Electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicle

Abstract

An electronic rearview mirror apparatus for a commercial vehicle includes a camera, a processor, and a display device. The camera is arranged on a vehicle head on one side of the vehicle body and is configured to shoot a side image of the side of the vehicle body. And the processor is arranged in the vehicle body and is in signal connection with the camera. The processor is configured to receive the side image and perform image processing on the side image to obtain a first captured image and a second captured image from the side image. And the display device is arranged in a cockpit of the vehicle body and is in signal connection with the processor. The display device is configured to receive the first captured image and the second captured image, and display the first captured image and / or the second captured image. Therefore, the electronic rearview mirror equipment of the commercial vehicle can clearly display the monitoring picture required by driving, so that the driving burden of driving can be reduced, and the driving safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle monitoring technology, and more particularly to an electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] For driving safety reasons, all vehicles are equipped with multiple rearview mirrors. These mirrors are usually installed inside the vehicle and on both sides. These mirrors allow drivers to easily see the surrounding environment behind and to the sides of the vehicle when reversing or turning, thus reducing traffic accidents.

[0003] However, optical mirrors have some inherent weaknesses. On rainy days or in low-light conditions at night, the image reflected in the optical mirror is not bright enough, making it difficult for drivers to see clearly. Furthermore, in rainy or foggy weather, raindrops and fog adhere to the optical mirror, also affecting the clarity of the image. Moreover, optical mirrors are susceptible to glare from vehicles behind, resulting in unclear images. Additionally, large vehicles have too many optical mirrors, making it difficult for drivers to concentrate and affecting their judgment.

[0004] With the booming development of the automotive industry, various sensors and imaging devices have been developed for vehicles to provide functions such as external environment detection, distance measurement, and image acquisition. Due to the long and tall bodies of large vehicles such as buses and trucks, there are blind spots. To solve this problem, technologies that use sensors and imaging devices to replace rearview mirrors have been developed to provide a wider field of view.

[0005] However, with the increase in vehicle imaging devices, display devices sometimes employ multi-screen splitting to show the images captured by these devices. This makes it difficult for drivers to understand the corresponding areas of each display screen, violating human intuition and causing them to be unable to make timely judgments.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a vehicle monitoring system to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned technologies. Utility Model Content

[0007] One objective of this disclosure is to provide an electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles, whose processor can capture two images with the desired viewing angle and range from the side view of the vehicle body, and can adjust the display of these two images as needed. Therefore, the electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles can clearly display the monitoring screen required by the driver, thereby reducing the driver's workload and improving driving safety.

[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide an electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles, wherein the display device is rotatably mounted on the A-pillar of the vehicle body to conform to the driver's reflective actions. Furthermore, the two captured images can be arranged vertically for a more intuitive viewing experience for the driver.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles, which may include a warning device that can emit a warning light or a warning sound when the processor detects a dangerous object in the captured image to alert the driver. Therefore, driving safety can be improved.

[0010] In accordance with the aforementioned objectives of this disclosure, an electronic rearview mirror device for a commercial vehicle is proposed. This electronic rearview mirror device for a commercial vehicle includes a camera, a processor, and a display device. The camera is mounted on the front of the vehicle body on one side and configured to capture a side image of that side of the vehicle body. The processor is located inside the vehicle body and is signal-connected to the camera. The processor is configured to receive the side image and perform image processing on the side image to obtain a first captured image and a second captured image from the side image. The display device is located in the driver's cabin of the vehicle body and is signal-connected to the processor. The display device is configured to receive the first captured image and the second captured image, and to display the first captured image and / or the second captured image.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the camera described above includes a wide-angle lens.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor has a built-in Camera Monitor System (CMS) view mode and an Inner Wheel Difference Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) view mode. The processor uses either the Camera Monitor System view mode or the Inner Wheel Difference Blind Spot Information System view mode to capture the first captured image and the second captured image.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor is disposed in a display device, and the display device has a touch screen.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device includes two warning zones corresponding to a first captured image and a second captured image respectively. When the processor detects that at least one risky object exists in the first captured image or the second captured image, the corresponding warning zone emits a warning light.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the above-mentioned display device is rotatably mounted on the A-pillar of the vehicle body.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device has a rectangular display area. When the display device displays a first captured image and a second captured image simultaneously, the first captured image and the second captured image are arranged along the length direction of the rectangular display area.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the aforementioned electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles further includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, wherein the GPS receiver is signal-connected to the processor.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the aforementioned electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles further includes a horn. The horn is signal-connected to a processor and configured to emit a warning sound when the processor detects at least one hazardous object in a first captured image or a second captured image.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the aforementioned electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles further includes an indicator light. The indicator light is signal-connected to a processor. The indicator light is configured to emit a warning light when the processor detects the presence of at least one hazardous object in a first captured image or a second captured image. Attached Figure Description

[0020] A better understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure can be obtained from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, according to industry standard practice, the features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the features can be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic rearview mirror device for a commercial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation of a camera on the vehicle body of an electronic rearview mirror device for a commercial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view schematic diagram illustrating a camera according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the display device of an electronic rearview mirror device for a commercial vehicle installed on the vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a display device displaying two different captured images according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image capture method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another image capture method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another image capture method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic rearview mirror device for a commercial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0032] 100: Electronic rearview mirror equipment for commercial vehicles

[0033] 100a: Electronic rearview mirror equipment for commercial vehicles

[0034] 200: Camera

[0035] 210: Lens

[0036] 300: Processor

[0037] 400: Display device

[0038] 410: Screen

[0039] 412: Display area

[0040] 420: Warning Zone

[0041] 500: Vehicle body

[0042] 502: Side

[0043] 510: Locomotive

[0044] 512: Car door

[0045] 520: Cockpit

[0046] 530: A-pillar

[0047] 600: Global Positioning System Receiver

[0048] 700: Loudspeaker

[0049] 800: Indicator light

[0050] CI: Image Capture

[0051] CI1: First captured image

[0052] CI2: Second captured image

[0053] LD: Length direction Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments of this disclosure are discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the embodiments provide many applicable concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific situations. The discussed and disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. All embodiments of this disclosure disclose a variety of different features, but these features may be implemented individually or in combination as needed.

[0055] In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this article do not specifically refer to order or sequence, but are only used to distinguish elements or operations described using the same technical terms.

[0056] The spatial relationship between the two elements described in this disclosure applies not only to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings, but also to orientations not shown in the drawings, such as inverted orientations. Furthermore, the terms "connection," "electrical connection," or similar expressions used in this disclosure to refer to two components are not limited to a direct or electrical connection, but may also include indirect or electrical connections as needed.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic rearview mirror device 100 for a commercial vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic rearview mirror device 100 for commercial vehicles is used in commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, coaches, tour buses, or articulated vehicles to replace rearview mirrors or as an auxiliary imaging system to compensate for the shortcomings of rearview mirrors.

[0058] The electronic rearview mirror device 100 for commercial vehicles mainly includes a camera 200, a processor 300, and a display device 400. The camera 200 can be connected to the processor 300 via wired or wireless means. Similarly, the processor 300 can be connected to the display device 400 via wired or wireless means. In some exemplary embodiments, the camera 200 and the display device 400 are electrically connected to the processor 300 via wiring to achieve signal connection.

[0059] The electronic rearview mirror device 100 for commercial vehicles can be installed on the left, right, or both sides of the vehicle body 500, depending on driving requirements, such as left-hand drive or right-hand drive. That is, one or two electronic rearview mirror devices 100 for commercial vehicles can be installed on one vehicle body 500.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams and side view diagrams illustrating the mounting of a camera 200 of an electronic rearview mirror device 100 for a commercial vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure on a vehicle body 500. The camera 200 is mounted on the front 510 of one side 502 of the vehicle body 500, and can capture side images of this side 502 of the vehicle body 500. In some embodiments, the camera 200 is mounted on the door 512 of the front 510 of the vehicle body 500. The lens 210 of the camera 200 faces downwards, and the shooting direction and shooting range can be adjusted as needed. In some embodiments, the lens 210 is a wide-angle lens, which can capture a larger range of side images of the vehicle body 500.

[0061] The processor 300 is located within the vehicle body 500. In some embodiments, the processor 300 may be located in the display device 400 and electrically connected to the display device 400 via wiring. The processor 300 is signal-connected to the camera 200 and can receive side images of the vehicle body 500 captured by the camera 200. The processor 300 can perform image processing on the received side images to obtain a first captured image and a second captured image from the side images.

[0062] In some embodiments, the processor 300 has a built-in Camera Monitor System (CMS) view mode and an Inner Wheel Differential Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) view mode. The processor 300 can use either the Camera Monitor System view mode or the Inner Wheel Differential Blind Spot Information System view mode to capture a first captured image and a second captured image from the side view, depending on driving requirements. The processor 300 can capture the first captured image and the second captured image using the same view mode or different view modes. The first captured image and the second captured image have different capture angles and areas, and the captured range sizes can be the same or different. In some embodiments, the capture areas of the first captured image and the second captured image can partially overlap.

[0063] In some embodiments, after the processor 300 captures the first captured image and the second captured image, it can selectively perform further image processing on the first captured image and the second captured image according to display requirements, such as scaling and / or adjusting the first captured image and the second captured image. For example, if the size of the captured first captured image is smaller than the display area, the processor 300 can enlarge the first captured image to match the size of the display area. If the size of the captured first captured image matches the size of the display area, there is no need to scale the first captured image. If the captured first captured image is a curved image, the processor 300 can adjust the first captured image to flatten it.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 4This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation of a display device 400 of an electronic rearview mirror device 100 for a commercial vehicle on a vehicle body 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device 400 is located within the driver's cabin 520 of the vehicle body 500. In some embodiments, the display device 400 is mounted on the A-pillar 530 of the vehicle body 500. Specifically, the display device 400 can be mounted along the A-pillar 530 to accommodate the driver's reflective movements. In some exemplary examples, the display device 400 is rotatably mounted on the A-pillar 530 to allow the driver to adjust the position of the display device 400 according to visual needs. When only one electronic rearview mirror device 100 for a commercial vehicle is installed on the vehicle body 500, the display device 400 can be mounted on the A-pillar 530 of the passenger seat. The display device 400 is signal-connected to a processor 300 and can receive a first captured image and a second captured image captured by the processor 300. The display device 400 can display the first captured image and / or the second captured image according to driving settings. That is, the display device 400 can display only one captured image or display two captured images at the same time.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 These are front view schematic diagrams illustrating a display device 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and schematic diagrams illustrating the display device 400 displaying two different captured images. The display device 400 includes a screen 410, and the screen 410 has a display area 412. In some embodiments, the display device 400 is a rectangular device, and the display area 412 of the screen 410 is also rectangular. Figure 6 As shown, when the display device 400 simultaneously displays the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2, the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2 are arranged along the length direction LD of the rectangular display area 412. That is, when the length direction LD of the display area 412 is along the A-pillar 530, the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2 are arranged vertically, which makes it more intuitive for the driver to view. The arrangement order of the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2 can be interchanged, and this disclosure is not limited to this. In addition, the sizes of the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2 displayed on the display area 412 can be the same or different. The screen 410 of the display device 400 can be a touch screen. Therefore, the screen 410 of the display device 400 can serve as a human-machine interface (interface) to facilitate the driver in setting the shooting angle of the camera 200, the image capture of the processor 300, and the display settings of the display device 400, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, the display device 400 includes two warning areas 420 corresponding to a first captured image CI1 and a second captured image CI2, respectively. For example, as Figure 6As shown, the warning area 420 may be an outer frame surrounding the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2. In other embodiments, these two warning areas 420 may also be strip-shaped areas located on one side of the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2, respectively. The warning area 420 may be adjusted according to the size of the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2. When the processor 300 detects at least one dangerous object in the first captured image CI1 or the second captured image CI2, the processor 300 may control the display device 400 to emit a warning light in the corresponding warning area 420. For example, when the processor 300 detects a dangerous object in the first captured image CI1, the warning area 420 corresponding to the first captured image CI1 emits a warning light.

[0067] In some embodiments, when the processor 300 detects that there is no dangerous object in the first captured image CI1 or the second captured image CI2, it can control the corresponding warning area 420 to emit a color of light, such as green light. When the processor 300 detects that there is a dangerous object in the first captured image CI1 or the second captured image CI2, it can control the corresponding warning area 420 to emit another color of light, such as red light.

[0068] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 ,and Figure 9 These are schematic diagrams illustrating three image capture methods according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 In the process, the processor 300 adopts the inner wheel difference blind spot information system perspective mode, captures the entire side image captured by the camera 200 as the captured image CI, and displays only this captured image CI on the display device 400.

[0069] exist Figure 8 In this process, the processor 300 adopts the inner wheel difference blind spot information system perspective mode, extracting an image next to the vehicle body 500 from the side image captured by the camera 200 as the first captured image CI1, and extracting an image of the rear of the vehicle body 500 from the side image as the second captured image CI2. The processor 300 also controls the display device 400 to display the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2. The first captured image CI1 can be an image next to the upper or lower part of the vehicle body 500 in the side image, and the second captured image CI2 can be a rear image of the lower part of the vehicle body 500 in the side image.

[0070] exist Figure 9In this process, the processor 300 adopts a camera monitor system perspective mode, extracting an image of the side of the vehicle body 500 from the side image captured by the camera 200 as a first captured image CI1, and extracting an image of the rear of the vehicle body 500 from the side image as a second captured image CI2. The processor 300 also controls the display device 400 to display the first captured image CI1 and the second captured image CI2. The first captured image CI1 may be an image of the lower part of the vehicle body 500 in the side image, and the second captured image CI2 may be an image of the lower rear of the vehicle body 500 in the side image.

[0071] The processor 300 can capture side images of the vehicle body 500 using either a camera monitor system view mode or an inner wheel difference blind spot information system view mode, according to the requirements set by the driver. Therefore, the image combination captured in this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic rearview mirror device 100a for a commercial vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic rearview mirror device 100a for a commercial vehicle of this embodiment has a generally similar architecture to the electronic rearview mirror device 100 for a commercial vehicle described above. The difference between the two is that the electronic rearview mirror device 100a for a commercial vehicle also includes a global positioning system receiver 600, a horn 700, and an indicator light 800.

[0073] The GPS receiver 600 can receive information such as the location, speed, and time of the vehicle 500. The GPS receiver 600 connects to the processor 300 via wired or wireless means, transmitting the vehicle 500's location, speed, and time information to the processor 300. The processor 300 can use this information to obtain information such as the relative speed between the vehicle 500 and external vehicles or objects, or other potentially hazardous objects.

[0074] The horn 700 can also be connected to the processor 300 via wired or wireless transmission. The horn 700 can be configured within the display device 400. In some embodiments, the horn 700 is independent of the display device 400 and can be electrically connected to the display device 400 via a line. The horn 700 can emit a warning sound to alert the driver when the processor 300 detects a dangerous object in the first captured image CI1 or the second captured image CI2.

[0075] The indicator light 800 can be connected to the processor 300 via wired or wireless transmission. In some embodiments, the indicator light 800 can be externally connected to the display device 400 via a line. The indicator light 800 can emit a warning light to alert the driver when the processor 300 detects a dangerous object in the first captured image CI1 or the second captured image CI2.

[0076] The processor 300 can be further connected to the turn signal control device of the vehicle body 500 to receive turn signal operation signals. The processor 300 can determine the level of risk when the vehicle body 500 turns based on information such as the relative speed between the vehicle body 500 and external vehicles or objects, as well as the turn signal operation signals. The processor 300 can then control the horn 700 and / or indicator light 800 to emit warning sounds or lights based on the level of risk.

[0077] The GPS receiver 600, horn 700, and indicator lights 800 can be selected according to driving needs, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] As can be seen from the above embodiments, one advantage of this disclosure is that the processor of the electronic rearview mirror device in commercial vehicles can capture two images with the required viewing angle and range from the side image of the vehicle body, and can adjust the display of these two images as needed. Therefore, the electronic rearview mirror device in commercial vehicles can clearly display the monitoring screen required by the driver, thereby reducing the driver's driving burden and improving driving safety.

[0079] Another advantage of this disclosure is that the display device of the electronic rearview mirror equipment in commercial vehicles can be rotatably mounted on the A-pillar of the vehicle body, conforming to the driver's reflective actions. In addition, the two captured images can be arranged vertically, making the driver's viewing more intuitive.

[0080] Another advantage of this disclosure is that the electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles can include a warning device that can emit a warning light or sound when the processor detects a dangerous object in the captured image to alert the driver. Therefore, driving safety can be improved.

[0081] Although this disclosure has been provided above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the concept and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles, characterized in that, The electronic rearview mirror system of this commercial vehicle includes: A camera is mounted on the front of a vehicle body on one side and configured to capture an image of that side of the vehicle body. A processor, located within the vehicle body and signal-connected to the camera, is configured to receive the side image and perform image processing on the side image to obtain a first captured image and a second captured image from the side image; and A display device is located in a driver's cabin of the vehicle body and is signal-connected to the processor, wherein the display device is configured to receive the first captured image and the second captured image, and to display the first captured image and / or the second captured image.

2. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The camera includes a wide-angle lens.

3. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The processor is located in the display device, and the display device has a touch screen.

4. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The display device includes two warning zones corresponding to the first captured image and the second captured image respectively. When the processor detects that there is at least one dangerous object in the first captured image or the second captured image, one of the two warning zones emits a warning light.

5. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The display device is rotatably mounted on one of the A pillars of the vehicle body.

6. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The display device has a rectangular display area. When the display device displays the first captured image and the second captured image simultaneously, the first captured image and the second captured image are arranged along the length of the rectangular display area.

7. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic rearview mirror device of the commercial vehicle also includes a GPS receiver, which is signal-connected to the processor.

8. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic rearview mirror device of the commercial vehicle also includes a horn, which is signal-connected to the processor and configured to emit a warning sound when the processor detects at least one dangerous object in the first captured image or the second captured image.

9. The electronic rearview mirror device for commercial vehicles as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic rearview mirror device of the commercial vehicle also includes an indicator light, which is signal-connected to the processor. The indicator light is configured to emit a warning light when the processor detects at least one dangerous object in the first captured image or the second captured image.

Images