Seamless integrated displays
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STONERIDGE ELECTRONICS
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing camera monitor systems (CMS) in vehicles have exposed wiring and monitors that are not seamlessly integrated with the vehicle's interior trim, leading to aesthetic and structural issues, as well as potential damage from exposure to the cabin environment.
A method of integrating monitors into vehicle interior trim by using trim pieces with partial openings to enclose the monitor perimeter, eliminating the need for separate brackets and covers, and securing the monitor directly to the structural body component, thereby enclosing sensitive components and wiring.
The solution provides a seamless integration of monitors into the vehicle's interior, enhancing aesthetics, protecting components from damage, and reducing complexity and cost by eliminating separate casings and brackets.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025072402_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
SEAMLESS INTEGRATED DISPLAYSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 721,770 filed November 18, 2024.TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to a camera monitoring system (CMS) for a vehicle, and specifically, to a CMS monitor that is integrated into the vehicle’s interior trim.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 monitors 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] The monitors, which display the various fields of view around the vehicle, are typically attached by brackets to the structural body components within the cabin (e.g., A-pillar or roof). The cabin’s structural frame is covered by numerous trim pieces to provide an aesthetic finish within the cab, and the brackets are secured to the exterior of the trim. Each monitor has a back cover that encloses electronics and other sensitive components for protection, as they would otherwise be exposed to the cabin environment possible damage.
[0005] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate a prior art monitor or display 18A mounted to the A-pillar 19A, which is wrapped in aesthetic plastic trim 44, utilizing a bracket 46. The bracket 46 is secured on top of the trim 44. A back cover 47 encloses the back side 72 the display 18A and any exposed electronics 45, leaving the screen53 exposed and facing the operator. Posts 51 are accessible through the cover 47 and are used to attach the back of the display 18A to the bracket 46. In the example, the cover 47 extends to circumscribe the perimeter 54 of the screen 53. Exposed wiring 49 connects the display 18A to the CMS. Thus, the monitor 18A is enclosed by a housing separate from any other interior trim, while still leaving the wiring 49 exposed.SUMMARY
[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a method of installing a display into a vehicle having a camera monitor system (CMS) includes installing a first trim piece onto a structural body component, the first trim piece has a first partial opening, inserting a monitor into the first partial opening, the monitor has a screen and an opposing backside bounded by a perimeter, operatively installing a second trim piece onto the structural body component, the second trim piece has a second partial opening, and surrounding the perimeter with the first and second partial openings and enclosing the backside, leaving the screen substantially exposed to an operator.
[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the installing step is performed before the inserting step.
[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the operatively installing step is performed by securing the second trim piece directly to the first trim piece.
[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the operatively installing step and surrounding step are performed simultaneously.
[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes a step of securing a wiring harness to the structural body component.
[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes a step of connecting a wiring harness to the monitor.
[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the monitor is solely supported by the first and second trim pieces relative to the structural body component.
[0013] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the structural body component is sheet metal that provides one of an A-pillar and a roof.
[0014] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second partial openings respectively include first and second grooves, and the inserting stepincludes receiving the monitor into the first groove, and the operatively installing step includes receiving the monitor into the second groove.
[0015] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the operatively installing step includes biasing the monitor to an installed position within the first and second trim pieces.
[0016] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the method includes a step of securing a bracket connected to the monitor to the structural body component.
[0017] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the surrounding step provides a cavity with the first and second trim pieces. The backside includes a backside monitor component that is provided by at least one of a printed circuit board, a heat sink and an electrical connector, and the backside monitor component is left exposed within the cavity.
[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, a camera monitor system (CMS) for a commercial vehicle includes a camera that is mounted to the vehicle and configured to capture a field of view outside the vehicle, at least first and second trim pieces that are operatively mounted to a structural body component, the at least first and second trim pieces respectively provide a first partial opening and a second partial opening, and a monitor that is in communication with the camera and configured to display images captured by the camera. The monitor has a backside, and a perimeter that is received in the first and second partial openings to support the monitor and enclose the backside with the first and second trim pieces.
[0019] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the monitor is solely supported by the at least first and second trim pieces relative to the structural body component.
[0020] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the structural body component is sheet metal that provides one of an A-pillar and a roof.
[0021] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the backside includes a backside monitor component that is provided by at least one of a printed circuit board, a heat sink and an electrical, and the backside monitor component is left exposed with a cavity provided by the first and second trim pieces.
[0022] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first trim piece is secured directly to the structural body component, and the second trim piece is operatively secure to the structural body component.
[0023] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the second trim piece is secure to the first trim piece.
[0024] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the system includes a wiring harness that is secured to the structural body component, and wiring harness is enclosed by the first and second trim pieces and is connected to the monitor.
[0025] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the first and second partial openings respectively include first and second grooves, and the perimeter is received in the first and second grooves.
[0026] 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
[0027] The disclosure can be further understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0028] 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).
[0029] 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, and Class VI views.
[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of an example vehicle cabin interior.
[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example vehicle cabin interior.
[0032] Figure 5 illustrates an example monitor integrated into the vehicle’s interior trim.
[0033] Figure 6 illustrates a first piece of trim being installed in the cabin, as shown in Figure 5, and which is used to enclose and support the monitor.
[0034] Figure 7 illustrates the installed monitor in an embodiment without a supporting bracket.
[0035] Figure 8 illustrates the installed monitor in an embodiment with a supporting bracket.
[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a second piece of trim being installed to enclose and support the monitor.
[0037] Figure 10 depicts a first example arrangement for locating a perimeter of the monitor.
[0038] Figure 11 depicts a second example arrangement for locating the perimeter of the monitor.
[0039] Figure 12 shows a center high mount monitor installed in a manner similar to that shown in Figures 5-9.
[0040] Figures 13A and B illustrate a prior art display and related mounting bracket.
[0041] 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
[0042] 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. 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).
[0043] 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 respectivelyon 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 (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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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 (Figure 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. Separate cameras may be provided to cover the Class V and Class VI view, for example, a camera 20C may be provided in each of the passenger and operator side wings to provide the Class V view.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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 terms “display” and “monitor” are used interchangeably in this disclosure. 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.
[0049] 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 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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 displayClass 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.
[0052] 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 (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 is provided in a center console area of the vehicle cabin interior 26, and may be used for other purposes, such as navigation, infotainment, etc. 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.
[0053] The CMS 15 may include one or more displays built into one or more trim panels of the interior of the vehicle, for example, the A-pillar trim or roof trim. The examples disclosed provide a seamless look for the display 18 and the surrounding trim. The examples disclosed herein may enclose wiring or connectors, eliminate brackets and portions of the monitor housing. The examples disclosed herein may make the display 18 more tamper resistant. The disclosed examples may make it more difficult for vehicle operators to grab onto the display 18 (instead of provided support handles) for support, which may damage the monitors.
[0054] Figures 5-9 illustrate an example monitor 18A that is integrated into trim mounted to the A-pillar 19A, which is provides a structural body component 59 (Fig. 6) formed from sheet metal. Formed, multi-layer sheet metal provides the structural space frame of the cab, including the roof. As shown in Figure 5, trim pieces are wrapped around and secured to the structural body components to provide a more aesthetic interior. The trim pieces may be formed of one or more molded components made of plastic and / or polymeric materials. In implementations, the trim panel may include one or more of injection molded plastic, glass filled nylon, thermoplastic olefin, fabric or vinyl upholstery, and reinforce composite materials. In the example shown,at least first and second trim pieces 52A, 52B are operatively mounted to a structural body component and provide an enclosure for the monitor 18A, leaving the screen 53 exposed to the operator. Another overhead trim piece 52C is shown provided, and a handle 58 is arranged below the monitor 18A and is secured to the structural body component.
[0055] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, at least first and second trim pieces 52A, 52B respectively provide a first partial opening 60A and a second partial opening 60A, which together receive and surround the perimeter 54 of the display 18A. The first trim piece 52A is secured directly to the structural body component 59 to provide a solid support for the monitor. The second trim piece 52B is operatively secure to the structural body component 59, that is, directly or indirectly. In the example, the second trim piece 52B is secured to the first trim piece 52A, and indirectly to the structural body component 59, using interlocking recesses 80 and tabs 82 (Fig. 9) provided on the trim pieces 52A, 52B.
[0056] Referring to Figures 7-9, the display 18A has a perimeter 54 that is received in the first and second partial openings 60A, 60B to support the monitor and enclose its backside 72 with the first and second trim pieces 52A, 52B. The first and second partial openings 60A, 60B respectively include first and second grooves 62A, 62B to locate and retain the perimeter 54 within the first and second grooves 62A, 62B thus capturing the monitor in the first and second trim pieces 52A, 52B. When fully installed, the monitor can be solely supported by the first and second trim pieces 52A, 52B relative to the structural body component 59 (Fig. 7). Alternatively, a bracket 70 and fasteners 73 may be used to secure the monitor to structural body component 59 for additional support (Fig. 8).
[0057] Biasing and or locating features may be provided in, on and / or between the first and second trim pieces 52A, 52B and the monitor. In implementations, the display 18A may be edge mounted within the trim. This may be accomplished with one or more fasteners, such as clips, snap features, and / or magnetic mounts positioned around one or more edges of the outer periphery of the monitor. Corresponding features may be provided at the interior edges of the cavity 74 for attachment. This may allow the display 18A to be attached firmly within the trimwithout disrupting the seamless aesthetic. That is, the trim itself may become the support structure for the display 18A, such as my utilizing attachment features around the periphery. In implementations, one or more display panels can be edge mounted using clips built into one or more of the display 18A and the trim.
[0058] Referring to Figures 6 and 10, the grooves provided in the trim pieces may include fingers 68 that cooperate with the perimeter of the monitor to prevent movement and vibration of the screen 53 once fully installed. The monitor deflects the fingers 68 slightly when slid into the groove to create a slight locating force on the perimeter of the display.
[0059] Referring to Figure 11, the first and second grooves 62A, 62B (one example shown) may be provided by first and second legs 66, 67 which together define the slot that receives the perimeter 54 or edge of the display 18A. One or both of the legs 66, 67 may be shaped to firmly engage and monitor to prevent movement when the monitor is fully installed. Clips 64 may be supported at the perimeter 54 of the monitor to provide a biasing force between the monitor and the trim piece, if desired. The clips 64 may be an alternative or in addition to the fingers 68.
[0060] The first and second trim pieces 52A, 52B provide a cavity 74, which is then enclosed by the monitor when installed. As a result, the backside 72 of the monitor, and its sensitive electronic components (e.g., printed circuit board, heat sink and electrical connector(s) to not require a separate, supplemental cover for protection and can be left exposed. Moreover, without the need for a cover, heat is more easily dissipated. Additionally, the wiring harness 49 (secured to structural body component 59 by an anchor 76) is also enclosed within the cavity 74, providing the wiring harness 49 protection.
[0061] Although the display 18A is described in the illustrative examples, other displays 18, including display 18C (see Figure 12), may benefit from this disclosure. In implementations, the display 18C is a center high mount display incorporated into the headliner trim 152A, 152B using any of the techniques disclosed herein. Further, additionally or alternatively, other components (e.g., a driver facing camera, CMS HMI controls, speaker, etc.) may be incorporated seamlessly into the interior trim using any of the techniques disclosed herein.
[0062] In operation, a method of installing a display into a vehicle having a CMS 15 includes securing the wiring harness 49 to the structural body component 59. The first trim piece 52 is installed onto the structural body component 59 (Fig. 6). The wiring harness 49 is connected to the wiring harness. The monitor is inserted into the first partial opening 60A (e.g., into the first groove 62A). The second trim piece 52B is installed (Fig. 9) such that the monitor is received in the second partial opening 60B (e.g., into the second groove 62B). The second trim piece 52B is secured to the first trim piece 52A and / or the structural body component 59, thus enclosing the backside 72 of the monitor and the wiring harness 49.
[0063] The examples disclosed herein utilize the geometry of the plastic trim panels 52 of the displays 18 themselves to house the display panels, which may eliminate having a separate outer casing and bracketry. The examples disclosed herein may allow for larger display monitors to be utilized in the tractor which can even be retrofitted. This examples disclosed herein may also be utilized with tractor OEMs for future iterations or mid-cycle actions / refresh.
[0064] The examples disclosed herein may result in seamless integration of displays into the interior of tractors. The examples disclosed herein may utilize direct panel mounting of displays into existing interior surfaces to reduce part counts for CMS or other similar systems.
[0065] The examples disclosed herein may reduce the number of components required to mount a display, thereby reducing cost, complexity, and / or weight. The examples disclosed herein may allow for “bezel-less” displays where the A-pillar trim covers the bezel and only the active viewing region are seen by the driver.
[0066] The examples disclosed herein may allow for flexibility in locating other human-machine-interface controls and indicators (e.g., warnings) on the display. The examples disclosed herein may allow the human machine interface to be collocated allowing for larger buttons.
[0067] The examples disclosed herein may allow for the mounting of other sensors, such as driver monitoring sensors, camera (e.g., eye tracking), lidar (e.g., facial tracking), cabin air sensors, and / or ambient light sensors. HVAC vents may also be incorporated into trim panels where the vent is used to heat the monitor on colddays to prevent delayed image effect caused by low temperature of the display panel (liquid crystal) resulting in reduced screen responsiveness and other visual distortions (blur, abnormal coloring, ghosting).
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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 method of installing a display into a vehicle having a camera monitor system (CMS), comprising:installing a first trim piece onto a structural body component, wherein the first trim piece has a first partial opening;inserting a monitor into the first partial opening, wherein the monitor has a screen and an opposing backside bounded by a perimeter;operatively installing a second trim piece onto the structural body component, wherein the second trim piece has a second partial opening; andsurrounding the perimeter with the first and second partial openings and enclosing the backside, leaving the screen substantially exposed to an operator.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the installing step is performed before the inserting step.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the operatively installing step is performed by securing the second trim piece directly to the first trim piece.
4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the operatively installing step and surrounding step are performed simultaneously.
5. The method of any preceding claim, comprising a step of securing a wiring harness to the structural body component.
6. The method of any preceding claim, comprising a step of connecting a wiring harness to the monitor.
7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the monitor is solely supported by the first and second trim pieces relative to the structural body component.
8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the structural body component is sheet metal providing one of an A-pillar and a roof.
9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second partial openings respectively include first and second grooves, and the inserting step includes receiving the monitor into the first groove, and the operatively installing step includes receiving the monitor into the second groove.
10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the operatively installing step includes biasing the monitor to an installed position within the first and second trim pieces.
11. The method of any preceding claim, comprising a step of securing a bracket connected to the monitor to the structural body component.
12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the surrounding step provides a cavity with the first and second trim pieces, wherein the backside includes a backside monitor component provided by at least one of a printed circuit board, a heat sink and an electrical connector, and the backside monitor component is left exposed within the cavity.
13. A camera monitor system (CMS) for a commercial vehicle, comprising:a camera mounted to the vehicle and configured to capture a field of view outside the vehicle;at least first and second trim pieces operatively mounted to a structural body component, wherein the at least first and second trim pieces respectively provide a first partial opening and a second partial opening; anda monitor in communication with the camera and configured to display images captured by the camera, wherein the monitor has a backside, and a perimeter that is received in the first and second partial openings to support the monitor and enclose the backside with the first and second trim pieces.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the monitor is solely supported by the at least first and second trim pieces relative to the structural body component.
15. The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the structural body component is sheet metal providing one of an A-pillar and a roof.
16. The system of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the backside includes a backside monitor component provided by at least one of a printed circuit board, a heat sink and an electrical, and the backside monitor component is left exposed with a cavity provided by the first and second trim pieces.
17. The system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first trim piece is secured directly to the structural body component, and the second trim piece is operatively secure to the structural body component.
18. The system of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the second trim piece is secure to the first trim piece.1519. The system of any one of claims 13 to 18, comprising a wiring harness secured to the structural body component, and wiring harness is enclosed by the first and second trim pieces and is connected to the monitor.
20. The system of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the first and second partial openings respectively include first and second grooves, and the perimeter is received in the first and second grooves.16