Emblem integrated cameras

Abstract

A camera monitor system includes a tractor, with a tractor body component, and a trailer. A camera assembly includes an emblem having an aesthetic exterior face, a spacer with a perimeter having a thickness extending to a rear side, and a forward- and downward-facing camera that is arranged within the spacer and positioned at the perimeter to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor. The rear side is removably secured to the tractor body component. A display is in communication with the camera via a controller. The display is arranged in a cab of the tractor and is configured to depict images from the field of view captured by the camera.

Description

EMBLEM INTEGRATED CAMERASCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 720,967 filed November 15, 2024, United States Patent Application No. 19 / 194,485 filed April 30, 2025, and United States Patent Application No.19 / 194,511 filed April 30, 2025.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a camera assembly for a camera monitoring system (CMS) for a commercial vehicle typically including a tractor and a trailer. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a camera assembly integrated into a factory emblem mount at the front of the tractor.BACKGROUND

[0003] Mirror replacement systems, and camera systems for supplementing mirror views, are utilized in commercial vehicles to enhance the ability of a vehicle operator to see a surrounding environment. Camera monitor systems (CMS) utilize one or more cameras disposed about the vehicle to provide an enhanced field of view to a vehicle operator on one or more displays located in the vehicle cabin. In some examples, mirror replacement systems within the CMS can cover a larger field of view than a conventional mirror, or can include views that are not fully obtainable via a conventional mirror.

[0004] Commercial vehicles are governed by local regulations that typically mandate certain fields of view. Once such field of view may be immediately in front of the tractor where a pedestrian or an obstacle is very difficult to see by the operator. Conventionally a dedicated camera mounting structure has been provided above the windshield to include this field of view, which leaves a blinds spot directly in front of the bumper due to the tractor’s hood line. Additionally, mounting a camera at this location requires specialized mounting features that must either be provided at the factory or in an expensive retrofit.SUMMARY

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, a camera monitor system (CMS) for a vehicle that includes a tractor and a trailer, includes a tractor body component, camera assembly that includes an emblem having an aesthetic exterior face, a spacer that includes a perimeter having a thickness extending to a rear side, the rear side is removably secured to the tractor body component, a forward- and downward-facing camera that is arranged within the spacer and positioned at the perimeter to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor, and a display in communication with the camera via a controller. The display is arranged in a cab of the tractor and configured to depict images from the field of view captured by the camera.

[0006] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the emblem and spacer are provided by a unitary structure.

[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the tractor body component is a grill that includes a hole, and camera includes a wiring harness that extends through the hole. The wiring harness is in communication with the controller.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the thickness is at least 20 millimeters, and the camera is arranged at a lower portion of the perimeter.

[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the emblem has a back side opposite the aesthetic exterior surface. The thickness extends between a front side and the rear side. The back side is removably secured to the front side.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the CMS includes a first set of fasteners that secure the emblem to the spacer, and a second set of fasteners secure the spacer to the tractor body component.

[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the camera has a field of view of at least 180 degrees, and the field of view includes at least 2 meters beyond a passenger side of the tractor.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the field of view is directly in front of a tractor bumper.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a camera assembly for a camera monitor system (CMS) for a vehicle that includes a tractor and a trailer, the camera assembly includes an emblem having an aesthetic exterior face opposite a back side, a spacer that includes a perimeter having a thickness extending between a front side and a rear side, a first set of fasteners removably secure the emblem to the front side, a second set of fasteners configured to removably secure the rear side to a tractor body component, and a forward- and downward-facing camera arranged within the spacer and positioned at the perimeter and configured to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor.

[0014] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first set of fasteners includes pins that extend from the back side locating the emblem relative to the spacer.

[0015] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the thickness is at least 20 millimeters, and the camera has a field of view of at least 180 degrees and is arranged at a lower portion of the perimeter.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, a method installing a frontmounted camera on a vehicle that includes a tractor and a trailer, includes the steps of providing an emblem having an aesthetic exterior face, providing a spacer that includes a perimeter having a thickness that extends to a rear side, the spacer having a camera that is arranged at the perimeter, attaching the rear side to existing mounting holes in a tractor body component with the camera oriented forward and downward to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor, and connecting the camera to a controller for a camera monitor system (CMS). The CMS includes a display that is configured to depict images from the field of view captured by the camera.

[0017] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the emblem has a back side opposite the aesthetic exterior surface. The thickness extends between a front side and the rear side, including a step of attaching the back side of the emblem to the front side.

[0018] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the thickness is at least 20 millimeters.

[0019] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes a step of providing a hole in the tractor body component, and inserting a wiring harness that is connected to the camera through the hole prior to performing the connecting step.

[0020] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the emblem providing step includes removing the emblem from the existing mounting holes before performing the rear side attaching step.

[0021] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the emblem attaching step is performed using a first set of fasteners.

[0022] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the back side attaching step is performed using a second set of fasteners.

[0023] These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of an example vehicle cabin interior.

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example vehicle cabin interior.

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a front of a tractor with an example forward- and downward-facing camera assembly for the CMS and which reuses an original factory emblem mounted to a spacer housing the camera.

[0030] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of another example camera assembly in which an emblem is integrated as a unitary structure with the spacer housing the camera.

[0031] Figure 7 is the camera assembly shown in Figure 5, but with the emblem removed.

[0032] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the disclosed camera assembly shown in Figures 5 and 7.

[0033] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 5.

[0034] Figure 10 illustrates an example image captured by the disclosed camera assembly.

[0035] 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.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] A schematic view of a commercial vehicle 10 is illustrated in Figures 1-2. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle cab or “tractor” 12 for pulling a trailer 14. As examples, a cab-over-engine (“COE”) tractor typical of Europe is shown in Figure 1, and a convention cab type-tractor (“engine-forward” or “long nose”) typical of North America is shown in Figure 5. Although the vehicle 10 is depicted as a commercial truck in this disclosure, it is understood that other types of vehicles may be used, and it should be understood that other configurations may be utilized for the vehicle cab 12 and / or trailer 14 (e.g., different types or quantities of trailers).

[0037] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, camera arms 16A-B each include a respective base 24A-B that is secured to, for example, the tractor 12. The pivoting camera arms 16A-B are supported by the respective bases 24A-B 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 andClass IV views (see Fig. 2), which are legally prescribed views in the commercial trucking industry. Although rotatable camera arms 16 are depicted, it is understood that this is a non-limiting example and that non-rotatable camera arms may be used.

[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 angle) and Class IV (wide angle) views are defined in European R46 legislation, for example, and the United States and other countries have similar drive 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 CMS 15. The camera arms 16A-B may be mounted either at a roof-mount location over the cab door (as shown in Figure 1 ), 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 and camera may be arranged at or near the front of the commercial vehicle 10 to provide those views. In this disclosure, a camera assembly 40 with a forward-and downward-facing camera 20C is mounted to a pre-existing tractor body component 42 (e.g., body panel, grill, etc.) using pre-existing holes to provide the Class VI or similar view (Figure 1). The pre-existing holes are provided at the factory for the factory-installed OEM manufacturer’s emblem. In this manner, additional mounting structure and its associated expense may be avoided.

[0041] In the example of R46, the Class VI view includes an area 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor (e.g., in front of the tractor’s bumper) that is the width of the tractor and extending to include an additional 2 meter radius on the passengerside of the vehicle (shown in Figure 2). The height H (Figure 5) of the camera 20C relative to the ground plane may be a minimum of 2 meters, in one example. The camera assembly 40 can either integrate a factory-style emblem as a unitary structure (Figure 6), or reuse the emblem 50 and separately secure it to the camera assembly 40 such that it need not be modified (Figures 5 and 7-9). In implementations, the emblem may be centered on the grill of the vehicle 10. The emblem 50 may be aligned with the vehicle’s centerline. In implementations, the emblem 50 may be mounted directly on the hood, near the edge facing the grille. In implementations, the emblem 50 may be positioned near or above the headlights of the vehicle 10.

[0042] Additionally, a backup camera 20D may be provided which provides a field of view FOVEXS. 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.

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of an example vehicle cabin interior 26, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle cabin interior 26. Referring now to Figures 3-4 with continued reference to the preceding figures, 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 display image feeds from those cameras.

[0044] The CMS 15 includes a CMS 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 mayinclude one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like.

[0045] The ECU 22 is configured to be compatible with a variety of different cameras, including, e.g., cameras with different resolutions (e.g., 3-8 megapixels), cameras that utilize different communication standards, and cameras that include or omit IR illumination. In one disclosed example, the field of view of the camera 20C is at least 180 degrees to provide the desired field of view at the front of the tractor 12 given the location of the camera 20C.

[0046] 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.

[0047] As discussed above, if video of Class V and Class VI views are also desired, the camera 20C is arranged at or near the front of the commercial vehicle 10 to provide those views (Figure 2). In the example of Figure 3, additional displays 18C-E are provided. Display 18C is arranged in the vehicle cabin interior 26 near the top center of the windshield and 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 may be provided in a center console area of the vehicle cabin interior 26, 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 (SID)). Display 18E may be part of an instrument cluster, for example. The displays 18A-E face a driver region within the vehicle cabin interior 26 where an operator is seated on a driver seat.

[0048] The CMS 15 may utilize one or more camera assemblies integrated into the vehicle 10. In the example implementation, the camera 20C is incorporated into the camera assembly 40, which includes the factory-style emblem 50 (either integrated or separate) on the front of the tractor 12. Other sensors, such as ultrasonic, radar, LiDar, etc., may also be incorporated into the camera assembly 40, if desired.

[0049] Referring to Figure 6, an example emblem 50 is integrated with a spacer 52 as a unitary, one-piece structure (e.g., a single plastic injection molded part) to provide the desired camera spacing from the front of the tractor 12 for the desired field of view. The emblem 50 has an aesthetic exterior face 54, which includes the manufacturers logo, name or other decorative image. The spacer 52 includes a perimeter 60 having a thickness 62 that extends to a rear side 56, for example, at least 20 millimeters thick. The spacer 52 houses the camera 20C, which is forward- and downward-facing. The camera 20C is arranged within the spacer 52 and positioned at the perimeter 60, for example, at its lower portion. The rear side 56 is removably secured to the tractor body component 42.

[0050] The tractor body component 42 includes a hole 44 (shown in phantom), and camera 20C includes a wiring harness 46 (see, Figure 8) that extends through the hole 44 and is in communication with the controller 22. The camera 20C is electrically connected to provide power and signal to the ECU 22 yet permit the hood of the tractor 12 to open during normal operation.

[0051] The camera 20C may have any of the functionality described herein. The emblem 50 may be provided on a tractor body component 42 at the nose of the tractor 12 as shown, such as on the hood or the grill. The camera 20C may provide a Class VI field of view. Alternatively or additionally, the camera 20C may provide a forward-facing field of view. In implementations, the camera 20C may be an ultrawide FOV camera capable of providing both the Class VI field of view and a forward-facing field of view. In implementations, the camera 20C may have a field of view of 180 degrees or greater. In implementations, the camera 20C may be utilized for one or more of detecting vehicles in front to act as input for adaptive cruise control, lane keep / centering, automatic emergency braking, etc. Images captured by the camera 20C may be displayed on one or more displays 18 within the tractor 12.

[0052] In the implementations shown in Figures 5 and 7-9, a separate, discrete spacer 52 may be provided behind the emblem 50 (removed from Figure 7). The camera 20C is mounted within the spacer 52. In this example, the emblem 50 has a back side 55 opposite the aesthetic exterior surface 54. The thickness 62 extends between a front side 58 and the rear side 56. The back side 55 is removably securedto the front side 58 using a first set of fasteners 64, 66 securing the emblem 50 to the spacer 52. In the example, the fasteners 64 are existing pins or posts on the emblem 50, and the fasteners 66 are speed nuts or other suitable fasteners. A second set of fasteners 68, 70 secures the spacer 52 to the tractor body component 42.

[0053] The spacer 52 creates sufficient distance behind a stock emblem to accommodate the camera 20C, such that the emblem mounts to the spacer 52. In implementations, existing emblems may be retrofit by removing the emblem 50 and providing the spacer 52 and camera 20C in the original place of the emblem 50, and then attaching the emblem 50 to the spacer 52. In implementations, existing holes may be utilized for mounting the camera 20C and its spacer 52. The camera 20C may protrude through a downward facing portion of the spacer 52 as shown and oriented to capture one or both of the Class VI and forward-facing fields of view.

[0054] Existing attachment features for the emblem may be utilized to attach the spacer 52. For example, an existing two bolt interface and press fit clips may be utilized on the grill and the same interface may be molded into the spacer 52 to create a seamless, built-in look.

[0055] In the examples disclosed herein, the camera 20 may be integrated into the nose of the tractor so that it is not conspicuous to on-lookers (e.g., to prevent theft). The examples disclosed herein may provide for a single camera to provide a look-down camera (Class VI view region as defined by ECE R46) as well as for forward-facing applications. The examples disclosed allow for dual purpose tractor nose mounted camera capable of displaying look-down view (class VI) along with forward looking view, such as by utilizing an ultrawide field of view camera. The examples disclosed herein allow for notification of class VI VRU and non-VRU and other objects, such as to meet ECE R159 legislation for notifying for Moving Off Information Systems (MOIS). In some examples, the forward-facing camera 20C may be recorded to prevent the need for windshield mounted cameras. The camera 20C may be used to replace a forward facing ADAS camera for features such as lane keep, adaptive cruise control and so on.

[0056] In the examples disclosed herein, it is possible to combines what was two separate cameras in the prior art into one camera for cost reduction / streamlining& simplification of physical architecture. In implementations, other sensor(s) (e.g., radar, lidar, ultrasonic) may be mounted near the camera 20C. Multiple proximity devices may be used in conjunction with the camera 20C view to provide a sensor fused output of nearby objects providing a heightened degree of certainty.

[0057] In the examples disclosed herein, improved installation is provided for faster serviceability and retrofitting. For example, the camera may be fixed on the side of the road without significant disassembly of the front of the vehicle.

[0058] According to this disclosure, a method of installing a front-mounted camera 20C on a tractor 12 includes providing an emblem 50 having an aesthetic exterior face 54. The emblem 50 can either be removed from the existing mounting holes in the tractor body component 42 as part of a retrofit, or integrated into the spacer 52. The camera 20C is arranged at the perimeter 60 of the spacer 52, which has a thickness 62 sufficient to place the camera 20C at a location capable of providing the desired field of view.

[0059] The rear side 56 of the spacer 52 is attached to the existing mounting holes in the tractor body component 42 with the camera 20C oriented forward and downward to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor 12.

[0060] The wiring harness 46 is fed through a hole 44 in the trailer body component 42, which may be drilled as part of a retrofit or provided by the factory component. The wiring harness 46 is connected to the controller 22 of the CMS 15 in order to depict images from the field of view captured by the camera 20C on one of the displays 18.

[0061] Although examples are disclosed in connection with commercial vehicles, other vehicles, including passenger car, rigid-trucks, off-highway equipment, and buses, may benefit from this disclosure.

[0062] Although the different examples are illustrated as having specific components, the examples of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other embodiments.

[0063] The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A camera monitor system (CMS) for a vehicle including a tractor and a trailer, comprising:a tractor body component;camera assembly including:an emblem having an aesthetic exterior face;a spacer including a perimeter having a thickness extending to a rear side, wherein the rear side is removably secured to the tractor body component;a forward- and downward-facing camera arranged within the spacer and positioned at the perimeter to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor; anda display in communication with the camera via a controller, the display arranged in a cab of the tractor and configured to depict images from the field of view captured by the camera.

2. The CMS of claim 1 , wherein the emblem and spacer are provided by a unitary structure.

3. The CMS of claim 1 or 2, wherein the tractor body component is a grill that includes a hole, and camera includes a wiring harness extending through the hole, the wiring harness in communication with the controller.

4. The CMS of any preceding claim, wherein the thickness is at least 20 millimeters, and the camera is arranged at a lower portion of the perimeter.

5. The CMS of any preceding claim, wherein the emblem has a back side opposite the aesthetic exterior surface, the thickness extends between a front side and the rear side, wherein the back side is removably secured to the front side.

6. The CMS of any preceding claim, comprising a first set of fasteners securing the emblem to the spacer, and a second set of fasteners securing the spacer to the tractor body component.

7. The CMS of any preceding claim, wherein the camera has a field of view of at least 180 degrees, and the field of view includes at least 2 meters beyond a passenger side of the tractor.

8. The CMS of claim 7, wherein the field of view is directly in front of a tractor bumper.

9. A camera assembly for a camera monitor system (CMS) for a vehicle including a tractor and a trailer, the camera assembly comprising:an emblem having an aesthetic exterior face opposite a back side;a spacer including a perimeter having a thickness extending between a front side and a rear side,a first set of fasteners removably securing the emblem to the front side;a second set of fasteners configured to removably secure the rear side to a tractor body component; anda forward- and downward-facing camera arranged within the spacer and positioned at the perimeter and configured to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor.

10. The camera assembly of claim 9, wherein the first set of fasteners includes pins extending from the back side locating the emblem relative to the spacer.

11. The camera assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the thickness is at least 20 millimeters, and the camera has a field of view of at least 180 degrees and is arranged at a lower portion of the perimeter.

12. A method installing a front-mounted camera on a vehicle including a tractor and a trailer, comprising steps of:providing an emblem having an aesthetic exterior face;providing a spacer including a perimeter having a thickness extending to a rear side, the spacer having a camera arranged at the perimeter;attaching the rear side to existing mounting holes in a tractor body component with the camera oriented forward and downward to capture a field of view including at least 2 meters immediately in front of the tractor; andconnecting the camera to a controller for a camera monitor system (CMS), the CMS including a display configured to depict images from the field of view captured by the camera.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the emblem has a back side opposite the aesthetic exterior surface, the thickness extends between a front side and the rear side, comprising a step of attaching the back side of the emblem to the front side.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein the thickness is at least 20 millimeters.

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a step of providing a hole in the tractor body component, and inserting a wiring harness that is connected to the camera through the hole prior to performing the connecting step.

16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the emblem providing step includes removing the emblem from the existing mounting holes before performing the rear side attaching step.1517. The method of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the emblem attaching step is performed using a first set of fasteners.

18. The method of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the back side attaching step is performed using a second set of fasteners.16

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