Interior camera system for a vehicle

Abstract

Interior camera system for a vehicle, comprising a camera (13) fixed to a mounting unit (3), wherein the mounting unit (3) is designed for adjusting a flexible camera position, wherein the mobile camera (13) communicates wirelessly with the vehicle, characterized in that several mounting units (3) are arranged distributed over the interior (5) of the vehicle (7) for variably fixing the mobile camera (13), wherein the mounting units (3) for fixing the camera (13) have a mechanical connection with the camera (13) and wherein the mounting units (3) have a base plate to which a joint for flexibly aligning the mobile camera (13) is attached.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an interior camera system for a vehicle, comprising a camera that is fixed to a mounting unit.

[0002] Modern vehicles increasingly utilize cameras for a growing number of functions. These functions encompass both comfort features and crucial safety functions. To cover the entire vehicle interior, the number of cameras continues to rise. Many functions, such as video telephony, require cameras positioned to capture the vehicle occupants from the front. Additionally, cameras for these functions typically need to be mounted on interior components, resulting in a fixed position.

[0003] From US patent 2017 / 0054949A1, a camera system for a vehicle is known that may include a control interface configured to receive input from a driver and generate a signal, and at least one camera configured to capture video of the vehicle's interior. The camera system may also include a display configured to output video to the driver and a controller that communicates with the control interface, the camera, and the display. The controller may be configured to receive the signal from the control interface, actuate the at least one camera to capture video based on the signal, and output the video to the display based on the signal.

[0004] DE 10 2020 201 766 A1 discloses a camera-monitor system for a motor vehicle, comprising a mounting device that can be detachably attached to the outside of the motor vehicle or a front-mounted attachment of the motor vehicle and that has a signal coupling element, a mobile camera unit that can be detachably attached to the mounting device and that has a signal coupling element, such that data transmission of information between the camera unit and the mounting device can be established by means of the signal coupling elements, wherein the camera unit is configured to capture image data of an environment and to wirelessly provide it as measurement signals for further processing, as well as to receive information data from the mounting device and to wirelessly provide it for further processing, and at least one control unit that is configured to receive signals from the camera unit.to process and provide image signals for display on a monitor of the motor vehicle, wherein the signal coupling elements of the camera unit and the mounting device are arranged in such a way that wireless data transmission of information data between the camera unit and the mounting device is possible.

[0005] US patent 2019 / 0 168 686 A1 discloses a mounting bracket for a vehicle-mounted camera, a manufacturing method, and an assembly method. The mounting bracket comprises: an alignment element whose position is determined based on the position of the camera lens such that the lens is centered in the opening; and a fastener for attaching the mounting bracket to the vehicle body. The position of the alignment element is determined based on the position of the camera lens, ensuring that the camera lens is evenly spaced relative to the opening in the vehicle body and improving aesthetics.

[0006] Other relevant publications are DE 10 2019 206 927 A1 and DE 10 2021 214 580 A1.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide an interior camera system for a vehicle, which overcomes the discrepancy between the scarcity of readily usable camera positions in the vehicle interior and the increasing demand to accommodate more and more cameras in the interior.

[0008] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further features, applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0010] In the interior camera system for a vehicle described at the beginning, comprising a camera fixed to a mounting unit, several mounting units are distributed throughout the vehicle's interior for the variable positioning of the mobile camera. The mobile camera communicates wirelessly with the vehicle, and the mounting units are designed to allow for flexible camera positioning. Using only one mobile camera for different interior positions significantly reduces the hardware requirements for cameras. Since the mobile camera communicates wirelessly with the vehicle, considerable wiring is also eliminated, resulting in substantial cost reductions. At the same time, convenience is increased because the mobile camera can be mounted in the vehicle's interior at the location most convenient for the desired function.This allows each vehicle occupant to be provided with an image from an optimal position. By fixing a mounting unit, camera positions that are rarely chosen for fixed camera installations become possible. Furthermore, camera positions that were previously inaccessible due to lack of space for wiring become feasible.

[0011] The mounting unit features a mechanical connection to the camera for securing it. The mounting unit and the camera can have corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing for quick attachment and removal of the mobile camera from the mounting unit. Form-fitting, releasable clip connections are also conceivable.

[0012] Furthermore, the mounting unit features a base plate to which a joint is attached for flexible positioning of the mobile camera. This joint allows for fine-tuning of the camera position as desired by the vehicle occupant.

[0013] Advantageously, the mounting unit for securing the camera features a magnetic connection to the camera. For this purpose, the mounting unit can be designed as a magnetic disc to which the camera can be easily attached using a magnetic counterpart clip. Such a magnetic attachment has the further advantage of enabling inductive charging of the mobile camera.

[0014] In one version, the magnetically formed base plate is positioned behind a panel of an interior component. This ensures that the design of the vehicle's interior remains unaffected by the mounting units.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mobile camera is integrated into a smartwatch, which can be detachably attached to the mounting unit with or without a wristband. This allows the vehicle occupant to always position their smartwatch in the most suitable location for their specific needs. Furthermore, the image quality of the smartwatch camera always reflects the current state of the art and continues to improve with new smartwatch generations.

[0016] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which—possibly with reference to the drawing—at least one embodiment is described in detail. Features described and / or illustrated can, individually or in any meaningful combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, possibly also independently of the claims, and can, in particular, also be the subject of one or more separate applications. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0017] It shows: Fig. 1 An embodiment of the interior camera system according to the invention in a vehicle.

[0018] In Fig.Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the interior camera system according to the invention in a vehicle. The interior camera system 1 comprises a plurality of mounting units 3, which are distributed throughout the interior 5 of the vehicle 7. For example, one mounting unit 3a is arranged above the windshield 9, while another mounting unit 3b is attached to the backrest of a front seat 11, facing rearward. Depending on the function to be performed, a multitude of other positions for the mounting units 3 are conceivable.

[0019] A camera on a smartwatch 13 belonging to a vehicle occupant is used to monitor the interior 5 of the vehicle 7. This camera on the smartwatch 13 is the only camera available in the vehicle interior 5 for the numerous functions established in the vehicle 7. The smartwatch 13 is wirelessly connected, for example via Bluetooth or WLAN, to a control unit 15 in the vehicle 7 to transmit the recorded image signals.

[0020] Depending on the function to be performed, the occupant decides which mounting unit 3 to attach the smartwatch 13 to. Mounting unit 3 can, for example, be designed as a magnetic base plate to which the smartwatch 13 is attached without a wristband using a counter-magnet. Alternatively, attachment via the wristband is possible.

[0021] Advantageously, the mounting unit 3 consists of a base plate on which a ball joint is arranged, by means of which a fine adjustment of the camera position of the smartwatch 13 can be made.

Claims

[1] Interior camera system for a vehicle, comprising a camera (13) fixed to a mounting unit (3), wherein the mounting unit (3) is designed to adjust a flexible camera position, wherein the mobile camera (13) communicates wirelessly with the vehicle, characterized by , that several fastening units (3) are arranged distributed over the interior (5) of the vehicle (7) for variable fixing of the mobile camera (13), wherein the fastening units (3) for fixing the camera (13) have a mechanical connection with the camera (13) and wherein the fastening units (3) have a base plate to which a joint for flexible alignment of the mobile camera (13) is attached. [2] Interior camera system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the fastening units (3) for fixing the camera (13) have a magnetic connection with the camera (13). [3] Interior camera system according to claim 2, characterized by , that the magnetically formed base plates are arranged behind a covering of a component of the interior (5). [4] Interior camera system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mobile camera is part of a smartwatch (13) which is detachably fixed to the fastening units (3) with or without a wristband.

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