Camera monitor system with self-cleaning articulating camera wing

Abstract

To provide a camera monitor system (CMS) capable of coping with a possible case where a camera is obstructed by rain, snow, ice or road debris.SOLUTION: A camera arm 16 for a camera monitor system (CMS) includes a base 36 that is configured to be secured to a vehicle, and the base includes a wiper 50. A pivoting arm 38 is mounted on the base at a joint. An actuator is configured to articulate the pivoting arm relative to the base with the joint. A camera assembly 42 is provided in the pivoting arm and configured to face rearward with the base secured to the vehicle. Articulation of the joint 40 is configured to move the pivoting arm between a deployed position and a stowed position, and the articulation of the joint moves the camera assembly across the wiper in a sliding direction as the pivoting arm moves between the deployed and stowed positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a camera monitor system (CMS) for use on a commercial truck or similar vehicle, and in particular to an articulating camera arm or wing with a self-cleaning camera feature. [Background technology]

[0002] Mirror replacement systems, and camera systems that supplement the mirror view, are utilized in commercial vehicles to enhance the vehicle operator's ability to view the surrounding environment. Camera surveillance systems (CMS) utilize one or more cameras to provide an enhanced field of view to the vehicle operator. In some instances, a CMS covers a larger field of view than a traditional mirror or includes a field of view that is not entirely available via a traditional mirror.

[0003] In a typical CMS, there are camera arms located on each of the left and right sides of the vehicle to provide Class II and Class IV views or similar views. Displays are provided on both the driver's and passenger's side A-pillars to simulate a traditional mirror by displaying the field of view of the camera arm on that side.

[0004] Each camera arm employs at least one rear-facing camera assembly that provides a rear-facing view to the driver via a display located in the vehicle cab. The cameras can be obstructed by rain, snow, ice and road debris while the vehicle is parked and while in operation. Obstructions can impair the quality of the displayed view, which is especially problematic if the CMS were to replace the mirror entirely.

[0005] One proposed camera-wash system uses a camera arm having a pivoting arm that rotates relative to a base fixed to the vehicle. A camera module is telescopically supported for longitudinal movement relative to the pivoting arm. The camera module includes a camera that can be wiped by a windshield wiper on the pivoting arm. A washer spray nozzle for spraying washer fluid onto the camera is also located within the pivoting arm. This design places numerous components within the arm itself, which requires a large packaging area that increases the drag coefficient and reduces fuel economy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a camera arm for a camera monitor system (CMS) includes a base configured to be secured to a vehicle, the base including a wiper. A pivot arm is attached to the base at a coupling. An actuator is configured to articulate the pivot arm relative to the base by the coupling. A camera assembly is provided on the pivot arm and configured to face rearward with the base secured to the vehicle. Articulation of the coupling is configured to move the pivot arm between a deployed position and a stowed position, the articulation of the coupling moving the camera assembly in a sliding direction across the wiper as the pivot arm moves between the deployed position and the stowed position.

[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the base includes a pocket that receives a portion of the pivot arm that includes the camera assembly when in the stored position.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the base includes a seal disposed about at least a portion of the wiper, the seal providing a camera seal area configured to circumscribe about the camera assembly when in the retracted position.

[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the camera arm includes a drainage channel from the camera seal area to a location outside of the camera seal area.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the camera assembly includes a lens, a crystal cover disposed over the lens, and the wiper configured to wipe across the crystal cover while the pivot arm moves in a sliding direction to remove debris on the crystal cover.

[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the camera assembly includes a lens exposed to an external environment in the deployed position, the wiper configured to wipe across the lens while the pivot arm moves in a sliding direction to remove debris on the lens.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the base includes a heater configured to be adjacent the camera assembly with the pivot arm in the retracted position.

[0013] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the coupling includes at least one track and linkage configured to provide rotation of the pivot arm and movement of the pivot arm in a sliding direction relative to the base in response to operation of the actuator.

[0014] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the base includes at least part of a washer system having a spray nozzle configured to spray fluid onto the camera assembly in response to an input.

[0015] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the CMS including the camera arm further includes a controller in communication with the actuator, the camera assembly, the washer system, and the input, the controller configured to coordinate operation of the actuator and the washer system in response to the input.

[0016] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the CMS including the camera arm further includes a camera assembly including an image capture unit configured to provide at least one of two fields of view, and including at least one display configured to depict at least a portion of at least one of the two fields of view.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of removing debris from a camera assembly of a camera monitor system (CMS) includes actuating a pivot arm attached to a base secured to a vehicle, articulating the pivot arm relative to the base about a joint between a deployed position and a stowed position, sliding the pivot arm relative to the base in response to the articulation, and wiping the camera assembly on the pivot arm across a wiper supported on the base in response to the sliding.

[0018] In a further embodiment of any of the above, articulating includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base.

[0019] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base subsequent to a sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the deployed position to the deployed position, and the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base prior to a sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0020] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the wiping step is performed during at least one of a pivot arm deploying motion and a pivot arm retracting motion.

[0021] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes, in response to moving the pivot arm to the stored position, receiving a portion of the pivot arm into a pocket in the base.

[0022] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes positioning the camera assembly adjacent a heater in the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the stored position.

[0023] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes positioning the camera assembly adjacent to and within a confines of a seal on the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the retracted position.

[0024] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes spraying the camera assembly with washer fluid before performing the wiping step. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] The present disclosure may be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a commercial truck equipped with a camera monitor system (CMS) having a camera arm used to provide at least Class II and Class IV views. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a commercial truck equipped with a camera mirror system showing Class II, Class IV, Class V, Class VI and Class VIII views. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a vehicle cab incorporating a CMS and including a display. [Figure 3A] 1 shows one articulating camera arm with a pivoting arm in a stowed position and a deployed position, respectively, relative to a base fixed to the vehicle. [Figure 3B]1 shows one articulating camera arm with a pivoting arm in a stowed position and a deployed position, respectively, relative to a base fixed to the vehicle. [Figure 4A] 11 illustrates an exemplary coupling for articulating the pivot arms between the stowed and deployed positions, respectively. [Figure 4B] 11 illustrates an exemplary coupling for articulating the pivot arms between the stowed and deployed positions, respectively. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the swing arm camera assembly. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is a front view of the wiper, seal and spray nozzle on the base. [Figure 6] 1 is an exemplary method of operating the disclosed camera debris removal system.

[0026] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the above paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or their respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in relation to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, except where such features are incompatible. Like reference numbers and symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] A schematic diagram of a commercial vehicle 10 is shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle cab or tractor 12 for towing a trailer 14. It should be understood that the vehicle cab 12 and / or trailer 14 may be of any configuration. Although commercial trucks are contemplated in this disclosure, the invention may be applied to other types of vehicles. The vehicle 10 incorporates a camera monitor system (CMS) 15 (Figure 2A) that includes driver and passenger side camera wings or arms 16a, 16b (generally "camera arms 16") mounted on the outside of the vehicle cab 12. If desired, the camera arms 16a, 16b may also include conventional mirrors integrated therewith, although in some examples, the CMS 15 may be used to replace the mirrors entirely. In additional examples, multiple camera arms may be included on each side, with each arm housing one or more cameras and / or mirrors.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1B, each of the camera arms 16a, 16b includes a base 36 that is secured, for example, directly to the cab 12 using fasteners or other mounting hardware. A pivot arm 38 is supported by the base 36 and may articulate relative thereto if such feature is desired. In this example, the camera arm 16 has a powered folding feature in which an actuator (34 in FIGS. 2, 4A, 4B, 5B) is used to move the pivot arm 38 between a stowed position S (FIGS. 3A, 4A) and a deployed position D (FIGS. 3B, 4B). At least one rear-facing camera 20a, 20b (generally "camera 20") is disposed within the camera arm 16a, 16b, respectively. Each arm 16a, 16b may also provide a housing that encloses electronics, for example, a controller 30 (FIG. 2), configured to provide various features of the CMS 15.

[0029] Each of the exterior cameras 20a, 20b has an exterior field of view (FOV) that includes at least one of a Class II view and a Class IV view (FIG. 1b), which are legally defined views in the commercial truck industry. EX1 , FOV EX2A Class II view of a given side of the vehicle 10 is a subset of a Class IV view of the same side of the vehicle 10. If desired, multiple cameras may be used in each camera arm 16a, 16b to provide these views. For example, Class II and Class IV views are defined in the European R46 legislation, which provides similar driver visibility requirements for commercial trucks in the United States and other countries. References to "Class" views are not intended to be limiting, but rather as an illustration of the types of views provided to the display by particular cameras.

[0030] The first and second video displays 18a, 18b are positioned on the driver's side and passenger's side, respectively, within the vehicle cab 12 on or near the A-pillars 19a, 19b (generally the A-pillars 19), and display, for example, Class II and Class IV views on each side of the vehicle 10, which provide rearward views along the vehicle 10 captured by exterior cameras 20a, 20b.

[0031] If video of Class V and / or Class VI views is also required, then a camera housing 16c and camera 20c may be located at or near the front of the vehicle 10 to provide these views (FIG. 1b). A third display 18c located within the cab 12 near the top center of the windshield may be used to display Class V and Class VI views to the driver forward of the vehicle 10. Displays 18a, 18b, 18c (generally displays 18) face a driver area 24 within the cab 22 where the driver is seated in a driver's seat 26. The location, size and field of view(s) streamed to a particular display may vary from the configurations described in this disclosure and still include the invention of this disclosure.

[0032] If Class VIII view video is required, camera housings may be positioned on the sides and rear of the vehicle 10 to provide a field of view that includes some or all of the Class VIII zone of the vehicle 10. In such an example, the third display 18c may include one or more frames that display the Class VIII view. Alternatively, additional displays may be added near the first, second and third displays 18a, 18b, 18c to provide a dedicated display that provides the Class VIII view.

[0033] With regard to the hardware architecture of the controller 42, such a computing device may include a processor, memory, and one or more input / output (I / O) device interfaces communicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface may include, for example, but is not limited to, one or more buses and / or other wired or wireless connections. The local interface may include additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers to enable communication, which are omitted for simplicity. Additionally, the local interface may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0034] The controller 30 (FIG. 2) may be a hardware device for executing software, particularly software stored in a memory. The controller 30 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or any device for general purpose for executing software instructions.

[0035] The memory may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, VRAM, etc.)) and / or non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drives, tape, CD-ROM, etc.). Additionally, the memory may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. The memory may have a distributed architecture where various components are located remotely from each other but accessible by the processor.

[0036] Software in memory may include one or more separate programs, each containing an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing a logical function. A system component embodied as software may be constructed as a source program, an executable program (object code), a script, or any other entity that contains a set of instructions to be executed. If constructed as a source program, the program is translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, etc., which may or may not be contained within memory.

[0037] Input / output devices of the present disclosure that may be coupled to the system I / O interface(s) may include input devices, such as, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, scanners, microphones, cameras, mobile devices, proximity devices, etc. Additionally, they may include output devices, such as, but not limited to, printers, displays, etc. Finally, input / output devices may further include devices that communicate as both inputs and outputs, such as, but not limited to, modulators / demodulators (i.e., modems, for accessing another device, system, or network), radio frequency (RF) or other transceivers, telephone interfaces, bridges, routers, etc.

[0038] When the controller 30 is in operation, the processor may be configured to execute software stored in the memory, to communicate data to and from the memory, and to generally control the operation of the computing device in accordance with the software. The software in the memory may be read, in whole or in part, by the processor and often buffered within the processor before being executed.

[0039] 2, controller 30 is in communication with washer system 32 and actuator 34. Controller 30 coordinates folding of camera arm 16 and operation of washer system 32 to clean the camera. Camera arm 16 is shown in stored and deployed positions S and D in Figures 3A and 3B, respectively. Camera assembly 42 tucks into pocket 44 in base 36 during storage to protect camera assembly 42 from the environment.

[0040] The pivot arm 38 is configured to articulate about a coupling 40 relative to a base 36 that is secured to the cab 12 with fasteners. A camera assembly 42 is mounted on the pivot arm and at least one of a seal 46, a washer nozzle 48, and a wiper 50 are mounted on the base 36 adjacent the camera assembly 42 when in the stowed position S. Housing many of the components used for debris management on the base 36 rather than the pivot arm 38 allows for greater flexibility in designing the aerodynamic shape of the pivot arm 38 as well as a smaller overall profile.

[0041] The actuator 34 and coupling 40 are shown in more detail in Figures 4A and 4B. In this example, the coupling 40 provides both sliding and rotating motion in response to input from a single actuator 34. The sliding motion cleans the camera and the rotating motion folds and unfolds the camera to its operating position. In this example, the actuator 34 is an electric motor 52. However, it should be understood that the actuator 34 may be provided by an electric or hydraulic linear actuator. Any number of other actuators and coupling configurations may be provided as desired.

[0042] In this example, the motor 52 has an arm 54 interconnected to a linkage 56 that travels in one or more guide tracks. In one example, the linkage 56 includes a first link 58 and a second link 60 that are pivotally coupled to one another. A first connection 62 couples one end of the first link 58 to the arm 54, and a second connection 64 on the opposite side of the first link travels along a first track 68. The second connection 64 is also interconnected to one end of the second link 60. The opposite end of the second link 60 includes a third connection 66 that travels in a second track 70. The linkage 56 and tracks 68, 70 cooperate to define both sliding and rotational movement of the pivot arm 38 relative to the base 36 in response to operation of the motor 52.

[0043] In operation, an initial rotational movement of the arm 54 moves the pivot arm 38 from a stored position S in a sliding direction W, as shown in Figure 4A. As the second connector 64 moves along the track, continued rotation of the arm 54 rotates the pivot arm 38 from the stored position S to a deployed position D, as shown in Figure 4B. The actuator 34 and coupling 40 are merely examples and may be varied from the disclosed configurations.

[0044] A front view of the pivot arm 38 and its camera assembly 42 is shown in FIG. 5A. The camera assembly 42 includes at least one camera 20 with an optical lens 72 and an image capture unit (not shown). In this example, multiple cameras 20 are used, each having a lens 72 associated with a respective image capture unit for providing an image to the display 18. However, it should be understood that only a single camera may be used to provide one or more views to one or more displays 18. The lens 72 may be surrounded by a heater 74 to melt snow and ice, if desired. A transparent cover 76 (e.g., clear glass or plastic) may be placed over the lens 72 to protect it from scratches and debris. When in the stored position, the camera assembly 42 is housed within a pocket 44 in the base 36.

[0045] 5B, the camera assembly 42 may be surrounded by a seal 46 (e.g., rubber, foam or other material) to provide a sealed area that protects the camera(s) when in the stored position S (e.g., when the vehicle is parked). A drainage channel may be provided to allow water or debris to escape from the camera seal area to a location outside the camera seal area. In one example, the drainage channel 84 is provided by a gap in the seal 46.

[0046] One or more wipers 50 may be provided on the base. If a crystal cover 76 is used, the wiper(s) 50 are configured to wipe across the crystal cover 76 while the pivot arm 38 moves in a sliding direction to remove debris. If no cover is used, the wiper(s) 50 may directly remove debris from the lens 72. The camera assembly 42 may be provided with a triple-bladed wiper (e.g., rubber with a plastic insert), as well as a washer nozzle 48 for spraying washer fluid from the washer system 32 before and / or during the wiping step. It may be desirable to provide multiple wipers 50 and / or nozzles 48. As is conventional, the washer system 32 may include a pump 84 that draws washer fluid from a reservoir 86.

[0047] If desired, the heater 174 may be mounted to the base 36 to further reduce the number of parts carried by the pivot arm 38, thereby maintaining a low aerodynamic profile. Thus, the heater 174 is positioned adjacent the camera assembly 42 with the pivot arm 38 in the stowed position S.

[0048] 6, the method of removing debris 100 includes initiating deployment of the folding camera arm from a stowed position S to a deployed position D (block 102). The camera assembly 42 is carried by the pivot arm 38 and slides across the wiper 50 at the base 36 of the camera arm 16 (block 104). If desired, the washer nozzle 48 may be activated before or during wiping (block 103). The pivot arm 38 continues to rotate to the deployed position D (block 106).

[0049] The controller 30 is configured to coordinate the operation of the actuators 34 and the washer system 32 in response to the input. The heaters 74, 174 may be controlled and sequenced by the controller 30. For example, the camera assembly 42 may be preheated while stored before deployment is predicted by the system (e.g., vehicle ignition or other events such as engine warm-up). In one example, folding / deploying and / or wiping may be initiated in response to an input to the controller 30. For example, the pivot arm 38 may be moved to the stowed position (S) in response to the vehicle 10 being parked (e.g., the input may be a transmission switch), manually by the driver when debris is noted to be present by an obstacle in a displayed image, or automatically when debris is detected by the CMS 15 (e.g., when debris is detected by image processing). Wiping may occur during the move from the stowed position S to the deployed position D, vice versa, or both. Nozzle(s) 48 may spray washer fluid onto camera assembly 42 during each movement of camera arm 16 or at selected operating conditions.

[0050] Also, while particular component arrangements are disclosed in the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that other arrangements would benefit from the present disclosure. Although a particular sequence of steps has been shown, described and claimed, it should be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined and still benefit from the present invention.

[0051] Although the different examples have specific components shown, embodiments of the invention are not limited to those specific combinations, and some components or features of one example may be used in combination with features or components of another example.

[0052] Although exemplary embodiments have been disclosed, a person of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of the following claims, and for that reason the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. A camera arm for a camera monitor system (CMS), comprising: a base configured to be secured to a vehicle, the base including a wiper; a pivot arm attached to the base at a joint; an actuator configured to articulate the pivot arm relative to the base by the coupling; a camera assembly mounted on the pivot arm and configured to face rearward with the base secured to the vehicle; Equipped with A camera arm, wherein articulation of the coupling is configured to move the pivot arm between a deployed position and a retracted position, and the articulation of the coupling moves the camera assembly across the wiper in a sliding direction as the pivot arm moves between the deployed position and the retracted position.

2. The camera arm of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a pocket that receives a portion of the pivot arm including the camera assembly when in the stored position.

3. The camera arm of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a seal disposed around at least a portion of the wiper, the seal providing a camera seal area configured to circumscribe around the camera assembly when in the retracted position.

4. The camera arm of claim 3 , comprising a drainage channel from the camera seal area to a location outside the camera seal area.

5. 2. The camera arm of claim 1, wherein the camera assembly includes a lens with a transparent cover disposed over the lens, and the wiper is configured to wipe across the transparent cover while the pivot arm moves in a sliding direction to remove debris on the transparent cover.

6. 2. The camera arm of claim 1, wherein the camera assembly includes a lens exposed to an external environment in the deployed position, and the wiper is configured to wipe across the lens while the pivot arm moves in a sliding direction to remove debris on the lens.

7. The camera arm of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a heater configured to be adjacent the camera assembly when the pivot arm is in the retracted position.

8. 2. The camera arm of claim 1, wherein the coupling includes at least one track and linkage configured to provide rotation of the pivot arm and movement of the pivot arm in a sliding direction relative to the base in response to operation of the actuator.

9. The camera arm of claim 1 , wherein the base includes at least part of a washer system having a spray nozzle configured to spray fluid onto the camera assembly in response to an input.

10. a controller in communication with the actuator, the camera assembly, the washer system, and the input; 10. The camera monitor system with camera arm of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to coordinate operation of the actuator and the washer system in response to the input.

11. 2. A camera monitor system with a camera arm as described in claim 1, wherein the camera assembly includes an image capture unit configured to provide at least one of two fields of view and comprises at least one display configured to depict at least a portion of at least one of the two fields of view.

12. 1. A method for removing debris from a camera assembly of a camera monitor system (CMS), comprising: actuating a pivot arm attached to a base fixed to the vehicle; articulating the pivot arm about a joint relative to the base between a deployed position and a stowed position; sliding the pivot arm relative to the base in response to articulation; wiping a camera assembly on the pivot arm across a wiper supported on the base in response to the sliding step; A method comprising:

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base following a sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the deployed position to the deployed position, and the articulating step includes rotating the pivot arm relative to the base prior to a sliding step when moving the pivot arm from the deployed position to the stowed position.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the wiping step is performed during at least one of a pivot arm deployment movement and a pivot arm retraction movement.

16. The method of claim 12 including the step of receiving a portion of the pivot arm into a pocket in the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the stored position.

17. The method of claim 12 , comprising the step of positioning the camera assembly adjacent a heater in the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the retracted position.

18. The method of claim 12 , comprising the step of positioning the camera assembly adjacent to and within a confines of a seal on the base in response to moving the pivot arm to the retracted position.

19. The method of claim 12 , further comprising spraying the camera assembly with washer fluid prior to performing the wiping step.

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