Secondary information displays

Abstract

A method includes receiving a plurality of image feeds from a plurality of cameras of a CMS of a commercial vehicle; displaying, on a first display, a first image feed from a first camera that has a first field of view; displaying, on a second display, a second image feed from a second camera that has a second field of view; on a third display that is disposed between the first display and second display, displaying an image feed from a third camera that has a third field of view; and providing a plurality of control elements for controlling the camera monitor system and at least one other vehicle system as either touchscreen control elements in a display area of the display or as physical controls outside of the display area. A system for a commercial vehicle is also disclosed.

Description

SECONDARY INFORMATION DISPLAYSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 721,620, filed November 18, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] 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 of an external environment of a vehicle 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.SUMMARY

[0003] A method according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving a plurality of image feeds from a plurality of cameras that are part of a camera monitor system of a commercial vehicle having a tractor connected to a trailer, each camera having a different respective field of view of an exterior environment of the commercial vehicle; displaying, on a first display, a first image feed from a first camera of the plurality of cameras that has a first field of view that extends rearwards along a first side of the commercial vehicle; displaying, on a second display, a second image feed from a second camera of the plurality of cameras that has a second field of view that extends rearwards along a second side, opposite the first side, of the commercial vehicle; on a third display that is disposed between the first display and second display, displaying an image feed from a third camera of the plurality of cameras that has a third field of view that is different from the first and second fields of view; and providing a plurality of control elements for controlling thecamera monitor system and at least one other vehicle system as either touchscreen control elements in a display area of the display or as physical controls outside of the display area.

[0004] In a further embodiment of the foregoing embodiment, the at least one other vehicle system includes at least one of the following: an HVAC system of the commercial vehicle, a trailer monitoring system of the trailer, a media playback system of the commercial vehicle.

[0005] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes changing which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide an image feed on the third display based on input from a vehicle occupant received through one or more of the plurality of control elements.

[0006] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes automatically changing which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide the image feed on the third display based on occurrence of a predefined trigger event.

[0007] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes controlling at least one of the following based on input received from a vehicle occupant through one of the plurality of control elements: whether a camera arm that houses the first camera or the second camera is retracted or extended; a brightness of at least one of the first display, second display, and third display; panning of the first image feed on the first display; panning of the second image feed on the second display; whether a night mode of the camera monitor system is activated or deactivated.

[0008] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes receiving data about a status of the trailer from one or more sensors of a trailer monitoring system and displaying, in the display area of the third display, a status of the trailer based on the received data about the status of the trailer.

[0009] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, displaying the status of the trailer includes displaying at least two of: an indication of whether a door of the trailer is opened or closed; an indication of whether the door ofthe trailer is locked or unlocked; a temperature inside the trailer; a humidity inside the trailer; tire pressure of one or more tires of the trailer.

[0010] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer are simultaneously displayed in different regions of the third display.

[0011] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes displaying at least one of the following on the third display simultaneously with the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer: navigation directions; HVAC status information; audio playback information.

[0012] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the method includes switching between a plurality of views on the third display. The plurality of touchscreen control elements are visible in one or more first regions of the third display in each of the views. The plurality of views includes a rear camera view in which a camera feed from a rear trailer camera is provided in a second region of the third display that is separate from the first region, and in which the camera feed from the rear trailer camera is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views; an audio playback view in which audio playback information is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views; and a trailer status view in which data about a status of the trailer is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views.

[0013] A system for a commercial vehicle according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cameras that are part of a camera monitor system of a commercial vehicle having a tractor connected to a trailer, each camera having a different respective field of view of an exterior environment of the commercial vehicle and configured to provide a respective image feed. The system also includes a first display configured to display a first image feed from a first camera of the plurality of cameras that has a first field of view that extends rearwards along a first side of the commercial vehicle; and a second display configured to display a second image feed from a second camera of the plurality of cameras that has a second field of view that extends rearwards along a second side, opposite the first side, of the commercial vehicle. A third display, which is disposed between thefirst display and second display, is configured to display an image feed from a third camera of the plurality of cameras that has a third field of view that is different from the first and second fields of view; and is configured to provide a plurality of control elements for controlling the camera monitor system and at least one other vehicle system as either touchscreen control elements in a display area of the display or as physical controls outside of the display area.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the foregoing embodiment, the at least one other vehicle system includes at least one of the following: an HVAC system of the commercial vehicle; a trailer monitoring system of the trailer; a media playback system of the commercial vehicle.

[0015] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the system includes processing circuitry configured to change which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide an image feed on the third display based on input from a vehicle occupant received through one or more of the plurality of control elements.

[0016] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the system includes processing circuitry configured to automatically change which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide the image feed on the third display based on occurrence of a predefined trigger event.

[0017] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the system includes processing circuitry configured to control at least one of the following based on input received from a vehicle occupant through one of the plurality of control elements: whether a camera arm that houses the first camera or the second camera is retracted or extended; a brightness of at least one of the first display, second display, and third display; panning of the first image feed on the first display; panning of the second image feed on the second display; whether a night mode of the camera monitor system is activated or deactivated.

[0018] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the system includes processing circuitry configured to receive data about a status of the trailer from one or more sensors of a trailer monitoring system; and display, in the display area of the third display, a status of the trailer based on the received data about the status of the trailer.

[0019] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, to display the status of the trailer, the processing circuitry is configured to display at least two of: an indication of whether a door of the trailer is opened or closed; an indication of whether the door of the trailer is locked or unlocked; a temperature inside the trailer; a humidity inside the trailer; tire pressure of one or more tires of the trailer.

[0020] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the third display is configured to display the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer simultaneously in different regions of the third display.

[0021] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the third display is configured to display at least one of the following on the third display simultaneously with the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer: navigation directions; HVAC status information; audio playback information.

[0022] In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the system includes processing circuitry configured to switch between a plurality of views on the third display. The plurality of touchscreen control elements are visible in one or more first regions of the third display in each of the views. The plurality of views includes a rear camera view in which a camera feed from a rear trailer camera is provided in a second region of the third display that is separate from the first region, and in which the camera feed from the rear trailer camera is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views; an audio playback view in which audio playback information is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views; and a trailer status view in which data about a status of the trailer is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views.

[0023] 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

[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 perspective 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, and Class VI 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 flowchart of an example method.

[0030] Figure 6A illustrates an example display layout and associated physical control elements.

[0031] Figure 6B illustrates another example display layout and associated physical control elements.

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates an additional display layout.

[0033] Figure 8 illustrates an additional display layout.

[0034] Figure 9 illustrates an additional display layout.

[0035] Figure 10 illustrates an additional display layout.

[0036] Figure 11 illustrates an example control knob.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] A schematic view of a commercial vehicle 10 is illustrated in Figures 1 -2. The commercial vehicle 10 includes a vehicle cab or “tractor” 12 for pulling a trailer 14. Although a particular depiction is provided in Figure 1, 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).

[0038] 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. Pivotingcamera arms (or “wings”) 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 cameras 20A-B, which are exterior cameras, respectively provide an exterior rearwards fields of view FOVEXI, F0VEX2 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. Field of view FOVEXI extends rearwards along a first side 21 A of the commercial vehicle 10, and field of view FOVEX2 extends rearwards along a second side 21 B, opposite the first side 21 A, of the commercial vehicle 10. 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.

[0039] 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 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.

[0040] Each camera arm 16A-16B may also provide a housing that encloses electronics, e.g., a controller I processing circuitry, configured to provide various features of a camera monitor system (CMS) 15 (see Figure 3). 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 21A-B may include multiple camera arms, with each arm housing one or more cameras and / or mirrors.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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 14, at a bumper / bed level of the trailer 14, or at a top-corner of the back of the trailer 14, 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 the 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 an 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] In one or more embodiments, 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.

[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 respective sides 21A-B of the commercial vehicle 10,which as discussed above are 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 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 may be provided in a center console area 50 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 (“SID”)). One or more controls 52 (e.g., knobs, buttons, sliders, etc.) may be provided adjacent the display 18D and be used to control various components and systems of the vehicle 10. 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 ECU 22 of the CMS 15 is in communication with a trailer monitoring system 28 that includes a plurality of trailer sensors 30 for monitoring the trailer and a plurality of vehicle sensors 31 for monitoring the commercial vehicle 10. The plurality of trailer sensors 30 may include any one or combination of the following, for example:- a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the trailer 14; - a humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity in the trailer 14;- a tire pressure sensor configured to measure a tire pressure of a tire of the trailer 14;- a door sensor configured to determine whether a door of the trailer is opened or closed;- a door lock sensor configured to determine whether a door of the trailer is locked or unlocked.Of course, it is understood that other trailer sensors may be used (e.g., cameras within the trailer 28). In one or more embodiments, the trailer monitoring system 28 may be considered to be a “trailer health” system because it indicates whether the trailer is operating according to intended conditions (e.g., intended tire pressure, intended temperature, intended humidity level, etc.). The trailer sensors 30 may be distributed throughout an interior of the trailer 14, for example (e.g., to measure temperature and / or humidity at various locations in the trailer 14).

[0049] The plurality of vehicle sensors 31 may include any one or more of the following, for example:- tire pressure sensors;- object detection sensors (e.g., LIDAR, RADAR, and / or ultrasonic sensors); - temperature sensors;- fuel level sensors.

[0050] The ECU 22 of the CMS 15 is also in communication with additional vehicle systems, such as an HVAC system 32 and / or a media playback system 34 for playing back audio (e.g., audio streaming, radio broadcasts, playback of pre-recorded audio, etc.).

[0051] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example method 300 that may be performed by processing circuitry of the ECU 22. A plurality of image feeds are received (step 302) from the plurality of cameras 20 that are part of the CMS 15 of the commercial vehicle 10 which includes the tractor 12 connected to the trailer 14, where each of the cameras 15 has a different respective field of view of an exterior of the commercial vehicle 10. On a first display 18A, a first image feed from camera 20A is displayed, where camera 20A has the first field of view FOVEXI that extends rearwards along the first side 21 A of the commercial vehicle 10 (step 304).

[0052] On a second display 18B, a second image feed from camera 20B is displayed, where camera 20B has the second field of view FOVEX2 that extends rearwards along the second side 21 B, opposite the first side 21 A, of the commercial vehicle 10 (step 306).

[0053] On a third display (e.g., display 18D) that is disposed between the first display 18B and second display 18B, an image feed from a third camera (e.g.,camera 20C or 20D) of the plurality of cameras 20 that has a third field of view (e.g., FOVEX3, FOVEX4, or a field of view corresponding to Class V or VI)) that is different from the first and second fields of view FOVEXI , FOVEX2 is displayed (step 308), and a plurality of control elements are also provided for controlling the CMS 15 and at least one other vehicle system of the commercial vehicle 10 (e.g., trailer monitoring system 28, HVAC system 32, media playback system 34, and / or some other vehicle system). As discussed in more detail below, the control elements that are provided “on” the third display may be provided as physical controls on the third display but outside a display area of the third display (see, e.g., Fig. 6) or as touchscreen control elements in the display area of the third display (see, e.g., Figs. 7-10).

[0054] Figures 6A-B and 7-10 depict a plurality of different example display configurations I layouts that may be utilized for the “third display” referenced in the method 300 of Figure 5. In each of these figures, the “third display” is identified with reference numeral 118. As will be discussed in more detail, the third display 118 is configured as “secondary information display” to supplement the information provided on the displays 18A-B, and to provide control elements for controlling the CMS 15 and other vehicle systems of the commercial vehicle 10.

[0055] In the example of Figure 6A, the display 118 includes a plurality of physical control elements 160 that are provided on a display plate 158, and also includes a display area 156 where images are shown. The physical controls 160 may include physical knobs 160A and physical buttons 160B, sliders, joysticks, or the like, for example. Although an example arrangement is shown in Figure 5, it is understood that more or fewer physical controls than shown may be provided.

[0056] In the display area 156, a plurality of discrete display regions 154 are provided that display various pieces of information, such as images, controls, etc. For example, region 154A includes a navigation window that displays GPS-based directions. Region 154B includes an image feed from one or more of the cameras 20 disclosed herein (camera 20C in the example of Figure 5). Region 154C includes a current speed of the vehicle 10 and / or a local speed limit. Region 154D includes various sensor readings from one or more of the vehicle sensors 31 of the vehicle 10. Region 154E includes weather information. Region 154F includes a trailer healthstatus indication from the trailer monitoring system 28 which is based on data received from one or more of the trailer sensors 30 of the trailer monitoring system 28. Region 154G includes an indication of the audio being played and / or audio controls (e.g., play, pause, skip). Region 154H includes HVAC status and / or controls. More or fewer regions may be shown in some implementations. In implementations, a user may select one or more regions to be displayed more prominently on the screen.

[0057] In implementations, automatic event-based switching between views on the display 118 may be utilized, such that the ECU 22 automatically changes which of the plurality of cameras 20 is used to provide an image feed on the third display based on occurrence of a predefined trigger event. For example, the CMS 15 may be configured to automatically show one or more certain regions or information on the display 118 in response to sensor readings from one or more of the vehicle sensors 31 (e.g., object detection based on data from one of the object detection sensors, speed detection, etc.), trailer sensors 30, and / or control operations (e.g., reverse operation, turning, parking, etc.) of the vehicle 10. For example, if tire pressure is detected as low by one or more tire pressure sensors, the trailer health status screen may be displayed on the display 118. As another example, if an object is detected within a field of view of a camera 20, the display 118 may automatically show the images captured by that camera 20. As another example, if a turn operation is detected, fields of view at areas of concern associated with that turn may be shown on the display 118. If an object is detected in FOVEXI, then an image feed from camera 20A may replace the image feed from camera 20C in region 154B (or may be enlarged, as in the example of Figure 9). The examples above are non-limiting examples of what may constitute a trigger event for an automatic change of which camera 20 is used to provide an image feed on the third display 118.

[0058] The display 118 may include one or more ways (e.g., physical controls, touchscreen controls, or both) to control the CMS 15, control other systems or components of the vehicle 10, toggle through displayed views, etc. In the example of Figure 6A, the display 118 includes a display area 156 (screen area) supported by the support plate 158. The support plate 158 may provide for one or more physical controls 160, such as physical knobs 160A, buttons 160B, or other controls (sliders,joysticks, etc.). More or fewer physical controls than shown may be provided. Gestures may be utilized for the controls disclosed herein, such as sliders, rotary knobs, buttons, joysticks and so on. The support plate 158 may be polymeric, for example.

[0059] As an alternative, or in addition to, providing automatic event-based switching, the ECU 22 is configured to change which of the plurality of cameras 20 is used to provide an image feed on the third display based on input from a vehicle occupant received through one or more of the plurality of control elements (e.g., the physical controls 160 and / or touchscreen control elements 162 which are discussed below).

[0060] In some implementations, one or more HVAC vents 164 may be provided at the support plate 158.

[0061] The arrangement of elements provided on the display 118 enables the simultaneous display of an image feed from a camera other than camera 20A-B (e.g., camera 20C) simultaneously with other items, such as the trailer health status (see region 154F), navigation directions (see region 154A), audio playback information (see region 154G), and HVAC status information (see region 154H).

[0062] In the example of Figure 6B, the physical buttons 160B are still provided, but the knob 160A is omitted. Also, a different arrangement is utilized for the display area 156. Trailer health information is still provided in region 154F (which is moved upwards compared to Figure 6B), but region 154I (sensor selection) and region 154J (sensor detail) are provided. Region 1541 allows for selection of one or more trailer sensors 30 and / or vehicle sensors 31, and region 154J provides details about data from the selected sensor(s).

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates another example display layout. In the example of Figure 7, the display area 156 provides a plurality of touchscreen controls 162 for controlling the CMS 15. Also, plurality of control elements 202 are provided in region 200. The region 200 may be part of the display area 156 (in which case the control elements 202 are touchscreen control elements), or may be outside the display area 156, in which case the controls 202 may be physical controls, as described above in connection with Figures 6A-B. Figure 7 further shows various camera settings and controls that can be controlled on the display 118, such as for any of the cameras 20disclosed herein, including panning (for display 20A / camera 18A and display 20B / camera 18B), folding and unfolding (i.e., extension I retraction) of camera arms 16A-B, brightness adjustment for one or more of the displays 18, and whether a night mode (in which infrared illumination may be provided for one or more of the cameras 18) is activated or deactivated.

[0064] The control elements 202 may be used to switch to other views, or to control other vehicle systems, such as HVAC system 32, for example. Various HVAC and / or other controls may be provided, such as on bars at or near the perimeter of the display area 156, as shown.

[0065] Figure 8 illustrates another example display layout. In the example of Figure 8, the same control elements 202 are provided in region 200, but different information is provided in the display area 156. In particular, various trailer health status parameters associated with the trailer 14 are displayed on the display area 156 based on data about a status of the trailer received from the one or more trailer sensors 30 of the trailer monitoring system 28. For example, cargo volume or load shifting status, trailer door open / closed status, cargo temperature / humidity, and / or trailer door lock / unlock status may be shown. Further, trailer axle weight and balancing, tire pressure, and / or tire temperature may be shown. An option may be provided to view a camera stream of the interior of the trailer 14 from a camera mounted within the trailer 14 in some implementations. Although illustrative examples are shown, other parameters associated with the trailer 14 may be shown in some implementations. More or fewer parameters than in the illustrative example may be shown. Similar parameters associated with the tractor 12 may additionally or alternatively be shown in some implementations.

[0066] A wired data communications architecture may be utilized for facilitating communication between the various trailer sensors 30 and the ECU 22 over standard J560 connectors and a standard 7-pin tractor-trailer cable. One such architecture is disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT / US22 / 34710 I WO2024184424A1 , entitled “TRAILER CAMERA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM”, filed on June 23, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Data andsignals, such as the examples disclosed herein, from the trailer 14 may be communicated to the ECU 22 and displayed on the display 118.

[0067] Figure 9 illustrates another example display layout. In the example of Figure 9, an image feed from one of the cameras 20 (rear backup camera 20D in the particular example of Figure 9) which is enlarged with respect to the other views (see, e.g., the size of the region 154B in Figure 6). The camera 20 whose image feed is displayed may be selected based on input from a vehicle operator and / or may be automatic (as described above) may select one or more camera views to be shown on the screen 156. For example, the vehicle operator could select between one or more views from the various cameras 20 of the CMS 15, such as a trailer rear view, a hitch view, a driver side view, a passenger side view, or any other views described herein with regard to the CMS 15. In implementations, a user may manually select the desired view using touchscreen control elements. In implementations, as described above, event- or sensor- based automatic displaying of views may be utilized to show camera views of greater concern to the vehicle operator depending on the event.

[0068] Figure 10 illustrates another example view, in which audio playback and / or controls are enlarged in the display area 156 compared to other ones of the views.

[0069] Figure 11 illustrates an example control knob 160A that may be used as one of the physical controls discussed above. The control knob 160A includes an electronic display 168 (e.g., an LCD screen) having a plurality of display regions 170A-H. Each of the display regions 170A-H provides a discrete selection associated with various control and / or display options, such as the examples disclosed herein, for the display 118). The display regions 170A-H may be dynamically updated so that they can change in context to a particular control chosen. A rotary portion 172 of the control knob 160A may be rotatable to select one of the options I display regions 170A-H and / or to make an adjustment for one of the options.

[0070] In one example embodiment, when a display region 170A-H corresponding to left mirror manual panning is selected, the rotary portion 172 may be used to perform the panning. In the same or another embodiment, when a display region 170A-H corresponding to a zoom level option is selected, the rotary portion 172may be used to adjust the zoom level. In one or more embodiments, the display 168 is a touchscreen, and the display regions 170A-H are each selectable through touch in addition to or as an alternative to be selectable by the rotary portion 172. Other examples include adjusting HVAC temperature, and displaying a current temperature setpoint and / or current fan speed in display region 1701.

[0071] “Back” and “Home” buttons 174, 176 may also be provided as shown for menu navigation. Because the display regions 170A-H are part of the electronic display 168, they may be dynamically updated (e.g., to indicate submenu options) once selected. The central display region 1701 may be used, e.g., to indicate which of the regions 170A-H is active I selected). The control knob 160A may be of a sufficient size and strength to allow a vehicle operator wearing gloves to manipulate it.

[0072] As discussed above, the ECU 22 may be configured to switch between various different views, such as the ones shown in Figures 7-10, where the controls 202 are visible in one or more regions 200 of the display 118 in each of the views. Also, as discussed above, the views may include one or any combination of the following, for example:- a rear camera view (see, e.g., Fig. 9) in which a camera feed from a rear trailer camera 20D is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views (e.g., that of Figure 6A);- an audio playback view (see, e.g., Figure 10) in which audio playback information is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views (e.g., that of Figure 6A); and- a trailer status view (see, e.g., Figure 8) in which data about a status of the trailer is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views (e.g., that of Figure 6A).

[0073] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, including: controlling one or more cameras of a CMS with a secondary information display. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, including: displaying one or more images captured by the one or more cameras on the secondary information display.

[0074] As demonstrated by the various examples discussed above, the “third display” 118 (or “secondary information display” I “SID”) may be used for both viewing of camera streams as well as control of the CMS 15. The examples disclosed herein may utilize the third display 118 to allow the control of the CMS 15 on one or both of the tractor and trailer. The examples disclosed herein allow the third display 118 to be utilized for viewing camera feeds when needed or desired (example trailer mounted cameras, hitch camera, etc.). The examples disclosed herein may allow the third display 118 to be utilized to display the real-time trailer health data, provide for actuation of lights, door locks, along with display of trailer data for various sensors.

[0075] In implementations, the display 118 may be utilized for any of the following:- Viewing of any tractor and trailer information in the SID or other adjacent display;- Control of the MirrorEye Camera system via SID buttons and / or touch;- Control of Connected trailer system via SID touch buttons;- Visualization of real-time trailer data in SID;- Visualization of trailer proximity data in SID;- One or more physical knob integration into SID - multifunction driver control; - Touch screen SID for control of tractor switches;- Event based contextual switching to camera or sensor views.

[0076] In implementations, the examples disclosed herein may reduce cost, allow for reduction of displays in the cab and potential eye strain from late night driving, and provide contextual control availability (for instance if proximity or camera detects an object).

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 theembodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other embodiments.

[0079] 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, comprising:receiving a plurality of image feeds from a plurality of cameras that are part of a camera monitor system of a commercial vehicle having a tractor connected to a trailer, each camera having a different respective field of view of an exterior environment of the commercial vehicle;displaying, on a first display, a first image feed from a first camera of the plurality of cameras that has a first field of view that extends rearwards along a first side of the commercial vehicle;displaying, on a second display, a second image feed from a second camera of the plurality of cameras that has a second field of view that extends rearwards along a second side, opposite the first side, of the commercial vehicle; andon a third display that is disposed between the first display and second display:displaying an image feed from a third camera of the plurality of cameras that has a third field of view that is different from the first and second fields of view; andproviding a plurality of control elements for controlling the camera monitor system and at least one other vehicle system as either touchscreen control elements in a display area of the display or as physical controls outside of the display area.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one other vehicle system includes at least one of the following:an HVAC system of the commercial vehicle;a trailer monitoring system of the trailer;a media playback system of the commercial vehicle.

3. The method of any preceding claim, comprising:changing which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide an image feed on the third display based on input from a vehicle occupant received through one or more of the plurality of control elements.

4. The method of any preceding claim, comprising:automatically changing which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide the image feed on the third display based on occurrence of a predefined trigger event.

5. The method of any preceding claim, controlling at least one of the following based on input received from a vehicle occupant through one of the plurality of control elements:whether a camera arm that houses the first camera or the second camera is retracted or extended;a brightness of at least one of the first display, second display, and third display; panning of the first image feed on the first display;panning of the second image feed on the second display;whether a night mode of the camera monitor system is activated or deactivated.

6. The method of any preceding claim, comprising:receiving data about a status of the trailer from one or more sensors of a trailer monitoring system; anddisplaying, in the display area of the third display, a status of the trailer based on the received data about the status of the trailer.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein displaying the status of the trailer comprises displaying at least two of:an indication of whether a door of the trailer is opened or closed;an indication of whether the door of the trailer is locked or unlocked;a temperature inside the trailer;a humidity inside the trailer;tire pressure of one or more tires of the trailer.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer are simultaneously displayed in different regions of the third display.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising displaying at least one of the following on the third display simultaneously with the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer:navigation directions;HVAC status information;audio playback information.

10. The method of any preceding claim, comprising:switching between a plurality of views on the third display;wherein the plurality of touchscreen control elements are visible in one or more first regions of the third display in each of the views; andwherein the plurality of views includes:a rear camera view in which a camera feed from a rear trailer camera is provided in a second region of the third display that is separate from the first region, and in which the camera feed from the rear trailer camera is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views;an audio playback view in which audio playback information is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views; anda trailer status view in which data about a status of the trailer is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views.

11. A system for a commercial vehicle, comprising:a plurality of cameras that are part of a camera monitor system of a commercial vehicle having a tractor connected to a trailer, each camera having a different respective field of view of an exterior environment of the commercial vehicle and configured to provide a respective image feed;a first display configured to display a first image feed from a first camera of the plurality of cameras that has a first field of view that extends rearwards along a first side of the commercial vehicle;a second display configured to display a second image feed from a second camera of the plurality of cameras that has a second field of view that extends rearwards along a second side, opposite the first side, of the commercial vehicle; and a third display that is disposed between the first display and second display, the third display configured to:display an image feed from a third camera of the plurality of cameras that has a third field of view that is different from the first and second fields of view; andprovide a plurality of control elements for controlling the camera monitor system and at least one other vehicle system as either touchscreen control elements in a display area of the display or as physical controls outside of the display area.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one other vehicle system includes at least one of the following:an HVAC system of the commercial vehicle;a trailer monitoring system of the trailer;a media playback system of the commercial vehicle.

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, comprising:processing circuitry configured to change which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide an image feed on the third display based on input from a vehicle occupant received through one or more of the plurality of control elements.

14. The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising:processing circuitry configured to automatically change which of the plurality of cameras is used to provide the image feed on the third display based on occurrence of a predefined trigger event.

15. The system of any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising processing circuitry configured to control at least one of the following based on input received from a vehicle occupant through one of the plurality of control elements:whether a camera arm that houses the first camera or the second camera is retracted or extended;a brightness of at least one of the first display, second display, and third display; panning of the first image feed on the first display;panning of the second image feed on the second display;whether a night mode of the camera monitor system is activated or deactivated.

16. The system of any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising processing circuitry configured to:receive data about a status of the trailer from one or more sensors of a trailer monitoring system; anddisplay, in the display area of the third display, a status of the trailer based on the received data about the status of the trailer.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein to display the status of the trailer, the processing circuitry is configured to display at least two of:an indication of whether a door of the trailer is opened or closed;an indication of whether the door of the trailer is locked or unlocked;a temperature inside the trailer;a humidity inside the trailer;tire pressure of one or more tires of the trailer.

18. The system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the third display is configured to display the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer simultaneously in different regions of the third display.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the third display is configured to display at least one of the following on the third display simultaneously with the image feed from the third camera and the status of the trailer:navigation directions;HVAC status information;audio playback information.

20. The system of any one of claims 11 to 19, comprising:processing circuitry configured to switch between a plurality of views on the third display;wherein the plurality of touchscreen control elements are visible in one or more first regions of the third display in each of the views; andwherein the plurality of views includes:a rear camera view in which a camera feed from a rear trailer camera is provided in a second region of the third display that is separate from the first region, and in which the camera feed from the rear trailer camera is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views;an audio playback view in which audio playback information is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views;a trailer status view in which data about a status of the trailer is provided in the second region and is enlarged with respect to others of the plurality of views.25

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