Method and apparatus for monitoring blind area of vehicle

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring a vehicle blind spot. A vehicle system for monitoring a blind area, comprising: a monitoring system arranged to monitor an area behind a vehicle; an interior mirror has a first controllable icon disposed on a right side thereof and a second controllable icon disposed on a left side thereof. A monitoring system is capable of detecting objects behind and near the vehicle. The monitoring system is operable to determine that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on a right side of the vehicle or on a left side of the vehicle; lighting the first controllable icon when objects behind and near the carrier are arranged on the right side; and illuminates the second controllable icon when objects behind and near the vehicle are disposed on the left side.

Description

[0001] Introduction Background Art

[0002] Vehicle operations on a highway include steering maneuvers that cause a lateral movement of the vehicle, such as for lane changes, merging onto a highway, exiting a highway, object avoidance, etc. Some vehicles and some operations of a vehicle may result in the emergence of blind spots, where when performing a steering maneuver, a driver cannot see, i.e., cannot visually perceive the presence of an object (e.g., another vehicle) in the vehicle's travel path. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The concepts described herein include a vehicle system for monitoring blind spots, the system including a monitoring system arranged to monitor an area behind the vehicle; an interior rearview mirror having a first controllable icon disposed on its right side and a second controllable icon disposed on its left side; and a controller. The controller is in communication with the monitoring system and is operably connected to the first controllable icon and the second controllable icon, and the monitoring system is operable to detect objects behind and near the vehicle. The monitoring system is operable to determine that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle or on the left side of the vehicle; illuminate the first controllable icon when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle; and illuminate the second controllable icon when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle.

[0004] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the monitoring system is a radar system.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the monitoring system is a LiDAR system.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the monitoring system is operable to detect that an object is disposed in a blind spot near the vehicle.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the interior rearview mirror is a mirror lens disposed on a mounting frame; wherein the first controllable icon is disposed on the right side of the mirror lens; and wherein the second controllable icon is disposed on the left side of the mirror lens.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the interior rearview mirror is configured as a mirror lens disposed on a mounting frame; wherein the first controllable icon is disposed on the right side of the mounting frame; and the second controllable icon is disposed on the left side of the mounting frame.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the first controllable icon and the second controllable icon are devices fixed to the surface of the interior rearview mirror.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the device fixed to the surface of the interior rearview mirror is a liquid crystal display device.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that a first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror and a second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror are devices embedded in the interior rearview mirror.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the device embedded in the interior rearview mirror is a light emitting diode device.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a driver's seat having a leftward haptic device and a rightward haptic device fixed thereto, wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller controls the rightward haptic device; and wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller controls the leftward haptic device.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include an audio system having a leftward speaker and a rightward speaker fixed thereto, wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller controls the rightward speaker to emit a beep; and wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller controls the leftward speaker to emit a beep.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a vehicle system having a monitoring system arranged to monitor blind spots of the vehicle; an interior rearview mirror having a first controllable icon disposed on its right side and a second controllable icon disposed on its left side; and a controller. The controller communicates with the monitoring system and is operably connected to the first controllable icon and the second controllable icon. The monitoring system is operable to detect an object disposed in the blind spot; and determine that the object disposed in the blind spot is disposed on one of the right side or the left side of the vehicle; when the monitoring system determines that the object disposed in the blind spot is on the right side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the first controllable icon. When the monitoring system determines that the object disposed in the blind spot is on the left side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the second controllable icon.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a method for monitoring blind spots of a vehicle, which includes monitoring an area behind the vehicle via a monitoring system; detecting an object in the blind spot of the vehicle; determining that the object in the blind spot of the vehicle is disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle; when the monitoring system determines that the object in the blind spot of the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, lighting up a first controllable icon arranged in a centrally mounted interior rearview mirror; and when the monitoring system determines that the object in the blind spot of the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, lighting up a second controllable icon.

[0017] The present invention also includes the following solutions:

[0018] Solution 1. A vehicle system for monitoring blind spots, the system comprising:

[0019] A monitoring system, which is arranged to monitor an area behind the vehicle;

[0020] An interior rearview mirror, which has a first controllable icon provided on its right side and a second controllable icon provided on its left side; and

[0021] A controller;

[0022] Wherein the controller communicates with the monitoring system and is operably connected to the first controllable icon and the second controllable icon;

[0023] Wherein the monitoring system is operable to detect objects behind and near the vehicle;

[0024] Wherein the monitoring system is operable to determine that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle;

[0025] Wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the first controllable icon; and

[0026] Wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the second controllable icon.

[0027] Solution 2. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, wherein the monitoring system includes a radar system.

[0028] Solution 3. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, wherein the monitoring system includes a LiDAR system.

[0029] Solution 4. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, wherein the monitoring system being operable to determine that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle includes the monitoring system being operable to detect that the object is disposed in a blind spot near the vehicle.

[0030] Solution 5. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, wherein the interior rearview mirror is a mirror lens provided on a mounting frame;

[0031] Wherein the first controllable icon provided on the right side of the interior rearview mirror includes a first controllable icon provided on the right side of the mirror lens; and

[0032] Wherein the second controllable icon provided on the left side of the interior rearview mirror includes a second controllable icon provided on the left side of the mirror lens.

[0033] Solution 6. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, wherein the interior rearview mirror is configured as a mirror lens provided on a mounting frame;

[0034] Wherein the first controllable icon provided on the right side of the interior rearview mirror includes a first controllable icon provided on the right side of the mounting frame; and

[0035] Wherein the second controllable icon provided on the left side of the interior rearview mirror includes a second controllable icon provided on the left side of the mounting frame.

[0036] Solution 7. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, wherein the first controllable icon provided on the right side of the interior rearview mirror and the second controllable icon provided on the left side of the interior rearview mirror include devices fixed to the surface of the interior rearview mirror.

[0037] Solution 8. The vehicle system according to Solution 7, wherein the devices fixed to the surface of the interior rearview mirror include liquid crystal display devices.

[0038] Solution 9. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, wherein the first controllable icon provided on the right side of the interior rearview mirror and the second controllable icon provided on the left side of the interior rearview mirror include devices embedded in the interior rearview mirror.

[0039] Solution 10. The vehicle system according to Solution 9, wherein the devices embedded in the interior rearview mirror include light emitting diode devices.

[0040] Solution 11. The vehicle system according to Solution 1, further comprising a driver's seat having a leftward tactile device and a rightward tactile device fixed thereto, wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller controls the rightward tactile device; and

[0041] Wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller controls the leftward tactile device.

[0042] Solution 12. The vehicle system according to Solution 11, further comprising an audio system having a leftward speaker and a rightward speaker fixed thereto, wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller controls the rightward speaker to emit a beep; and

[0043] Wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller controls the leftward speaker to emit a beep.

[0044] Solution 13. A vehicle system, the system comprising:

[0045] A monitoring system arranged to monitor a blind spot of the vehicle;

[0046] An interior rearview mirror having a first controllable icon disposed on its right side and a second controllable icon disposed on its left side; and

[0047] A controller;

[0048] wherein the controller communicates with the monitoring system and is operably connected to the first controllable icon and the second controllable icon;

[0049] wherein the monitoring system is operable to detect an object disposed in the blind spot;

[0050] wherein the monitoring system is operable to determine that the object disposed in the blind spot is disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle;

[0051] wherein when the monitoring system determines that the object disposed in the blind spot is on the right side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the first controllable icon; and

[0052] wherein when the monitoring system determines that the object disposed in the blind spot is on the left side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the second controllable icon.

[0053] Solution 14. The vehicle system according to Solution 13, wherein the monitoring system comprises one of a radar system or a LiDAR system.

[0054] Solution 15. The vehicle system according to Solution 13, wherein the interior rearview mirror is a mirror lens disposed on a mounting frame;

[0055] wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror comprises a first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the mirror lens; and

[0056] wherein the second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror comprises a second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the mirror lens.

[0057] Solution 16. The vehicle system according to Solution 13, wherein the interior rearview mirror is configured as a mirror lens disposed on a mounting frame;

[0058] wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror comprises a first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the mounting frame; and

[0059] The second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror includes a second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the mounting frame.

[0060] Solution 17. The vehicle system according to Solution 13, wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror and the second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror include devices fixed to the surface of the interior rearview mirror.

[0061] Solution 18. The vehicle system according to Solution 13, wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror and the second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror include devices embedded in the interior rearview mirror.

[0062] Solution 19. The vehicle system according to Solution 13, further including a driver's seat having a left haptic device and a right haptic device fixed thereto, wherein when the monitoring system determines that the object disposed in the vehicle blind spot is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller controls the right haptic device; and

[0063] wherein when the monitoring system determines that the object disposed in the vehicle blind spot is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller controls the left haptic device.

[0064] Solution 20. A method for monitoring a vehicle blind spot, the method comprising:

[0065] Monitoring an area behind the vehicle via a monitoring system;

[0066] Detecting an object in the vehicle blind spot;

[0067] Determining that the object in the vehicle blind spot is disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle;

[0068] When the monitoring system determines that the object in the vehicle blind spot is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, lighting a first controllable icon disposed in a centrally mounted interior rearview mirror; and

[0069] When the monitoring system determines that the object in the vehicle blind spot is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, lighting a second controllable icon.

[0070] The above Summary of the Invention is not intended to represent every possible embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing Summary of the Invention is intended to illustrate some of the novel aspects and features disclosed herein. When understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims, the above features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features and advantages, will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle disposed on a road surface in accordance with the present disclosure is pictorially illustrated.

[0073] Figure 2 A perspective view schematically illustrating a front portion of a vehicle cab area in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 3 A top view of a vehicle disposed on a road surface in accordance with the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0075] Figure 4 A control scheme for controlling various aspects of a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0076] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and may present a somewhat simplified representation of various features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein (which include, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes). Details associated with such features will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The components of the disclosed embodiments described and illustrated herein can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present disclosure, but merely represents possible embodiments thereof. Additionally, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments can be practiced without some of these details. Further, for clarity purposes, some technical material understood in the relevant art is not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure.

[0078] Moreover, as illustrated and described herein, the present disclosure can be practiced in the absence of elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0079] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. In addition, it is not intended to be bound by any explicit or implicit theory presented herein. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding components and features.

[0080] For convenience and clarity purposes only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, above, above, below, below, rear, and front may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, as illustrated and described herein, the present disclosure may be practiced in the absence of elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0081] As employed herein, the term "system" may refer to one or a combination of mechanical and electrical actuators, sensors, controllers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), combinational logic circuits, software, firmware, and / or other components arranged to provide the described functionality.

[0082] The use of ordinal numbers (such as first, second, and third) does not necessarily imply a sequential ranking sense, but may simply distinguish between multiple instances of an action or structure.

[0083] As illustrated and described herein, the present disclosure may be practiced in the absence of elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0084] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to like or similar components throughout the several views. Figure 1 The components of a vehicle 100 equipped with a blind spot monitoring system 90 are illustrated, which performs blind spot monitoring and notifies the driver visually, audibly and / or tactilely of the presence (or absence) of objects in the vehicle's blind spot. For details on the blind spot monitoring system 90, refer to Figure 3 The vehicle 100 may include, but is not limited to, a mobile platform in the form of a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a passenger vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, an all-terrain vehicle, a personal mobility device, a robot, and the like to achieve the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0085] Reference again Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vehicle 100 is disposed on a driving surface (such as a paved road) and is capable of traversing the driving surface. The vehicle 100 may include a vehicle operating system 10, a passenger cabin 20, a space monitoring system 30, an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) 40, a navigation system 50, a human machine interface (HMI) 60, a telematics system 70, (one or more) side mirrors 18, and a vehicle monitoring system 80. Some of these elements may not be present in some embodiments.

[0086] The vehicle operating system 10 consists of a propulsion system 11, a braking system 12, a suspension system 13, and a steering system 14, all of which are attached, connected, coupled, or otherwise interact with one or more wheels 16 (steerable portions). The operation of the various elements of the vehicle operating system 10 is controlled by one or more controllers in response to an input from an operator to the operator controls 25 within the passenger compartment 20.

[0087] In one embodiment, the space monitoring system 30 includes: one or more space sensors and systems that are arranged to monitor the visible area around the vehicle 100, including the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle 100; and a space monitoring controller. The space sensors can include, for example, cameras, LiDAR sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and / or another device, and are disposed on the vehicle to monitor at least a portion of the visible area, thereby detecting nearby remote objects such as road features, lane markings, buildings, pedestrians, road signs, traffic control lights and signs, other vehicles, and geographical features near the vehicle 100. The elements of the space monitoring system 30 communicate with and are employed by the blind spot monitoring system 90.

[0088] The ADAS 40 is configured to implement autonomous driving or ADAS vehicle functionality using inputs from the navigation system 50 and the space monitoring system 30. Such functionality can include vehicle on-board control systems capable of providing a certain level of driving automation. The terms "driver" and "operator" describe a person responsible for guiding the operation of the vehicle 100, whether actively participating in controlling one or more vehicle functions or guiding the operation of an autonomous vehicle. Driving automation can include a range of dynamic driving and vehicle operations. Driving automation can include a certain degree of automatic control or intervention related to individual vehicle functions such as steering, accelerating, and / or braking, where the driver continuously has overall control of the vehicle 100. Driving automation can include a certain degree of automatic control or intervention related to the simultaneous control of multiple vehicle functions such as steering, accelerating, and / or braking, where the driver continuously has overall control of the vehicle 100. Driving automation can include the simultaneous automatic control of vehicle driving functions that include steering, accelerating, and braking (via the steering system 14, the propulsion system 11, and the braking system 12, respectively), where the driver relinquishes control of one or more vehicle driving functions of the vehicle 100 for a period of time during the journey. By way of non-limiting example, autonomous vehicle functions can include adaptive cruise control (ACC) operation, lane guidance and lane keeping operation, lane change operation, steering assist operation, object avoidance operation, parking assist operation, vehicle braking operation, collision avoidance operation, vehicle speed and acceleration operation, vehicle lateral movement operation (e.g., as part of lane guidance, lane keeping, and lane change operations), and so on.

[0089] The navigation system 50 may include on-board and / or off-board maps and a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, and provide position information and point-to-point driving route execution for the vehicle driver.

[0090] The HMI 60 includes one or more touchscreens, audio devices, and one or more controllers, which facilitate the communication, interaction, and control of the ADAS 40, the space surveillance system 30, the navigation system 50, and the telematics system 70. The HMI 60 enables the vehicle operator to interact with the vehicle 100 during operation and direct the operation of the vehicle 100 to provide passenger communication, navigation, infotainment, environmental comfort, etc., and access to recessed areas on the vehicle. The operator interface device may include a device capable of transmitting messages.

[0091] The telematics system 70 includes a wireless telematics communication system capable of performing vehicle-to-outside communication, which includes communicating with a communication network (not shown) having wireless and wired communication capabilities. Vehicle-to-outside communication may include short-range vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2x) communication, which may include communication with infrastructure monitors (such as traffic cameras). Alternatively or additionally, the telematics system 70 may include a wireless telematics communication system capable of performing short-range wireless communication with a handheld device (such as a cellular phone, a satellite phone, or another telephone device). In one embodiment, the handheld device includes a software application that includes a wireless protocol for communicating with the telematics system 70, and the handheld device performs vehicle-to-outside communication, which includes communicating with an off-board server via a wireless communication network. Alternatively or additionally, the telematics system 70 may directly perform vehicle-to-outside communication by communicating with a remote facility via a communication network.

[0092] The vehicle monitoring system 80 includes a plurality of sensors and calibration routines, which are arranged to monitor a plurality of operating parameters of the vehicle operating system 10, including, for example, vehicle speed, acceleration, braking, yaw rate, roll, pitch, etc.

[0093] In one embodiment, vehicle 100 includes an interior rearview mirror 28 mounted in the center. The interior rearview mirror 28 includes a mirror lens 32 disposed on a mounting frame 31, and the mounting frame 31 is attached to the windshield 33 of the vehicle 100. The interior rearview mirror 28 includes a leftward controllable icon 29L and a rightward controllable icon 29R, wherein the leftward interior controllable icon 29L and the rightward interior controllable icon 29R are disposed on the mirror lens 32 and communicate with the HMI 60. Alternatively, the leftward interior controllable icon 29L and the rightward interior controllable icon 29R are disposed on the mounting frame 31 and communicate with the HMI 60. The leftward interior controllable icon 29L and the rightward interior controllable icon 29R are devices embedded in the interior rearview mirror 28 and are, in one embodiment, light emitting diode devices. The leftward interior controllable icon 29L and the rightward interior controllable icon 29R are devices fixed to the surface of the interior rearview mirror 28. In one embodiment, the leftward interior controllable icon 29L and the rightward interior controllable icon 29R are liquid crystal display (LCD) devices.

[0094] The HMI 60 includes software algorithms and activation elements configured to selectively activate the leftward interior controllable icon 29L and the rightward interior controllable icon 29R, such as in response to object detection in the vehicle's blind spot.

[0095] The vehicle 100 includes left and right side mirrors 18L, 18R respectively mounted externally, which respectively have a leftward external controllable icon 19L and a rightward external controllable icon 19R. The leftward external controllable icon 19L and the rightward external controllable icon 19R communicate with the HMI 60. The HMI 60 includes software algorithms and activation elements configured to selectively activate the leftward external controllable icon 19L and the rightward external controllable icon 19R, such as in response to object detection in the vehicle's blind spot.

[0096] By way of non - limiting example, the operator controls 25 may include an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a turn signal indicator, a suspension selector switch, a transmission gear selector (PRNDL), a cruise control actuator, an ADAS actuator, a parking brake, and / or other operator - controlled devices. One or more HVAC vents 22 may also be included.

[0097] The driver's seat 26 may advantageously be equipped with leftward and rightward haptic devices 27L, 27R respectively controllable by the HMI 60. The leftward and rightward haptic devices 27L, 27R may be disposed at the bottom of the driver's seat, the seat back, and / or another location.

[0098] The communication device may include an audio system having at least one speaker, which in one embodiment includes left and right speakers 23L, 23R that can be controlled by the HMI 60. The left and right speakers 23L, 23R are controllable to emit an audible chime in response to an activation signal from the HMI 60.

[0099] The visual display system 24 may be arranged as an electronic visual display device, for example, a touch screen capable of electronically presenting still images, text, and / or video in black and white and / or color formats. The visual display system 24 includes one or more of a driver information center display screen, a head-up display, vehicle interior lighting, left and right side mirrors, rearview mirrors, etc. In one embodiment, the visual display system 24 is an electronic visual display module, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device having touch screen capabilities.

[0100] The HMI 60 facilitates communication and interaction with the ADAS 40, the space monitoring system 30, the navigation system 50, and the telematics system 70.

[0101] The HMI 60 enables a vehicle operator to interact with the vehicle 100 during operation and direct the operation of the vehicle 100 to provide passenger communication, navigation, infotainment, environmental comfort, etc., and to have access to recessed areas on the vehicle. The operator interface device may include a device capable of transmitting messages.

[0102] Figure 3 Schematically illustrated with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2Top view of the described vehicle 100, which is disposed in the driving lane 202 of the road 200. Also depicted are the vehicle blind spots, including the left blind spot coverage area 210L and the right blind spot coverage area 210R. The left blind spot coverage area 210L includes an area in the driving lane 202 and an area to the left of the vehicle 100, which can be an adjacent driving lane 204 (as shown), or a berm area, another driving area, an obstacle, etc. The right blind spot coverage area 210R includes an area in the driving lane 202 and an area to the right of the vehicle 100, which can be an adjacent driving lane, or a berm area 206 (as shown), another driving area, an obstacle, etc. The vehicle 100 includes a left side mirror and a right side mirror 18L, 18R respectively mounted externally, a centrally mounted interior rearview mirror 28, a space monitoring system 30, an HMI 60, and a blind spot monitoring system 90. In one embodiment, the left blind spot coverage area 210L and the right blind spot coverage area 210R include an area within 3 m orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 and within 25 m of the rear bumper of the vehicle and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. These dimensions of the left blind spot coverage area 210L and the right blind spot coverage area 210R are illustrative of one embodiment. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the left blind spot coverage area 210L and the right blind spot coverage area 210R can depend on the vehicle. Accordingly, the dimensions can vary depending on whether the vehicle 100 is a passenger vehicle, a light truck, a heavy tow truck, agricultural machinery, etc. In addition, the dimensions can vary depending on whether the vehicle 100 is a passenger vehicle or a light truck towing a trailer. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the left blind spot coverage area 210L and the right blind spot coverage area 210R can depend on the situation. Accordingly, the dimensions can vary depending on the driving speed of the vehicle 100, the road type, the road conditions (traffic, driving surface conditions due to weather, etc.), etc. In one embodiment, the blind spot monitoring system 90 is capable of selecting and / or adjusting the dimensions of the left blind spot coverage area 210L and / or the right blind spot coverage area 210R based on elements associated with the vehicle 100 and situational elements such as traffic, vehicle speed, road conditions, and weather conditions in order to notify the driver of the risk of collision.

[0103] Figure 4 An embodiment of a blind spot monitoring control routine 400 associated with the blind spot monitoring system 90 of the vehicle 100 is schematically illustrated.

[0104] The blind spot monitoring control routine 400 operates when an enabling criterion is met (step 405). In one embodiment, the enabling criterion can include the transmission gear selector (PRNDL) of the operator control 25 of the vehicle 100 being in a forward or reverse position. The enabling criterion can include the vehicle 100 operating at a speed greater than a minimum speed.

[0105] The blind spot monitoring control routine 400 monitors inputs from the space monitoring system 30 periodically, cyclically, and / or continuously (step 410), and performs one or more fusion algorithms (step 411) to detect the presence of objects within either or both of the left blind spot coverage area 210L or the right blind spot coverage area 210R (refer to Figure 3 as illustrated).

[0106] When the presence of one or more objects is detected within either or both of the left blind spot coverage area 210L or the right blind spot coverage area 210R, an alert is generated (step 412) and transmitted to the HMI 60 (step 413). The HMI 60 evaluates the detected object(s).

[0107] Depending on whether one or more objects are detected within either or both of the left blind spot coverage area 210L or the right blind spot coverage area 210R, the HMI 60 transmits an alert in the form of an (one or more) icon activation signal to light up or otherwise activate one or both of the left internal controllable icon 29L and the right internal controllable icon 29R (step 414A). The (one or more) icon activation signal can cause continuous lighting of the corresponding icon, or flashing lighting of the corresponding icon, or continuous lighting of the corresponding icon with controllable variable intensity, or another lighting scheme.

[0108] Depending on whether one or more objects are detected within either or both of the left blind spot coverage area 210L or the right blind spot coverage area 210R, the HMI 60 transmits an alert in the form of an (one or more) icon activation signal to light up or otherwise activate one or both of the left external controllable icon 19L and the right external controllable icon 19R (step 414B). The (one or more) icon activation signal can cause continuous lighting of the corresponding icon, or flashing lighting of the corresponding icon, or continuous lighting of the corresponding icon with controllable variable intensity, or another lighting scheme.

[0109] Depending on whether one or more objects are detected within either or both of the left blind spot coverage area 210L or the right blind spot coverage area 210R, the HMI 60 transmits an alert in the form of a haptic activation signal to one or both of the left haptic device 27L and the right haptic device 27R (step 414C). The (one or more) haptic activation signal can cause continuous activation of the corresponding haptic device, or periodic activation of the corresponding haptic device, or continuous activation of the corresponding haptic device with controllable variable intensity, or another activation scheme.

[0110] Depending on whether an object is detected in either or both of the left blind spot coverage area 210L or the right blind spot coverage area 210R, the HMI 60 transmits an alert in the form of an activation signal to one or both of the left speaker 23L and the right speaker 23R (step 414C). The left and right speakers 23L, 23R are controllable to emit an audible chime in response to the activation signal from the HMI 60. The audible chime is location specific to notify the driver of the presence of an object in the left or right blind spot of the vehicle 100. The (one or more) speaker activation signals can result in a continuous audible sound from the corresponding speaker, or a periodic audible sound from the corresponding speaker, or a continuous audible sound from the corresponding speaker with a controllable variable loudness, or another sound.

[0111] The terms “controller” and related terms such as microcontroller, control unit, processor, and like terms refer to one or various combinations of (one or more) application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), (one or more) electronic circuits, (one or more) central processing units (e.g., (one or more) microprocessors), and (one or more) associated non-transitory memory components in the form of memories and storage devices (read only, programmable read only, random access, hard drive, etc.). The non-transitory memory components store machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, (one or more) combinational logic circuits, (one or more) input / output circuits and devices, signal conditioning and buffering circuits, and other components, which can be accessed by one or more processors to provide the described functionality. The (one or more) input / output circuits and devices include analog / digital converters and related devices that monitor inputs from sensors, where such inputs are monitored at a preset sampling frequency or in response to a trigger event. Software, firmware, programs, instructions, control routines, code, algorithms, and like terms mean a set of instructions executable by the controller, which includes calibration and look-up tables. Each controller executes (one or more) control routines to provide the desired functionality. The routines can be executed at regular intervals (e.g., every 100 microseconds during an ongoing operation). Alternatively, the routines can be executed in response to the occurrence of a trigger event.

[0112] Communication between a controller, an actuator, and / or a sensor can be implemented using a direct wired point-to-point link, a networked communication bus link, a wireless link, or another suitable communication link (including, for example, an Ethernet link and a Controller Area Network (CAN) link). Communication includes exchanging data signals in a suitable form, which includes, for example: exchanging electrical signals via a conductive medium; exchanging electromagnetic signals via air; exchanging optical signals via an optical waveguide; and the like. The data signals can include discrete, analog, or digitized analog signals, which represent inputs from sensors, actuator commands, and communication between controllers.

[0113] The term "signal" refers to a physically distinguishable indicator that conveys information and can be a suitable waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic), such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangular wave, square wave, vibration, and the like, which can propagate through a medium. A parameter is defined as a measurable quantity that represents a physical property of a device or other element distinguishable using one or more sensors and / or physical models. A parameter can have discrete values (e.g., "1" or "0"), or it can be an infinitely variable value.

[0114] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the flowcharts illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified (one or more) logical functions. It will also be noted that each block illustrated in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented by a system based on dedicated function hardware that performs the specified functions or actions, or by a combination of dedicated function hardware and computer instructions. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable medium, which can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes an instruction set for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0115] The detailed description and the drawings or figures support and describe the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined only by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for practicing the present teachings have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the present teachings as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle system for monitoring blind spots, the system comprising: A monitoring system arranged to monitor an area behind the vehicle; An interior rearview mirror having a first controllable icon disposed on its right side and a second controllable icon disposed on its left side; And A controller; Wherein the controller communicates with the monitoring system and is operably connected to the first controllable icon and the second controllable icon; Wherein the monitoring system is operable to detect objects behind and near the vehicle; Wherein the monitoring system is operable to determine whether an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle; Wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the first controllable icon; And Wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller lights up the second controllable icon.

2. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system comprises a radar system.

3. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system comprises a LiDAR system.

4. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system being operable to determine whether an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side or the left side of the vehicle includes the monitoring system being operable to detect that the object is disposed in a blind spot near the vehicle.

5. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the interior rearview mirror is a mirror lens disposed on a mounting frame; Wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror includes a first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the mirror lens; and Wherein the second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror includes a second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the mirror lens.

6. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the interior rearview mirror is configured as a mirror lens disposed on a mounting frame; Wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror includes a first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the mounting frame; and Wherein the second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror includes a second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the mounting frame.

7. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror and the second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror include devices fixed to the surface of the interior rearview mirror.

8. The vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the first controllable icon disposed on the right side of the interior rearview mirror and the second controllable icon disposed on the left side of the interior rearview mirror include devices embedded in the interior rearview mirror.

9. The vehicle system according to claim 1, further comprising a driver seat having a left haptic device and a right haptic device fixed thereto, wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller controls the right haptic device; and wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller controls the left haptic device.

10. The vehicle system according to claim 9, further comprising an audio system having a left speaker and a right speaker fixed thereto, wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the right side of the vehicle, the controller controls the right speaker to emit a beep; and wherein when the monitoring system determines that an object behind and near the vehicle is disposed on the left side of the vehicle, the controller controls the left speaker to emit a beep.

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