Image sensing system for a vehicle

Abstract

An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor comprising a two-dimensional array of light sensing photosensor elements. The system includes a logic and control circuit comprising an image processor for processing image data derived from the imaging sensor. The logic and control circuit generates at least one control output for controlling at least one accessory of the vehicle. The imaging sensor is disposed at an interior portion of the cabin of the vehicle and preferably has a field of view exterior of the vehicle through a window of the vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 643,602, filed Aug. 19, 2003 (Attorney Docket DON01 P-1087), which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09 / 776,625, filed on Feb. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,202, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09 / 313,139, filed on May 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,447, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 935,336, filed on Sep. 22, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,331, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 445,527, filed on May 22, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,935, which is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 08 / 023,918, filed Feb. 26, 1993, by Kenneth Schofield and Mark Larson, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,677.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to vision systems for vehicles and, more particularly, to rearview vision systems which provide the vehicle operator with scenic ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is directed towards enhancing the interpretation of visual information in a rearview vision system by presenting information in a manner which does not require significant concentration of the driver or present distractions to the driver. This is accomplished according to the invention in a rearview vision system having at least two image capture devices positioned on the vehicle and directed rearwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A display is provided for images captured by the image capture devices. The display combines the ca...

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, rearview mirrors protrude a substantial distance from the side of the vehicle, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces more difficult.

The driver cannot perceive vehicles, objects, or other road users in such blind spots without turning his or her body, which interferes with forward-looking visual activities.

Camera-based rearview vision systems for vehicles have not obtained commercial acceptance.

One difficulty with proposed systems has been that they present a large amount of visual information in a manner which is difficult to comprehend.

This difficulty arises from many factors.

This may confuse the driver as to whether more than one object is present.

This results in different vertical positions on the display causing the elongated image to appear disjointed.

This makes the ability to judge distances in a camera system a problem.

Therefore, known camera sy...

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