Wireless camera installed in the license plate light

Abstract

This invention provides a wireless camera that can be installed in the license plate light, eliminating the hassle of wiring external power supplies and signal lines, and effectively transmitting rearward video to a front-facing display device. [Solution] The wireless camera installed in the license plate light includes a lamp cover unit, a lamp unit, an imaging module, a wireless communication unit, and a power supply module. The lamp cover unit is installed in the position of the vehicle's license plate light and provides heat dissipation and antenna functionality. The lamp unit and imaging module are installed within the lamp cover unit. The lamp unit is directed towards the license plate, and the imaging module captures rearward light to generate a rearward image. The wireless communication unit transmits the rearward image to an external display. The power supply module is electrically connected to the power supply interface of the vehicle's license plate light to obtain power. The power supply module is positioned to supply the power necessary for the operation of each component. The lamp unit is electrically connected to the power supply module or power supply interface to obtain power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle-mounted cameras, and particularly to a wireless camera installed on a license plate light. It is installed at the position of the license plate light of two-wheeled or three-wheeled motor vehicles such as motorcycles or electric bicycles, maintains the lighting function of the original license plate light, and transmits the rear video to the front display device through a wireless communication method, enabling the user to monitor or record the road conditions behind.

Background Art

[0002] With the heavy traffic on the road, when a motorcycle or (electric) bicycle travels on the road, it is often difficult to prevent sudden accidents or collisions from behind. In order to reduce the risk of accidents and obtain the basis for accident liability, there are already various vehicle-mounted camera products in the market, or the rear road is monitored by an electronic rearview mirror device.

[0003] However, many existing vehicle-mounted cameras or electronic rearview mirrors need to additionally install an imaging lens at the rear of the vehicle body and wire the power line and signal line to transmit power and video to the screen or display device on the front handle. Although such means can achieve the display effect of the rear video, since the power line and signal line need to be separately arranged, the installation process is complicated and inconvenient for the user. In addition, if the wiring is exposed for a long time, it is easily damaged by environmental factors, resulting in insufficient reliability.

[0004] Therefore, on the premise of not affecting the original layout and structure of the vehicle body, integrating the vehicle-mounted camera at the rear position of the vehicle body, eliminating the trouble of wiring external power sources and signal lines, and effectively transmitting the rear video to the front display device has become an important issue in this field.

[0005] Based on the above, the inventor of the present invention has invented a wireless camera installed on a license plate light, expecting to improve the defects of the prior art and enhance industrial implementation and utilization.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wireless camera that can be installed in the license plate light in order to improve the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, this invention provides a wireless camera to be installed in the license plate light, which includes a lamp cover unit, a lamp unit, an imaging module, a wireless communication unit, and a power supply module. The lamp cover unit is installed in the position of the vehicle's license plate light. The lamp unit and imaging module are installed inside the lamp cover unit. The lamp unit is oriented towards the position of the vehicle's license plate. The imaging module is oriented towards the rear of the vehicle and is positioned to capture rearward light to generate a rearward image. The wireless communication unit is electrically connected to the imaging module and transmits the rearward image to an external display. The power supply module is electrically connected to the vehicle's power supply interface to obtain power. The power supply module is electrically connected to the imaging module and the wireless communication unit and supplies the power necessary for the operation of the imaging module and the wireless communication unit. Here, the lamp unit is electrically connected to the power supply module or the power supply interface to obtain power.

[0008] Preferably, the power supply interface includes power connectors for the vehicle's license plate lights, taillights, or turn signals.

[0009] Preferably, the power supply interface is the power connector for the vehicle's license plate light.

[0010] Preferably, the imaging module includes a lens module, an optical sensor, and an image processing unit. The optical sensor is installed at one end of the lens module. The lens module is positioned to receive image light from behind the vehicle. The optical sensor uses the image light to generate an image signal. The image processing unit is electrically connected to the optical sensor and generates a rear image corresponding to the image light based on the image signal.

[0011] Preferably, the external display is a video display device or a smartphone, and the external display and the wireless communication unit perform wireless pairing to receive and display rear video.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless camera installed in the license plate light includes a heat dissipation member. The heat dissipation member is arranged to guide the heat generated by the imaging module, wireless communication unit, and power supply module to the surface of the lamp cover unit for heat dissipation.

[0013] Preferably, the antenna of the wireless communication unit is installed on the lamp cover unit.

[0014] Preferably, the antenna is located on one side of the heat dissipation member.

[0015] Preferably, the lamp unit is located on one side of the imaging module.

[0016] The following describes the technical features of the present invention in detail with reference to specific embodiments and the attached drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand the purpose, technical features, and advantages of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] To more clearly explain the technical concepts of the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction of the drawings necessary for describing the embodiments of the present invention. Clearly, the drawings described below represent only some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these. [Figure 1]This is a block diagram of the wireless camera to be installed in the license plate light of this invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the wireless camera installed in the license plate light of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an application diagram of a wireless camera installed in the license plate light of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of different embodiments of the wireless camera installed in the license plate light of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of another different embodiment of the wireless camera installed in the license plate light of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The advantages, features, and technical methods of this invention will be more readily understood by referring in more detail to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings. Furthermore, since this invention can be realized in different forms, it should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, to those skilled in the art, the provided embodiments make the disclosure of this invention more thorough and comprehensive and fully convey the scope of this invention, and this invention is defined solely by the appended utility model claims. Where otherwise, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatus, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to interfere with the description of this invention.

[0019] The terms "first," "second," etc., may be used in this invention to describe various elements, members, regions, sections, layers, and / or parts, but these elements, members, regions, sections, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, member, region, section, layer, and / or part from another element, member, region, section, layer, and / or part.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this invention shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be further understood that terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the related art and this invention, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined in the present text.

[0021] Also, the terms used in the description of this invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this invention. As used in the description of this invention and the appended utility model registration claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms.

[0022] Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 5 together. FIGS. 1 to 3 are respectively the block diagram, layout diagram, and application diagram of the wireless camera installed on the license plate light of this invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 are the layout diagrams of different embodiments of the wireless camera installed on the license plate light of this invention. As shown in the figures, the wireless camera D installed on the license plate light of this invention mainly includes a lamp cover unit 1, a lamp unit 2, an imaging module 3, a wireless communication unit 4, and a power module 5.

[0023] Among them, the lamp cover unit 1 is installed at the position of the license plate light of the vehicle 9 and replaces the lamp cover design of the original license plate light. The lamp unit 2 and the imaging module 3 are installed in the lamp cover unit 1, and the lamp unit 2 is located on one side of the imaging module 3. Here, the lamp unit 2 is arranged to face the position of the license plate of the vehicle 9, for example, downward, leftward, or rightward, etc. The imaging module 3 is arranged to face the rear of the vehicle 9, captures the video light behind the vehicle 9, and generates a rear video 331.

[0024] Incidentally, inside the lamp cover unit 1, elements such as a reflecting member can be appropriately installed in accordance with the light emission direction of the lamp unit 2. Further, on the outer periphery of the lamp cover unit 1, a structure such as a screw hole or a stud can be provided in accordance with the method of fixing to the vehicle 9. Since the technical means such as the above-described reflecting member, screw hole, or stud are well-known or commonly used by those skilled in the art, they will not be described in detail here.

[0025] The imaging module 3 includes a lens module 31, an optical sensor 32, and an image processing unit 33. The optical sensor 32 is installed at one end of the lens module 31. The lens module 31 is arranged to receive imaging light behind the vehicle 9. The optical sensor 32 uses the imaging light to generate an image signal. The image processing unit 33 is electrically connected to the optical sensor 32, and the image processing unit 33 generates a rear image 331 corresponding to the imaging light based on the image signal.

[0026] The wireless communication unit 4 is electrically connected to the imaging module 3 and is used to transmit the rear image 331 generated by the image processing unit 33 to the external display 6. The wireless communication unit 4 can adopt Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), 5G, or other short-distance high-speed wireless communication protocols. Among them, Wi-Fi transmission is preferred. This is because it can provide higher image resolution and stable real-time transmission. In addition, the wireless communication unit 4 has a pairing function to quickly establish a connection with the external display 6 so that the driver can check the rear situation in real time.

[0027] The power module 5 is electrically connected to the power supply interface 91 of the vehicle 9 to obtain power, and the power module 5 is also electrically connected to the imaging module 3 and the wireless communication unit 4, supplying the power necessary for the operation of the imaging module 3 and the wireless communication unit 4. Here, the power supply interface 91 includes the power connector for the license plate light, taillight, or turn signal of the vehicle 9. Preferably, the power supply interface 91 is the power connector for the license plate light of the vehicle 9. Notably, the lamp unit 2 is electrically connected to the power module 5 or the power supply interface 91 and utilizes the power provided by the power module 5 or the power supply interface 91. Preferably, the lamp unit 2 is electrically connected to the power module 5.

[0028] Incidentally, the external display 6 displays the rear view video 331. The external display 6 is a video display device or a smartphone, and the external display 6 and the wireless communication unit 4 perform wireless pairing to receive and display the rear view video 331. The external display 6 is positioned to display the rear view video 331 in sync and can record and save the video.

[0029] Of particular note is that the wireless camera D installed in the license plate light includes a heat dissipation member 7, which can be installed on the inner surface of the lamp cover unit 1. The heat dissipation member 7 is positioned to guide and dissipate the heat generated by the imaging module 3, wireless communication unit 4, and power supply module 5 to the surface of the lamp cover unit 1. In addition, the antenna 41 of the wireless communication unit 4 is installed in the lamp cover unit 1, for example, on the inner surface of the lamp cover unit 1. Preferably, the antenna 41 is located on one side of the heat dissipation member 7, for example, one side in the left-right direction.

[0030] The design objective of this invention is to solve the inconvenience of having to wire power and signal lines when installing conventional on-board cameras on the rear of two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles or bicycles, while simultaneously incorporating the original illumination function of the vehicle's license plate light, and providing advantages such as a compact structure, easy installation, stable operation, and improved safety for the entire device.

[0031] The wireless camera D installed in the license plate light of this invention mainly includes a lamp cover unit 1, a lamp unit 2, an imaging module 3, a wireless communication unit 4, a power supply module 5, and a heat dissipation member 7. The entire unit is installed in the position of the license plate light of the vehicle 9, and power is supplied from a power supply interface 91 at the rear of the vehicle 9.

[0032] The lamp cover unit 1 is installed in the position of the license plate light of the vehicle 9 and primarily functions as a housing for the lamp unit 2 and the imaging module 3, replacing the original lamp cover design of the license plate light and combining the functions of heat dissipation and antenna placement. Since the lamp cover unit 1 and the lamp unit 2 are elements commonly used by those skilled in the art, they will not be described in further detail here. In addition to protecting the internal elements, the lamp cover unit 1 allows the lamp unit 2 to transmit light and maintain its illumination function. The shape of the lamp cover unit 1 can be designed according to different vehicle types, and is applicable to, for example, circular, rectangular, or streamlined license plate lights. This invention does not limit the external shape of the lamp cover unit 1, and any lamp cover unit 1 that can accommodate the lamp unit 2, imaging module 3, wireless communication unit 4, power supply module 5, and heat dissipation member 7, and maintain the optical transmission effect, falls within the scope of this invention.

[0033] The lamp unit 2 is located inside the lamp cover unit 1 and is used to provide illumination for the license plate light. The lamp unit 2 can employ either a conventional incandescent bulb or an LED light source, with the LED light source being preferred. This is because it has high luminous efficiency, a long lifespan, and low power consumption, effectively reducing the burden on the power module 5 or the power supply interface 91. The installation position of the lamp unit 2 is usually located on one side of the imaging module 3, for example, on one side in the vertical direction, and preferably, the image acquisition position of the lens module 31 is closer to the rear of the vehicle 9 compared to the light emission position of the lamp unit 2, so that the field of view of the imaging module 3 is not affected by direct light interference from the light source. For example, the lamp unit 2 is located at one end of the lamp cover unit 1 (adjacent to the front of the vehicle 9), and the imaging module 3 is located at the other end of the lamp cover unit 1 (adjacent to or in close contact with the light-transmitting cover at the rear of the vehicle 9). This allows the imaging module 3 to capture a clear image of the area behind the vehicle 9 even when the lamp unit 2 is lit at night.

[0034] Notably, since there are already clear regulations regarding license plate lights in road traffic safety standards, this invention can gain additional technical advantages from these existing requirements. Furthermore, license plate lights must use a white light source, and compared to general taillights and brake lights which often use red light, when the imaging module 3 is installed in the position of the license plate light, the impact of color cast in the image capture environment is reduced, and the rear image is closer to the actual road surface color. In addition, there are regulations regarding the brightness (or lumens (lm)) of license plate lights, which can also reduce the impact on image capture. Moreover, since the illumination direction of the license plate light is mainly directed towards the license plate itself, and the lens of the imaging module 3 is directed towards the rear of the vehicle 9, the direction of light from the two is different, so by utilizing this directional distinction in the structural arrangement, the maximum area of ​​the entire product can be reduced, and the lamp unit 2 and imaging module 3 can be more compactly integrated into the lamp cover unit 1 without interfering with each other.

[0035] The imaging module 3 is installed inside the lamp cover unit 1 and is directed towards the rear of the vehicle 9, used to capture image light from the rear environment. The imaging module 3 includes a lens module 31, a light sensor 32, and an image processing unit 33. The lens module 31 may be a wide-angle lens to expand the field of view behind the vehicle. The lens module 31 receives image light from behind the vehicle and focuses the light on the light sensor 32. The light sensor 32 converts the received light into an image signal and transmits it to the image processing unit 33. The image processing unit 33 performs digitization and calculations to generate a clear rear image 331. The image processing unit 33 can also be equipped with image compression and real-time optimization functions, for example, to automatically adjust brightness and contrast to cope with day and night changes and different weather conditions, ensuring that the rear image 331 maintains its discernibility under any circumstances.

[0036] The external display 6 may be a dedicated video display device or a smartphone owned by the user. If the external display 6 is a smartphone, it can connect to the wireless communication unit 4 via an application to display real-time rear view video 331 and also save recorded files. If the external display 6 is a separate display module, it can be fixed to the steering wheel or instrument panel of the vehicle 9 and display the rear view video 331 on a dedicated screen. Regardless of the form of the external display 6 used, the effect of allowing the driver to understand the situation behind the vehicle in real time can be achieved. In addition to displaying the rear view video 331, the external display 6 may also have recording and saving functions, allowing the user to save the rear view video 331 as evidence in the event of an accident. This design not only improves driving safety but also increases the amount of evidence available in legal disputes.

[0037] The power module 5 is electrically connected to the vehicle's power supply interface 91, which is typically the power connector for the license plate light. The power module 5 converts the electrical energy supplied by the vehicle 9 into a stable voltage and current suitable for use by the lamp unit 2, imaging module 3, and wireless communication unit 4. This allows the entire wireless camera D, installed in the license plate light, to be tightly integrated with the vehicle 9's original power system, eliminating the need for additional wiring or an external battery, significantly simplifying the installation process, and improving ease of use.

[0038] The heat dissipation member 7 is installed inside the lamp cover unit 1 and is located adjacent to the imaging module 3, wireless communication unit 4, and power supply module 5. It effectively absorbs heat generated during the operating process and conducts the heat to the surface of the lamp cover unit 1 for dissipation. The heat dissipation member 7 can be made of extruded or snap-type heat dissipation fins, metal heat conductive pieces, or high thermal conductivity composite materials, maintaining a stable temperature even under prolonged operation and avoiding degradation of image quality or damage to components due to overheating. In addition, layered heat conductive elements such as thermal conductive grease or thermal conductive sheets can be provided between the heat dissipation member 7 and the lamp cover unit 1, or between the heat dissipation member 7 and other elements such as the imaging module 3. Notably, the antenna 41 of the wireless communication unit 4 is also installed inside the lamp cover unit 1, which is advantageous for wireless communication and transmission. Incidentally, the heat dissipation member 7 can have a reflective layer installed on its surface to meet requirements such as reflection, and similarly, the antenna 41 can also have a reflective layer or reflective cover installed on its surface to meet requirements such as reflection. These are technical means that are well known or commonly used by those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in further detail here.

[0039] In another embodiment, the optical sensor 32 of the imaging module 3 can employ an element with low light source sensitivity, such as a CMOS sensor, to improve image quality at night or in low-light environments. Combined with the real-time algorithm of the image processing unit 33, it is possible to provide clear rearward images 331 even when driving at night or in tunnel environments.

[0040] Furthermore, to improve durability, the entire wireless camera D installed in the license plate light can be equipped with a waterproof structure. A waterproof rubber ring can be installed at the joint between the lamp cover unit 1 and the imaging module 3, and the housings of the imaging module 3 and the wireless communication unit 4 can be sealed to prevent the ingress of rainwater and dust. This design ensures that the wireless camera D installed in the license plate light operates stably in various weather conditions.

[0041] This invention can be further expanded with different functions. For example, the video processing unit 33 can combine artificial intelligence algorithms to detect the distance between the vehicle behind and the vehicle itself, and provide a warning message on the external display 6 to improve driving safety. The wireless communication unit 4 can also support the connection of multiple devices, allowing rear-seat passengers to view the rear video 331 in sync on their smartphones, improving convenience and flexibility of use.

[0042] In general, the wireless camera D installed in the license plate light of this invention integrates the lamp unit 2 and the imaging module 3 within the same structure (lamp cover unit 1) through the design of the lamp cover unit 1. Furthermore, the power module 5 directly obtains power from the vehicle's power supply interface 91, and in combination with the real-time video transmission of the wireless communication unit 4, the external display 6 can synchronously display the rear view image 331. This design effectively eliminates the inconvenience of additional wiring and other processes that occur when using conventional cameras, and has significant advantages in terms of compact structure, easy installation, waterproof durability, and heat dissipation stability, making it widely applicable to motorcycles, bicycles, or other light vehicles. In addition, the power supply for the license plate lights of many two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles or electric bicycles all belong to a "normal power supply after power is turned on" circuit design. Whether it is a conventional key-ignition vehicle or a smart vehicle that is activated by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, short-range wireless communication, or a button, the license plate light circuit always supplies power stably after the vehicle enters an operating state. Therefore, users can bring the entire system into an operational state in sync without performing any additional startup actions, enhancing ease of use and reliability.

[0043] As described above, this invention not only maintains the existing functions of license plate lights but also adds the capability to record driving data, thus combining the dual effects of illumination and safety monitoring. Through the structural integration and functional design of this invention, drivers can grasp the situation behind the vehicle in real time, significantly improving driving safety and providing reliable evidence in the event of an accident, demonstrating the technological inventiveness and industrial application value of this invention.

[0044] In some embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the embodiments described above can be arbitrarily combined and applied, provided they are not contradictory. For example, the embodiments of the devices described above are merely illustrative, and the division of modules is merely one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation. For example, multiple modules or elements can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or omitted.

[0045] The modules described as the separating members may or may not be physically separated, and the members referred to as modules may or may not be physical modules. That is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple places. Some or all of these modules can be selected as needed to achieve the objectives of the embodiment. Furthermore, each functional module in each embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into a single module, or each module may exist physically independently, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module.

[0046] As stated above, the embodiments described above are used solely to illustrate the technical concepts of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. The present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments described above, which should be understood by those skilled in the art. Modifications can be made to the technical concepts described in each of the embodiments described above, or some or all of the technical features therein can be replaced with equivalent substitutions. These modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical concepts to deviate from the scope of the technical concepts of each embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] Wireless camera installed in the D license plate light. 1 Lamp cover unit 2 Lamp Units 3. Imaging Module 31 Lens Module 32 Light Sensors 33 Video Processing Unit 331 Rear view 4 Wireless communication unit 41 Antenna 5 Power Modules 6. External display 7 Heat dissipation components 9 vehicles 91 Power supply interface

Claims

1. A wireless camera installed in the license plate light, A lamp cover unit installed in the position of the vehicle's license plate light, A lamp unit installed in the lamp cover unit, configured to be directed towards the vehicle's license plate position, An imaging module installed in a lamp cover unit, which is directed toward the rear of the vehicle and is configured to capture image light from behind the vehicle and generate a rear image; A wireless communication unit electrically connected to the imaging module and transmitting the rear image to an external display, A power supply module electrically connected to the vehicle's power supply interface to acquire power, the power supply module electrically connected to the imaging module and the wireless communication unit, and which supplies the power necessary for the operation of the imaging module and the wireless communication unit, Includes, A wireless camera installed in a license plate light, characterized in that the lamp unit is electrically connected to the power module or the power supply interface to obtain power.

2. A wireless camera installed in a license plate light according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply interface includes a power connector for the license plate light, taillight, or turn signal of the vehicle.

3. The wireless camera installed in the license plate light according to claim 2, characterized in that the power supply interface is the power connector of the license plate light of the vehicle.

4. The imaging module includes a lens module, a light sensor, and an image processing unit, wherein the light sensor is installed at one end of the lens module, the lens module is configured to receive image light from the rear of the vehicle, the light sensor generates an image signal using the image light, the image processing unit is electrically connected to the light sensor, and the image processing unit generates the rear image based on the image signal, characterized in that the wireless camera is installed in the license plate light according to claim 3.

5. The wireless camera installed in the license plate light according to claim 4, wherein the external display is a video display device or a smartphone, and the external display and the wireless communication unit perform wireless pairing to receive and display the rear video.

6. The wireless camera installed in the license plate light includes a heat dissipation member installed in the lamp cover unit, wherein the heat dissipation member is configured to guide and dissipate heat generated by the imaging module, the wireless communication unit, and the power supply module to the surface of the lamp cover unit, as described in claim 3 or 4.

7. The wireless camera installed in a license plate lamp according to claim 6, characterized in that the antenna of the wireless communication unit is installed in the lamp cover unit.

8. The wireless camera installed in the license plate light according to claim 7, characterized in that the antenna is located on one side of the heat dissipation member.

9. The wireless camera installed in the license plate lamp according to claim 2, characterized in that the lamp unit is located on one side of the imaging module.

Images