioned with respect to the images due to the chamber 3 in a significant position of the overall dimensions of the vehicle 2.

In an alternative solution, the positioning means 14 are automatic, for example integrated in the module 6, and are configured so that the lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are automatically positioned on the lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

In this configuration, in practice, the system 1 does not provide external controls, the buttons 30, for the movement of the lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 but the generation and positioning of these lines takes place automatically in the module 6 thanks to to the positioning means 14 integrated therein.

This operation is preferably carried out by exploiting a difference in chromatic contrast between the floor and the lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 traced thereon.

In other words, system 1 acquires lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 on the ground and automatically generates and places lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 on monitor 4.

As shown schematically in Figure 7, in general, the aforementioned memory 7 of the system 1 allows to memorize the position of the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, however obtained, or of the grid 31 in the position thus obtained and desired.

In this way, the system 1, as mentioned of the universal type, makes it possible to memorize for subsequent uses the graphic symbols 15 corresponding to the real dimensions of the vehicle 2 on which the system 1 is mounted and to the real distances to which there are obstacles behind the vehicle. , regardless, in particular, of the positioning and the type of chamber 3 used.

The processing module 6 comprises an analog or digital video mixer 21 to add the graphics lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, both during the configuration of the system 1 and in its use, to the aforementioned video signal S coming from the camera 3.

During the configuration, as mentioned, the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are generated and managed by the positioning means 14 (figure 7) while during the use of the same they are taken from the memory 7 (figure 1 ).

Figure 5 shows the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 during the configuration of the system 1 and in figure 6 the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are visible during the use of the system 1.

What is visible on the monitor 4 during the use of the system 1 is defined by the composite signal S + A or by a signal composed by the images transmitted by the camera 3 (signal S) and by the graphic symbols 15 stored in the memory 7 (signal TO).

According to what is illustrated in Figure 7, the system 1 comprises a computerized control and command unit 22, illustrated in broken line, in communication with the processing module 6 and functional to the configuration of the system 1 itself.

Unit 22 is optional or can be used by the installer for configuring the system 1 and / or for storing the acquired data.

In the latter case, the information or data acquired through the acquisition means 8 are stored in the computerized unit.

Preferably, the unit 22 allows the positioning of the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 in correspondence with the lines 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 drawn by the installer or the unit 22 defines the aforementioned positioning means 14 .

In practice, preferably, the unit 22 generates the graphic symbol 15 which is added in the form of signal A to the signal S from the mixer 21 and displayed on the monitor 4.

The unit 22 also allows the graphic symbol to be moved until it is positioned on the reference lines. Advantageously, the unit 22 comprises a respective memory in which the positions of the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 can be memorized for the particular application in place or for that specific vehicle 2 with a certain type of chamber 3 positioned in a certain position.

In this way, for subsequent applications of a system 1 to a second vehicle 2 identical to the previous one, after positioning the chamber 3 in the position previously determined for the similar vehicle, it is possible to transfer the relative information into the memory 7 of the processing module 6 to the vehicle (signal A) or the positioning of the graphic symbols 15 from the unit 22 practically avoiding drawing lines on the ground.

Through the unit 22 it is therefore possible to read and write the memory 7 of the module 6 and in particular, with an appropriate editing program, it is possible to add, move, modify or remove lines from the memory 7 itself.

in particular, in an alternative embodiment, once the dimensions of the vehicle, the angle of the lens of the chamber 3 and its positioning on the vehicle are known, the unit 22, by means of a suitable software, implements the set of lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 graphics or the 31 grid.

In practice, given the information relating to the vehicle and the aforementioned chamber, the unit 22 generates the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 or the grid 31 and positions them autonomously with respect to the images transmitted by the chamber 3.

In the preferred solutions illustrated, with particular reference to Figure 1, the module 6 for processing the signal S + A to be sent to the monitor 4 comprises means 23 for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle 2 to vary the position of the lines 16, 17 , 18, 19 and 20 graphics displayed as a function of the steering angle or the trajectory followed by the vehicle 2.

A functional block 23a receives in input the composite signal S + A and the information relating to the steering angle from the means 23 and modifies the position of the graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 or of the grid 31 according to the steering angle before sending the S + A signal thus obtained to the monitor 4.

Preferably, the means 23 for detecting the steering angle are of the analog type.

In alternative embodiments not illustrated, the means 23 for detecting the steering angle can be connected to a data network, substantially known and not described as it is not part of the present invention, present in the vehicle 2, to acquire the value of the steering angle from it.

The system 1 comprises means 24 for detecting an insertion of the reverse gear in the vehicle 2 for driving the processing module 6.

In practice, these means 24 activate the processing module 6, or the system 1 itself, in correspondence with the insertion of the reverse gear in the vehicle 2 to offer the images of the rear area. the method of installing the system 1 on the vehicle 2 comprises the steps of arranging the chamber 3 on the vehicle 2 in any rear position. The installer then sets up the monitor 4 for viewing the images transmitted by the camera 3 and the module 6 for processing the video signal S for interconnection between the camera 3 and the monitor 4.

Once the hardware installation has been completed, the procedure includes, as mentioned, the phase of acquiring the aforementioned additional information, in particular the dimensions of the vehicle 2.

Once acquired, additional information is stored in memory 7.

According to what has been described, the positioning of the graphic lines and the adjustment of their length takes place by means of the aforementioned positioning means 14, for example the buttons 30, or by means of the computerized unit 22 or automatically with the means 14 integrated in the module. 6.

As mentioned, it is also possible to download in the memory 7 configurations of the lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 graphics already acquired in applications on vehicles similar to the vehicle 2 in question, as schematically illustrated in Figure 7.

The method therefore provides for arranging the system 1 to receive the information from the steering angle detection means 23, or to arrange the same in the vehicle 2 or to acquire this information from the data network of the vehicle 2.

Similarly, the system 1 is arranged to be operated upon engagement of the reverse gear by means 24 for detecting the reverse gear engaged.

When installation is completed, in use, when reverse gear is engaged, the monitor 4 shows the driver, as schematized in figure 6, an image of the rear area of the vehicle on which the previously graphic lines 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are superimposed. stored in the memory 7 and mobile according to the trajectory followed by the vehicle 2.

The invention as described achieves important advantages.

The display system as described provides the driver with accurate and compliant information on the vehicle on which the system is installed.

Although it is an application preferably of the "after market" type and therefore completely generic, it allows precise customization according to the assembly.

The general installer, even without the technical data relating to the vehicle, is able to obtain a system configuration comparable to expensive first assembly systems.

It is important to note that the system is absolutely simple, easy to use and easy to install and therefore relatively inexpensive.

The invention thus described can be subject to modifications and variations without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the claims.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims (30)

CLAIMS X. Visualization system that can be installed on board a vehicle (2), said visualization system comprising a camera (3), a monitor (4) for viewing images transmitted by the camera (3) and a processing module (6) of a video signal (S, A) interposed between said camera (3) and said monitor (3) to associate said images coming from the camera (3) with a plurality of additional information, said processing module (6) comprising a memory ( 7) for said additional information, said display system being characterized in that it comprises means (8) for acquiring said additional information, in particular the size of said vehicle (2). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise said chamber (3). System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a computerized control and command unit (22) associable with said processing module (6) and defining said acquisition means (8). 4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said acquisition means (8) comprise means (14) for positioning on said images displayed by said monitor of at least one graphic symbol (15) defining at least partially said additional information. 5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that said positioning means (14) are automatic. 6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that said positioning means (14) exploit a chromatic contrast between said graphic symbol (15) and a support thereof. System according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said graphic symbol (15) comprises a plurality of graphic lines (16, 17, 18, 19, 20). 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of said lines (18, 19, 20) indicates a certain distance from said vehicle (2). 9. System according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a second and a third of said lines (16, 17) indicate the width of said vehicle. 10. System according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that said graphic symbol (15) is movable, by means of said positioning means (14), on said monitor (4) between a first starting position and a second position corresponding to a predetermined reference (9, 10, 11, 12, 13). 11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that said predetermined reference (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) is acquired by said chamber (3). System according to claim 4, characterized in that said positioning means (14) are provided in said processing module (6). System according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that said positioning means (14) are provided in said computerized control and command unit (22). System according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a memory (7) for memorizing the position of said graphic symbol (15) displayed on the monitor (4), said graphic symbol (15) being positioned on said reference (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) predetermined. System according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises means (23) for detecting the steering angle of said vehicle (2), said graphic symbol (15) stored in said memory (7) and displayed on said monitor ( 4) being movable on said monitor (4) as a function of said steering angle. System according to claim 15, characterized in that said means (23) for detecting the steering angle are of the analog type. System according to claim 15, characterized in that said steering angle detection means (23) can be connected to a data network present in said vehicle (2), said steering angle detection means (23) steering by acquiring the steering angle from said data network. 18. System according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it comprises means (24) for detecting a reverse gear engagement in said vehicle (2) to activate said processing module (6) as a function of insertion reverse. 19. Process for installing a display system (1) on a vehicle (2) comprising the steps of arranging a camera (3) on said vehicle (2), preparing a monitor (4) for viewing images taken by said camera (3), providing a module (6) for processing a video signal (S, A) between said camera (3) and said monitor (4) to associate said images coming from the camera (3) with a plurality of additional information, characterized in that it comprises the steps of acquiring said additional information and storing it in said processing module (6). 20. Process according to claim 19, characterized in that said additional information includes the dimensions of said vehicle. 21. Process according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that said acquisition step comprises the step of tracing in correspondence with said vehicle (2) at least one line (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) defining at least partially said information . 22. Process according to claim 21, characterized in that said acquisition step comprises the step of displaying said line (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) drawn from said camera (3) on said monitor (4). 23. Process according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises the step of superimposing on said line (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) drawn in correspondence with the vehicle (2) and displayed on the monitor (4) a corresponding symbol ( 15) chart. 24. Process according to claim 23, characterized in that said superimposing step takes place through a computerized control and command unit (22). 25. Process according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that it comprises the step of storing in said processing module (6) the position of said graphic symbol (15) corresponding to said line (9, 10, 11, 12, 13 ). Method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that it comprises the step of drawing at least one line (11, 12, 13) at a given distance from the vehicle (2) and the step of memorizing a symbol (18 , 19, 20) graph corresponding to said line. 27. Process according to any one of claims 19 to 26, characterized in that it comprises the step of drawing a second and a third line (9, 10) indicating the width of said vehicle (2) and the step of memorizing a second and a third graphic symbol (16, 17) corresponding respectively to said second line and to said third line. Method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that said step of acquiring said information comprises the step of defining said information by means of a computerized control and command unit (22). 29. Process according to claim 28, characterized in that said information is defined according to the constructive characteristics of said vehicle. 30. Process according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that said information is defined as a function of the position of said chamber (3) on said vehicle.