Camera surveillance system with self-cleaning articulated camera wing

Abstract

A camera arm for a camera surveillance system (CMS) includes a base configured to be secured to a vehicle, the base including a wiper. The pivot arm is mounted on the base at the joint. The actuator is configured to articulate the pivot arm relative to the base using the joint. A camera assembly is disposed in the pivot arm and is configured to face rearward with the base secured to the vehicle. The articulation of the joint is configured to move the pivot arm between the deployed position and the stowed position, the articulation of the joint moves the camera assembly on the wiper in a sliding direction as the pivot arm moves between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera monitoring system (CMS) for a commercial truck or similar vehicle, and in particular to an articulated camera arm or wing having a self-cleaning camera feature. Background Art

[0002] Rearview mirror replacement systems and camera systems for supplementing the rearview mirror view are used in commercial vehicles to enhance the vehicle operator's ability to observe the surrounding environment. Camera monitoring systems (CMS) utilize one or more cameras to provide an enhanced field of view for the vehicle operator. In some examples, the CMS covers a larger field of view than a traditional rearview mirror or includes views that are not fully available through a traditional rearview mirror.

[0003] In a typical CMS, a camera arm is arranged on each side of the vehicle to provide Class II and Class IV views or similar views. Displays are provided on the A-pillars on the driver's side and the passenger's side to display the field of view of the camera arm on that side, thereby simulating a traditional rearview mirror.

[0004] Each camera arm uses at least one rear-view camera assembly that provides a rear-view view to the driver via a display located in the vehicle cabin. The camera may be obscured by rain, snow, ice, and road debris when the vehicle is parked and during operation. The obscuration may impair the quality of the displayed view, which is particularly problematic where the CMS has completely replaced the rearview mirror.

[0005] One proposed camera cleaning system uses a camera arm having a pivot arm that rotates relative to a base fixed to the vehicle. A camera module is telescopically supported for longitudinal movement relative to the pivot arm. The camera module includes a camera on the pivot arm that can be wiped by a wiper. A washing nozzle is also arranged in the pivot arm for spraying washing fluid on the camera. This design places many components within the arm itself, which requires a large packaging envelope that increases the drag coefficient and reduces fuel economy. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a camera arm for a camera monitoring system (CMS) includes a base configured to be fixed to a vehicle, the base including a wiper. A pivot arm is mounted on the base at a joint. An actuator is configured to articulate the pivot arm relative to the base using the joint. A camera assembly is disposed in the pivot arm and is configured to face rearward when the base is fixed to the vehicle. The articulation of the joint is configured to move the pivot arm between a deployed position and a stowed position, and the articulation of the joint moves the camera assembly on the wiper in a sliding direction as the pivot arm moves between the deployed position and the stowed position.

[0007] In further embodiments of any of the above, the base includes a slot that receives a portion of the pivot arm including the camera assembly in the stowed position.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the base includes a seal disposed around at least a portion of the wiper. The seal provides a camera sealing area configured to surround the camera assembly when in the stowed position.

[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the camera arm includes a drain port from the camera seal area to a location outside of the camera seal area.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the camera assembly includes a lens, and a transparent cover is disposed over the lens. The wiper is configured to wipe the transparent cover to remove debris on the transparent cover when the pivot arm moves in the sliding direction.

[0011] In further embodiments of any of the above, the camera assembly includes a lens exposed to the external environment in the deployed position. The wiper is configured to wipe the lens to remove debris from the lens when the pivot arm moves in the sliding direction.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the base includes a heater configured to be adjacent to the camera assembly when the pivot arm is in the stowed position.

[0013] In further embodiments of any of the above, the joint includes a linkage and at least one track configured to provide rotation of the pivot arm and movement of the pivot arm in a sliding direction relative to the base in response to operation of the actuator.

[0014] In further embodiments of any of the above, the base includes at least a portion of a washing system having a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on the camera assembly in response to the input.

[0015] In further embodiments of any of the above, the CMS including the camera arm further includes a controller in communication with the actuator, the camera assembly, the washing system, and the input. The controller is configured to coordinate operation of the actuator and the washing system in response to the input.

[0016] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the CMS including the camera arm also includes a camera assembly, which includes an image capture unit configured to provide at least one of the two fields of view and includes at least one display configured to depict at least a portion of at least one of the two fields of view.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for removing debris from a camera monitoring system (CMS) camera assembly includes: actuating a pivot arm mounted on a base fixed to a vehicle; causing the pivot arm to articulate between a deployed position and a stowed position relative to the base about a joint; in response to the articulating step, causing the pivot arm to slide relative to the base; and in response to the sliding step, causing the camera assembly on the pivot arm to wipe on a wiper supported on the base.

[0018] In further embodiments of any of the above, the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base.

[0019] In another embodiment of any of the above, the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base after the sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the stowed position to the deployed position. The articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base before the sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0020] In further embodiments of any of the above, the wiping step is performed during at least one of a pivot arm deployed operation and a pivot arm stowed operation.

[0021] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes the step of receiving a portion of the pivot arm in a slot in the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the stowed position.

[0022] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes the step of placing the camera assembly in the base adjacent the heater in response to moving the pivot arm to the stowed position.

[0023] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes the step of positioning the camera assembly proximately within the confines of the seal on the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the stowed position.

[0024] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes the step of spraying a washing fluid at the camera assembly prior to performing the wiping step. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present disclosure may be further understood by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic front view of a commercial truck having a camera monitoring system (CMS) with a camera arm for providing at least Class II and Class IV views.

[0027] Figure 1Bis a schematic top view of a commercial truck with a camera monitoring system showing Class II, Class IV, Class V, Class VI, and Class VIII views.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a vehicle cabin containing a CMS and including a display.

[0029] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An articulated camera arm is shown with a pivoting arm in a stowed position and a deployed position, respectively, relative to a base fixed to the vehicle.

[0030] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Depicted are example joints for articulating the pivot arm between the stowed and deployed positions, respectively.

[0031] Figure 5A is a front view of the camera assembly of the pivoting arm.

[0032] Figure 5B is a front view of the wiper, seal and nozzle on the base.

[0033] Figure 6 is an example method of operating the disclosed camera debris removal system.

[0034] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of its various aspects or individual features) may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments unless these features are incompatible. The same reference numerals and names in the various drawings represent the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 shows a schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle cab or tractor 12 for towing a trailer 14. It should be understood that the vehicle cab 12 and / or trailer 14 may be of any configuration. Although commercial trucks are contemplated in the present disclosure, the present invention may also be applied to other types of vehicles. The vehicle 10 includes a camera monitoring system (CMS) 15 ( Figure 2 ), the camera monitoring system has a driver-side camera wing or arm 16a and a passenger-side camera wing or arm 16b (collectively, "camera arms 16") mounted on the exterior of the vehicle cab 12. If desired, the camera arms 16a, 16b may also include conventional reflectors integrated therewith, but in some examples the CMS 15 may be used to completely replace the reflectors. In other examples, multiple camera arms may be included on each side, each arm housing one or more cameras and / or reflectors.

[0036] like Figure 1B As shown, each camera arm 16a, 16b includes a base 36 that is secured directly to, for example, the cab 12 using fasteners or other attachment hardware. A pivot arm 38 is supported by the base 36 and can be articulated relative to the base 36 (if such a feature is desired). In this example, the camera arm 16 has a power fold feature in which an actuator (at 34, Figure 2 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5B ) is used to make the pivot arm 38 in the stowed position S ( Figure 3A , Figure 4A ) and the expanded position D( Figure 3B , Figure 4B ) between. At least one rear view camera 20a, 20b (generally, "camera 20") is disposed within camera arms 16a, 16b, respectively. Each arm 16a, 16b may also provide a housing for electronics (e.g., controller 30 ( Figure 2 ))'s shell.

[0037] External cameras 20a and 20b provide external field of view FOV EX1 FOV EX2 , each external field of view includes a Class II view and a Class IV view ( Figure 1B ), Class II views and Class IV views are legally required views in the commercial truck industry. The Class II view on a given side of the vehicle 10 is a subset of the Class IV view on the same side of the vehicle 10. If desired, multiple cameras may also be used in each camera arm 16a, 16b to provide these views. Class II and Class IV views are defined, for example, in European R46 legislation, and the United States and other countries have similar driver visibility requirements for commercial trucks. Any reference to a "class" of view is not intended to be limiting, but rather is intended as an example of the type of view provided to a display by a particular camera.

[0038] For example, a first video display 18a and a second video display 18b are arranged on or near an A-pillar 19a, 19b (collectively, A-pillar 19) on each of the driver's side and the passenger side within the vehicle cab 12 to display Class II and Class IV views on their respective sides of the vehicle 10 that provide rear side views along the vehicle 10 captured by external cameras 20a, 20b.

[0039] If video of Class V and / or Class VI views is also desired, a camera housing 16c and camera 20c may be arranged at or near the front of the vehicle 10 to provide those views ( Figure 1B). A third display 18c disposed within the cab 12 near the top center of the windshield may be used to display to the driver Class V and Class VI views toward the front of the vehicle 10. The displays 18a, 18b, 18c (collectively, the displays 18) face a driver area 24 within the cabin 22 where the operator sits in a driver's seat 26. The location, size, and field of view of the views streamed to any particular display may vary from the configurations described in this disclosure and still encompass the disclosed invention.

[0040] If video of a Class VIII view is desired, camera housings may be disposed on the sides and rear of the vehicle 10 to provide a field of view that includes some or all of the Class VIII area of ​​the vehicle 10. In such an example, the third display 18c may include one or more frames that display the Class VIII view. Alternatively, additional displays may be added adjacent to the first display 18a, the second display 18b, and the third display 18c to provide a display dedicated to providing a Class VIII view.

[0041] In terms of the hardware architecture of the controller 30, such a computing device may include a processor, a memory, and one or more input and / or output (I / O) device interfaces communicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface may include, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses and / or other wired or wireless connections. The local interface may have additional elements (for simplicity, additional elements are omitted), such as controllers, buffers (cache), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, for implementing appropriate communications between the aforementioned components. In addition, the local interface may include address, control, and / or data connections for implementing appropriate communications between the aforementioned components.

[0042] Controller 30( Figure 2 ) may be a hardware device for executing software, particularly software stored in memory. The controller 30 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or any device generally used to execute software instructions.

[0043] The memory may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, VRAM, etc.) and / or non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CD-ROM, etc.). In addition, the memory may contain electronic, magnetic, optical and / or other types of storage media. The memory may also have a distributed architecture in which various components are remote from each other but can be accessed by the processor.

[0044] The software in the memory may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. System components embodied as software may also be interpreted as source programs, executable programs (object code), scripts, or any other entity including a set of instructions to be executed. When constructed as a source program, the program is translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, etc., which may or may not be included in the memory.

[0045] The disclosed input devices and output devices that can be coupled to the system I / O interface can include input devices such as, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones, cameras, mobile devices, proximity devices, etc. In addition, output devices such as, but not limited to, printers, displays, etc. Finally, input devices and output devices can also include devices that communicate as input and output ends, such as, but not limited to, modulators / demodulators (modems; used to access another device, system, or network), radio frequency (RF) or other transceivers, telephone interfaces, bridges, routers, etc.

[0046] When the controller 30 is in operation, the processor may be configured to execute software stored in the memory, to transfer data to and from the memory, and generally control the operation of the computing device according to the software. The software in the memory is read in whole or in part by the processor, possibly buffered within the processor, and then executed.

[0047] Continue to refer to Figure 2 , the controller 30 communicates with the washing system 32 and the actuator 34. The controller 30 coordinates the folding of the camera arm 16 and the operation of the washing system 32 to clean the camera. Figure 3A and Figure 3B 4 and 5. The camera assembly 42 is shown in the stowed position S and the deployed position D, respectively. When stowed to protect the camera assembly 42 from the environment, the camera assembly 42 is tucked into the slot 44 in the base 36.

[0048] The pivot arm 38 is configured to articulate about a joint 40 relative to a base 36 secured to the cab 12 using fasteners. A camera assembly 42 is disposed on the pivot arm, and at least one of a seal 46, a washer nozzle 48, and a wiper 50 is disposed on the base 36 adjacent to the camera assembly 42 in the stowed position S. Accommodating many of the components for debris management on the base 36 rather than on the pivot arm 38 allows for greater flexibility in designing an aerodynamic shape for the pivot arm 38 and achieving a smaller profile overall.

[0049] The actuator 34 and the joint 40 are Figure 4A and Figure 4B3. In this example, the joint 40 provides sliding and rotating motion in response to input from a single actuator 34. The sliding motion cleans the camera, while the rotating motion folds and unfolds the camera relative to the operating position of the camera. In this example, the actuator 34 is an electric motor 52. However, it should be understood that the actuator 34 can be provided by a linear actuator, which can be electric or hydraulic. Any number of other actuator and joint configurations can be provided as desired.

[0050] In this example, the motor 52 has an arm 54 interconnected to a linkage 56 that rides in one or more guide tracks. In one example, the linkage 56 includes a first link 58 and a second link 60 that are pivotally engaged with each other. A first link 62 connects one end of the first link 58 to the arm 54, and a second link 64 on the opposite side of the first link rides along a first track 68. The second link 64 is also interconnected to one end of the second link 60. The opposite end of the second link 60 includes a third link 66 that rides in a second track 70. The linkage 56 and tracks 68, 70 cooperate to limit the sliding and rotational movement of the pivot arm 38 relative to the base 36 in response to operation of the motor 52.

[0051] In operation, the initial rotational movement of the arm 54 causes the pivot arm 38 to move from Figure 4A The stowed position S shown moves in the sliding direction W. Since the second connecting member 64 is placed along the track, the continued rotation of the arm 54 causes the pivot arm 38 to rotate from the stowed position S to Figure 4B The deployed position D is shown. The actuator 34 and joint 40 are examples only and may vary from the disclosed configuration.

[0052] exist Figure 5A , a front view of the pivot arm 38 and its camera assembly 42 is shown. The camera assembly 42 includes at least one camera 20 having its optical lens 72 and an image capture unit (not shown). In this example, multiple cameras 20 are used, each having a lens 72 associated with a corresponding image capture unit for providing an image to the display 18. However, it should be understood that only a single camera may be used to provide one or more views to one or more displays 18. If desired, the lens 72 may be surrounded by a heater 74 for melting snow and ice. A transparent cover 76 (e.g., clear glass or plastic) may be arranged over the lens 72 to protect them from scratches and debris. When in the stowed position, the camera assembly 42 is received in the slot 44 of the base 36.

[0053] Reference Figure 5B, the camera assembly 42 can be surrounded by a seal 46 (e.g., rubber, foam, or other material) to provide a sealed area that protects the camera when in the stowed position S (e.g., when the vehicle is parked). A drain port can be provided to allow any water or debris to drain from the camera sealed area to a location outside the camera sealed area. In one example, the drain port 84 is provided by a gap in the seal 46.

[0054] One or more wipers 50 may be provided on the base. When the transparent cover 76 is used, the wiper 50 is configured to wipe the transparent cover 76 to remove debris while the pivot arm 38 moves in the sliding direction. When the cover is not used, the wiper 50 can remove debris directly from the lens 72. A three-piece wiper (e.g., rubber with a plastic insert) may be provided for the camera assembly 42 and a washing nozzle 48 for spraying washing fluid from the washing system 32 before and / or during the wiping step. It may be desirable to provide multiple wipers 50 and / or nozzles 48. As conventional, the washing system 32 may include a pump 84 that draws washing fluid from a reservoir 86.

[0055] If desired, a heater 174 may be provided on the base 36 to further reduce the number of components carried by the pivot arm 38 so that a low aerodynamic profile can be maintained. Thus, when the pivot arm 38 is in the stowed position S, the heater 174 is disposed adjacent to the camera assembly 42 .

[0056] Reference Figure 6 , the method 100 for removing debris includes initiating deployment of the folded camera arm from the stowed position S to the deployed position D (block 102). The camera assembly 42 carried by the pivot arm 38 slides over the wiper 50 in the base 36 of the camera arm 16 (block 104). If desired, the wash nozzle 48 may be activated before or during wiping (block 103). The pivot arm 38 continues to rotate to the deployed position D (block 106).

[0057] The controller 30 is configured to coordinate the operation of the actuator 34 and the washing system 32 in response to inputs. The heaters 74, 174 may also be controlled and programmed by the controller 30. For example, the camera assembly 42 may be preheated when stowed, prior to an expected deployment of the system (e.g., vehicle ignition or other event, such as engine warm-up). In one example, folding / deploying and / or wiping may be initiated in response to inputs to the controller 30. For example, the pivot arm 38 may be automatically moved to the stowed position (S) in response to the vehicle 10 being parked (e.g., the input may be a transmission switch), the pivot arm 38 may be manually moved to the stowed position (S) by the driver when the presence of debris is noted in the displayed image due to an obstruction, or the pivot arm 38 may be automatically moved to the stowed position (S) when the CMS 15 detects debris (e.g., debris is detected via image processing). Wiping may occur when moving from the stowed position S to the deployed position D, when moving from the deployed position D to the stowed position S, or during both. The nozzle 48 may spray the washer fluid at the camera assembly 42 during each operation of the camera arm 16 or under selected operating conditions.

[0058] It should also be understood that although a particular arrangement of components is disclosed in the illustrated embodiments, other arrangements will benefit therefrom. Although a particular order of steps is shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that unless otherwise indicated, the steps may be performed in any order, separated, or combined, and will still benefit from the present invention.

[0059] Although the different examples have specific components shown in the drawings, embodiments of the invention are not limited to those specific combinations. Some components or features from one example may be used in combination with features or components from another example.

[0060] Although example embodiments have been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the claims. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. A camera arm for a camera monitoring system (CMS), comprising: a base configured to be secured to a vehicle, the base including a wiper; a pivot arm mounted on the base at a joint; an actuator configured to articulate the pivot arm relative to the base using the joint; a camera assembly disposed in the pivot arm and configured to face rearwardly when the base is secured to the vehicle; and The articulation of the joint is configured to move the pivot arm between a deployed position and a stowed position, and as the pivot arm moves between the deployed position and the stowed position, the articulation of the joint moves the camera assembly on the wiper in a sliding direction.

2. The camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes a slot that receives the pivot arm including a portion of the camera assembly in the stowed position.

3. The camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes a seal disposed around at least a portion of the wiper, the seal providing a camera sealing area configured to surround the camera assembly in the stowed position.

4. The camera arm of claim 3, comprising an exhaust port from the camera sealing area to a location outside of the camera sealing area.

5. The camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The camera assembly includes a lens, and a transparent cover is arranged above the lens, and the wiper is configured to wipe the transparent cover to remove debris on the transparent cover when the pivot arm moves in the sliding direction.

6. The camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The camera assembly includes a lens exposed to an external environment in the deployed position, and the wiper is configured to wipe the lens to remove debris from the lens when the pivot arm moves in the sliding direction.

7. The camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes a heater configured to be adjacent to the camera assembly when the pivot arm is in the stowed position.

8. The camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The joint includes a linkage and at least one track configured to provide rotation of the pivot arm and movement of the pivot arm in the sliding direction relative to the base in response to operation of the actuator.

9. The camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes at least a portion of a washing system having a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on the camera assembly in response to an input.

10. A camera monitoring system (CMS) comprising the camera arm of claim 9, the camera monitoring system further comprising a controller in communication with the actuator, the camera assembly, the washing system and the input, wherein the controller is configured to coordinate operation of the actuator and the washing system in response to the input.

11. A camera monitoring system (CMS) comprising the camera arm according to claim 1, wherein: The camera assembly includes an image capture unit configured to provide at least one of two fields of view and at least one display configured to depict at least a portion of the at least one of the two fields of view.

12. A method of removing debris from a camera monitoring system (CMS) camera assembly, comprising: an actuating pivot arm, the pivot arm being mounted on a base fixed to the vehicle; articulating the pivot arm relative to the base about a joint between a deployed position and a stowed position; In response to the articulating step, sliding the pivot arm relative to the base; as well as In response to the sliding step, the camera assembly on the pivot arm is wiped on a wiper supported on the base.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base after the sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the stowed position to the deployed position, and the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base before the sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the deployed position to the stowed position.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The wiping step is performed during at least one of a pivot arm deployed operation and a pivot arm stowed operation.

16. The method of claim 12, including the step of receiving a portion of the pivot arm in a slot in the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the stowed position.

17. The method of claim 12 including the step of placing the camera assembly in the base adjacent a heater in response to moving the pivot arm to the stowed position.

18. The method of claim 12 including the step of positioning the camera assembly proximately within the confines of a seal on the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the stowed position.

19. The method of claim 12, comprising the step of spraying a cleaning fluid at the camera assembly prior to performing the wiping step.

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