Camera monitor system with alternative view monitor control

Abstract

A method of providing views in a CMS includes a) providing multiple cameras that are configured to capture multiple fields of view, and multiple displays that are configured to display the multiple fields of view, one of the multiple displays is a primary display that has a touchscreen, and another of the multiple displays is configured to illustrate a displayed field of view from the multiple fields of view, b) depicting a display layout schematic on the primary display, the display layout schematic has multiple display icons representing the multiple displays, c) touching one of the multiple display icons to select a corresponding one of the multiple displays, d) displaying an option on the primary display that relates to the other multiple display and the displayed field of view, and e) selecting the option by touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view.

Description

CAMERA MONITOR SYSTEM WITH ALTERNATIVE VIEW MONITOR CONTROLTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a camera monitor system (CMS), and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for a CMS having touchscreen-based control on a primary display of other displays in the CMS.BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle camera systems for mirror replacement or for supplementing mirror views are utilized in commercial vehicles to enhance the ability of a vehicle operator to see a surrounding environment of the commercial vehicle. Camera monitor systems (CMS) utilize one or more cameras to provide an enhanced field of view to a vehicle operator. In some examples, the mirror replacement systems cover a larger field of view than a conventional mirror, or include views that are not fully obtainable via a conventional mirror.

[0003] There is a desire to improve operator visibility to reduce risk. One approach is to add more cameras and more displays to increase the viewable area around the vehicle. While this approach may reduce blind spots, the operator is required to manage more information making it difficult fully take advantage of additional displayed views.SUMMARY

[0004] In one example embodiment, a method of providing views in a camera monitor system (CMS) for a vehicle includes a) providing multiple cameras that are configured to capture multiple fields of view, and multiple displays that are configured to display the multiple fields of view, one of the multiple displays is a primary display that has a touchscreen, and another of the multiple displays is configured to illustrate a displayed field of view from the multiple fields of view, b) depicting a display layout schematic on the primary display, the display layout schematic has multiple display iconsrepresenting the multiple displays, c) touching one of the multiple display icons to select a corresponding one of the multiple displays, d) displaying an option on the primary display that relates to the other multiple display and the displayed field of view, and e) selecting the option by touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view.

[0005] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the multiple displays include a driver side display and a passenger side display. The driver side display and passenger side display are respectively mounted in close proximity to a driver side A-pillar and a passenger side A-pillar. Each of the driver side display and passenger side display provide a narrow angle view and a wide angle view of its respective side of the vehicle that is provided by the multiple fields of view.

[0006] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the multiple displays include at least one of a primary information display that is located behind a steering wheel, a secondary information display that is located centrally in a bottom half of a vehicle cabin, a front passenger side corner display that is located centrally in a top half of the vehicle cabin, and a heads-up display.

[0007] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the primary display corresponds to the driver side display.

[0008] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the display layout schematic omits the primary display from the multiple display icons.

[0009] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the displayed option includes displaying a picture-in-picture (PIP) window that contains at least a portion of the displayed field of view which is also illustrated on the other multiple display.

[0010] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein step e) includes manipulating the displayed field of view in the PIP window by touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view on the other multiple display by making a corresponding change in the PIP window.

[0011] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the step e) includes swiping the touchscreen to pan the displayed one of the multiple fields of view.

[0012] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the step e) includes pinching the touchscreen to zoom the displayed one of the multiple fields of view.

[0013] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes a step f) locking in the selected option for the other multiple display and returning the primary display to an original operational state.

[0014] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes a step g) reverting the other multiple display to another field of view from the selected option in response to a triggering event.

[0015] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the triggering event is a change in vehicle operational state.

[0016] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the triggering event is a predetermined elapse of time.

[0017] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes an identifier that is associated with the PIP window and related to the other multiple display.

[0018] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the displayed option relates to a display attribute of the other multiple display. The display attribute includes at least one of contrast, brightness and tint.

[0019] In another example embodiment, a camera monitor system (CMS), includes multiple cameras that are configured to capture multiple fields of view in proximity to a commercial vehicle, multiple displays that are configured to display images from the captured multiple fields of view, the multiple displays include a primary display having a touchscreen, and another of the multiple displays is configured to illustrate a displayed field of view from the multiple fields of view, and a controller that is in communication with the multiple cameras and the multiple displays. The controller isconfigured to depict a display layout schematic on the primary display, when the display layout schematic has multiple display icons that represent the multiple displays. The controller is configured to select a corresponding one of the multiple displays in response to a user touching one of the multiple display icons. The controller is configured to display an option on the primary display that relates to the other multiple display and the displayed field of view, and the controller is configured to selecting the option in response to a user touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view.

[0020] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the multiple displays include a driver side display and a passenger side display. The driver side display and passenger side display are respectively mounted in close proximity to a driver side A-pillar and a passenger side A-pillar. Each of the driver side display and passenger side display provide a narrow angle view and a wide angle view of its respective side of the vehicle that is provided by the multiple fields of view, and the multiple displays include at least one of a primary information display that is located behind a steering wheel, a secondary information display that is located centrally in a bottom half of a vehicle cabin, a front passenger side corner display that is located centrally in a top half of the vehicle cabin, and a heads-up display.

[0021] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the displayed option includes displaying a picture-in-picture (PIP) window that contains at least a portion of the displayed field of view which is also illustrated on the other multiple display. The displayed field of view is configured to be manipulated by the use in the PIP window by touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view on the other multiple display by making a corresponding change in the PIP window

[0022] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the displayed view is configured to be manipulated by the user by at least one of swiping the touchscreen to pan the displayed one of the multiple fields of view, and pinching the touchscreen to zoom the displayed one of the multiple fields of view.

[0023] In a further example embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the controller is configured to lock in the selected option for the other multiple display andreturn the primary display to an original operational state, and the controller is configured to revert the other multiple display to another field of view from the selected option in response to a triggering event that corresponds to at least one of a change in vehicle operational state and a predetermined elapse of time.

[0024] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a commercial truck with a camera mirror system (CMS) used to provide at least narrow and wide fields of view alongside the vehicle (e.g., Class II and Class IV views).

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic birds-eye view of the commercial truck of Figure 1 with a CMS providing, for example, Class II, Class IV, Class V, Class VI, and Class VIII views.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of an example vehicle cabin interior.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example vehicle cabin interior.

[0030] Figure 5A is a schematic view of a left-hand display from Figure 3.

[0031] Figure 5B is a schematic view of a right-hand display from Figure 3.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example method of providing an alternative view on one of the CMS displays.

[0033] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate left- and right-hand views on two different displays respectively corresponding to a primary display and another display.

[0034] Figure 8A and 8B illustrate the primary and other displays in Figure 7A and 7B while performing one example of the method of Figure 6.

[0035] Figure 9 illustrates the primary display while performing another example of the method of Figure 6.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Schematic views of a commercial vehicle 10 are illustrated in Figures 1- 4. The commercial vehicle 10 includes a vehicle cab or “tractor” 12 for pulling a trailer 14, where the trailer 14 articulates with respect to the tractor 12 during turns. Although the commercial vehicle 10 is depicted as a commercial truck with a single trailer in this disclosure, it is understood that other commercial vehicle configurations may be used (e.g., different types or quantities of trailers).

[0037] A pair of camera arms 16A-B include a respective base that is secured to, for example, the tractor 12. A pivoting arm is supported by the base and may articulate relative thereto. At least one rearward facing camera 20A-B is arranged respectively on or within the camera arms 16A-B. The exterior cameras 20A-B respectively provide an exterior field of view FOVEXI, FOVEx2 that each include at least one of Class II and Class IV views (Fig. 2), which are legally prescribed views in the commercial trucking industry.

[0038] The Class II view on a given side of the commercial vehicle 10 is a subset of the class IV view of the same side of the commercial vehicle 10. Multiple cameras also may be used in each camera arm 16A-B to provide these views, if desired. Class II (narrow) and Class IV (wide angle) views are defined in European R46 legislation, for example, and the United States and other countries may have similar driver visibility requirements for commercial trucks. Any reference to a “Class” view is not intended to be limiting, but is intended as an example of the type of view provided to a display from a particular camera. For example, certain views may be prescribed in SAE J3155 or other regulations.

[0039] Each camera arm 16A-16B may also provide a housing that encloses electronics, e.g., a controller, that are configured to provide various features of the CMS15. The camera arms 16A-B may be mounted either at a roof-mount location over the cab door (as shown), or on a door-mounted bracket or station, for example. If desired, the camera arms 16A-B may include conventional mirrors integrated with them as well, although the CMS 15 may be used to entirely replace mirrors. In additional examples, each side can include multiple camera arms, with each arm housing one or more cameras and / or mirrors.

[0040] If video of Class V and / or Class VI views is also desired, a camera housing 16C and camera 20C may be arranged at or near the front of the commercial vehicle 10 to provide those views (Fig. 2). Generally, Class V covers a passenger side of the vehicle from a passenger vehicle cab corner aftward along a cab of the vehicle, and Class VI covers a passenger side of the vehicle from a passenger vehicle cab corner along a front of a cab of the vehicle.

[0041] A backup camera 20D may be provided which provides a field of view FOVEX3- The backup camera 20D may be mounted at a top / centerline of the trailer, at a bumper / bed level of the trailer, or at a top-corner of the back of the trailer, for example. Alternatively, or in addition to the rear trailer camera, a “fifth wheel camera” 20E may be provided that is mounted to a rear of the tractor 12 and that provides a field of view FOVEX4- The fifth wheel camera 20E may be mounted anywhere between the lateral plane of the fifth wheel fixture and the top / roof edge of the tractor, for example.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of an example vehicle cabin interior 24, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle cabin interior 24. Referring now to Figures 3-4 with continued reference to Figures 1-2, electronic displays 18A-E (e.g., which may be video displays, such as LCD displays) and cameras 20A-E are shown. The various electronic displays 18A-E and cameras 20A-E are part of a camera monitor system (CMS) 15, and therefore act as CMS displays and CMS cameras. As used herein, a “CMS camera” 20 is a camera configured to record images of an environment surrounding a commercial vehicle 10, and a “CMS display” 18 is an electronic display (e.g., an LCD) that is configured to image or display feeds from those cameras.

[0043] Figure 4 illustrates additional or different displays 18F, 18G, 18H, 181 that may be used to display images from the cameras 20A-E or other cameras. For example, display 18F provides a heads-up-display (HUD) projected in the region of the driver side windshield. Displays 18G, 18H may be provided respectively on the A-pillars 19A, 19B to provide additional views to those of the displays 18A, 18B. An additional display 181 may be provided on the passenger side. Fewer, more or different displays and / or configurations may be used.

[0044] The CMS 15 includes a CMS controller or electronic control unit (ECU) 22 that acts as a controller and includes processing circuitry that supports operation of the CMS 15. The CMS ECU 22 is operatively connected to memory (which 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 nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CD-ROM, etc.). The processing circuitry may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like.

[0045] The CMS displays 18A-B are arranged on each of the driver and passenger sides within the vehicle cab 12 on or near the A-pillars 19A-B to display Class II and Class IV views on its respective side of the commercial vehicle 10, which provide rear facing side views along the commercial vehicle 10 that are captured by the exterior cameras 20A-B.

[0046] As discussed above, if video of Class V and Class VI views are also desired, the camera housing 16C and camera 20C may be arranged at or near the front of the commercial vehicle 10 to provide those views (Fig. 2). In the example of Figure 3, additional displays 18C-E are provided. Display 18C is arranged in the vehicle cabin interior 24 near the top center of the windshield may be used to display the Class V and Class VI views, which are toward the front of the commercial vehicle 10, or a backup camera view (from camera 20D or 20E) to the driver. Display 18D is provided in a center console area of the vehicle cabin interior 24, generally located centrally in a bottom half of the vehicle cabin, and may be used for other purposes, such as navigation,infotainment, etc (i.e., a secondary information display). Display 18E may be part of an instrument cluster (i.e., a primary information display) located behind the steering wheel, for example.

[0047] If video of Class VIII views is desired, camera housings can be disposed at the sides and rear of the commercial vehicle 10 to provide fields of view including some or all of the Class VIII zones of the commercial vehicle 10. In such examples, one of the displays 18C-E may include one or more frames displaying the Class VIII views. The displays 18A, 18B, 18C face a driver region within the vehicle cabin interior 24 where an operator is seated on a driver seat.

[0048] Figure 5A is a schematic view of the left-hand side display 18A, and Figure 5B is a schematic view of the right-hand side display 18B. Each display 18A-B includes a respective first display area 25A-B and a respective second display area 26A- B. In the example of Figures 5A-B, display area 25A is configured to display a Class II (narrow) view from camera 16A, and display area 26A is configured to display a Class IV (wide) view from camera 16A (or an additional, wide angle camera situated on the same side of the commercial vehicle as camera 16A). Similarly, display area 25B is configured to display a Class II (narrow) view from camera 16B, and display area 26B is configured to display a Class IV (wide) view from camera 16B (or an additional, wide angle camera situated on the same side of the commercial vehicle as camera 16B).

[0049] In various examples, the ECU 22 includes one or modules having algorithm(s), equation(s) and / or decision manager(s) that receive input(s) from sensors (e.g., cameras 20A-20E, ultrasonic, LiDar, radar, etc.) and / or stored values, as schematically illustrated in Figure 3. Example modules include Lane Detection Module 100, Object Detection Module 102, Trailer End Detection Module 104, Kinematic Module 106, Trailer Striking Area Prediction Module 108, Tractor Striking Area Prediction Module 110, and Collision Alert Module 112. Example inputs include one or more sensors 34, such as a steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, gear position sensor, and / or other sensor data. Vehicle configuration information 32, which may be stored in memory 30, relates to vehicle characteristics (e.g., trailer length, axle position, trailertype / wheelbase, tractor configuration / wheelbase, hitch point location etc.), provided by the manufacturer, operator, and / or determined by one or more of the modules. During vehicle operation, the ECU 22 may communicate information to the driver, fleet operator, or others using an output (e.g, displays 18, speaker, etc.). Example operation and uses of these modules are disclosed in International Application No. PCT / US2023 / 083416 filed on December 11 , 2023, entitled “CAMERA MONITOR SYSTEM WITH TRAILER CURB STRIKE ALERT AND TRAILER STRIKING AREA,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0050] The lane detection module 100 also uses image processing of the captured images to identify markings on the roadway, such as lane markers that visually divide adjacent lanes. One example algorithm is described in United States Publication No. US2023 / 117,719, entitled “CAMERA MIRROR SYSTEM DISPLAY FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES INCLUDING SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING ROAD MARKINGS”, which is incorporated by reference in its entirely. In that publication, a lane detection module is described in which an object detection algorithm identifies a lane marking in a roadway by filtering a color of the lane marking from a surrounding portion of the captured image. Other techniques based upon deep learning technology or another computer vision method may be used, if desired.

[0051] The object detection module 102 includes one or more image processing algorithms configured to identify objects in the captured images. The algorithms may be used to identify VRU’s (e.g., pedestrians or cyclists), attributes of the tractor 12 and / or trailer 14, other vehicles, signs, curbs, trees, buildings and / or other inanimate objects.

[0052] The trailer end detection module 104 is another image processing module that extracts one or more trailer features from the captured images to determine the location of the end of the trailer in 3D space. These extracted attributes can be used to detect objects such as tractor wheels, trailer edges and other features. Example wheel detection algorithm techniques are disclosed in United States Publication No. US2023 / 202,394 entitled “CAMERA MONITOR SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIALVEHICLES INCLUDING WHEEL POSITION ESTIMATION”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Example trailer edge detection algorithm techniques are disclosed in United States Publication No. US2023 / 125,045 entitled “TRAILER END TRACKING IN CAMERA MONITORING SYSTEM”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other techniques may be used, if desired.

[0053] In one example operation, the CMS 15 utilizes the kinematics module 106 to predict a striking zone of the trailer 14 during a turn operation and generates a two dimensional overlay to digitally impose over at least one of the displayed Class ll / IV images thereby showing the vehicle operator an expected striking zone of the trailer 14 and allowing the vehicle operator adjust the vehicle operations accordingly. The CMS 15 uses the received captured images from the cameras 20A, 20B, as well as any other cameras and vehicle operation data received from a general vehicle controller through a data connection, such as a CAN or LIN bus, to estimate a predicted position of the tractor and / or trailer side at each of multiple side positions and multiple points in time. These positions are converted to a geometric area encompassing all the positions. In this way, the shape and size of the geometric area is not fixed, but rather reflects an actual predicted striking area of the trailer.

[0054] In order to avoid accidental strikes, the striking area prediction system uses the vehicle data (e.g. steering angle, steering rate, trailer angle, vehicle speed, trailer wheelbase, tractor wheelbase, hitch point location, yaw rate and the like) to generate a predicted striking zone over time. The predicted striking zone is a prediction of the path the trailer will take over the course of the turn and is re-calculated continuously as the turn progresses. The trailer striking area is also useful in a potential “curve cut” scenario when the vehicle 10 is traveling down a curved roadway. In a curvy road, it becomes more likely for the trailer end to cross the lane markers, indicating boundaries to adjacent lanes, creating a potentially dangerous situation.

[0055] The CMS 15 includes a Decision Manager or Collision Alert Module 112 that communicates with the modules 100-110 to evaluate the proximity between the predicted tractor and / or trailer paths (i.e. , the tractor and trailer striking areas) and one ormore objects (e.g., predicting an imminent curb strike, curve cut, object collision etc.). The decision manager considers the estimated time to the event, severity (what the object is), closing rate between objects, etc. and may provide an overlay and / or alert.

[0056] While various overlays and alerts may useful in increasing operator awareness and enhancing safety, it is desirable to more easily and proactively manage awareness of vehicle surroundings. One such approach is to enable control and configuration of displays that are not within easy reach or access to operator. Centralized, accessible control that is intuitive enables the operator to change display settings as needed to improve operation awareness using the CMS 15 while also limiting distractions.

[0057] As will be discussed below in greater detail, the CMS 15 includes functionality for providing operator selectable configurations to display CMS images based on touchscreen commands received through a touchscreen interface. The touchscreen interface may be provided on one of the CMS displays, or through a separate touchscreen interface. For example, a “bring your own device” configuration may be supported, in which a vehicle occupant can use their own personal device (e.g., a tablet) as a CMS display and / or a touchscreen interface (e.g., a tablet).

[0058] The touchscreen of at least one of the displays 18A-18D and 18G-18I (e.g., display 18A as a primary display), if so provided, can be used to enable modification of one or more displays options relating to the other displays (e.g., displays 18B-18I). In one example, the driver side display 18A or secondary information display 18D are used as the primary display for managing desired display configurations across various displays (e.g., for permanently or temporarily modifying displayed views, and / or modifying display attributes), as these displays are within easy reach of the operator. As one example, the left-hand display 18A servers as the primary display, and display area 25A provides the touchscreen.

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example method 200 for the CMS 15. During operation of the vehicle 10, multiple fields of view (e.g., FOVEX-I , FOVEX2, FOVEXS, FOVEX ) are captured with the cameras (e.g., cameras 20A-20E) and displayed on the displays (e.g., displays 18A-18I). At least one of the displays serves as primary display (e.g.,display 18A) with which the operator may interface. In one example, the operator touches the touchscreen on the primary display, which brings up a display layout schematic 40 that generally represents the displays that can be adjusted remotely via the primary display (block 202). One example display layout schematic 40, shown in Figure 7A, includes display icons 42, 44, 46, which respectively represent displays 18C, 18B, 18D arranged in a configuration representative of the locations of the displays within the cabin 24. In the example, the display layout schematic 40 omits the primary display from the multiple display icons; however, it should be understood than a primary display may be included in the layout if desired. The icons may also include acronyms or other identifiers that make it easier for the operator to determine which icon represents which display. In the example, CHMD indicates the Central High Mount Display 18C, PSD indicates the Passenger Side Display 18B, and SID indicates Secondary Information Display.

[0060] Figure 7B illustrates the display 18B prior to modification via the display 18A. Referring to Figures 6 and 7A, the operator can then touch one of the display icons (block 204; e.g., display icons 42-46) to bring up and display on the primary display at least one option 50 relating to the selected display (block 206). In one example, the displayed option is a modifiable picture-in-picture (PIP) having at least a portion of the displayed field of view on the selected display, as shown in Figure 8A. The PIP in Figure 8A illustrates the field of view shown in the display area 25B of display 18B, shown in Figure 7B, prior to modification. An identifier 48 can be displayed and associated with the PIP window 50 as verification to the operator as to which display is being modified.

[0061] Referring to Figures 6 and 8A, the operator can select the option (in this example, a modified view) by touching and manipulating the displayed view in the PIP, which alters the displayed field of view on the other display (block 208; here, display 18B). In one example, the operator can swipe the touchscreen within the PIP to pan the displayed field of view on the other display. The view in the PIP window and the view being modified on the other display will change simultaneously. In another example, the operator may pinch the touchscreen in the PIP window to zoom (in or out) the displayed field of view on the other display. In the example shown in Figures 8A-8B, the operatorhas zoomed out the field of view displayed on the passenger side display 18B for improved visibility.

[0062] Once the desired modified view for the other display has been selected, the selection can be locked in (e.g., by again touching the touchscreen) and the primary display returned to an original operational state. The newly modified other display may revert back to its original (or different) displayed field of view in response to a triggering event. The may occur if there is a change in vehicle operational state (e.g., change in gear, change in vehicle speed, change in steering angle). Additionally or alternatively, the triggering event is a predetermined elapse of time (e.g., 15 seconds).

[0063] In another example shown in Figure 9, the displayed option 150 is a window that relates to a display attribute 152 of the other display, such as contrast, brightness and tint.

[0064] The disclosed CMS 15 enables an operator to customize the displayed fields of view or other display attributes from a display easily within reach. The ability to select the display for modification is intuitive and quick, which permits the operator to create views that are safer or more preferred for particular vehicle maneuvers or operating states.

[0065] It should also be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit herefrom. Although particular step sequences are shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined unless otherwise indicated and will still benefit from the present invention.

[0066] Although the different examples have specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this invention are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples.

[0067] Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within thescope of the claims. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of providing views in a camera monitor system (CMS) for a vehicle, comprising: a) providing multiple cameras configured to capture multiple fields of view, and multiple displays configured to display the multiple fields of view, wherein one of the multiple displays is a primary display having a touchscreen, and another of the multiple displays is configured to illustrate a displayed field of view from the multiple fields of view; b) depicting a display layout schematic on the primary display, the display layout schematic having multiple display icons representing the multiple displays; c) touching one of the multiple display icons to select a corresponding one of the multiple displays; d) displaying an option on the primary display relating to the other multiple display and the displayed field of view; and e) selecting the option by touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the multiple displays include a driver side display and a passenger side display, the driver side display and passenger side display respectively mounted in close proximity to a driver side A-pillar and a passenger side A- pillar, wherein each of the driver side display and passenger side display provide a narrow angle view and a wide angle view of its respective side of the vehicle that is provided by the multiple fields of view.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiple displays include at least one of a primary information display located behind a steering wheel, a secondary information display located centrally in a bottom half of a vehicle cabin, a front passenger side corner display located centrally in a top half of the vehicle cabin, and a heads-up display.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the primary display corresponds to the driver side display.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the display layout schematic omits the primary display from the multiple display icons.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the displayed option includes displaying a picture-in-picture (PIP) window containing at least a portion of the displayed field of view which is also illustrated on the other multiple display.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein step e) includes manipulating the displayed field of view in the PIP window by touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view on the other multiple display by making a corresponding change in the PIP window.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step e) includes swiping the touchscreen to pan the displayed one of the multiple fields of view.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the step e) includes pinching the touchscreen to zoom the displayed one of the multiple fields of view.

10. The method of any preceding claim, comprising a step f) locking in the selected option for the other multiple display and returning the primary display to an original operational state.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising a step g) reverting the other multiple display to another field of view from the selected option in response to a triggering event.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the triggering event is a change in vehicle operational state.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the triggering event is a predetermined elapse of time.

14. The method of any one of claims 6 to 13, comprising an identifier associated with the PIP window and related to the other multiple display.

15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the displayed option relates to a display attribute of the other multiple display, the display attribute includes at least one of contrast, brightness and tint.

16. A camera monitor system (CMS), comprising: multiple cameras configured to capture multiple fields of view in proximity to a commercial vehicle; multiple displays configured to display images from the captured multiple fields of view, the multiple displays including a primary display having a touchscreen, and another of the multiple displays is configured to illustrate a displayed field of view from the multiple fields of view; and a controller in communication with the multiple cameras and the multiple displays, the controller configured to depict a display layout schematic on the primary display, when the display layout schematic having multiple display icons representing the multiple displays, the controller configured to select a corresponding one of the multiple displays in response to a user touching one of the multiple display icons, the controller configured to display an option on the primary display relating to the other multiple display and the displayed field of view, and the controller configured to selecting the option in response to a user touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view.

17. The CMS of claim 16, wherein the multiple displays include a driver side display and a passenger side display, the driver side display and passenger side display respectively mounted in close proximity to a driver side A-pillar and a passenger side A- pillar, wherein each of the driver side display and passenger side display provide a narrow angle view and a wide angle view of its respective side of the vehicle that is provided by the multiple fields of view, and wherein the multiple displays include at least one of a primary information display located behind a steering wheel, a secondary information display located centrally in a bottom half of a vehicle cabin, a front passenger side corner display located centrally in a top half of the vehicle cabin, and a heads-up display.

18. The CMS of claim 16 or 17, wherein the displayed option includes displaying a picture-in-picture (PIP) window containing at least a portion of the displayed field of view which is also illustrated on the other multiple display, wherein the displayed field of view is configured to be manipulated by the user in the PIP window by touching the touchscreen to alter the displayed field of view on the other multiple display by making a corresponding change in the PIP window19. The CMS of claim 18, wherein the displayed view is configured to be manipulated by the user by at least one of swiping the touchscreen to pan the displayed one of the multiple fields of view, and pinching the touchscreen to zoom the displayed one of the multiple fields of view.

20. The CMS of claim 18 or 19, wherein the controller is configured to lock in the selected option for the other multiple display and return the primary display to an original operational state, and wherein the controller is configured to revert the other multiple display to another field of view from the selected option in response to a triggering event corresponding to at least one of a change in vehicle operational state and a predetermined elapse of time.

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