CAMERA SYSTEM AND ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] A camera system for a vehicle is specified, in particular a camera system for a vehicle assistance system. Furthermore, an assistance system for a vehicle is specified that has a camera system.

[0002] Vehicles can have a camera and a monitor that provides images from the camera to the vehicle's user. For example, mirror replacement systems are known in which the camera and monitor are used to project the viewing areas of conventional exterior mirrors. Rearview cameras are also known, which can project areas that are not visible with conventional mirrors.

[0003] DE 10 2017 208 592 A1 discloses a mobile camera unit for a rear-view camera system, wherein the camera unit comprises a wireless radio interface, a video camera, a fastening device, and a power supply with an energy storage device. The power supply comprises a wireless power receiving unit configured to interact with a power transmission unit.

[0004] An electronic camera with a charging station is disclosed in JP 2011 035964 A, wherein the charging station carries out a contactless charging process with the camera.

[0005] A battery-powered wireless camera for semi-trailers is known from US 2015 / 172518 A1. A removable camera unit can be optionally mounted on a semi-trailer.

[0006] CN 108 583 460 A discloses an industrial camera arrangement comprising a plurality of cameras, each of which is attached to an arcuate segment by connecting means.

[0007] An image acquisition equipment comprising a camera, a vehicle-mounted mounting bracket, and a carrying bracket is known from CN 108 683 833 A. The carrying bracket is removably attached to the vehicle-mounted mounting bracket.

[0008] It is desirable to specify a camera system for a vehicle that can be used flexibly. It is also desirable to specify an assistance system for a vehicle that can be used flexibly.

[0009] A camera system for a vehicle according to claim 1 is specified. Furthermore, an assistance system according to claim 8 is specified, which has such a camera system. The described features, developments, and advantages of the camera system also apply to the assistance system, and vice versa.

[0010] The camera system includes a mounting device. The mounting device can be removably attached to the outside of the vehicle. The mounting device includes a battery. The camera system includes a camera. The camera can be removably attached to the mounting device. Electrical energy from the battery can be transferred to the camera to operate the camera.

[0011] The vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle such as a car, a truck, or a construction vehicle such as an excavator. The vehicle is, for example, a trailer for a motor vehicle.

[0012] The holding device can be attached to the vehicle, for example by means of a magnet. The holding device can be attached to the vehicle in such a way that it can be non-destructively and removed again. The holding device can be attached to an outside of the vehicle facing away from the interior of the vehicle. The holding device can be attached to the outside of the vehicle so that the holding device is in contact with the environment during operation. The holding device can thus be coupled to different vehicles. The holding device can be coupled to different cameras. This creates a modular system that can be used flexibly depending on the desired application. It is possible to attach the holding device to the vehicle only temporarily when use is desired.

[0013] The holding device is designed to receive and hold the camera. The camera can thus be attached to the vehicle by means of the holding device. For example, the camera can be attached to the holding device using magnets. The camera can be removed from the holding device without being damaged. This makes it possible, for example, to use the camera on a plurality of vehicles, each of which has its own holding device. It is also possible to attach the holding device to different vehicles. For example, it is possible to attach the holding device to the vehicle only while the vehicle is in operation and to remove it from the vehicle at other times, for example when the vehicle is parked.

[0014] The camera is designed, for example, as described in DE 10 2017 208 592 or DE 10 2018 218 735.

[0015] The holding device can be used flexibly and, in particular, is not limited to a specific application. This is achieved, for example, by the holding device having the rechargeable battery. Alternatively or additionally, this is achieved by the holding device being detachably attachable to the outside of the vehicle. This makes it possible to temporarily attach the holding device to different parts of the vehicle. In particular, the holding device can also be attached to positions where no direct power supply is possible. The rechargeable battery in the holding device thus enables the camera to be operated even over longer periods of time. The possible applications of the camera system are therefore expanded compared to conventional camera applications in vehicles. In particular, it is possible to dispense with a fixed installation with a permanent power supply.

[0016] The camera is designed, for example, to send its video signal to an assistance system of the vehicle, in particular via a radio connection. The images from the camera are displayed, for example, together with images from other cameras on one or more monitors in the vehicle. The operating time of the camera is extended thanks to the rechargeable battery in the holding device, without the need for intermediate charging. For example, it is also possible to replace the holding device with another holding device with a charged rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery is discharged, thus enabling operation even while the holding device's rechargeable battery is being charged.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the holding device has an energy transmitting device. The energy transmitting device is electrically coupled to the accumulator. The camera has an energy receiving device. The electrical energy from the energy transmitting device can be transmitted wirelessly to the energy receiving device. The energy transmitting device and the energy receiving device each have, for example, a coil. Electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly from the energy transmitting device to the energy receiving device to operate the camera. Thus, according to embodiments, it is possible to supply the camera with electrical energy during operation in the fastened state in the holding device. For this purpose, in particular, no cabling needs to be provided between the holding device and the camera.

[0018] The camera and the mounting device can be arranged at a distance from each other in the ready-to-use state. The camera system has a cable connection between the camera and the mounting device for transmitting the electrical power. This makes it possible, for example, to mount the camera in a first position, which is primarily selected based on the camera's recording range.

[0019] The holding device can be attached at a distance from it in a second position. The second position is, in particular, different from the first position. The second position is primarily selected, for example, to ensure reliable holding of the holding device. This can be, for example, in a protected location in the motor vehicle and / or in a position that is exposed to few environmental influences during operation. The distance between the holding device and the camera is bridged by the cable connection. Thus, despite the distance, it is possible for the camera to be operated using the electrical energy from the holding device's accumulator.

[0020] The camera system has an additional holding device. The additional holding device can be permanently attached to the vehicle. The additional holding device can be coupled to the holding device. Alternatively or additionally, the additional holding device can be coupled to the camera. The additional holding device can be attached to the vehicle, for example, using screws or other fastening means. In particular, the additional holding device can be attached in such a way that it cannot be easily removed from the vehicle without causing damage.

[0021] The additional mounting device is attached to the first position when the mounting device and the camera are arranged at a distance from each other. The camera is then attached to the vehicle by means of the additional mounting device. The mounting device, which serves to supply electrical energy, is arranged at a distance from the mounting device.

[0022] It is also possible to attach the mounting bracket to the vehicle using an additional mounting bracket. The camera, for example, is then attached to the mounting bracket. Different stacking configurations can be created depending on the desired and required application.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment, the camera has an additional battery. The additional battery of the camera can be charged using the holding device. This allows for an extension of the camera's operating time.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the camera is configured to receive position data from the holding device via wireless near-field communication when the camera is attached to the holding device. This enables the determination of a relative position of the holding device to the vehicle. For example, the position data is transmitted via RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, or other near-field communication standards. The position data is stored, for example, in a memory of the holding device. For example, the position data is determined and transmitted as described in DE 10 2018 218 735.

[0025] For example, the camera is designed to send its video signal along with the position data to the vehicle's assistance system for further processing. This makes it easy and reliable to combine the camera image with images from other cameras in the vehicle and, for example, display them together. Combining the images from the different cameras is easy and reliable, depending on the precise knowledge of the cameras' positions. This makes it possible to integrate the mobile camera and the mobile mounting device into the vehicle's assistance system.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the camera system comprises a plurality of holding devices that can be removably attached to one another. The holding devices are configured to supply each other with electrical energy. This makes it possible to further increase the operating time of the camera.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the holding device has a signal amplifier for increasing the range of a wireless video signal from the camera. The signal amplifier is designed to increase the range of the wireless video signal from the camera. The camera is designed, for example, to transmit its video signal to a receiving device in the vehicle using a WLAN standard or another wireless connection. The signal amplifier of the holding device can be used to amplified the camera's wireless video signal, thus improving the range. Particularly when the holding device is mounted on the back of a metal trailer, this still allows for sufficiently stable transmission of the wireless video signal.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, an assistance system for a vehicle comprises a camera system according to at least one embodiment. The assistance system comprises at least one further camera. The assistance system comprises a monitor. Images from the camera and the further camera can be displayed in combination on the monitor. This makes it possible to display the image from the mobile camera combined with the image from the further camera. For this purpose, in particular, the position of the camera of the camera system and the position of the further camera relative to one another are known.

[0029] Further advantages, features, and refinements will become apparent from the following examples explained in conjunction with the figures. Identical, similar, and functionally identical elements may be provided with the same reference numerals.

[0030] They show: Figure 1 a schematic representation of an assistance system according to an embodiment, Figures 2 to 5 each a schematic representation of a camera system according to various embodiments, Figures 6 and 7 each a schematic representation of a camera system in the ready-to-use state according to embodiments.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an assistance system 140 for a vehicle 200 ( Figure 7 ). The assistance system 140 is, for example, part of a mirror replacement system and / or part of a reversing assistance system for a user of the vehicle. The assistance system 140 is, for example, part of a different camera monitor system for the vehicle 200.

[0032] The assistance system 140 has a camera system 100. The camera system 100 has a camera 103. The camera system has a holding device 101. The holding device 101 can be fastened to the vehicle 200. The camera 103 can be reversibly fastened to the holding device 101. For example, the camera system has an unfastened state in which the holding device 101 is not fastened to the vehicle 200. In a fastened state, the holding device 101 is fastened to the vehicle 200, and the camera 103 is held by the holding device 101 and, in particular, is not movable or only insignificantly movable relative to the holding device 101.

[0033] The assistance system 140 has a receiving device 132 and a monitor 131. Further elements such as control devices and image processing devices may be provided. The monitor 131 is arranged in particular in the interior of the vehicle 200 and, for example, in the field of view of a user of the vehicle 200. The monitor 131 serves to display images or videos from the camera 103.

[0034] During operation, the image signals from camera 103 are transmitted wirelessly using radio technology between camera system 100 and receiving unit 132. For this purpose, camera 103 has an antenna 127. Receiving device 132 correspondingly has antenna 137. Optionally, holding device 101 also has an antenna 124. Antenna 124 is, for example, part of a signal amplifier, which is provided in holding device 101 according to embodiments.

[0035] According to exemplary embodiments, the holding device 101 does not have its own antenna. Only the camera 103 has the antenna 127. A radio connection for transmitting the image data is established only between the camera 103 and the receiving device 132.

[0036] The camera 103 is a wireless camera for expanding the field of view in the vehicle 200. The camera 103 is mobile and can be used flexibly and, for example, can be coupled to a plurality of different mounting devices 101 in different vehicles. The camera 103 itself does not need to be directly connected to the vehicle and, for example, does not need to be screwed to the vehicle. The camera 103 is reversibly attached to the vehicle by means of the mounting device 101. The mounting device 101 is reversibly attached to the vehicle. This enables the camera 103 to be temporarily attached to the vehicle by means of the mounting device 101. This makes it possible to use the camera 103 even when permanent installations are undesirable.

[0037] Figure 2 shows the camera system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0038] The camera 103 has a rechargeable battery 107. During operation, this serves in particular to supply the camera 103 with electrical energy. According to further exemplary embodiments, the camera 103 does not have its own rechargeable battery. The camera 103 has an energy receiving device 109. The energy receiving device has, for example, a coil. The energy receiving device 109 serves to inductively supply energy to the camera 103. The camera 103 has a magnet 114. The camera can be fastened to the holding device 101 by means of the magnet 114. According to exemplary embodiments, the magnet 114 is used alternatively or additionally to fasten the camera 103 directly to the vehicle 200. The camera 103 has a communication interface 119. The communication interface 119 serves to exchange information with the holding device 101. The communication interface 119 enables, in particular, wireless communication.For example, the communication interface 119 enables near-field communication using NFC, Bluetooth or other communication standards.

[0039] The holding device 101 has a rechargeable battery 104. The rechargeable battery 104 serves to store electrical energy. The holding device 101 has an energy transmitting device 108. The energy transmitting device 108 has, for example, a coil. The energy transmitting device 108, together with the energy receiving device 109 of the camera 103, serves to inductively transmit electrical energy from the holding device 101 to the camera 103. The energy transmitting device 108 of the holding device 101 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 104. In particular, the energy transmitting device 108 and the rechargeable battery 104 are arranged in a common housing 112 of the holding device 101.

[0040] The holding device 101 has an energy receiving device 110. The energy receiving device 110 of the holding device 101 serves to inductively receive electrical energy. Using the energy receiving device 110 of the holding device 101, it is thus possible to inductively charge the accumulator 104 of the holding device 101. The energy receiving device 110 of the holding device 101 is electrically connected to the accumulator 104.

[0041] The holding device 101 has a magnet 111. The magnet 111 serves to fasten the holding device 101 to a surface. For example, it is possible to fasten the holding device 101 directly to the vehicle 200 using the magnet 114. It is also possible to fasten the holding device 101 to another holding device 101, 106 ( Figure 3 ) to be attached.

[0042] The housing 112 of the holding device 101 has a receptacle 115. The receptacle 115 serves to hold the camera 103. The receptacle 115 also serves to hold another holding device 101, 106.

[0043] The housing 112 has a recess 113 on a side opposite the receptacle 115. The recess 113 is configured to correspond to the receptacle 115, so that a stack of holding devices 101, 106 can be formed.

[0044] The holding device 101 has a communication interface 102. The communication interface 102 is configured for wireless communication with the communication interface 119 of the camera 103. For example, an exchange of position information and / or control information is possible via the communication interfaces 102, 119. The position information includes, in particular, information about the position at which the holding device 101, and thus the camera 103, is mounted relative to the vehicle 200.

[0045] The reversible attachment of the holding device 101 by means of magnets 111 and the energy storage in the accumulator 104 of the holding device 101 enables mobile use regardless of specific application purposes. The accumulator 104 enables a sufficiently long operating time for the camera 103. There is sufficient space in the holding device 101 to use a sufficiently large accumulator 104. The camera 103 can thus be operated for a sufficiently long time without having to equip the camera 103 with a large accumulator 104. The operating time of the camera 103 is thus sufficiently long to expand the application possibilities of the camera system 100 without requiring a fixed installation with a permanent power supply. The mobile holding device 101 also offers the possibility of mobile use with an operating time that is significantly longer than with the accumulator 107 of the camera 103 alone.

[0046] The holding device 101, which enables the wireless inductive supply of electrical energy to the camera 103, is additionally equipped with the accumulator 104. In the embodiment of the Figure 2 The components of the holding device 101 are housed in a single, closed housing 112. The shape of the housing is shown merely as an example. A round or cylindrical shape is particularly useful according to embodiments. The round or cylindrical shape enables, for example, a good fit and thus reliable inductive charging.

[0047] A different shape may also be provided. For example, by increasing the surface area relative to the height, it is possible to achieve better adhesion to the substrate. For example, this makes it possible to achieve a lower tipping moment. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible, for example, to accommodate a larger number of magnets 111.

[0048] Figure 3shows the camera system 100 in which several holding devices 101, 106 are stacked. The camera 103 is inserted into the receptacle 115 of the outermost holding device 101. The holding devices 101, 106 are electrically coupled to one another by means of the respective energy transmitting devices 108 and energy receiving devices 110 of the holding devices 101, 106. This makes it possible to jointly utilize the capacity of the individual accumulators 104 of the holding devices 101, 106 in order to further increase the operating time for the camera 103. Of course, it is also possible to stack more than two holding devices 101, 106. Due to the shape of the housing 112 with the receptacle 115 and the recess 113, a modular camera system 100 is realized. The components of the camera system 100 can be combined and reused as desired.

[0049] For example, it is possible to place the camera 103 in a charging cradle with an external power supply. Alternatively, the camera 103 can be placed in the

[0050] The holding device 101 with the rechargeable battery 104 can be inserted. The holding device 101 can itself be placed in a charging cradle connected to an external power supply. Alternatively, it is possible to couple the holding device 101 with the additional holding device 106.

[0051] The holding devices 101, 106 can thus each be charged themselves and / or supply another consumer with electrical energy, for example, the camera 103 or another holding device 101, 106. As exemplary combinations, it is thus possible to provide a charging cradle that is directly connected to the power grid of the vehicle 200. This is used to charge the battery 107 of the camera 103.

[0052] Another combination consists of the holding device 101 and the camera 103.

[0053] Another combination includes the charging cradle, which is directly connected to an external power supply, and the holding device 101. In another combination, the charging cradle is used to supply the holding device 101 with electrical energy. The camera 103 is connected to the holding device 101.

[0054] In another combination, the two holding devices 101, 106 are connected to each other in order to jointly utilize the capacity of the respective accumulators 104. Any number of holding devices 101, 106 can be combined with each other, and, for example, the camera 103 can ultimately utilize the capacity of all accumulators 104. A stack of any number of holding devices 101, 106 can be combined with the charging cradle and also with the camera 103. Many other combinations are possible depending on the location and desired use of the camera system 100.

[0055] Figure 4 shows the camera system 100 according to another exemplary embodiment. The holding device 101 has the accumulator 104. The other elements, in particular the energy transmitting device 108 and the communication interface 102, are omitted. The magnets 111 and, for example, the receiving device 110 of the holding device 101 are provided. Thus, the holding device 101 can be attached to the vehicle 200 and supplied with electrical energy to charge the accumulator 104.

[0056] The communication interface 102 and the energy transmission device 108 are integrated into the additional holding device 106. For example, the camera 103 is inserted into the additional holding device 106 during operation.

[0057] The holding device 101 and the further holding device 106 are connected, for example, to a cable connection 105 ( Figure 5) are connected to each other. The cable connection 105 serves to transmit electrical energy from the accumulator 104 of the holding device 101 to the energy transmission device 108 of the further holding device 106.

[0058] For example, it is possible for the cable of the cable connection 105 to be accommodated in the housing 112 of the holding device 101, for example, by being wound up by a mechanism. Alternatively, it is possible to use a spiral cable.

[0059] The cable connection 105 enables flexible use of the holding device 101 and the additional holding device 106, even at a distance from each other. It is possible to position the holding device 101 and the additional holding device 106 at a short distance from each other, for example, at a distance of one to two meters.

[0060] The further holding device 106 for holding the camera 103 is, for example, attached directly to the vehicle 200. Alternatively, it is possible to use a holder 116 that is firmly connected to the vehicle 200, as shown by way of example in Figure 5 For example, the holder 116 is designed as described in DE 10 2018 218 735.

[0061] The mount 116 is permanently installed on the vehicle by means of a fastening 118, for example, screws. The additional holding device 106 can be fastened in the mount 116 by means of the magnets 111. The mount 116 has a communication interface 117. The communication interface 117 has, for example, a memory in which position data of the permanently installed mount 116 is stored. By means of wireless communication between the communication interface 117 of the mount 116 and the communication interface 102 of the additional holding device 106 as well as the communication interface 119 of the camera 103, it is possible to transmit the position data and information between the individual elements.

[0062] The communication interface 117 of the holder 116 has, for example, a tag that can be read and / or written to via short-range radio by the additional holding device 106 or the camera 103, in particular an RFID tag. The tag allows the holder 116 to be uniquely identified and associated with its position and installation location. This simplifies the integration of the images from the camera 103 into a common display of multiple images from different cameras, for example, by means of stitching.

[0063] Figures 6 and 7each show the camera system 100 with the cable connection 105 in exemplary uses. The camera system 100 is attached to an excavator bucket 120. The bracket 116 is mounted at a position such that relevant viewing areas can be imaged by the camera 103. The holding device 101 with the accumulator 104 is mounted at a position spaced from the bracket 116. The position of the holding device 101 is selected, for example, such that the holding device 101 interferes with operation as little as possible and remains securely connected to the excavator bucket 120 of the vehicle 200.

[0064] The position of the holder 116 is, for example, predetermined or determined during assembly and stored in a memory of the communication interface 117 of the holder 116. This makes it possible for the camera 106 to automatically detect and identify during operation where and with which part of the vehicle 200 (here, for example, the excavator bucket 120) it is arranged. In particular, in the case of an excavator that uses different tools, identification of the tool by means of the holder 116 is possible. The defined position of the camera 103 is also known during operation. This enables simple stitching of the images from the camera 103 with images from other cameras. According to the exemplary embodiment, the additional holder device 106 is omitted and the camera 103 is inserted directly into the holder 116.

[0065] According to further embodiments, the camera 103 is not inserted directly into the holder 116, but rather into the additional holding device 106. The additional holding device 106 is in turn fastened to the holder 116. The holding device 101 with the accumulator 104 can therefore be placed particularly stably in a suitable location, regardless of a predetermined position for the camera 103. For example, the position for the holding device 101 has a solid metal surface and / or a high metal thickness, so that stable attachment by means of the magnet 111 is possible. The operating time for the camera 103 is thus increased. Convenient stitching remains possible without the need for fixed cabling for the camera 103. Furthermore, no plug connection or cable connection is necessary to transmit the electrical energy between the tool, for example the excavator bucket 120, and the main vehicle 200.This means that the camera system 100 can also be easily retrofitted.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the mount 116 is omitted. The camera 103 is placed and secured directly to the vehicle 200 or the tool (here, for example, the excavator bucket 120) using the additional mounting device 106. This allows the camera 103 to be mounted at a position where the camera view is currently needed. The mounting device 101 remains attachable at a mechanically most suitable position at a distance from the additional mounting device 106.

[0067] Even without the permanently installed mount 116, the use of the camera 106 in the camera system 100, in particular the assistance system 140, is readily possible. Especially for comparatively simple vision applications, in which, for example, only the image from the camera 103 is displayed, exact position information is not necessary. In particular, the camera system 100 without the mount 116 allows use with any tool, in particular also with tools that are not equipped with a mount 116 and cannot be equipped, for example, because screwing is not permitted. The increased operating time and good positionability of the camera 103 are achievable, and no fixed cabling to the vehicle 200 is necessary, for example, no fixed cabling to the vehicle's electrical system.

[0068] In the various exemplary embodiments, the camera system 100 enables an expansion of the application areas and possible uses for the mobile camera 103. The mobile camera 103 can be used in various locations, for example, independently or together with the holding devices 101, 106 and / or the mount 116. It is always possible to dispense with fixed cabling to the vehicle's electrical system 200 in order to supply the camera 103 with electrical energy. Nevertheless, a wide variety of applications are possible without restriction.

Claims

1. Camera system (100) for a vehicle, comprising: - a holding device (101) that can be fastened removably to the outside of the vehicle, and - a camera (103) that can be fastened removably to the holding device (101), characterized in that the holding device (101) comprises an accumulator (104) and electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly from the accumulator (104) to the camera (103) to operate the camera, wherein the camera (103) and the holding device (101) can be arranged, when in a state ready to operate, at a distance from one another, and wherein the camera system (100) comprises a cable connection (105) between the camera (103) and the holding device (101) for transmitting the electrical energy, so that the camera (103) can be fastened at a first position and the holding device (101) can be fastened at a second position at a distance therefrom, and wherein the camera system (100) comprises a further holding device (106) that can be fastened permanently to the vehicle and that can optionally be coupled to the holding device (101) and the camera (103), wherein, if the holding device (101), that serves to supply electrical energy, and the camera (103) are arranged at a distance from one another, the further holding device (106) can be fastened at the first position, so that the camera (103) can be fastened to the vehicle by means of the further holding device (106), and wherein the holding device (101) and the further holding device (106) are connected to each other by the cable connection (105), wherein the cable connection (105) serves to transmit electrical energy from the accumulator (104) of the holding device (101) to an energy transmitting device (108) of the further holding device (106), wherein electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly from the energy transmitting device (108) to an energy receiving device (109) of the camera (103) for operating the camera (103).

2. Camera system according to Claim 1, in which the holding device (101) comprises an energy transmitting device (108) that is electrically coupled to the accumulator (104), and in which the camera (103) comprises an energy receiving device (109), wherein the electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly from the energy transmitting device (108) to the energy receiving device (109).

3. Camera system according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the holding device (101) comprises a further energy receiving device (110) that is electrically coupled to the accumulator (104), wherein electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly to the further energy receiving device (110) for charging the accumulator (104).

4. Camera system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the camera (103) comprises a further accumulator (107) that can be charged by means of the holding device (101).

5. Camera system according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the camera (103) is designed, when in a state in which the camera (103) is fastened to the holding device (101), to receive position data from the holding device by means of wireless near-field communication, in order to determine a relative position of the holding device (101) with respect to the vehicle.

6. Camera system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the holding device (101) can be fastened to the vehicle by means of a magnet (111).

7. Camera system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the holding device (101) comprises a signal amplifier for extending the range of a wireless video signal of the camera (103).

8. Assistance system for a vehicle, comprising: - a camera system (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, - at least one further camera, - a monitor (131), wherein images from the camera (103) and the further camera can be displayed in combined form on the monitor (131).