A viewing apparatus

Abstract

A viewing apparatus 2 for use with a vehicle (1, figure 1) such that a person outside of the vehicle can view a region inside the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a viewing sensor (4, figure 2) for de

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a viewing apparatus, for use with a vehicle such that a person outside of the vehicle can use the viewing apparatus to view a viewing region inside the vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly comprising a vehicle and the viewing apparatus, to a kit of parts of the viewing apparatus, to a kit of parts of a vehicle and the viewing apparatus assembly and to a method of installation of a viewing apparatus on a vehicle. Background of the Invention A current problem with leaving vehicles unattended is that it is becoming increasingly common for thieves to break into the vehicles, in case there are valuables inside. This is particularly the case for commercial vehicles, which typically have expensive commercial equipment / tools inside. In an effort to reduce this problem, vehicle owners typically remove all valuable equipment from their vehicles, when the vehicles are left unattended (e.g. overnight) and include signs on their vehicles stating that there are no valuables left inside overnight. However, such measures have had limited success in deterring thieves, who still assume that there are valuables inside the vehicle regardless of the sign. The present invention seeks to address or mitigate at least some of the above mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided viewing apparatus, for use with a vehicle such that a person outside of the vehicle can use the viewing apparatus to view a viewing region inside the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a viewing sensor for detecting when a person outside a vehicle is looking through a front end of a viewing part, the viewing part having a said front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside a vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle; a light emitter for emitting light, when electrically connected to an electrical power source, to illuminate the viewing region, and a control arrangement configured to control the light emitter such that, in use, when an electrical power source is operatively connected to the light emitter: the light emitter is controlled to be in a viewing state, in dependence on a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the viewing state, the light emitter emits light to illuminate said viewing region; and the light emitter is controlled to be in a non-viewing state, in dependence on the viewing sensor not detecting a person looking through the front end of the viewing part and / or in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter does not emit light, or emits light with a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state. The viewing apparatus may allow potential thieves to look through the front end of the viewing part and view the viewing region inside a vehicle (e.g. the back of a van or lorry) to see that there is no valuable equipment (e.g. tools) inside, thereby deterring the thief from breaking into the vehicle. In this respect, the control of light emitter allows the viewing region inside the vehicle to be illuminated, when a person is looking through the front end of the viewing part, thereby allowing the person to view the viewing region, and the contents thereof, even if the viewing region would otherwise be too dark to see into. In this respect, the inside of a vehicle is often dark or even pitch black, if the viewing region is enclosed and has no windows (such as in the back of a van). Furthermore since, when a person is not looking through the viewing part, the light emitter may be controlled to not emit light, or to emit a low level of light, this may reduce the consumption of electrical power (compared to if the light emitter was always on) . This is particularly important where the viewing apparatus is battery powered, so as to retain the life of the battery. Optionally when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter does not emit light. Optionally when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter emits light with a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state. Optionally the control the light emitter such that arrangement is arranged to control the light emitter is controlled to be in the viewing state when the viewing sensor detects a person using the viewing part. Optionally the control arrangement is arranged to control the light emitter such that the light emitter is controlled to be in the non- viewing state when the viewing sensor does not detect a person using the viewing part. Optionally the control arrangement is arranged to control the light emitter such that the light emitter is controlled to be in the non-viewing state in dependence on the viewing sensor not detecting a person using the viewing part to view the viewing region. Optionally the control arrangement is arranged to control the light emitter such that the light emitter is controlled to be in the non-viewing state in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor of a person using the viewing part. Optionally the viewing part comprises a front end and a rear end arranged such that a person can look through the front end and out of the rear end. In this respect, optionally the front and rear ends are optically connected such that a person can look through the front end and out of the rear end. Optionally the viewing part defines a viewing path the extends between the front and rear ends of the viewing part. Optionally the front and rear ends are aligned with each other . It will be appreciated that the front and rear ends are arranged such that visible light can pass from the rear end to the front end. Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle, from an exterior of the vehicle to an interior of the vehicle. Optionally the front end of the viewing part is provided on the exterior of the vehicle and the rear end of the viewing part is provided on the interior of the vehicle. Optionally: the viewing apparatus comprises a front part; the front part comprising the front end of the viewing part ; wherein the viewing sensor is configured to detect when a person outside the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part. Optionally the front part comprises an optically connecting part, that is optically connected to the front end of the viewing part and is arranged such that, when the viewing apparatus is used with a vehicle, the front end of the viewing part is optically connected to the rear end of the viewing part, via the optically connecting part of the front part. In this respect, optionally the optically connecting part provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of viewing part, when the viewing apparatus is used with a vehicle. Optionally the optically connecting part optically connects the front end of the viewing part to a connecting aperture in the front part of the viewing apparatus. Optionally the front part comprises a housing and the optically connecting part is a passage in the housing. Optionally the rear part comprises an optically connecting part, that is optically connected to the rear end of the viewing part and is arranged such that, when the viewing apparatus is used with a vehicle, the front end of the viewing part is optically connected to the rear end of the viewing part, via the optically connecting part of the rear part. In this respect, optionally the optically connecting part provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of viewing part, when the viewing apparatus is used with a vehicle. Optionally the optically connecting part optically connects the rear end of the viewing part to a connecting aperture in the rear part of the viewing apparatus. Optionally the rear part comprises a housing and the optically connecting part is a passage in the housing. Optionally the connecting aperture in the front part and the connecting aperture in the rear part are optically connectable, or are optically connected, so as to optically connect the front and rear ends of the viewing part. The optical connection may be by an aperture passing through a part of the vehicle and / or by an aperture insertion optically connecting part that is provided in an aperture passing through a part of the vehicle. Optionally the front end of the viewing part comprises an eye aperture. The eye aperture has the general shape and size of a person's eye. Optionally the eye aperture is surrounded by a part that is substantially opaque to visible light. The part may be a part of the viewing apparatus (for example of the front part of the viewing apparatus) and / or a part of the vehicle. In order to look through the viewing part, a person presses one of their eyes adjacent the eye aperture, to look into the eye aperture. Optionally the eye aperture is substantially circular. Optionally the viewing sensor is configured to detect when a person is looking through the eye aperture. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus is for facing externally of the vehicle. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus is for being mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus is for being mounted on an exterior side of a part of the vehicle that the viewing part extends through. Optionally: the viewing apparatus comprises a rear part; the rear part comprising the rear end of the viewing part. Optionally the rear end of the viewing part comprises an optical lens. Optionally the rear end of the viewing part comprises the optical lens. Optionally the lens is a fish-eye lens . Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus comprises the light emitter. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus is for facing a viewing region inside the vehicle. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus is for being mounted on an interior surface of the vehicle. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus is for being mounted on an interior side of a part of the vehicle that the viewing part extends through. Optionally the front end of the viewing part, in the front part of the viewing apparatus, is optically connectable to the rear end of the viewing part, in the rear part of the viewing apparatus, such that a person can look through the front end and out of the rear end. Optionally the viewing apparatus comprises an aperture insertion optically connecting part for being received in an aperture in a part of the vehicle, the aperture extending from an exterior side of the part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle, the optically connecting part providing at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part. Optionally the aperture insertion optically connecting part is for extending through said aperture. It will be appreciated that the optically connecting part of the front part, the optically connecting part of the rear part and the aperture insertion optically connecting part is arranged such that visible light can travel along the optically connecting part, so as to optically connect the front and rear ends of the viewing part. Each optically connecting part may be a hollow body with open first and second ends. The viewing part may provide a light path, for visible light to travel along, that is substantially straight. Alternatively, the viewing part may provide a said light path that is tortuous. Optionally the front and rear parts of the viewing apparatus are selectively attachable to and detachable from each other. Optionally the front and rear parts of the viewing apparatus are selectively attachable to and detachable from each other via the optically connecting part. Optionally the optically connecting part is selectively attachable to and detachable from at least one of the front and rear parts of the viewing apparatus. Optionally the viewing apparatus comprises a front part, the front part comprising the front end of a viewing part, and a rear part, the rear part comprising the rear end of a viewing part wherein, when the viewing apparatus is installed on a vehicle, a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end of the viewing part and out of the rear end of the viewing part, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle. Optionally: a) the front and rear ends of the viewing part are for arranging respectively with front and rear ends of an aperture that extends from an exterior side of the part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle such that a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end of the viewing part and out of the rear end of the viewing part, via the aperture, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle; and / or b) the apparatus comprises an optically connecting part for optically connecting the front and rear ends of the viewing part such that a person can look through the front end and out of the rear end, via the optically connecting part, to view the viewing region inside the vehicle . The optically connecting part may be for passing through an aperture that extends from an exterior side of the part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle. Optionally the optically connecting part so optically connects the front and rear ends of the viewing part. Optionally the viewing sensor is positioned relative to the front end of the viewing part such that the viewing sensor is configured to detect when a person is looking through the front end of the viewing part, to view the viewing region. Optionally the viewing sensor is a configured to detect when a body part of a person, who is looking through the front end of the viewing part, is proximal to the sensor, optionally in contact with the sensor. The body part may be an eye region of a person, for example a person's eye, that is looking through the front end of the viewing part, and / or a part of the face proximal the eye, for example the eye-brow region, forehead region above the eye and / or surrounding face. Optionally the viewing sensor is a proximity sensor, optionally a contact sensor. Optionally the control arrangement is configured to electrically connect the electrical power source to the light emitter, to control the light emitter to be in the viewing state . Optionally the control arrangement is configured to electrically disconnect the electrical power source from the light emitter, or to reduce the electrical power provided to the light emitter, to control the light emitter to be in the non-viewing state. The front and / rear parts of the viewing apparatus may comprise the control arrangement. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus comprises the control arrangement. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus comprises the control arrangement. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus comprises a housing. Optionally the viewing sensor is provided in and / or on the housing. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus comprises a housing. Optionally the light emitter is provided in and / or on the housing. Optionally the control arrangement is provided in and / or on the housing of the front and / or rear parts. Optionally the light emitter is an electrical light. Optionally the light emitter comprises at least one LED. Optionally the viewing apparatus comprises an electrical power source operatively connected to the light emitter, to provide electrical power to the light emitter, as required. Optionally the front and / or rear parts of the viewing apparatus comprise the electrical power source. Optionally the electrical power source comprises a battery. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts of a viewing apparatus for use with a vehicle such that a person outside of the vehicle can use the viewing apparatus to view a viewing region inside the vehicle, the kit of parts comprising: a viewing sensor for detecting when a person outside a vehicle is looking through a front end of a viewing part, the viewing part having a said front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside a vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle; a light emitter for emitting light, when electrically connected to an electrical power source, to illuminate the viewing region, and a control arrangement configured to control the light emitter such that, in use, when an electrical power source is operatively connected to the light emitter: the light emitter is controlled to be in a viewing state, in dependence on a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the viewing state, the light emitter emits light to illuminate said viewing region; and the light emitter is controlled to be in a non-viewing state, in dependence on the viewing sensor not detecting a person looking through the front end of the viewing part and / or in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter does not emit light, or emits light with a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly comprising: a vehicle; and a viewing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein: the assembly comprises a viewing part having a front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle; the viewing sensor is arranged to detect when a person outside the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part, to view the viewing region inside the vehicle; the light emitter is arranged such that, when the light emitter emits light, the emitted light illuminates the viewing region inside the vehicle. Optionally the viewing apparatus comprises a front part, the front part comprising the front end of the viewing part. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus faces externally of the vehicle. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle, from an exterior of the vehicle to an interior of the vehicle, optionally the viewing region. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an exterior side of said part of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing apparatus comprises a rear part, the rear part comprising the rear end of the viewing part. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus faces an interior of the vehicle. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus faces the viewing region inside the vehicle. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an interior surface of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle, from an exterior of the vehicle to an interior of the vehicle. Optionally the rear part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an interior side of said part of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing apparatus comprises said front part and / or said rear part. Optionally the front part of the viewing apparatus faces externally of the vehicle and the rear part of the viewing apparatus faces the viewing region inside the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle and wherein the front part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an exterior side of said part of the vehicle and the rear part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an interior side of said part of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part comprises an aperture in a part of the vehicle, optionally said part of the vehicle. Optionally the aperture extends through a part of the vehicle, from an exterior of the vehicle to an interior of the vehicle. Optionally an aperture extends from an exterior side of a part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle, and wherein: a) the aperture provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part; and / or b) the viewing apparatus comprises an aperture insertion optically connecting part provided in the aperture that provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part. It will be appreciated that in case (a) the viewing part comprises the aperture and in case (b) the viewing part comprises the aperture insertion optically connecting part. Optionally the vehicle is a road vehicle. Optionally the viewing region inside the vehicle is in the rear of the vehicle. Optionally the vehicle is a van, car, truck or lorry. Optionally the vehicle is a commercial vehicle . Optionally the viewing apparatus comprises a front part, the front part comprising the front end of a viewing part, and a rear part, the rear part comprising the rear end of a viewing part. Optionally the front and rear ends of the viewing part are arrangeable such that a person outside a vehicle can look through the front end of the viewing part and out of the rear end of the viewing part, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle . Optionally: a) the front and rear ends of the viewing part are arrangeable respectively with front and rear ends of an aperture that extends from an exterior side of the part of a vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle such that a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end of the viewing part and out of the rear end of the viewing part, via the aperture, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle; and / or b) the apparatus comprises an aperture insertion optically connecting part for, at least partly, optically connecting the front and rear ends of the viewing part such that a person can look through the front end and out of the rear end, via the optically connecting part, to view the viewing region inside a vehicle. Optionally the front and rear ends of the viewing part are arranged such that a person outside a vehicle can look through the front end of the viewing part and out of the rear end of the viewing part, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle . Optionally: a) the front and rear ends of the viewing part are arranged respectively with front and rear ends of an aperture that extends from an exterior side of the part of a vehicle to an interior side of the part of the 5 vehicle such that a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end of the viewing part and out of the rear end of the viewing part, via the aperture, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle; 10 and / or b) the apparatus comprises an aperture insertion optically connecting part that, at least partly, optically connects the front and rear ends of the viewing part 15 such that a person can look through the front end and out of the rear end, via the optically connecting part, to view the viewing region inside a vehicle. The optically connecting part may pass through an 20 aperture that extends from an exterior side of the part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle, from an exterior of the vehicle to an interior of the 25 vehicle. Optionally the front end of the viewing part is provided on the exterior of the vehicle and the rear end of the viewing part is provided on the interior of the vehicle. According to fourth aspect of the invention there is 30 provided a kit of parts of a vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly, the kit of parts comprising: a vehicle, and a viewing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, for use with the vehicle. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installation of a viewing apparatus on a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a viewing apparatus comprising: a viewing sensor; a light emitter for emitting light, when electrically connected to an electrical power source, and a control arrangement; wherein the method comprises: providing a viewing part, the viewing part having a front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle; arranging the viewing sensor to detect when a person outside of the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part, arranging the light emitter such that, when the light emitter emits light, the emitted light illuminates the viewing region inside the vehicle; wherein the control arrangement is configured to control the light emitter such that, in use, when an electrical power source is operatively connected to the light emitter: the light emitter is controlled to be in a viewing state, in dependence on a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the viewing state, the light emitter emits light that illuminates said viewing region; and the light emitter is controlled to be in a non-viewing state, in dependence on the viewing sensor not detecting a person looking through the front end of the viewing part and / or in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter does not emit light, or emits light with a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state. Optionally: the viewing apparatus comprises a front part; wherein the front part is arranged such that the front part comprises the front end of the viewing part; wherein the viewing sensor is configured to detect when a person outside the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part. Optionally the method comprises arranging the front part of the viewing apparatus to face externally of the vehicle. Optionally the method comprises mounting the front part of the viewing apparatus on an exterior surface of the vehicle . Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle, from an exterior of the vehicle to an interior of the vehicle. Optionally the front end of the viewing part is provided on the exterior of the vehicle and the rear end of the viewing part is provided on the interior of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle and the front part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an exterior side of said part of the vehicle. Optionally: the viewing apparatus comprises a rear part; wherein the rear part is arranged such that the rear part comprises the rear end of the viewing part. Optionally the method comprises arranging the rear part of the viewing apparatus to face the viewing region inside the vehicle . Optionally the method comprises mounting the rear part of the viewing apparatus on an interior surface of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part extends through a part of the vehicle and the rear part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an interior side of said part of the vehicle. Optionally the method comprises providing an aperture in a part of vehicle, the aperture extending from an exterior side of the part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle, wherein: a) the aperture provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part; and / or b) the method comprises providing an aperture insertion optically connecting part in the aperture that provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part. Optionally the aperture insertion optically connecting part extends through the entire length of the aperture. Optionally the part of the vehicle, that the viewing part extends through, is a body panel of the vehicle. Optionally the part of the vehicle is a rear body panel of the vehicle. Optionally the part of the vehicle is a body panel of a rear facing door of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing part extends through an outer skin of the vehicle. Optionally the viewing region inside the vehicle is only visible, by a person outside the vehicle, by the person looking through the front end of the viewing part. Optionally the viewing region inside the vehicle is substantially enclosed by one or more parts of the vehicle such that the viewing region inside the vehicle is only visible, by a person outside the vehicle, by the person looking through the front end of the viewing part. In this respect, optionally said one or more parts of the vehicle are substantially opaque to visible light. Optionally the viewing region inside the vehicle is in the rear of a vehicle. Optionally the viewing region is a region for storing tools. The features of any of the above aspects of the invention may be combined with one or more features of any of the other aspects of the invention, in any combination. In this respect, the kit of parts and methods may comprise any of the feature of the viewing apparatus and vehicle. The features of the above method steps may be carrier out in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Other preferred and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the following description. Description of the Drawings A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the description and drawings. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly, from the rear and to one side, the assembly comprising a viewing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention and a vehicle, with the viewing apparatus installed on the vehicle; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the front and to one side of the viewing apparatus in Figure 1, where the viewing apparatus is not installed on a vehicle, and where front and rear parts of the apparatus are assembled together (i.e. without an intermediary vehicle body panel shown between the front and rear parts) ; Figure 3 shows a perspective view from the rear and to one side of the viewing apparatus in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a front view of a front part of the viewing apparatus in Figures 1 to 3 (where a rear part of the viewing apparatus is not shown); Figure 5 shows a rear view of a rear part of the viewing apparatus in Figures 1 to 4 (where the front part of the viewing apparatus is not shown); Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the viewing apparatus in Figures 1 to 5; Figure 7a shows a schematic cross-sectional view, taken along the plane A in Figure 5 (in the direction shown by the arrows and where the front part is shown) , when the viewing apparatus is being installed on the vehicle and where a front part of the view apparatus is detached from a rear part of the viewing apparatus; Figure 7b shows a view corresponding to that of Figure 7a, but where the viewing apparatus is installed on the vehicle, with the front part of the viewing apparatus attached to the rear part of the viewing apparatus; Figure 8a is a view corresponding to Figure 7a, but where the viewing apparatus is according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 8b is a view corresponding to Figure 7b, but where the viewing apparatus is according to the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a schematic top-down view of the interior of the vehicle in Figure 1; Figure 10 shows a schematic flow chart illustrating the steps in a method of installation of the first embodiment of the viewing apparatus on the vehicle, and Figure 11 shows a schematic flow chart illustrating the steps in a method of installation of the second embodiment of the viewing apparatus on the vehicle. Detailed Description Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a view, from the rear and to one side, of a vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly 200 comprising a viewing apparatus 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention and a vehicle 1, with the viewing apparatus 2 installed on the vehicle 1. In the currently described embodiment the vehicle 1 is a road vehicle comprising a pair of front wheels 20b, 20b' and a pair of rear wheels, 20a 20a' . In the currently described embodiment the vehicle 1 is a van. However, it will be appreciated that the viewing apparatus 2 may be used with any type of vehicle. In this respect, the viewing apparatus 2 is primarily intended for use with road vehicles, in particular commercial road vehicles, for example a van, car, truck, lorry, etc. However, it will be appreciated that the viewing apparatus 2 may be used with any type of vehicle. With reference to Figures 1 to 7b and 9, the viewing apparatus 2 comprises a front part 2a and a rear part 2b that are selectively attachable to and detachable from each other, to allow the viewing apparatus 2 to be installed on (and uninstalled from) the vehicle 1. When the viewing apparatus 2 is installed on the vehicle 1 (as shown in Figure 1), the front part 2a is mounted on the exterior side 60a of a rear door body panel 60 of the vehicle 1 and the rear part 2b is mounted on the interior side 60b of the rear door body panel 60 (see Figure 7b). The front part 2a of the viewing apparatus 2 comprises an oval shaped housing 5a that extends, in a depth direction, from a front side 5a' to a rear side 5a' ' (see Figure 7a) . An eye aperture 10a is provided in the front side 5a' of the housing 5a. The eye aperture 10a has the general shape and size of a person's eye. The eye aperture 10a is substantially circular. The eye aperture 10a is generally at eye-level of an average height adult person that is standing on the surface on which the vehicle 1 is on. The front side 5a' of the housing 5a, which surrounds the eye aperture 10a, is substantially opaque to visible light. It will be appreciated that the eyeaperture 10a forms part of the front part 2a of the viewing apparatus 2. When the viewing apparatus 2 is installed on a vehicle 1 (as shown in Figure 7b) , the front side 5a' of the housing 5a faces the external surroundings 61 behind the vehicle 1. A cylindrical passage 3c' extends through the housing 5a, from the eye aperture 10a to the rear side 5a'' of the housing 5a, with a rear end of the passage 3c' forming a circular connecting aperture 81' (see Figure 7a) in the rear side 5a' ' of the housing 5a. The cylindrical passage 3c' is substantially straight and extends along a longitudinal axis C' . The cylindrical passage 3c' forms an optically connecting part that optically connects the eye aperture 10a to the The rear part 2b of the viewing apparatus 2 comprises a housing 5b that has the general shape of a rectangular prism that extends, in a depth direction, from a front side 5b' to a rear side 5b' ’ . A fish-eye optical lens 10b is mounted on the rear side 5b'' of the housing 5b, aligned with (and positioned over) a circular aperture 82 in the rear side 5b' ' of the housing 5b. It will be appreciated that the fish-eye optical lens 10b forms part of the rear part 2b of the viewing apparatus 2. When the viewing apparatus 2 is installed on a vehicle 1 (as shown in Figure 7b), the rear side 5b’ ’ of the housing 5b faces the interior 62 of the vehicle 1, in particular a viewing region 21 in the vehicle 1 (as shown in Figure 9 and described further below). A cylindrical passage 3c' ' extends forwardly from the fish-eye optical lens 10b, i.e. from a rear end that forms the circular aperture 82 in the rear side 5b''of the housing 5b, through the housing 5b, to the front side 5b' of the housing 5b, with the front end of the passage 3c' ' forming a circular connecting aperture 81' ' in the front side 5b' of the housing 5b (see Figure 7a) . The cylindrical passage 3c'' is substantially straight and extends along a longitudinal axis C'' . The cylindrical passage 3c'' (including the aperture 82 that it forms) forms an optically connecting part that optically connects the fish-eye optical lens 10b to the connecting aperture 81''. The housing 5a, 5b of each of the front and rear parts 2a, 2b is made of a material that is substantially opaque to visible light. Furthermore, the housing 5 is made of a rigid and substantially waterproof material that protects the components of the viewing apparatus 1 mounted inside the housing 5. In the currently described embodiment the housing 5a, 5b is made of an impact resistant thermoplastic in the form of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). However, it will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used. A cylindrical aperture 65 (see Figure 7b) is provided in the rear door body panel 60 of the vehicle 1 and extends from a front end 65' , in the exterior side 60a of the body panel 60, to a rear end 65' ' in the interior side 60b of the body panel 60. When the viewing apparatus 2 is installed on a vehicle 1, the front and rear parts 2a, 2b are attached to each other by a plurality of fasteners 70 that pass through the front part 2a, through the body panel 60 and into the rear part 2b. In the currently described embodiment the fasteners 70 are screws. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable type of fastener may be used. The front and rear parts 2a, 2b may be selectively attached to and detached from each other by the fasteners 70. When the viewing apparatus 2 is installed on a vehicle 1 (as shown in Figure 7b) , the connecting aperture 81' in the front part housing 5a is aligned with the front end 65' of the aperture 65 in the vehicle body panel 60 and the connecting aperture 81'' in the rear part housing 5b is aligned with the rear end 65'' of the aperture 65 in the vehicle body panel 60. Accordingly, the connecting apertures 81', 81'' are aligned with each other. The cylindrical passage 3c' in the front part housing 5a and the cylindrical passage 3c' ' in the rear part housing 5b are aligned and parallel, with their respective longitudinal axes C', C'' being co-axial with each other. The eye aperture 10a and are optically connected by (including the aperture 81'), the fish-eye optical lens 10b the cylindrical passage 3c' the aperture 65 in the body panel 60 and the cylindrical passage 3c'' (including the apertures 81'' and 82) such that a person can look through the eye aperture 10a and out of the fish-eye lens 10b, to view the viewing region 21 inside the vehicle 1. The fish-eye optical lens 10b provides a large field of view of the viewing region 21. In this respect, the cylindrical passage 3c' , the aperture 65 in the body panel 60 and cylindrical passage 3c' ' together provide a view path that optically connects the eye aperture 10a and the fish-eye lens 10b, whereby visible light can pass from the viewing region 21, through the fish-eye lens 10b and to the eye aperture 10a. In the currently described embodiment, the eye aperture 10a and the fish-eye lens 10b are aligned with each other and so the view path is substantially straight, i.e. the view path is linear. The eye aperture 10a, cylindrical passage 3c' , body panel aperture 65, cylindrical passage 3c' ' and fish-eye lens 10b together form a viewing part 3 for a person to look through, from outside the vehicle 1, to view the viewing region 21 inside the vehicle 1. The eye aperture 10a forms a front end 3a of the viewing part 3 and the fish-eye lens 10b forms a rear end 3b of the viewing part 3. In order to look through the viewing part 3, to view the viewing region 21, a person presses one of their eyes adjacent to the eye aperture 10a, to look into the eye aperture 10a. The viewing apparatus 2 further comprises a viewing sensor 4 (see Figure 7a) configured to detect when a person is looking through the eye aperture 10a, from outside the vehicle 1. In the currently described embodiment, the viewing sensor 4 is a capacitive proximity sensor 4, positioned on the front side 5a' of the front part housing 5a, above the eye aperture 10a, where a user's eyebrow region is proximal to, or makes contact with, when a person is looking through the eye aperture 10a. The viewing sensor 4 is configured to detect when the eyebrow region of a person, above a person's eye that is looking through the eye aperture 10a, contacts the capacitive proximity sensor 4, or is proximal to the proximity sensor 4 (described further below). The viewing apparatus 2 further comprises a light emitter 6 (see Figure 3), for emitting visible light (L) (i.e. light visible to people). In the currently described embodiment the light emitter 6 comprises a pair of LEDs 6a, 6b, mounted in rear part housing 5b and facing rearwardly from the rear part housing 5b such that light emitted from the light emitter 6 is emitted rearwardly of the rear part housing 5b, into the viewing region 21, to illuminate the viewing region 21 (see Figure 9). In the currently described embodiment the viewing region 21 is a secured (locked) interior 21 of the rear of the vehicle 1 (a van 1), which is a storage area 21 for equipment, for example tradesman tools etc. The viewing region 21 is substantially enclosed by the rear body panel 60, side body panels 91a and 91b and an interior partition 92 in the vehicle 1, each of which is opaque to visible light such that the viewing region 21 is only visible, by a person outside the vehicle 1, by the person looking through the eye aperture 10a. The viewing apparatus 2 further comprises an electrical power supply 7 in the form of a battery 7 (see Figures 5 and 6) . The battery 7 is mounted within an internal compartment 7' in the rear part housing 5b. The viewing apparatus 2 further comprises a switching unit 11 (see Figure 6) that comprises a switch 11' that is operable between an open configuration in which the battery 7 is electrically disconnected from the light emitter 6 and a closed configuration in which the battery 7 is electrically connected to the light emitter 6, to electrically power the light emitter 6. The viewing sensor 4 is operatively connected to the switching unit 11 such that the switching unit 11 selectively electrically connects and disconnects the battery 7 to and from the light emitter 6 respectively, in dependence on whether or not the viewing sensor 4 detects a person looking through the eye aperture 10a (described further below). In this respect, it will be appreciated that a reference to the battery 7 being 'operatively connected' to the light emitter 6, by the switching unit 11, includes where the battery 7 is not electrically connected to the light emitter 6, due to the switch 11' being in the open configuration, as well as where the battery 7 is electrically connected to the light emitter 6, due to the switch 11' being in the closed configuration. The capacitive proximity sensor 4 charges and discharges a metal sensor pad 4' to detect changes in capacitance. When a person is looking through the eye aperture 3, their eyebrow region touches the sensor pad 4' , or is proximal the sensor pad 4', which affects an electromagnetic field from the sensor 4 that changes the capacitance of the sensor 4. Accordingly, the capacitance sensor 4 detects when a person is looking through the eye aperture 10a and when a person is not looking through the eye aperture 10a. The viewing sensor 4 is operatively connected to the switching unit 11, by a suitable electronic circuit arrangement, and the switching unit comprises a suitable electronic circuit, such that when the viewing sensor 4 detects when a person is looking through the eye aperture 10a, the switch 11' is switched to the closed configuration, in which the switching unit 11 electrically connects the battery 7 to the light emitter 6, such that the light emitter 6 emits light to illuminate the viewing region 21. The switching unit 11 is configured such that the switch 11' then remains in the closed configuration for a certain period of time (e.g. 10 seconds) and to switch to the open configuration, to switch the light emitter 6 off, after that period of time has elapsed and if a person is not detected looking through the eye aperture 10a at that time (i.e. after that period of time has elapsed). Accordingly, the switching unit 11 forms a control arrangement that controls the light emitter 6 such that the light emitter 6 is controlled to be in a viewing state, in dependence on a detection by the viewing sensor 4 of a person looking through the front end 3a (10a) of the viewing part 3, wherein when the light emitter 6 is in the viewing state, the light emitter 6 emits light to illuminate the viewing region 21. Furthermore, the switching unit 11 forms a control arrangement that controls the light emitter 6 such that the light emitter 6 is controlled to be in a non-viewing state, in dependence on the viewing sensor 4 not detecting a person looking through the front end 3a (10a) of the viewing part 3, and in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor 4 of a person looking through the front end 3a (10a) of the viewing part 2, wherein when the light emitter 6 is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter 6 does not emit light. The above operative connection of the viewing sensor 4 to the switching unit 11 may be by any suitable arrangement, including by wired connection (e.g. through the aperture 65 or a different aperture in the body panel 6a) , or by a wireless connection. Such electronic arrangement are well known to the skilled person and so will not be described in any further detail here. Similarly, the switching unit 11 may comprise any suitable arrangement (e.g. an electronic circuit arrangement) that provides the above operation of the switch 11' . Such electronic arrangement are well known to the skilled person and so will not be described in any further detail here. The front side 5a' of the front part housing 5a is labelled 'LOOK NO TOOLS', with the wording distributed above and below the eye aperture 10a (see Figure 2) , to provide an indication to a potential thief as to how to use the viewing apparatus 2. It will be appreciated that any suitable sign may be used (or that it may be omitted). In Figures 8a and 8a, the viewing apparatus 102 is according to a second embodiment of the invention. The viewing apparatus 102 of the second embodiment corresponds to the viewing apparatus 2 of the first embodiment except for the differences described below. Corresponding features are given corresponding reference numerals, but incremented by 100. In the second embodiment, an aperture insertion optically connecting part 103f is attached to the front of the housing rear part 105b and protrudes forwardly therefrom. The aperture insertion optically connecting part 103f has a cylindrical housing 103g that is hollow and has an inner cylindrical passage 103f' that extends along the length of the cylindrical housing 103g, between open front and rear ends of the cylindrical housing 103g. The cylindrical housing 103g has an external screw thread 104a that is engageable with an internal screw thread 104b in the cylindrical passage 103c' in the front part housing 105a. When the front part 102a is detached from the rear part 102b, the aperture insertion optically connecting part 103f protrudes forwardly from the front side 105b' of the rear part housing 105b. When the viewing apparatus 102 is installed on a vehicle 1 (described below) , the rear part 102b of the apparatus 2 is mounted on the interior side of the rear body panel 60, with the aperture insertion optically connecting part 103f passed through the aperture 65 passing out of the front side 60a of the body panel 60 and screwed into the internal screw thread 104b in the cylindrical passage 103c' in the front part housing 105a, such that the front part 2a is tightened against the exterior side 60a of body panel 60. The front part 102a is selectively attachable to and detachable from the rear part 102b by screwing and unscrewing the threaded cylindrical housing 103g into and out of the threaded cylindrical passage 103c' respectively, i.e. by rotating the front and rear parts 2a, 2b relative to each other (e.g. by rotating one of the front and rear parts 2a, 2b, whilst the other is held rotationally fixed). When the front and rear parts 102a,b are so attached, the eye aperture 110a is optically connected to the fish-eye lens 110a by the passage 103f' and the passage 103c' ' . Accordingly, the eye aperture 110a, passage 103f', passage 103c'' and the fish-eye lens 10b together form a viewing part 103 for a person to look through, from outside the vehicle 1, to view the viewing region 21 inside the vehicle 1. The eye aperture 110a forms a front end 103a of the viewing part 103 and the fish-eye lens 10b forms a rear end 103b of the viewing part 3. Referring to Figure 10 there is shown a schematic flow chart illustrating the steps in a method of installation 100 of the first embodiment of the viewing 2 apparatus on the vehicle 1. The cylindrical aperture 65 is drilled in the rear door body panel 60 of the vehicle 1 (step 101). The front and rear parts 2a, 2b of the viewing apparatus 2 are positioned on the exterior side 60a and interior side 60b of the rear door body panel 60 respectively, with the connecting aperture 81' in the front part housing 5a aligned with the front end 65' of the aperture 65 and the connecting aperture 81'' in the rear part housing 5b aligned with the rear end 65'' of the aperture 65 (step 102). The front and rear parts 2a, 2b are then attached to each other by fasteners 70 that pass through the front part 2a, through the body panel 60 and into the rear part 2b (step 103) . Referring to Figure 11 there is shown a schematic flow chart illustrating the steps in a method of installation 200 of the second embodiment of the viewing 102 apparatus on the vehicle 1. The cylindrical aperture 65 is drilled in the rear door body panel 60 of the vehicle 1 (step 201). The rear part 2b of the apparatus 2 is mounted on the interior side of the rear body panel 60, with the aperture insertion optically connecting part 103f passed through the aperture 65 and passing out of the front side 60a of the body panel 60 (step 202) . The internal screw thread 104b in the cylindrical passage 103c' in the front part housing 105a is screwed onto the external screw thread 104a on the cylindrical housing 103g, such that the front part 2a is tightened against the exterior side 60a of body panel 60 (step 203). The viewing apparatus 2 may allow potential thieves to look through the eye aperture 10a to view the viewing region 21 inside the vehicle 1 to see that there is no valuable equipment (e.g. tools) inside, thereby deterring the thief from breaking into the vehicle 1. In this respect, the control of the light emitter 6 allows the viewing region 21 inside the vehicle 1 to be illuminated, when a person is looking through the eye aperture 10a, thereby allowing the person to view the viewing region 21, and the contents thereof, even if the viewing region 21 would otherwise be too dark to see into. In this respect, the inside of a vehicle 1 is often dark or even pitch black, if the viewing region is enclosed by opaque panels and has no windows (such as in the back of a van) . Furthermore since, when a person is not looking through the viewing part 3, the light emitter may be controlled to not emit light, or to emit a low level of light (see below), this may reduce the consumption of electrical power (compared to if the light emitter was always on, in said viewing state). This is particularly important where the viewing apparatus is battery powered, so as to retain the life of the battery. It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described design may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, in the described embodiment, the switching unit 11 is arranged to control the light emitter 6 such that the light emitter 6 is switched on when a person is detected looking through the eye aperture 10a, to stay on for a certain period of time (e.g. 10 seconds) and to switch off if, after that period of time has elapsed, if a person is not detected looking through the eye aperture 3a at that time. Alternatively, or additionally, the switching unit 11 may be arranged to control the light emitter 6 such that the light emitter 6 is switched on when a person is detected looking through the eye aperture 10a and the light emitter 6 is switched off when a person is not detected looking through the eye aperture 10a (i.e. without said timing arrangement). Alternatively, or additionally, a control arrangement may be used in which the light emitter 6 is switched on after a certain period of time has elapsed from when the viewing sensor 4 (first) detects that a person is looking through the eye aperture 10a (i.e. the light emitter is not switched on immediately when a person is detected looking through the eye aperture 10a) Alternatively, or additionally, a control arrangement may be used in which the light emitter 6 is switched off after a certain period of time has elapsed from when the viewing sensor 4 (first) does not detect that a person is looking through the eye aperture 10a (i.e. the light emitter is not switched off immediately when a person is not detected looking through the eye aperture 10a). In the described embodiment, when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter 6 does not emit light, i.e. the light emitter 6 is off. Alternatively, or additionally, a control arrangement may be used in which, when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter emits light, but wherein the emitted light has a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state. In this case, the switching unit 11 may, for example, be replaced with a control unit configured to vary the electrical power provided by the electrical power source to the light emitter 6. However, this is not a preferred variant due to the electrical power consumption when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state. In the described embodiment, the viewing sensor 4 is a capacitive proximity sensor 4. However, it will be appreciated that any type of sensor, configured to detect when a person is looking through the front end 3a of the viewing part 3, to view the viewing region 21, may be used, including, an inductive, optical, capacitive, magnetic or ultrasonic proximity sensor, for example, that is configured to detect when a person is looking through the front end 3a of the viewing part 3. Alternatively, or additionally, a contact (touch) sensor may be used to detect when a part of person's body contacts the sensor (e.g. when the eyebrow region of a person looking through the front end 3a of the viewing part 3 contacts the sensor) . The contact sensor may be of any suitable type, including a resistive touch sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, a mechanical button / switch, etc.) In the described embodiment, the control arrangement is formed by a switching unit 11 and associated electronic circuitry. However, it will be appreciated that any form of control arrangement may be used, including a mechanical, electro-mechanical, wired or wireless control arrangement, etc. It will be appreciated that any suitable type of light emitter 6 may be used. In the described embodiment, the viewing apparatus 2 is battery powered and comprises said battery 7. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable type of electrical power supply may be used. For example the viewing apparatus 2 may, alternatively, or additionally, be connected to a mains power supply (e.g. external to the vehicle 1). It will be appreciated that any means of attaching the front and rear parts 2a, 2b of the housing to each other may be used. In the described embodiment, the front end of the viewing part is a single eye aperture. Alternatively, the front end of the viewing part may comprise a plurality of eye apertures, e.g. a pair of eye apertures for a person to look through with each eye at the same time. In the described embodiment, the viewing apparatus 1 comprises a front part housing 5 provided with said eye aperture 10a. Alternatively, this may be omitted. In this case, the viewing sensor 4 may be configured to detect when a person outside a vehicle is looking through the front end 65' of the aperture 65 in the vehicle body panel 60. The viewing sensor 4 may be located above the front end 65' of the aperture 65, for example. It will be appreciated that, in this case, the front end of the viewing part would be formed by the front end 65' of the aperture 65 in the vehicle body panel 60. Alternatively, or additionally, the rear part housing 5b (and the fish-eye lens 10a) may be omitted. In this case, the light emitter 6 may be mounted on the interior side 60b of the vehicle body panel 60. It will be appreciated that, in this case, the rear end of the viewing part would be formed by the rear end 65'' of the aperture 65 in the vehicle body panel 60. In the described embodiment, the front and rear parts 2a, 2b are selectively attachable to and detachable from each other. This provides for ease of installation and allows only a small aperture 65 to be provided in the vehicle body panel 60, thereby minimising alteration to the vehicle 1 and providing a fast and easy installation process. Alternatively the front and rear parts 2a, 2b may be a single part (where the front and rear parts 2a, 2b are not selectively attachable to and detachable from each other). However, this would not provide the above installation benefits and may, for example, require that the entire device is mounted in a relatively large aperture in the vehicle body panel 60, which is not preferable. In the second embodiment, the aperture insertion optically connecting part 103f is attached to the front of the rear part 5b of the housing 5 and protrudes forwardly therefrom. Alternatively, the aperture insertion optically connecting part 103f may be attached to the rear of the front part housing 5a and be received in a threaded aperture in the rear part housing 5b. In the described embodiment, the front and rear ends 3a, 3b of the light emitting part 3 are aligned with each other and so the view path is substantially straight, i.e. it is a linear view path. Alternatively, the front and rear ends 3a, 3b of the light emitting part 3 may not be aligned with each other. For example, the viewing part may comprise one or more mirrors that provide a non-linear view path, e.g. as in a periscope type arrangement. It will be appreciate that the fish-eye optical lens 10b may be omitted, although this would not provide the broad field of view of a fish-eye lens. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are 5 optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

l.A viewing apparatus, for use with a vehicle such that a person outside of the vehicle can use the viewing apparatus to view a viewing region inside the vehicle, the apparatus comprising:a viewing sensor for detecting when a person outside a vehicle is looking through a front end of a viewing part, the viewing part having a said front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside a vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle;a light emitter for emitting light, when electrically connected to an electrical power source, to illuminate the viewing region, anda control arrangement configured to control the light emitter such that, in use, when an electrical power source is operatively connected to the light emitter:the light emitter is controlled to be in a viewing state, in dependence on a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the viewing state, the light emitter emits light to illuminate said viewing region;andthe light emitter is controlled to be in a non-viewing state, in dependence on the viewing sensor not detecting a person looking through the front end of the viewing part and / or in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter does not emit light, or emits light with a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state.

2. A viewing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:the viewing apparatus comprises a front part;the front part comprising the front end of the viewing part ;wherein the viewing sensor is configured to detect when a person outside the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part.

3. A viewing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the front end of the viewing part comprises an eye aperture.

4. A viewing apparatus according to either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the front part of the viewing apparatus is for facing externally of the vehicle.

5. A viewing apparatus according to either of claims 2 or 4, wherein the front part of the viewing apparatus is for being mounted on an exterior of the vehicle.

6. A viewing apparatus according to any preceding claim,wherein:the viewing apparatus comprisesthe rear part comprising the part.a rear part;rear end of the viewing7. A viewing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the rearend of the viewing part comprises an optical lens.

8. A viewing apparatus according to either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the rear part of the viewing apparatus comprises the light emitter.

9. A viewing apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the rear part of the viewing apparatus is for facing the viewing region inside the vehicle.

10. A viewing apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the rear part of the viewing apparatus is for being mounted in the interior of the vehicle.

11. A viewing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the viewing apparatus comprises an aperture insertion optically connecting part for being received in an aperture in a part of the vehicle, the aperture extending from an exterior side of the part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle, the optically connecting part providing at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part.

12. A viewing apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 11, when dependent on any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the front and rear parts of the viewing apparatus are selectively attachable to and detachable from each other.

13. A kit of parts of a viewing apparatus for use with a vehicle such that a person outside of the vehicle can use the viewing apparatus to view a viewing region inside the vehicle, the kit of parts comprising:a viewing sensor for detecting when a person outside a vehicle is looking through a front end of a viewing part, the viewing part having a said front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside a vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle;a light emitter for emitting light, when electrically connected to an electrical power source, to illuminate the viewing region, anda control arrangement configured to control the light emitter such that, in use, when an electrical power source is operatively connected to the light emitter:the light emitter is controlled to be in a viewing state, in dependence on a detection by the viewing sensor of aperson looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the viewing state, the light emitter emits light to illuminate said viewing region;andthe light emitter is controlled to be in a non-viewing state, in dependence on the viewing sensor not detecting a person looking through the front end of the viewing part and / or in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter does not emit light, or emits light with a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state.

14. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly comprising:a vehicle; anda viewing apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12,wherein:the assembly comprises a viewing part having a front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle;the viewing sensor is arranged to detect when a person outside the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part, to view the viewing region inside the vehicle, andthe light emitter is arranged such that, when the light emitter emits light, the emitted light illuminates the viewing region inside the vehicle.

15. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly according to claim 14, wherein the viewing apparatus is a viewing apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 5 or any of claims6 to 12 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the front part of the viewing apparatus faces externally of the vehicle.

16. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly according to either of claims 14 or 15, wherein the viewing apparatus is a viewing apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 5 or any of claims 6 to 12 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the front part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an exterior surface of the vehicle.

17. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the viewing apparatus is a viewing apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the rear part of the viewing apparatus faces the viewing region inside the vehicle.

18. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the viewing apparatus is a viewing apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the rear part of the viewing apparatus is mounted on an interior surface of the vehicle.

19. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the viewing apparatus is a viewing apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 12 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the front part of the viewing apparatus faces externally of the vehicle and the rear part of the viewing apparatus faces the viewing region inside the vehicle.

20. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein an aperture extends from an exterior side of a part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle, and wherein:a) the aperture provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part;and / orb) the viewing apparatus comprises an aperture insertion optically connecting part provided in the aperture that provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part.

21. A vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly according to any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the vehicle is a road vehicle.

22. A kit of parts of a vehicle and viewing apparatus assembly, the kit of parts comprising:a vehicle, anda viewing apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12,for use with the vehicle.

23. A method of installation of a viewing apparatus on a vehicle, the method comprising:providing a viewing apparatus comprising:a viewing sensor;a light emitter for emitting light, when electrically connected to an electrical power source, anda control arrangement;wherein the method comprises:providing a viewing part, the viewing part having a front end and a rear end arranged such that a person outside the vehicle can look through the front end and out of the rear end, to view a viewing region inside the vehicle;arranging the viewing sensor to detect when a person outside of the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part,arranging the light emitter such that, when the light emitter emits light, the emitted light illuminates the viewing region inside the vehicle;wherein the control arrangement is configured to control the light emitter such that, in use, when an electrical power source is operatively connected to the light emitter:the light emitter is controlled to be in a viewing state, in dependence on a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the viewing state, the light emitter emits light that illuminates said viewing region;andthe light emitter is controlled to be in a non-viewing state, in dependence on the viewing sensor not detecting a person looking through the front end of the viewing part and / or in dependence on a period of time elapsing from a detection by the viewing sensor of a person looking through the front end of the viewing part, wherein when the light emitter is in the non-viewing state, the light emitter does not emit light, or emits light with a lower luminance than when the light emitter is in the viewing state.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein:the viewing apparatus comprises a front part;wherein the front part is arranged such that the front part comprises the front end of the viewing part;wherein the viewing sensor is configured to detect when a person outside the vehicle is looking through the front end of the viewing part.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the method comprises arranging the front part of the viewing apparatus to face externally of the vehicle.

26. A method according to either of claims 24 or 25, wherein the method comprises mounting the front part of the viewing apparatus on an exterior surface of the vehicle.

27. A method according to any of claims 23 to 26, wherein:the viewingwherein the comprises theapparatusrear partcomprises a rear part;is arranged such that the rear partrear end of the viewing part.

28. A method according to claim 27, the method comprises arranging the rear part of the viewing apparatus to face the viewing region inside the vehicle.

29. A method according to either of claims 27 or 28, wherein the method comprises mounting the rear part of the viewing apparatus on an interior surface of the vehicle.

30. A method according to any of claims 23 to 29, wherein the method comprises providing an aperture in a part of vehicle, the aperture extending from an exterior side of the part of the vehicle to an interior side of the part of the vehicle, wherein:a) the aperture provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part;and / orb) the method comprises providing an aperture insertion optically connecting part in the aperture that provides at least part of optical connection between the front and rear ends of the viewing part.

Images