System and method for providing front-oriented visual information to vehicle driver

Abstract

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

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 592,505, filed Jan. 30, 2012, entitled A FRONT LEFT VEHICLE CAMERA ALLOWING SAFETY PULLING OUT SHOWING ONSCREEN VISUAL TO DRIVER, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to vehicle safety devices, and more particularly to visual displays that enhance vehicle safety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Each year, thousands of people die or are badly injured in automobile accidents. One situation that causes needless accidental deaths and injury arises when a car moves into a street or motorway from a position that is perpendicular to the axis of that street or motorway. This can occur when a vehicle is moving out of a street, parking garage or parking space. Drivers pulling in to oncoming traffic from such a position must begin by placing the front end of their vehicle far enough out into the street that the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

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

[0008]Illustratively, the camera is located in and is flush

Problems solved by technology

Often, such vehicles face hazards in performing these maneuvers because the driver must pull far enough forward to visually observe the near lane of traffic from his or her vantage point—which is typically several feet

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