CA2061286C - Proximity detection and monitoring system - Google Patents
Proximity detection and monitoring systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2061286C CA2061286C CA002061286A CA2061286A CA2061286C CA 2061286 C CA2061286 C CA 2061286C CA 002061286 A CA002061286 A CA 002061286A CA 2061286 A CA2061286 A CA 2061286A CA 2061286 C CA2061286 C CA 2061286C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- signal
- proximity
- vehicle
- alarm
- image
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 37
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004886 head movement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/20—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/22—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles for viewing an area outside the vehicle, e.g. the exterior of the vehicle
- B60R1/23—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles for viewing an area outside the vehicle, e.g. the exterior of the vehicle with a predetermined field of view
- B60R1/24—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles for viewing an area outside the vehicle, e.g. the exterior of the vehicle with a predetermined field of view in front of the vehicle
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
- G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S17/93—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S17/931—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/10—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used
- B60R2300/105—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used using multiple cameras
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/40—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the details of the power supply or the coupling to vehicle components
- B60R2300/404—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the details of the power supply or the coupling to vehicle components triggering from stand-by mode to operation mode
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/80—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement
- B60R2300/802—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/80—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement
- B60R2300/8033—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement for pedestrian protection
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
- B60R2300/80—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement
- B60R2300/8093—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement for obstacle warning
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
- G01S17/86—Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
- G01S7/48—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S17/00
- G01S7/51—Display arrangements
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The proximity detection and monitoring system provides an image of an area in front of a vehicle to a driver, and warns him of an obstructing object within the front area.
The system comprises a television camera to be mounted to a front portion of the vehicle for converting the image of the area into a video signal; a monitor to be mounted inside the vehicle near the driver in his field of vision for displaying the image; a proximity detector to be mounted to the front portion of the vehicle for detecting a presence of an object within the area and transmitting a proximity signal indicative of the presence; an alarm responsive to the proximity signal, for producing a warning alarm perceivable by the driver; and a controlling unit receiving an activation signal and the proximity signal for controlling operation of the camera, the monitor and the proximity detector. The controlling unit includes a timer responsive to the activation signal for enabling the monitor to display the image and the alarm to produce the warning alarm for predetermined time durations respectively and for preventing the monitor from displaying the image and the alarm from producing the warning alarm during a non-surveillance mode of the system outside the predetermined time durations. A surveillance mode of the system is initiated by the activation signal, during which the image is displayed on the monitor and the alarm is enabled for the predetermined durations, after which the system returns to the non-surveillance mode.
The proximity detection and monitoring system provides an image of an area in front of a vehicle to a driver, and warns him of an obstructing object within the front area.
The system comprises a television camera to be mounted to a front portion of the vehicle for converting the image of the area into a video signal; a monitor to be mounted inside the vehicle near the driver in his field of vision for displaying the image; a proximity detector to be mounted to the front portion of the vehicle for detecting a presence of an object within the area and transmitting a proximity signal indicative of the presence; an alarm responsive to the proximity signal, for producing a warning alarm perceivable by the driver; and a controlling unit receiving an activation signal and the proximity signal for controlling operation of the camera, the monitor and the proximity detector. The controlling unit includes a timer responsive to the activation signal for enabling the monitor to display the image and the alarm to produce the warning alarm for predetermined time durations respectively and for preventing the monitor from displaying the image and the alarm from producing the warning alarm during a non-surveillance mode of the system outside the predetermined time durations. A surveillance mode of the system is initiated by the activation signal, during which the image is displayed on the monitor and the alarm is enabled for the predetermined durations, after which the system returns to the non-surveillance mode.
Description
o--f ""
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pield of the invention:
The invention relates to accident avoidance systems, and more particularly relates to a proximity detection and monitoring system especially intended for school buses.
Description of the prior_art:
Many children have been hit, more or less seriously injured, and some even run over and killed by school buses in the past. This is mostly due to the design of the majority of school buses, which have their motor in front of the drivers position. The visual field of the driver is obstructed ~y the motor housing, and particularly in front and right side of the bumper position. A small convex type mirror, supported by a bracket, has been installed on the left side of the motor housing, near the front of the bus, to detect children crossing in front after their disembarkation. A flat type mirror has also been installed on the right side near the door, to detect children that may have fallen under the bus near the rear wheels. This mirror is also used to detect traffic on the right side of the bus.
However, these mirrors are inadequate for the detection of sDall children because, from the driver's position, the reflected image is small, distorted and also reflects outside light sources.
The majority of the accidents have been caused by lack of clear vision in front of the bus and also no warning has been fed back to the driver, particularly when leaving, of a possible danger. Some alternatives have been studied to reduce the number of accidents. A suggestion was to utilize short nosed buses. However, the costs involved are much higher than present bus costs, and the potential danger with this type of bus is in a front end collision, where the driver and the children seated near the front have very little protection. Another suggestion was to place security guards on the buses to assure safety of children when entering or leaving the bus. The cost factor for this alternative is estimated to be in the millions of dollars lo per year. Another suggestion was to have the bus driver get off the bus in order to obtain assurance that no children were in front of the bus before leaving. This alternative is also estimated to be in the millions of dollars, and furthermore does not ensure that nothing has happened while the bus driver has re-embarked and settled-down in the bus for going. Changes in the working conditions of bus drivers were also considered, as much as the time lost to execute this function, the purchase of additional buses, and the questionable responsibility of bus drivers for the safety of school children outside the school bus.
There is, known in the art, Canadian patent 1.271.991 granted to Auto-Sense Ltd on July 24, 1990, which describes an object detection method and apparatus employing electro-optics. The apparatus comprises an electro-optical emitter and receiver that are used to scan a specific area. A
visual or audible signal reports the presence of an object within the scanned area. However, the apparatus neither gives a clear visual representation of the nature of the detected object and may be not very reliable for determining potential danger incoming from several moving objects such as children around a bus.
Also known in the art is Canadian patent 1.285.636 ; 2 granted to Alvin SNAPE~ on July 2, 1991, which describes an optical collision avoidance system sensitive to pulsed light sources. Therefore, it is necessary that the object emits light to be detected and so is not adequate for the present purpose.
Also known in the art are Canadian patents 1.079.394, 1.246.711, 2.006.234 and 1.271.~34 that all describe different types of surveillance syste~ more or less sophisticated, but all inadequate to ensure detection of children that are in potential danger in the vicinity of a bus.
OnJECT OF ~R INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a proximity detection and monitoring system within a specific area, that can be operated when needed and which is low in cost, but reliable.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that gives to a bus driver a clear vision of the front of a bus, within a specific area.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that minimizes the head movement of a driver.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that performs a detection within a specific area of the front of a bus for warning a bus driver of the presence of an object within the area.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that is automatically activated when predetermined conditions occur.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that~is protected against manipulation .P~
for preventing a driver from either adjusting or shutting off the system.
SUMMA~Y OF TIIE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a proximity detection and monitoring system for providing an image of an area in front of a vehicle to a driver, and for warning said driver of an obstructing object within said front area, said system comprising:
television camera means to be mounted to a front portion of said vehicle for converting the image of said area into a video signal, said camera means having a control input;
monitoring means to be mounted inside said vehicle near said driver in his field of vision for displaying said image, said monitoring means having a control input, and a video input for receiving said video signal;
proximity detecting means to be mounted to said front portion of said vehicle for detecting a presence of an object within said area, said proximity detecting means having a control input, and an output for transmitting a proximity signal indicative of said presence;
alarm means responsive to said proximity signal, for producing a warning alarm perceivable by said driver; and controlling means having a first input for receiving an activation signal, a second input connected to said output of the proximity detecting means, and first, second and third outputs connected to said control inputs of the camera means, monitoring means and pro~imity detect:ing means respectively for controlling their operation, said controlling means including timing means responsive to said activation signal for enabling said monitoring means to display said image and said alarm means to produce said warning alarm for predetermined time durations respectively and for preventing said monitoring means from displaying said image and said alarm means from producing said warning alarm during a non-surveillance mode of said system outside said predetermined time durations;
. whereby a surveillance mode of said system is initiated by said activation signal, during which said image is displayed on said monitoring means and said alarm means are enabled for said predetermined durations, after which said system returns to said non-surveillance mode.
BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF T~IE DRAWINGS
In order to impart full understanding of the manner in which these and other objectives are attained in accordance to the present invention, a preferred embodiment thereof is described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
- Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a proximity detection and monitoring system having connections with a flasher warning light system and an ignition system of a school bus, according to the invention;
and - Figure 2 illustrates a chart of the functional states of the controlling unit shown in Figure 1 with respect to predetermined conditions.
DFTAILPD DPSCRIPTION OF THE PREPERRFD EMBODIMPNTS
The embodiment of the proximity detection and monitoring system that is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is particularly suitable for a vehicle such as a school bus.
/
Sa Hence, the following description will be made in relation with a proximity detection and monitoring system mounted on a school bus, as well as with examples of the system's operation and use in usual conditions encountered by buses during their course.
Referring to Figure 1 illustrating a block diagram of a proximity detection and monitoring system 10 having connections with a flasher warning light system 12 and an ignition system 14 of a school bus, a television camera 16 is mounted to a front portion of the bus for converting the image of a front area into a video signal for its transmission. In several cases, buses are provided with a front mirror mounted to a bracket attached to their left front fender. Therefore, the camera 16 can be simply mounted to the bracket in replacement to the mirror. For buses that are not provided with such a bracket, the camera 16 can be mounted to any convenient support attached to the front portion of the bus in a way to provide a vision field on the front area. Preferably, the camera 16 should be set for viewing the front area of the bus near the right front wheel if possible, and from its bumper up to at least 6 feet ahead of the right most portion of the bumper, where the probabilities of a child crossing after its disembarkment are very high. The camera 16 has a control input 18 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and a vïdeo output 20 for transmitting a video signal resulting from the conversion done by the camera 16 of the image of the front area.
A monitor 22 is mounted inæide the bus near the driver position for displaying the image collected by the camera 16. To minimize the head movement of the driver when looking the image displayed by the monitor 22, the later can .; 6 be mounted in front of the driver position, at its left and near the roof of the bus where are frequently located other electrical devices such as flasher and stop light indicators. The monitor 22 has a control input 24 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and a video input 26 for receiving the video signal produced by the camera 16. Hence, the closed circuit television system formed by the camera 16 and the monitor 22 can provides a clear vision of the front area of the bus to the driver.
A proximity detector 28 is also mounted to the front portion of the bus for scanning the front area with infrared beams in order to detect any obstructing objects such as children within the front area. Thereby, an additional way is given to warn the driver of a possible danger if he sets the bus in motion. The proximity detector 28 can be simply mounted under the camera 16 or at any convenient place on the front portion of the bus for scanning at least the same area aimed by the camera 16. The proximity detector 28 has a control input 30 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and an output 32 for transmitting a proximity signal indicative of an object detected within the front area scanned.
All the operations of the camera 16, the monitor 22 and the proximity detector 28 are controlled by a controlling unit 34 that also performs the required processing and dispatching of the inputted and outputted signals. The controlling unit 34 may be mounted at the same place as the monitor 22, for convenience.
The controlling unit 34 has a first input 36 for receiving an ignition signal derived from the ignition system 14 of the bus. The controlling unit 34 has a second input 38 for receiving an activation signal that may be .; 7 derived from the flasher warning light system 12 of the bus for example. Most school buses are equipped with such a system, which includes a switch manually operated by the driver or an automatic sensor circuit for actioning flasher warning lights located all around the bus to indicate to other drivers that there are children embarking or disembarking the bus. For other types of vehicle, the second input 38 can be connected to their flasher light system that are normally used for security reasons for instance. The controlling unit 34 also has a third input 40 connected to the output 32 of the proximity detector 28.
Also, the controlling unit 34 has first, second and third outputs 42, 44, 46 connected to the control inputs 18, 24, 30 of the camera 16, the monitor 22 and the proximity detector 28 respectively for controlling their activation by supplying or not the power required for their operation.
The controlling unit 34 is provided with a light indicator 48 for reporting the system's activation state to the driver, such that he can see when the system 10 is in normal working condition or may be set off or defective.
Furthermore, the controlling unit 34 includes alarm devices 50, 52 responsive to the proximity signal for reporting its state to the driver such that, when a child is detected by the proximity detector 28, the driver may be warned. The alarm devices 50, 52 are a light indicator 50 and a speaker 52 for producing visible and audible signals respectively as a result of the state of the proximity signal. The controlling unit 34 also includes a timing unit 54 for timing the input and output processing to be carried out. An automatic reset time switch could be efficiently used for acting as the timing unit 34.
When the system is in operation, before setting the bus ; 8 in motion, the image viewed by the camera 16 is displayed on the monitor 22, thereby providing a clear vision of the front area to the driver, and the proximity detector 28 scans the front area such that the driver may be warned if a child that he has not seen is within the front area.
Thus, when the children are either embarking or disembarking the bus prior to its departure, their security is increased.
The controlling unit 34 has also a fourth input 56 for receiving the video signal derived from the camera 16, and a fourth output 58 connected to the video input 26 of the monitor 22. The video output 20 of the camera 16 can be therefore directly connected to the fourth input 56 of the controlling unit 56 (as shown by a dotted line). The video signal is transmitted to the monitor 22 via the controlling unit 34, allowing thereby the later to control the display of the image while both of the camera 16 and the monitor 22 are in operation. Since actual monitors take time to display images when they are activated, the control done by the controlling unit 34 over the video signal instead of the monitor activation is a useful way to display almost instantaneously the image only when needed.
To improve the polyvalency and the reliability of the system 10 with respect to different situations that may occur during the bus course, a movement detector 60 is coupled to the driving shaft of the bus for detecting a rotation of the shaft when the bus is set in motion. The movement detector 60 has a control input 62 on which the power re~uired for its operation is supplied, and an output 64 for transmitting a movement signal indicative of the shaft's rotation. The controlling unit 34 has a fifth input 66 connected to the output 64 of the movement detector 60, and a fifth output 68 connected to the control input 62 of .; 9 the movement detector 60 fox controlling its activation by supplying or not the power required for its operation. The timing unit 54 includes a relay circuit responsive to the movement signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 after a long stop of the bus and when the movement detector 60 detect that the bus is set in motion. Therefore, if the driver is delayed for any reason in its departure while the system's warning and monitoring activities are inactive, the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 will be automatically reactivated on motion of the bus, in order to warn the driver if the situation have changed in front of the bus during the delay. After a given time period, the relay circuit also deactivates the processing of the proximity signal.
In replacement to the movement detector 60, a clutch detector 70 may be coupled to a clutch system of the bus for detecting its clutching when the bus is set in motion. The clutch detector 70 has a control input 72 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and an output 74 for transmitting a clutch signal indicative of the clutching.
In such a case, the above-mentioned considerations for the movement detector 60 are applied to the clutch detector 70 instead.
To prevent the driver to impair the operations of the system 10 as by shutting it down or by modifying its functions, a protective housing 76 encloses the controlling unit 34 and the monitor 22.
To further improve the children security around the bus, and especially for providing to the driver a clear vision of a right side area of the bus where the right rear wheels are located, a second television camera 78 can be ~; 10 mounted to a right side portion of the bus for converting an image of the right side area into a second video signal for its transmission. The second camera 78 has a control input on which the power required for its operation is supplied.
The video signals produced by both front and right cameras 16, 7B are processed by a video splitter 82 before their transmission to the monitor 22, such that the images of the front area and the right side area can be simultaneously displayed one beside the other by the monitor 22. To obtain a good image on the monitor 22, the front and right cameras 16, 78 have synchronization connections 83, 85 with one another for synchronizing their video signals together.
The video splitter 82 has video inputs 84 for receiving respectively the video signals of both of the camera 16, 78, a control input 87 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and an output 86 for producing a mixed video signal to be sent to the fourth input 56 of the controlling unit 34. The controlling unit 34 has sixth and seventh outputs 88, 89 connected to the control input 80 of the right camera 78 and the control input 87 of the video splitter 82 respectively for controlling their activation by supplying or not the power required for their operation.
, Depending on the desired usage modes or functions need'ed of the system 10, the timing unit 54 may also include a relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in an actuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal after a given time period.
The timing unit 54 may also include another relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal and the proces6ing of the video signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in an actuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal and the processing of the video signal after a given time period.
The timing unit 36 may also include a relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in a deactuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal after a given time period.
The timing unit 36 may also include a relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal and the processing of the video signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in a deactuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal and the processing of the video signal after a given time period.
Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a chart of thq functional states of the controlling unit 34 with respect to predetermined conditions of signals influencing the operation of the system 10 (shown in Figure 1). The rows of the chart have been numbered from 1 to 10 and the columns from A to M for allowing an easy reference to any particular cell. Each of the elements labelled on top of the chart has a nu~ber in parenthesis that refers to the corresponding element of Figure 1 having the same number, ; 12 allowing thereof to follow which of the elements are operated and which functional state they have with respect to the predetermined conditions. The following description may therefore also refers to Figure 1. The cells of the chart may contain a letter representing the state of the element of the column with respect to the condition of the signal of the row. Each of these letters represents a state as follows:
- "O" for an "OFF" state such as an inactive state;
10- "I" for an "ON" state such as an active state;
- "E" for an "Enable" state of input or output; and - "T" for a "Timed" state such as an active state for a given time period, followed by an inactive state.
As it can be easily seen on the chart, the state of the 15first, the second, the third, and the fifth outputs (42, 44, 46, 68) are always in the same state as the state of the first input (36) receiving the ignition signal. Therefore, when the ignition signal is in an "OFF" state as shown in row 1 of the chart, each of these inputs or outputs (36, 42, 2044, 46, 68) are also in an "OFF" state. However, if the ignition signal is instead in an "ON" state as shown in row 2 of the chart, these inputs or outputs (36, 42, 44, 46, 68) will always be in an "ON" state, whatever the state of the other conditions is, as shown from row 3 to row 10. The 25state of the sixth output 88 (column J) and the seventh output 89 (not shown in Figure 2) of the controlling unit 34 is also the same as these inputs or outputs (36, 42, 44, 46, 68) when the right camera 78 is used.
From the point of view of the operation of the system 3010, the controlling unit 34 obtains its operating power when the ignition of the bus is turned on, and the bus motor is running. Thereupon, the controlling unit 34 supplies the ; 13 power for the cameras 16, 78, the monitor 22, the proximity detector 28 and the movement detector Go or the clutch detector 70.
During the ccurse of the bus, when the flasher warning light system 12 of the bus is activated to either let children embark or disembark the bus, the activation signal is in an "ON" state (row 3) and the third input 40 tcolumn B) connected to the proximity detector's output 32 is enabled (cell B3) for processing the proximity signal.
If the infrared beams transmitted by the proximity detector 28 are obstructed due to the presence of a child within the scanned area, the proximity signal is in an "ON"
state (rows 4 and 8), and the alarm indicator 50 is lit (cell L4 and L8) for warning the driver of a potential danger if he sets the bus in motion. In such a case, the alarm speaker 52 is not used (cells M4 and M8) for avoiding to bother the driver with a sound signal each time a child presence is detected by the proximity detector 28.
In the event that the driver sets the bus in.motion whi.le the flasher warning light system 12 is still activated, the rotation of the driving shaft of the bus will be detected by the movement detector 60, that, at its turn, will produce a movement signal in an "ON" state (row 6), activating thereof the predetermined countdown cycle of the timing unit (cell K6). The alarm indicator 50, the alarm speaker 52, the third input 40 and the fifth input 66 of the controlling unit 34 are set in an "Enable" state, while the fourth input 56 and output 58 of the controlling unit are set in a "Timed" state for displaying on the monitor 22 the images collected by the cameras 16 and 78 during the time period of the cycle calculated by the timing unit 54. If a child within the front area of the bus is detected at the .; 14 same time by the proximity detector 28, the alarm indicator 50 will light up and the speaker alarm 52 will produce a sound to warn the driver.
The same operations can be applied if the movement detector 60 is replaced by the clutch detector 70.
When the driver deactivates the flasher warning system 12 (row 7), the predetermined countdown cycle of the timing unit 54 is reactivated. The third input 40 and the alarm indicator 50 of the controlling unit 34 are set in an "Enable" state, while the fourth input 56 and output 58 of the controlling unit 34 are set in a "Timed" state for displaying the images on the monitor 22 for the time period of the cycle calculated by the timing unit 54. Should the driver be delayed in is departure past the time period of the cycle, the alarm indicator 50, the third input 40, the fourth input 56 and output 58 are deactivated or set in an "OFF" state. At the first movement detected by the movement detector 60 or the clutch detector 70 (row 10), all these elements are reactivated for a new cycle, in addition to the alarm speaker 52. If a child is detected by the proximity detector 28, the alarm indicator 50 and the alarm speaker 52 are further activated in an "ON" state. When the cycle ends, the controlling unit 34 prevents needless display of the image and the processing of the proximity signal during the, normal motion of the bus, until the next stop.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be pointed out that any modifications to this preferred embodiment, within the scope of the appended claims is not deemed to changer or alter the nature and the ~cope of the present invention.
. 15
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pield of the invention:
The invention relates to accident avoidance systems, and more particularly relates to a proximity detection and monitoring system especially intended for school buses.
Description of the prior_art:
Many children have been hit, more or less seriously injured, and some even run over and killed by school buses in the past. This is mostly due to the design of the majority of school buses, which have their motor in front of the drivers position. The visual field of the driver is obstructed ~y the motor housing, and particularly in front and right side of the bumper position. A small convex type mirror, supported by a bracket, has been installed on the left side of the motor housing, near the front of the bus, to detect children crossing in front after their disembarkation. A flat type mirror has also been installed on the right side near the door, to detect children that may have fallen under the bus near the rear wheels. This mirror is also used to detect traffic on the right side of the bus.
However, these mirrors are inadequate for the detection of sDall children because, from the driver's position, the reflected image is small, distorted and also reflects outside light sources.
The majority of the accidents have been caused by lack of clear vision in front of the bus and also no warning has been fed back to the driver, particularly when leaving, of a possible danger. Some alternatives have been studied to reduce the number of accidents. A suggestion was to utilize short nosed buses. However, the costs involved are much higher than present bus costs, and the potential danger with this type of bus is in a front end collision, where the driver and the children seated near the front have very little protection. Another suggestion was to place security guards on the buses to assure safety of children when entering or leaving the bus. The cost factor for this alternative is estimated to be in the millions of dollars lo per year. Another suggestion was to have the bus driver get off the bus in order to obtain assurance that no children were in front of the bus before leaving. This alternative is also estimated to be in the millions of dollars, and furthermore does not ensure that nothing has happened while the bus driver has re-embarked and settled-down in the bus for going. Changes in the working conditions of bus drivers were also considered, as much as the time lost to execute this function, the purchase of additional buses, and the questionable responsibility of bus drivers for the safety of school children outside the school bus.
There is, known in the art, Canadian patent 1.271.991 granted to Auto-Sense Ltd on July 24, 1990, which describes an object detection method and apparatus employing electro-optics. The apparatus comprises an electro-optical emitter and receiver that are used to scan a specific area. A
visual or audible signal reports the presence of an object within the scanned area. However, the apparatus neither gives a clear visual representation of the nature of the detected object and may be not very reliable for determining potential danger incoming from several moving objects such as children around a bus.
Also known in the art is Canadian patent 1.285.636 ; 2 granted to Alvin SNAPE~ on July 2, 1991, which describes an optical collision avoidance system sensitive to pulsed light sources. Therefore, it is necessary that the object emits light to be detected and so is not adequate for the present purpose.
Also known in the art are Canadian patents 1.079.394, 1.246.711, 2.006.234 and 1.271.~34 that all describe different types of surveillance syste~ more or less sophisticated, but all inadequate to ensure detection of children that are in potential danger in the vicinity of a bus.
OnJECT OF ~R INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a proximity detection and monitoring system within a specific area, that can be operated when needed and which is low in cost, but reliable.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that gives to a bus driver a clear vision of the front of a bus, within a specific area.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that minimizes the head movement of a driver.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that performs a detection within a specific area of the front of a bus for warning a bus driver of the presence of an object within the area.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that is automatically activated when predetermined conditions occur.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a system that~is protected against manipulation .P~
for preventing a driver from either adjusting or shutting off the system.
SUMMA~Y OF TIIE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a proximity detection and monitoring system for providing an image of an area in front of a vehicle to a driver, and for warning said driver of an obstructing object within said front area, said system comprising:
television camera means to be mounted to a front portion of said vehicle for converting the image of said area into a video signal, said camera means having a control input;
monitoring means to be mounted inside said vehicle near said driver in his field of vision for displaying said image, said monitoring means having a control input, and a video input for receiving said video signal;
proximity detecting means to be mounted to said front portion of said vehicle for detecting a presence of an object within said area, said proximity detecting means having a control input, and an output for transmitting a proximity signal indicative of said presence;
alarm means responsive to said proximity signal, for producing a warning alarm perceivable by said driver; and controlling means having a first input for receiving an activation signal, a second input connected to said output of the proximity detecting means, and first, second and third outputs connected to said control inputs of the camera means, monitoring means and pro~imity detect:ing means respectively for controlling their operation, said controlling means including timing means responsive to said activation signal for enabling said monitoring means to display said image and said alarm means to produce said warning alarm for predetermined time durations respectively and for preventing said monitoring means from displaying said image and said alarm means from producing said warning alarm during a non-surveillance mode of said system outside said predetermined time durations;
. whereby a surveillance mode of said system is initiated by said activation signal, during which said image is displayed on said monitoring means and said alarm means are enabled for said predetermined durations, after which said system returns to said non-surveillance mode.
BRIEF D~SCRIPTION OF T~IE DRAWINGS
In order to impart full understanding of the manner in which these and other objectives are attained in accordance to the present invention, a preferred embodiment thereof is described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
- Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a proximity detection and monitoring system having connections with a flasher warning light system and an ignition system of a school bus, according to the invention;
and - Figure 2 illustrates a chart of the functional states of the controlling unit shown in Figure 1 with respect to predetermined conditions.
DFTAILPD DPSCRIPTION OF THE PREPERRFD EMBODIMPNTS
The embodiment of the proximity detection and monitoring system that is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 is particularly suitable for a vehicle such as a school bus.
/
Sa Hence, the following description will be made in relation with a proximity detection and monitoring system mounted on a school bus, as well as with examples of the system's operation and use in usual conditions encountered by buses during their course.
Referring to Figure 1 illustrating a block diagram of a proximity detection and monitoring system 10 having connections with a flasher warning light system 12 and an ignition system 14 of a school bus, a television camera 16 is mounted to a front portion of the bus for converting the image of a front area into a video signal for its transmission. In several cases, buses are provided with a front mirror mounted to a bracket attached to their left front fender. Therefore, the camera 16 can be simply mounted to the bracket in replacement to the mirror. For buses that are not provided with such a bracket, the camera 16 can be mounted to any convenient support attached to the front portion of the bus in a way to provide a vision field on the front area. Preferably, the camera 16 should be set for viewing the front area of the bus near the right front wheel if possible, and from its bumper up to at least 6 feet ahead of the right most portion of the bumper, where the probabilities of a child crossing after its disembarkment are very high. The camera 16 has a control input 18 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and a vïdeo output 20 for transmitting a video signal resulting from the conversion done by the camera 16 of the image of the front area.
A monitor 22 is mounted inæide the bus near the driver position for displaying the image collected by the camera 16. To minimize the head movement of the driver when looking the image displayed by the monitor 22, the later can .; 6 be mounted in front of the driver position, at its left and near the roof of the bus where are frequently located other electrical devices such as flasher and stop light indicators. The monitor 22 has a control input 24 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and a video input 26 for receiving the video signal produced by the camera 16. Hence, the closed circuit television system formed by the camera 16 and the monitor 22 can provides a clear vision of the front area of the bus to the driver.
A proximity detector 28 is also mounted to the front portion of the bus for scanning the front area with infrared beams in order to detect any obstructing objects such as children within the front area. Thereby, an additional way is given to warn the driver of a possible danger if he sets the bus in motion. The proximity detector 28 can be simply mounted under the camera 16 or at any convenient place on the front portion of the bus for scanning at least the same area aimed by the camera 16. The proximity detector 28 has a control input 30 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and an output 32 for transmitting a proximity signal indicative of an object detected within the front area scanned.
All the operations of the camera 16, the monitor 22 and the proximity detector 28 are controlled by a controlling unit 34 that also performs the required processing and dispatching of the inputted and outputted signals. The controlling unit 34 may be mounted at the same place as the monitor 22, for convenience.
The controlling unit 34 has a first input 36 for receiving an ignition signal derived from the ignition system 14 of the bus. The controlling unit 34 has a second input 38 for receiving an activation signal that may be .; 7 derived from the flasher warning light system 12 of the bus for example. Most school buses are equipped with such a system, which includes a switch manually operated by the driver or an automatic sensor circuit for actioning flasher warning lights located all around the bus to indicate to other drivers that there are children embarking or disembarking the bus. For other types of vehicle, the second input 38 can be connected to their flasher light system that are normally used for security reasons for instance. The controlling unit 34 also has a third input 40 connected to the output 32 of the proximity detector 28.
Also, the controlling unit 34 has first, second and third outputs 42, 44, 46 connected to the control inputs 18, 24, 30 of the camera 16, the monitor 22 and the proximity detector 28 respectively for controlling their activation by supplying or not the power required for their operation.
The controlling unit 34 is provided with a light indicator 48 for reporting the system's activation state to the driver, such that he can see when the system 10 is in normal working condition or may be set off or defective.
Furthermore, the controlling unit 34 includes alarm devices 50, 52 responsive to the proximity signal for reporting its state to the driver such that, when a child is detected by the proximity detector 28, the driver may be warned. The alarm devices 50, 52 are a light indicator 50 and a speaker 52 for producing visible and audible signals respectively as a result of the state of the proximity signal. The controlling unit 34 also includes a timing unit 54 for timing the input and output processing to be carried out. An automatic reset time switch could be efficiently used for acting as the timing unit 34.
When the system is in operation, before setting the bus ; 8 in motion, the image viewed by the camera 16 is displayed on the monitor 22, thereby providing a clear vision of the front area to the driver, and the proximity detector 28 scans the front area such that the driver may be warned if a child that he has not seen is within the front area.
Thus, when the children are either embarking or disembarking the bus prior to its departure, their security is increased.
The controlling unit 34 has also a fourth input 56 for receiving the video signal derived from the camera 16, and a fourth output 58 connected to the video input 26 of the monitor 22. The video output 20 of the camera 16 can be therefore directly connected to the fourth input 56 of the controlling unit 56 (as shown by a dotted line). The video signal is transmitted to the monitor 22 via the controlling unit 34, allowing thereby the later to control the display of the image while both of the camera 16 and the monitor 22 are in operation. Since actual monitors take time to display images when they are activated, the control done by the controlling unit 34 over the video signal instead of the monitor activation is a useful way to display almost instantaneously the image only when needed.
To improve the polyvalency and the reliability of the system 10 with respect to different situations that may occur during the bus course, a movement detector 60 is coupled to the driving shaft of the bus for detecting a rotation of the shaft when the bus is set in motion. The movement detector 60 has a control input 62 on which the power re~uired for its operation is supplied, and an output 64 for transmitting a movement signal indicative of the shaft's rotation. The controlling unit 34 has a fifth input 66 connected to the output 64 of the movement detector 60, and a fifth output 68 connected to the control input 62 of .; 9 the movement detector 60 fox controlling its activation by supplying or not the power required for its operation. The timing unit 54 includes a relay circuit responsive to the movement signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 after a long stop of the bus and when the movement detector 60 detect that the bus is set in motion. Therefore, if the driver is delayed for any reason in its departure while the system's warning and monitoring activities are inactive, the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 will be automatically reactivated on motion of the bus, in order to warn the driver if the situation have changed in front of the bus during the delay. After a given time period, the relay circuit also deactivates the processing of the proximity signal.
In replacement to the movement detector 60, a clutch detector 70 may be coupled to a clutch system of the bus for detecting its clutching when the bus is set in motion. The clutch detector 70 has a control input 72 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and an output 74 for transmitting a clutch signal indicative of the clutching.
In such a case, the above-mentioned considerations for the movement detector 60 are applied to the clutch detector 70 instead.
To prevent the driver to impair the operations of the system 10 as by shutting it down or by modifying its functions, a protective housing 76 encloses the controlling unit 34 and the monitor 22.
To further improve the children security around the bus, and especially for providing to the driver a clear vision of a right side area of the bus where the right rear wheels are located, a second television camera 78 can be ~; 10 mounted to a right side portion of the bus for converting an image of the right side area into a second video signal for its transmission. The second camera 78 has a control input on which the power required for its operation is supplied.
The video signals produced by both front and right cameras 16, 7B are processed by a video splitter 82 before their transmission to the monitor 22, such that the images of the front area and the right side area can be simultaneously displayed one beside the other by the monitor 22. To obtain a good image on the monitor 22, the front and right cameras 16, 78 have synchronization connections 83, 85 with one another for synchronizing their video signals together.
The video splitter 82 has video inputs 84 for receiving respectively the video signals of both of the camera 16, 78, a control input 87 on which the power required for its operation is supplied, and an output 86 for producing a mixed video signal to be sent to the fourth input 56 of the controlling unit 34. The controlling unit 34 has sixth and seventh outputs 88, 89 connected to the control input 80 of the right camera 78 and the control input 87 of the video splitter 82 respectively for controlling their activation by supplying or not the power required for their operation.
, Depending on the desired usage modes or functions need'ed of the system 10, the timing unit 54 may also include a relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in an actuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal after a given time period.
The timing unit 54 may also include another relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal and the proces6ing of the video signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in an actuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal and the processing of the video signal after a given time period.
The timing unit 36 may also include a relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in a deactuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal after a given time period.
The timing unit 36 may also include a relay circuit responsive to the activation signal for activating the processing of the proximity signal and the processing of the video signal by the controlling unit 34 when the switch of the flasher warning light system 12 is initially set in a deactuated state, and for deactivating the processing of the proximity signal and the processing of the video signal after a given time period.
Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a chart of thq functional states of the controlling unit 34 with respect to predetermined conditions of signals influencing the operation of the system 10 (shown in Figure 1). The rows of the chart have been numbered from 1 to 10 and the columns from A to M for allowing an easy reference to any particular cell. Each of the elements labelled on top of the chart has a nu~ber in parenthesis that refers to the corresponding element of Figure 1 having the same number, ; 12 allowing thereof to follow which of the elements are operated and which functional state they have with respect to the predetermined conditions. The following description may therefore also refers to Figure 1. The cells of the chart may contain a letter representing the state of the element of the column with respect to the condition of the signal of the row. Each of these letters represents a state as follows:
- "O" for an "OFF" state such as an inactive state;
10- "I" for an "ON" state such as an active state;
- "E" for an "Enable" state of input or output; and - "T" for a "Timed" state such as an active state for a given time period, followed by an inactive state.
As it can be easily seen on the chart, the state of the 15first, the second, the third, and the fifth outputs (42, 44, 46, 68) are always in the same state as the state of the first input (36) receiving the ignition signal. Therefore, when the ignition signal is in an "OFF" state as shown in row 1 of the chart, each of these inputs or outputs (36, 42, 2044, 46, 68) are also in an "OFF" state. However, if the ignition signal is instead in an "ON" state as shown in row 2 of the chart, these inputs or outputs (36, 42, 44, 46, 68) will always be in an "ON" state, whatever the state of the other conditions is, as shown from row 3 to row 10. The 25state of the sixth output 88 (column J) and the seventh output 89 (not shown in Figure 2) of the controlling unit 34 is also the same as these inputs or outputs (36, 42, 44, 46, 68) when the right camera 78 is used.
From the point of view of the operation of the system 3010, the controlling unit 34 obtains its operating power when the ignition of the bus is turned on, and the bus motor is running. Thereupon, the controlling unit 34 supplies the ; 13 power for the cameras 16, 78, the monitor 22, the proximity detector 28 and the movement detector Go or the clutch detector 70.
During the ccurse of the bus, when the flasher warning light system 12 of the bus is activated to either let children embark or disembark the bus, the activation signal is in an "ON" state (row 3) and the third input 40 tcolumn B) connected to the proximity detector's output 32 is enabled (cell B3) for processing the proximity signal.
If the infrared beams transmitted by the proximity detector 28 are obstructed due to the presence of a child within the scanned area, the proximity signal is in an "ON"
state (rows 4 and 8), and the alarm indicator 50 is lit (cell L4 and L8) for warning the driver of a potential danger if he sets the bus in motion. In such a case, the alarm speaker 52 is not used (cells M4 and M8) for avoiding to bother the driver with a sound signal each time a child presence is detected by the proximity detector 28.
In the event that the driver sets the bus in.motion whi.le the flasher warning light system 12 is still activated, the rotation of the driving shaft of the bus will be detected by the movement detector 60, that, at its turn, will produce a movement signal in an "ON" state (row 6), activating thereof the predetermined countdown cycle of the timing unit (cell K6). The alarm indicator 50, the alarm speaker 52, the third input 40 and the fifth input 66 of the controlling unit 34 are set in an "Enable" state, while the fourth input 56 and output 58 of the controlling unit are set in a "Timed" state for displaying on the monitor 22 the images collected by the cameras 16 and 78 during the time period of the cycle calculated by the timing unit 54. If a child within the front area of the bus is detected at the .; 14 same time by the proximity detector 28, the alarm indicator 50 will light up and the speaker alarm 52 will produce a sound to warn the driver.
The same operations can be applied if the movement detector 60 is replaced by the clutch detector 70.
When the driver deactivates the flasher warning system 12 (row 7), the predetermined countdown cycle of the timing unit 54 is reactivated. The third input 40 and the alarm indicator 50 of the controlling unit 34 are set in an "Enable" state, while the fourth input 56 and output 58 of the controlling unit 34 are set in a "Timed" state for displaying the images on the monitor 22 for the time period of the cycle calculated by the timing unit 54. Should the driver be delayed in is departure past the time period of the cycle, the alarm indicator 50, the third input 40, the fourth input 56 and output 58 are deactivated or set in an "OFF" state. At the first movement detected by the movement detector 60 or the clutch detector 70 (row 10), all these elements are reactivated for a new cycle, in addition to the alarm speaker 52. If a child is detected by the proximity detector 28, the alarm indicator 50 and the alarm speaker 52 are further activated in an "ON" state. When the cycle ends, the controlling unit 34 prevents needless display of the image and the processing of the proximity signal during the, normal motion of the bus, until the next stop.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be pointed out that any modifications to this preferred embodiment, within the scope of the appended claims is not deemed to changer or alter the nature and the ~cope of the present invention.
. 15
Claims (13)
1. A proximity detection and monitoring system for providing an image of an area in front of a vehicle to a driver, and for warning said driver of an obstructing object within said front area, said system comprising:
television camera means to be mounted to a front portion of said vehicle for converting the image of said area into a video signal, said camera means having a control input;
monitoring means to be mounted inside said vehicle near said driver in his field of vision for displaying said image, said monitoring means having a control input, and a video input for receiving said video signal;
proximity detecting means to be mounted to said front portion of said vehicle for detecting a presence of an object within said area, said proximity detecting means having a control input, and an output for transmitting a proximity signal indicative of said presence;
alarm means responsive to said proximity signal, for producing a warning alarm perceivable by said driver; and controlling means having a first input for receiving an activation signal, a second input connected to said output of the proximity detecting means, and first, second and third outputs connected to said control inputs of the camera means, monitoring means and proximity detecting means respectively for controlling their operation, said controlling means including timing means responsive to said activation signal for enabling said monitoring means to display said image and said alarm means to produce said warning alarm for predetermined time durations respectively and for preventing said monitoring means from displaying said image and said alarm means from producing said warning alarm during a non-surveillance mode of said system outside said predetermined time durations;
whereby a surveillance mode of said system is initiated by said activation signal, during which said image is displayed on said monitoring means and said alarm means are enabled for said predetermined durations, after which said system returns to said non-surveillance mode.
television camera means to be mounted to a front portion of said vehicle for converting the image of said area into a video signal, said camera means having a control input;
monitoring means to be mounted inside said vehicle near said driver in his field of vision for displaying said image, said monitoring means having a control input, and a video input for receiving said video signal;
proximity detecting means to be mounted to said front portion of said vehicle for detecting a presence of an object within said area, said proximity detecting means having a control input, and an output for transmitting a proximity signal indicative of said presence;
alarm means responsive to said proximity signal, for producing a warning alarm perceivable by said driver; and controlling means having a first input for receiving an activation signal, a second input connected to said output of the proximity detecting means, and first, second and third outputs connected to said control inputs of the camera means, monitoring means and proximity detecting means respectively for controlling their operation, said controlling means including timing means responsive to said activation signal for enabling said monitoring means to display said image and said alarm means to produce said warning alarm for predetermined time durations respectively and for preventing said monitoring means from displaying said image and said alarm means from producing said warning alarm during a non-surveillance mode of said system outside said predetermined time durations;
whereby a surveillance mode of said system is initiated by said activation signal, during which said image is displayed on said monitoring means and said alarm means are enabled for said predetermined durations, after which said system returns to said non-surveillance mode.
2. System according to claim 1, wherein said controlling means further have a third input for receiving for operational purposes an ignition signal derived from an ignition system of said vehicle, and comprise said alarm means.
3. System according to claim 1, wherein said controlling means have another input for receiving said video signal derived from said camera means, and a fourth output connected to said video input of the monitoring means, whereby said video signal received by said controlling means is transmitted to said monitoring means only during said surveillance mode and for the corresponding duration.
4. System according to claim 3, further comprising:
movement detecting means for detecting a movement of said vehicle, said movement detecting means having an output for transmitting a movement signal indicative of said movement of the vehicle; and wherein:
said controlling means have a movement input connected to said output of the movement detecting means; and said timing means include means responsive to said movement signal for initiating said surveillance mode.
movement detecting means for detecting a movement of said vehicle, said movement detecting means having an output for transmitting a movement signal indicative of said movement of the vehicle; and wherein:
said controlling means have a movement input connected to said output of the movement detecting means; and said timing means include means responsive to said movement signal for initiating said surveillance mode.
5. System according to claim 4, wherein said movement detecting means include a rotation sensor for detecting a rotation of a driving shaft of said vehicle, said rotation sensor having an output for transmitting a rotation signal indicative of said rotation and acting as said movement signal.
6. System according to claim 4, wherein said movement detecting means include clutch detecting means for detecting clutching of said vehicle when said vehicle is set in motion, said clutch detecting means having an output for transmitting a clutch signal indicative of said clutching and acting as said movement signal.
7. System according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, comprising a protective housing that encloses said controlling means and said monitoring means for preventing said driver to access said controlling means and said monitoring means.
8. System according to claim 1, for also providing an image of a second area on a right side of said vehicle to a driver, said second area being located near rear wheels of said vehicle, said system comprising:
a second television camera means to be mounted to a right side portion of said vehicle for converting the image of said second area into a second video signal, said second camera means having a control input; and a video splitting means having video inputs for receiving respectively the video signals of both said camera means, a control input, and an output for producing a mixed video signal sent to said fourth input of the controlling means;
wherein said controlling means have two other outputs respectively connected to said control input of the second camera means and said control input of said splitting means for controlling their operation, whereby the images of said first and second areas are processed by said video splitting means such that both of the images are simultaneously displayable one beside the other on said monitoring means during said surveillance mode.
a second television camera means to be mounted to a right side portion of said vehicle for converting the image of said second area into a second video signal, said second camera means having a control input; and a video splitting means having video inputs for receiving respectively the video signals of both said camera means, a control input, and an output for producing a mixed video signal sent to said fourth input of the controlling means;
wherein said controlling means have two other outputs respectively connected to said control input of the second camera means and said control input of said splitting means for controlling their operation, whereby the images of said first and second areas are processed by said video splitting means such that both of the images are simultaneously displayable one beside the other on said monitoring means during said surveillance mode.
9. System according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, wherein said timing means include means responsive to said activation signal for initiating a processing of said proximity signal by said controlling means when said activation signal changes state, and for stopping the processing of said proximity signal after the corresponding duration.
10. System according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, wherein said timing means include means responsive to said activation signal for initiating a processing of said proximity signal and a processing of said video signal by said controlling means when said activation signal changes state, and for stopping the processing of said proximity signal and the processing of said video signal after the corresponding durations.
11. System according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, wherein said alarm means include a light indicator and a speaker for respectively producing visible and audible signals acting as said warning alarm.
12. System according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, wherein said activation signal is produced by a flasher warning light system of said vehicle.
13. System according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, wherein said timing means are an automatic reset time switch for counting down cycles corresponding to said durations.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002061286A CA2061286C (en) | 1992-02-17 | 1992-02-17 | Proximity detection and monitoring system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002061286A CA2061286C (en) | 1992-02-17 | 1992-02-17 | Proximity detection and monitoring system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2061286A1 CA2061286A1 (en) | 1992-05-11 |
| CA2061286C true CA2061286C (en) | 1994-12-13 |
Family
ID=4149266
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002061286A Expired - Fee Related CA2061286C (en) | 1992-02-17 | 1992-02-17 | Proximity detection and monitoring system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2061286C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE20110339U1 (en) * | 2001-06-22 | 2002-10-24 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co Kg | Parking assistance for use in a motor vehicle |
| US9896020B2 (en) | 2016-05-23 | 2018-02-20 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Vehicle lighting assembly |
| CN107843415A (en) * | 2016-09-20 | 2018-03-27 | 常州星宇车灯股份有限公司 | A kind of lens module detecting device and detection method based on machine vision |
-
1992
- 1992-02-17 CA CA002061286A patent/CA2061286C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2061286A1 (en) | 1992-05-11 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |