GB2510622A

GB2510622A - Vehicle camera apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2510622A
Application number: GB201302367A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Narinder Singh Assi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-09
Filing date: 2013-02-09
Publication date: 2014-08-13
Also published as: GB201302367D0

Abstract

A vehicle camera apparatus comprises at least one camera capable of observation in plural directions, recording means, and a memory storage device. The camera may be arranged in use to be attached to a windscreen mounted internal rear view mirror. Alternatively the camera may be attached to the windscreen via a suction cup.

Description

A VEHICLE CAMERA APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vehicle camera apparatus particularly but not exclusively a camera and mounting apparatus for arrangement inside a vehicle.

Background

Vehicle security when a vehicle is unmanned, and safety when driving, are commonly prime concerns for users in order to ensure they, any passengers, and the user's vehicle are safe.

There may be occasions when an accident may occur resulting in injury or damage where the cause is not clear or may be disputed, often resulting in costly legal procedures to establish fault and liability.

Witnesses and closed circuit television (CCTV) may be used to establish cause.

However such options may not be available in all cases.

Additionally if the vehicle is unmanned when an incident such as damage or theft occurs, it may be difficult or impossible to identify cause.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 2012 120 239 (HUIZEL et al) discloses a forward facing imaging system for a vehicle, said forward facing imaging system comprising: an interior rearview mirror assembly mounted at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with said forward facing imaging system; a camera disposed at said interior rearview mirror assembly, said camera having a forward field of view through a windshield of the equipped vehicle; wherein said camera captures image data and wherein captured image data is recorded by a recording system; wherein, during operation of the equipped vehicle, said recording system records image data, as it is captured over a given period of operation of the equipped vehicle, in a closed-loop fashion onto electronic memory; and wherein image data, as captured by said camera, is processed by an image processor in order to determine the presence of at least one object forward of the equipped vehicle.

Chinese utility model CN 202 174 989 (LIU) discloses one kind of automobile 360 degrees panorams to park the photograph system, including establishing the monitor in camera and cab on chassis, states the camera was four wide-angle cameras, installed separately outside the chassis front part grill position and left and right in the rear view mirror and dorsal gate; Four wide-angle camera video output signals that stated with stated the monitor video signal input end electric interlock through the imagery processing module. This utility model merit lies in through states four wide-angle cameras to carry on the real-time collection to the vehicles peripheral image, the video signal that will collect after stated the imagery processing module carried on the angle of view transformation and synthesis fusion processing inputs to state the monitor, thus realized when the monitor real time display vehicles all around bird's eye view image, had guaranteed the automobile parked the security and accurate reliability.

European patent application EP 2431 231 (TREGNAGO et al) discloses an external rear-view camera unit for motor vehicles, comprising a camera, having a camera body and including a transparent element for protecting the camera lens, and a support for said camera, adapted to be connected to a structure of a motor vehicle, characterised in that said support comprises at least one wing element, with a wing profile, having one end for connection to the structure of the motor vehicle and an opposite end portion bearing the body of said camera and ending with a winglet portion, extending upwards, suitable to prevent the formation of air vortices at the end of said wing element, and in that said end portion bearing the camera is in form of a casing surrounding the body of said camera and having passages for conveying the air -that impacts said unit during the travel of the motor vehicle -around the body of said camera and at the front of the transparent element for protecting the camera lens.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a camera apparatus for a vehicle comprising at least one camera capable of observation in plural directions, recording means, and a memory storage device; wherein said camera being arranged in use to be attached internally to a screen of the vehicle.

In preferred embodiments the camera is arranged to be mounted on an internal rear view mirror. In other embodiments the camera is liable to be mounted securely proximate a front or rear screen of the vehicle so as to provide maximal visibility as required. In some embodiments the camera may be furthermore capable of mOunting to a side window should this be necessitated for visibility purposes.

In this way the camera serves to record and store observations around a vehicle, for evidence of activity or incident for example theft, accidents or route information.

The apparatus may include more than one camera. The apparatus may include independently mounted cameras. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of cameras arranged in use for singular mounting, for example up to 7 so as to ensure total coverage.

The camera may be stationary in use with reference to the mirror. The camera may include more than one lens in order to achieve preferably 360 degree observations.

Said lenses are preferably housed on a circular or annular surface for optimal visibility and observations in order that view is not obstructed.

The camera may be provided in a hemispherical housing comprising two Øads, a base and a dome, wherein the lenses are mounted on the dome and the base includes a means of attaching to the mirror, to include a bracket mounting apparatus.

The housing or camera may be equipped with capability to tilt or rotate to give flexibility and give greater image viewing angles Ideally the camera includes at least three lenses wherein typically the lenses have wide angle aspects in order to ensure full 360 observations may be made.

Advantageously the camera may include settings to enable users to control which lenses are active, for example when in a vehicle which has no rear window the user may opt to only have forward facing lenses in operation. In some preferred embodiments software may digitally interface views from a plurality of lenses, permitting continuous scrolling across lenses.

Preferably the camera may be fully enclosed and integrated within the housing, with minimal projections or variation in outer surface, but may include finger holds, typically on the outer surface of the dome, so as to guide the user as to where to place fingers when fitting the camera to the bracket and so as not to dirty the lenses, but allowing minimal possibilities of damage or collection of dirt. Ideally finger holds may be provided between lenses to allow easy adjustment, attachment or removal.

Typically the finger holds may be recessed portions suitable for accepting at least one finger or thumb. Additionally the finger holds may include grip means such as a textured surface or silicone parts to aid the user. Advantageously this or aesthetic considerations may assist the user in identifying the finger holds in low light or darkness.

In preferred embodiments the bracket comprises a C-or D-shaped clip which is arranged in use to cup, encircle or grip the rear view mirror's back face, and extending sides or top and bottom, without interfering with the mirror's front and use face. The apparatus may comprise the camera in the bracket in use. The camera may be detachable for convenience and user preference.

Preferably embodiments the clip comprises extendable or telescopic parts so as to allow the clip to be fitted to different-sized mirrors.

Preferably the clip further comprises a connector which accepts the camera. Ideally the connector is positioned lowermost in use, and/or so as to be orientated downwards in order that the camera is fitted in use below the mirror and therefore observation is not obstructed by the mirror itself.

Typically the clip top may include a cut-out section to accept the mirror's support arm to the vehicle wherein the clip includes one part that extends each side of the arm causing the bracket to be centrally mounted.

In some further embodiments the bracket may be comprised at least in part of a sock or deformable member accepted onto and covering the mirror so as to support a connector for the camera, and so as to maintain visibility through the mirror on the mirror face. For example the sock may include a frame to surround the use face.

In other embodiments the bracket may include at least one suction pad for attachment to the windscreen so that the camera may be readily positioned at preferred locations on the windscreen to suit the user In yet further embodiments the camera may be arranged to be mounted either on the windscreen, the rear view mirror, or a combination of both, for example wherein the camera is on an articulated or deformable mounting in use, anchored on the rear view mirror but capable of movement around and in relation to the mirror, such as with consolidation or bracing of the mounting achieved on the windscreen. In addition or the alternative flexibility in mounting may suit for example parking situations or other temporary situations where visibility may be diminished at the rear view mirror.

Ideally the connector accepts the camera by means of a twist, detent, friction, tolerance or push fitting, for example a bayonet or clip fitting, thereby enabling the camera to be readily removed.

In some embodiments the camera may be attached to the connector by means of magnetic portions or hook and loop such as Velcro (Trade Mark).

Additionally the connector may allow the camera to be oriented dependent upon vehicle factors such as shape and location of the mirror, and wherein such factors which may affect the images captured. For example the camera may be tilted forwards to ensure the vehicle's bonnet is in shot. Some further embodiments may include articulation in the bracket to adjust for peculiarities of vehicle visibility. Yet further embodiments may include mechanical andlor electrical articulation.

In other embodiments the connector may include anti vibration means so as to assist in stabilising images obtained by the camera. Said means may comprise cellular structure, gel-filled, sprung and/or deformable coating or material.

In preferred embodiments the camera is removable from the mounting or bracket such as through a slide, magnetic and/or sprung mechanism so as to be safely stored if the camera is not required for use or so as to allow the camera to be transferred to another vehicle.

Ideally the camera apparatus may include visual indicators to guide the user as to where to orientate the camera for optimal observations. For example ideally one lens faces forwards to capture at least 120 degrees of observations and the other two capture side and rear views each also capturing at least 120 degrees respectively.

Therefore the visual indicator may comprise a first arrow on the camera that corresponds to a second arrow on the bracket to align one lens forwards.

Advantageously this means that footage from one lens is more likely to capture all observations from ahead, where visibility is greatest through a windscreen rather than having to compile footage from more than one lens.

In some embodiments the camera or apparatus may include means to cooperate with or integrated features bearing global positioning system capability.

Ideally images captured on the camera and related time or positional data may be saved and transferred if required. Preferably data capture is stored on a displaceable and independent memory card or storage item, such as but not exclusively a Secure Digital (SD) card, in order to allow for easy transfer of data.

Advantageously the item may be removed from and replaced to the camera without requirement to remove the camera from the mounting. Ideally the item may be positioned under a flap so that the card is protected and cannot fall out for example due to vibration of the vehicle.

Ideally the flap is a hinged portion that covers the item. Typically the flap has a clip or push fitting that is readily opened and closed in order to access and replace the item.

Typically amount of data storage the item can hold determines period of recording time which may be stored. Preferably a micro SD card may be used so as to be more easily accommodated by the camera.

In some embodiments the camera may include wireless connectivity, for example by such as radio frequency (RF) or intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (Trade Mark), wherein images may be transferred to another device such as a phone or computer in order to be viewed and saved.

In some embodiments the camera may transmit images wireless, wherein the recording means, and/or memory storage device are situate remote to minimise bulk at the rear view mirror.

In addition or the alternative flash memory and data transfer is ideally envisaged for some embodiments wherein downloads may be facilitated by universal serial bus (USB) or other data transfer ports.

Some preferred embodiments may include global positioning system capability so as to provide realtime connectivity and information.

In preferred embodiments the camera cooperates with a display screen or device which screen is ideally locally available or situated in the vehicle for example wherein said screen in use is situated in use on a dashboard or windscreen and may be displaced or not so as tà adjust the camera purview. In preferred embodiments said screen is envisaged to be displaceably mounted on a suction cup or similar, in common fashion with a satellite navigation device.

In some embodiments the camera or apparatus may include at least one sensor so as to activate the camera in response to movement. Typically the sensor is only activated when the vehicle is stationary for example whilst parked, or when the handbrake is on so as to capture only unexpected movement/impact.

In preferred embodiments the camera includes at least one battery to power the device. Additionally the camera may accept an additional power source such as wired supply, for example a mini, micro or standard USB cable to power the camera and/or charge the battery(s). Typically the cable may be accepted to a cigarette lighter. In some embodiments the cable may include an integrated USB port so that a further device may be plugged into the cable thereby using the cigarette lighter and vehicle battery to power another device.

In some further embodiments the camera or cameras may include a rechargeable energy source, namely in preferred embodiments a photovoltaic solar panel. In yet further embodiments the car may include at least photovoltaic solar panel so as to generate energy to power the camera.

In some embodiments the camera may include means of computing1 aggregating or processing data for example recording periods of time the camera was recording, or when data is downloaded or deleted, so evidence cannot be concealed for example by deleting particular footage in order to avoid blame.

Preferably the camera may include a light to indicate when it is in operation therefore alerting the user and serving as a deterrent to others. Typically the light may be a low energy use lighting means such as light emithng diode (LED).

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus; Figure 2 shows a view from front of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a view from behind of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figures 9 show sketches of the invention in use.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures: the mounting apparatus 1 and the camera 2, wherein the mounting includes two clips 3, 4 that allow the camera 2 to be clipped over a rear view mirror In preferred embodiments the clips are biased to grip the camera 2 after deformation to clip onto the mirror.

The camera 2 comprises: a base 6, a domed top 5, a printed circuit board 13, a switch 11, microcamera lenses 9, a storage medium 7, hinged door 8 for the media 7, data transfer or electrical input micro-USS port 12, lens covers 10 and screw thread connector 14.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A vehicle camera apparatus comprising at least one camera capable of observation in plural directions, recording means, and a memory storage device; wherein said camera being arranged in use to be attached to a screen.
2. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises more than one camera.
3. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the camera includes more than one lens.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the camera(s) has wireless connectivity.
5. An apparatus according to a preceding claim wherein the housing or camera(s) adjust(s) for observation along more than one axis.
6. An apparatus according to a preceding claim wherein downlpads may be facilitated by at least one data transfer port.
7. An apparatus with reference to the figures
8. A means of providing a monitoring system for a vehicle comprising use of an apparatus according to any of the preceding claims