Vehicle rear seat monitoring deviece

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle rear seat monitoring device comprising a camera module, a lighting apparatus, and a first wireless transmission module. The camera module and the lighting apparatus are each electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module, while the lighting apparatus is further electrically connected to the camera module. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device is configured to transmit images via the first wireless transmission module to a vehicle display screen or other portable devices, thereby enabling monitoring of rear seat passenger status or recording of in-vehicle conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle rear seat monitoring device, and more particularly to a vehicle rear seat monitoring device installed above the rear door at the position of a reading light (or illumination light). Prior Technology

[0002] Vehicle surveillance devices can be used for security monitoring or passenger protection, such as interacting with children in the back seat or recording the situation inside the vehicle. In the event of an accident or crime, they can serve as evidence, ensuring passenger safety and preventing disputes arising from conflicting accounts when there is no video footage.

[0003] Existing vehicle surveillance devices are mostly external, requiring additional wiring to provide power and image signals. This results in an unsightly interior and passengers are prone to pulling on the wires, causing inconvenience. Furthermore, since existing vehicle surveillance devices are external, the device itself occupies space in the vehicle, affecting passenger comfort.

[0004] Furthermore, when using child safety seats in the back seat, for safety reasons, they are generally placed face-down, meaning the seat faces the rear of the car. Adults in the front seat cannot see the child's face through the rearview mirror, so they cannot immediately know the child's condition in the back seat.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop an in-vehicle monitoring device that does not require additional wiring and can be integrated with the vehicle interior, especially a vehicle monitoring device that can be used to monitor rear-seat passengers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle rear seat monitoring device.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a vehicle rear seat monitoring device, which includes a camera module, a lamp, and a first wireless transmission module. The camera module and the lamp are electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module, and the lamp is electrically connected to the camera module. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the arrangement of the camera module, the lamp, and the first wireless transmission module in the vehicle rear seat monitoring device, as long as it does not affect the functional operation of each component.

[0008] The camera module includes a lens, an image capturing module, and an image processing module, wherein the image capturing module is electrically connected to the lens and the image processing module respectively.

[0009] When the vehicle rear seat monitoring device is in operation, the image capture module captures the image taken by the lens, generates an image signal, and transmits the image signal to the image processing module to generate a processed image signal; finally, the processed image signal is transmitted to the vehicle screen or other portable device through the first wireless transmission module to view the status of the rear seat passengers or record the situation inside the vehicle.

[0010] Preferably, the vehicle rear seat monitoring device further includes a microphone module and a speaker module, the microphone module and the speaker module being electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module, and the microphone module and the speaker module being electrically connected to the camera module.

[0011] By further installing the microphone module in the vehicle rear seat monitoring device, the vehicle rear seat monitoring device can not only provide the image of the rear seat, but also receive the sound during recording. When encountering situations or disputes, the combination of image and sound can make the current situation clearer or record the situation.

[0012] Furthermore, by further installing the horn module in the vehicle rear seat monitoring device, the vehicle rear seat monitoring device can play sound through the horn module so that the driver, front seat passenger, or person not in the vehicle can use the vehicle screen or other portable device to check the rear seat passenger's status when there is an abnormal situation. The device can then issue an audible reminder or confirm the status of the rear seat passenger.

[0013] The automotive screen may be the screen of the car's center console, or the screen of other automotive control panels and automotive entertainment devices, but is not limited thereto; and the portable device may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, smartwatch, or other device with a display screen, but is not limited thereto.

[0014] Preferably, the lamp can be used in conjunction with the camera module or alone. When the lamp is used in conjunction with the camera module, the image processing module sends an identification signal to control the lamp, enabling it to serve as supplementary lighting. Furthermore, if any abnormal situation is detected among the rear passengers, an operation command can be sent to the first wireless transmission module via the vehicle screen or other portable devices to control the lamp to increase its brightness or flash to alert the rear passengers. When the lamp is used alone, it can be used as a general reading light or interior lighting.

[0015] Preferably, the rear seat monitoring device is installed in the traditional reading light position above the rear door to replace the traditional reading light. This eliminates the need for an additional power cable to power the rear seat monitoring device; the original vehicle power supply to the traditional reading light can be used directly. Furthermore, since the rear seat monitoring device has the light fixture, it also functions as a traditional reading light. On the other hand, because the rear seat monitoring device is installed in the traditional reading light position above the rear door, even if the child safety seat is placed rear-facing in the rear seat, the lens can still clearly capture the face of the child in the rear seat.

[0016] On the other hand, the vehicle screen includes a first display module and a second wireless transmission module. The second wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the first display module and is used to receive the processed image signal transmitted by the first wireless transmission module in the vehicle rear seat monitoring device and transmit it to the first display module to display the rear seat image on the vehicle screen.

[0017] On the other hand, the portable device includes a second display module and a third wireless transmission module. The third wireless transmission module is electrically connected to the second display module and is used to receive the processed image signal transmitted by the first wireless transmission module in the vehicle rear seat monitoring device and transmit it to the second display module to display the rear seat image on the portable device.

[0018] The technical features of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily understand the purpose, technical features and advantages of the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0019] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the vehicle rear seat monitoring device of the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the rear-seat monitoring device for vehicles according to the present invention, which further includes a microphone module and a speaker module; Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the rear-seat monitoring device for vehicles according to the present invention, which is connected to the vehicle's power supply and wirelessly connected to a vehicle screen for use. Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the rear seat monitoring device for vehicles according to the present invention, which is connected to the vehicle's power supply and wirelessly connected to a portable device. Implementation

[0020] To enable the Examiner Committee to understand the technical features, content, advantages, and effects of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in the form of embodiments. The drawings used are for illustrative purposes and to assist in the description only, and may not represent the actual proportions and precise configurations after the implementation of the present invention. Therefore, the proportions and configurations of the accompanying drawings should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the present invention in actual implementation. This is hereby stated in advance.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology and this invention, and shall not be interpreted as having idealized or overly formal meanings unless expressly defined herein.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a block diagram of the vehicle rear seat monitoring device of the present invention. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1 includes a camera module 2, a lamp 3, and a first wireless transmission module 4. The camera module 2 and the lamp 3 are electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module 4, and the lamp 3 is electrically connected to the camera module 2. In addition, there are no particular restrictions on the arrangement of the camera module 2, the lamp 3, and the first wireless transmission module 4 in the vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1, as long as it does not affect the functional operation of each component.

[0023] The camera module 2 includes a lens 21, an image capturing module 22, and an image processing module 23. The image capturing module 22 is electrically connected to the lens 21 and the image processing module 23, respectively.

[0024] When the vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1 is in operation, the image capturing module 22 captures the image captured by the lens 21, generates an image signal 221, and transmits the image signal 221 to the image processing module 23 to generate a processed image signal 231; finally, the processed image signal 231 is transmitted to the vehicle screen 8 or other portable device 9 via the first wireless transmission module 4 (please refer to Figures 3 and 4 together) to view the status of the rear seat passengers or record the situation inside the vehicle.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a block diagram of the vehicle rear seat monitoring device of the present invention, which further includes a microphone module and a speaker module; preferably, the vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1 further includes a microphone module 5 and a speaker module 6, the microphone module 5 and the speaker module 6 are electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module 4 respectively, and the microphone module 5 and the speaker module 6 are also electrically connected to the camera module 2 respectively.

[0026] By further installing the microphone module 5 in the vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1, the vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1 can not only provide the image of the rear seat, but also receive the sound during recording through the microphone module 5. When encountering situations or disputes, the combination of image and sound can make the current situation clearer or record the situation.

[0027] Furthermore, by further providing the horn module 6 to the vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1, the vehicle rear seat monitoring device 1 can play sound through the horn module 6 so that the driver, front seat passenger, or person not in the vehicle can use the vehicle screen 8 or other portable devices 9 to check the rear seat passenger's status and issue an audible reminder or confirm the status of the rear seat passenger when there is an abnormal situation.

[0028] The vehicle screen 8 may be a screen on the center console of a car, or a screen on other vehicle control panels and vehicle entertainment devices, but is not limited thereto; the portable device 9 may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, smartwatch, or other device with a display screen, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] Preferably, the lamp 3 can be used in conjunction with the camera module 2 or alone. When the lamp 3 is used in conjunction with the camera module 2, the image processing module 23 sends an identification signal 232 to control the lamp 3, so that the lamp 3 is used for supplementary lighting. When an abnormal situation is detected among the rear passengers, an operation command can be sent to the first wireless transmission module 4 through the vehicle screen 8 or other portable devices 9, thereby controlling the lamp 3 to increase its brightness or to flash to remind the rear passengers. When the lamp 3 is used alone, it can be used as a general reading light or a vehicle interior lighting light.

[0030] Preferably, the rear seat monitoring device 1 is installed in the traditional reading light position above the rear door to replace the traditional reading light. This eliminates the need for an additional power cable to power the rear seat monitoring device 1, allowing it to directly use the vehicle's original power supply 7 provided to the traditional reading light (see Figures 3 and 4). Since the rear seat monitoring device 1 has the light fixture 3 installed on it, it also functions as a traditional reading light. Furthermore, because the rear seat monitoring device 1 is installed in the traditional reading light position above the rear door, even if the child safety seat is placed face down in the rear seat, the lens 21 can still clearly capture the face of the child in the rear seat.

[0031] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a block diagram illustrating the rear seat monitoring device of the present invention, which is connected to the vehicle's power supply and wirelessly connected to a vehicle screen. When the rear seat monitoring device 1 is used, it is powered by the vehicle's power supply 7. The vehicle screen 8 includes a first display module 81 and a second wireless transmission module 82. The second wireless transmission module 82 is electrically connected to the first display module 81 and is used to receive the processed image signal 231 transmitted by the first wireless transmission module 4 in the rear seat monitoring device 1, and transmit it to the first display module 81 to display the rear seat image on the vehicle screen 8.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a block diagram illustrating the rear seat monitoring device of the present invention, which is connected to the vehicle's power supply and wirelessly connected to a portable device. When the rear seat monitoring device 1 is used, it is powered by the vehicle's power supply 7. The portable device 9 includes a second display module 91 and a third wireless transmission module 92. The third wireless transmission module 92 is electrically connected to the second display module 91 and is used to receive the processed image signal 231 transmitted by the first wireless transmission module 4 in the rear seat monitoring device 1, and transmit it to the second display module 91 to display the rear seat image on the portable device 9.

[0033] In summary, the rear seat monitoring device provided by this invention, compared to existing external vehicle monitoring devices that require additional wiring, can be installed in the traditional reading light position above the rear door. This allows it to directly utilize the vehicle's existing power supply for the reading light without additional wiring. Furthermore, the device itself is embedded in the traditional reading light location, thus not occupying interior space. Its placement also ensures clear imaging of the rear passengers' faces without obstruction. Moreover, since the rear seat monitoring device uses a wireless transmission module to transmit rear seat images, any display device capable of receiving wireless signals can easily obtain the rear seat image without the need for additional transmission cables to connect the rear seat monitoring device to a display device, greatly improving ease of use.

[0034] The embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims, not by this summary. This summary is a highly generalized overview of various aspects of the invention and leads to some concepts further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter alone. The subject matter should be understood by referring to the overall specification, any or all drawings, and the appropriate portions of each claim's claims.

[0035] 1: Rear seat monitoring device for vehicles 2: Camera Module 21: Lens 22: Image Capture Module 221: Image Signal 23: Image Processing Module 231: Processed image signal 232: Identification Signal 3: Lighting fixtures 4: First wireless transmission module 5: Microphone Module 6: Speaker Module 7: In-vehicle power supply 8: Automotive screens 81: First display module 82: Second wireless transmission module 9: Portable device 91: Second display module 92: Third Wireless Transmission Module

Claims

1. A vehicle rear seat monitoring device, comprising: a camera module; a lamp; and a first wireless transmission module, wherein the camera module and the lamp are electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module; the lamp is electrically connected to the camera module; the camera module includes a lens, an image capturing module, and an image processing module, the image capturing module being electrically connected to the lens and the image processing module; and the vehicle rear seat monitoring device is installed in the position of a reading light above the rear door of a vehicle, replacing the reading light.

2. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as described in claim 1, wherein the image capturing module generates an image signal by capturing the image captured by the lens and transmits the image signal to the image processing module; the image signal is converted into a processed image signal by the image processing module and transmitted wirelessly to a vehicle screen or a portable device by the first wireless transmission module.

3. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as described in claim 2, wherein the vehicle screen is a screen of the vehicle center console, a screen of the vehicle control panel, or a screen of the vehicle entertainment system.

4. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as described in claim 2, wherein the portable device is a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or smartwatch.

5. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as described in claim 1, wherein the vehicle rear seat monitoring device is powered directly by the in-vehicle power supply connected to the reading light.

6. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as described in claim 1, wherein the lamp is used in conjunction with the camera module, and the image capturing module emits an identification signal to control the lamp for supplementary lighting purposes.

7. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as described in claim 1, wherein the light is used alone to provide the original function of the reading light.

8. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle rear seat monitoring device further includes a microphone module electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module and the camera module respectively, and the microphone module receives sound while the camera module is capturing images.

9. The vehicle rear seat monitoring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle rear seat monitoring device further includes a speaker module electrically connected to the first wireless transmission module and the camera module, respectively, for emitting sound to alert or confirm the status of the rear seat passenger.

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