IL259605B2

IL259605B2 - Apparatus and method for installing a driver assistance device

Info

Publication number: IL259605B2
Application number: IL259605A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Ideal Eng Cc
Priority date: 2017-09-29
Filing date: 2018-05-24
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Also published as: IL259605B; ZA201804678B; IL259605A

Description

259605/2 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A DRIVER ASSISTANCE DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION THIS invention relates to a method of installing a driver assistance apparatus/device, as well as to an alignment tool/apparatus and kit.

Driver warning devices which warn drivers of possible collisions, have become more popular in recent times. Some of these devices are typically retrofitted to existing vehicles. One such example is the Mobileye® device.

This type of device is typically secured against an inner surface of the windscreen of the vehicle. However, if this device is not properly aligned then it would not function optimally, since its sensor(s) would not be directed towards the correct direction(s) for detection purposes.

The Inventor wishes to alleviate this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a driver assistance apparatus/device, wherein the method includes: positioning a first alignment member on an outer side of a windscreen of a vehicle; aligning a second alignment member on an inner side of the windscreen with the first alignment member, or placing it in a specific orientation relative thereto on the inside of the windscreen; and installing the driver assistance apparatus/device in/to the vehicle by using the second alignment member in order to orient/align the driver259605/2 assistance apparatus/device in a specific manner in relation to the vehicle or at least part thereof.

The step of aligning the second alignment member may include placing the second alignment member against an inside of the windscreen. In other words, the first alignment member and second alignment member are aligned, with the windscreen being located in-between the two members. The second alignment member may include an alignment face/surface against which the driver assistance apparatus/member is placed in order to align it in the said specific manner.

When a vehicle is viewed from the front, a lateral axis extends between respective sides of the vehicle. This lateral axis is typically horizontal and therefore substantially parallel to the ground surface.

The windscreen typically extends laterally between respective sides of the vehicle. Respective ends of the windscreen are therefore located proximate the respective sides of the vehicle.

The step of positioning the first alignment member on the outside of the windscreen may more specifically include positioning the first alignment member centrally/at a central position between the respective ends of the windscreen (i.e. it is laterally centred on the windscreen between the respective sides of the vehicle). The step of positioning the first alignment member centrally or at a central position may more specifically include utilising one or more elongate measuring ruler(s)/tape(s). The measuring tape/ruler may be made from a flexible material. The measuring tape/ruler may include a steel rope reinforcement which is woven through PVC.

Two elongate measuring members may extend in opposite directions away from the first alignment member. The step of aligning the first alignment member may include using the measuring members in order to locate the first alignment member centrally between the respective ends of the windscreen. The measuring members may be measuring tape members.

The measuring tape members may be made of a flexible material.259605/2 The step of aligning the second alignment member with the first alignment member includes utilising magnets in order to urge/force the two alignment members together, with the windscreen there between.

The step of aligning the first and second alignment members may include: placing the first alignment member on an outer surface of the windscreen; positioning the two measuring members to extend laterally between the respective ends of the windscreen; and aligning the two measuring members such that they extend substantially parallel to an alignment axis which extends between the two ends of the windscreen.

The alignment axis may therefore be substantially parallel to a lateral axis of the vehicle, when seen in front view (i.e. an axis which extends between respective sides of the vehicle). The alignment axis may therefore be substantially parallel to a ground plane on which the vehicle is positioned (i.e. horizontal).

The method may include securing the driver assistance apparatus/device against the windscreen. More specifically, the method may include utilising the second alignment member in order to secure the driver assistance apparatus/device with specific orientation/alignment against the windscreen (i.e. an inside of the windscreen). The vehicle assistance apparatus/device may be a driver warning device (e.g. for preventing or mitigating possible collisions). One example of the device may be a Mobileye® device.

The method may include utilising the alignment tool/apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the invention or the alignment kit in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, in order to install a driver assistance apparatus/device.259605/2 In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an alignment tool/apparatus for installing a driver assistance apparatus/device in a vehicle, wherein the tool/apparatus includes: corresponding first and second alignment members, wherein the first alignment member is, in use, positioned against an outer side of a windscreen of the vehicle and the second alignment member is, in use, positioned on an inner side of the windscreen, wherein the second alignment member includes an alignment surface/structure with which the driver assistance apparatus/device is engageable in order to allow it to be installed in the vehicle and aligned in a proper manner relative to the vehicle or the windscreen of the vehicle, when the second alignment member is positioned on the inner side of the windscreen.

The alignment surface/structure may extend along the inner side of the windscreen, when in use. The alignment surface/structure may be configured to allow the driver assistance apparatus/device to be aligned in a proper manner against the inner side of the windscreen.

The alignment tool/apparatus may include two elongate measuring members which extend in opposite directions away from the first alignment member.

The measuring members may be measuring tape members. The measuring tape members may be made of a flexible material.

Corresponding magnets/magnet members may be secured to the first and second alignment members so that the first and second members are urged towards each other, when located on opposite sides of the windscreen.

Each alignment member may include a securing means/formation for securing it against the windscreen.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided an alignment kit for installing a driver assistance apparatus/device in a vehicle, wherein the tool/apparatus includes:259605/2 corresponding first and second alignment members, wherein the first alignment member is, in use, positioned against an outer side of a windscreen of the vehicle and the second alignment member is, in use, positioned on an inner side of the windscreen, wherein the second alignment member includes an alignment surface/structure with which the driver assistance apparatus/device is engageable in order to allow it to be installed in the vehicle and aligned in a proper manner relative to the vehicle or the windscreen of the vehicle, when the second alignment member is positioned on the inner side of the windscreen.

The vehicle assistance apparatus/device may be a driver warning device (e.g. for preventing or mitigating possible collisions). One example of the device may be a Mobileye® device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1a shows a three-dimensional exploded view of a first and second alignment member of an alignment tool/apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 1b shows a three-dimensional exploded view of a measuring member and a ruler arrangement of the alignment tool/apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional, partially assembled view of the alignment tool/apparatus shown in Figures 1a&b; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a ruler member of the alignment tool/apparatus of Figure 1 b;259605/2 Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of where a first alignment member of the alignment tool/apparatus of Figure 2 is positioned on an outer side of the windscreen, for alignment purposes; Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration from an inside the vehicle, when the second alignment member is used to align a driver assistance apparatus/device, for installation purposes; Figure 6 shows another schematic illustration from an inside the vehicle, when the second alignment member is used to align a driver assistance apparatus/device, for installation purposes; and Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of how additional suction cups can be used to help center a first alignment member on a windscreen.

Figs. 8A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a compass 400.

Figs. 9A-F illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, stages of the method for determining horizontal and vertical position of a vehicle assistance apparatus/device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The Invention relates generally to an alignment tool/apparatus and a methodology of aligning a driver assistance apparatus/device in a specific manner in order to allow it to function effectively. The driver assistance apparatus/device may more specifically be a driver warning device 200 (e.g. for preventing or mitigating possible collisions). One example of the device may be a Mobileye® device.259605/2 As shown in Figures 1a&b and 2, the alignment tool/apparatus 10 includes a first alignment member 12 which is typically positioned on an outer side 108 of a vehicle windscreen 102 and a second alignment member 14 which is typically positioned against an inner side 110 of the vehicle windscreen 102.

The first alignment member 12 includes plate 16. Four magnet holders 18.1 18.4 (collectively hereinafter referred to as 18), which are generally cylindrical in shape, can be fitted in four corresponding circular holes 20.1 .4 (collectively hereinafter referred to as 20) provided in the plate 16. The holes 20 are typically arranged in line with one another (i.e. spaced along a straight line). A magnet 22.1-22.4 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 22) is located in each magnet holder 18. A circlip 24.1-24.4 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 24) is provided for each magnet holder 18 in order to allow the magnet holders 18 to be secured to the plate 16, when they are fitted through the holes 20. More specifically, each magnet holder 18 typically includes a ridge/rim formation at/towards one end for locating against the plate 16 on one side thereof, while the corresponding circlip 24 is used to fit around an opposite end part of the magnet holder 18 (i.e. on the other side of the plate 16), to thereby secure the magnet holder 18 to the plate 16.

The first alignment member 12 also includes eight securing formations in the form of suction cups 26.1-26.8 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 26).

Each suction cup 26 is fitted through a corresponding hole 28.1- 28.8 provided in the plate 16.

The first alignment member 12 also includes another plate 61 which is substantially identical to the plate 16 and which is secured thereto by means of double-sided tape 60.

The second alignment member 14 includes an elongate plate 30. The plate is bent/angled along a bend/angle line 31 to form a first part 32 and a second part 34 which is angled perpendicular to a plane in which the first part of the plate 30 extends. Therefore, when seen in end view, the plate 30 is generally L-shaped. The second part 34 defines a flat engagement/guide surface 37 against which the driver assistance apparatus/device 200 can be259605/2 positioned for alignment purposes. This aspect will be described in more detail further below.

The first part 32 also includes four holes 36.1-36.4 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 36) through which four magnet holders 38.1-38.4 (collectively hereinafter referred to as 38) are securely fitted by making use of circlips 40.1-40.4 (collectively hereinafter referred to as 40), in the same general manner as with the first alignment member 12. Magnets 42.1-42.4 (collectively hereinafter referred to as 42) are provided in each magnet holder 38, respectively.

The holes 36 in the first part are arranged in the same manner as the holes provided in the plate 12. In other words, the holes 36 and 20 are aligned with one another. As a result, each magnet 42 is therefore alignable with one of the magnets 22.

The second alignment member 14 also includes two securing formations in the form of suction cups 44.1,44.2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as 44).

Each suction cup 44 is fitted through a corresponding hole 46.1, 46.2 provided in the plate 30.

When seen in plan view, the shape/profile of the first part 32 of the second alignment member 14 is substantially similar to the shape/profile of one side of the plate 16, and typically alignable in practice.

An elongate measuring member 50 is securable to the first member 12. More specifically, the elongate measuring member is in the form of a flexible ruler/measuring tape member 50 which has a steel rope reinforcement 51 which is woven through PVC. The measuring member 50 typically includes measurement markings/indications 52, 54 towards respective ends 56, 58 thereof. A central portion of the measuring member 50 is typically secured to the first alignment member 12 by means of double sided tape.

The measuring tape 50, when secured to the first alignment member 12 typically extends in a direction transverse, more specifically perpendicular, to a line along which the holes 20 are spaced apart. Since the central portion259605/2 of the measuring member 50 is secured to the first alignment member 12, the markings/indications 52, 54 can be used to determine the respective distances from the plate 16. The measuring tape 50 therefore typically includes a first and second measuring members 80, 82 which extend in opposite directions away from the first alignment member 12.

The alignment tool/apparatus 10 includes a ruler arrangement 70. The ruler arrangement 70 includes bottom plate 71 and a top plate 72 which is mounted on top of the bottom plate 71 via adhesive tape 73. A linear, metric ruler 74 is mounted below the plate 72 by means of double sided tape 73.

Four suction cups 75 are mounted through four holes provided in the plates 71,72.

The alignment tool/apparatus 10 is typically assembled in the following sequence: plate 16; tape 60; measuring member 50; plate 61; steel rope reinforcement 51; magnet holders 18; circlips 24; magnets 22; suction cups 26.

More specifically, the alignment tool/apparatus 10 typically has the following assembly sequence: the tape 60 is secured/adhered to the plate 16; the measuring member 50 is then secured to the plate 16 by means of the tape 60 and the plate 61 is placed there over (i.e. the tape 60 is wedged in-between the plates 16 and 61); the steel rope reinforcement 51 is then woven through the measuring member 50 (see Fig. 2); the magnet holders 18 are then inserted and secured by means of the circlips 24; the magnets 22 are then mounted in the magnet holders 18; and the suction cups 26 are then secured.259605/2 In order to start the alignment process, the first alignment member 12 is positioned centrally on the outer side 108 of the windscreen 102, just below the rear view mirror, when seen from in front. Two of the suction cups 26 can typically be used to secure the first alignment member 12 temporarily on the windscreen 102.

Adhesive tape 130 (e.g. masking tape) is applied on the respective pillars 120, 122 of the vehicle which extend upwardly along either end of the windscreen 102. More specifically, approximately 300 mm of tape is applied along the length of each pillar 120, 122. The respective measuring members 80, 82 are then extended towards the respective ends of the windscreen (i.e. towards the left and right when seen in front view) so that they overhang the respective sides of the vehicle (more specifically over the pillars 120, 122 of the vehicle). At each pillar 120, 122, the respective measuring members 80, 82 can be temporarily secured by means of adhesive tape 130, such as masking tape.

The same distance from each of the two top corners of the windscreen 102 is measured downwardly along the pillars 120, 122 and marked on the adhesive tape 130 which extends along the pillars 120, 122. The markings on the respective adhesive tapes 130 (on each side) are therefore aligned vertically (i.e. laterally, when seen in front of you). In other words, the markings are located on the same general height of the vehicle.

The adhesive tape 130 which is securing the respective measuring members 80, 82 is then released in order to free the measuring members 80, 82 and the first alignment member 12 is detached from the windscreen 102 temporarily. The respective measuring members 80, 82 are then positioned to measure the same distance (i.e. left and right) by using the pre-printed ruler markings on each member 80, 82. Once the distances are equal (i.e. the alignment member 12 is accurately centred on the windscreen 102), the members 80, 82 are aligned with the markings which were made on the adhesive tape 130 at either side of the windscreen 102. As a result, the259605/2 alignment member 12 is centred laterally (i.e. left and right) and oriented horizontally on the windscreen 102, when seen in front view. When in this position, the alignment member 12 is secured to the windscreen 102 by means of the suction cups 26. From the above, it will be clear that the measuring member 50 now extends substantially parallel to a horizontal axis of the vehicle. Since the measuring tape 50 extends perpendicular to the line along which the holes 20 are spaced, the magnets are typically spaced along a vertical axis, when the vehicle is seen in front view.

The ruler arrangement 70 can be positioned below the plate 16 and secured to the windscreen 102 via the suction cups 75. The ruler arrangement 70 can then be used to shift the plate 16 left or right (when seen in front view), if required due to possible obstruction on the inside of the vehicle where the warning device 200 needs to be fitted. In other words, if the warning device 200 cannot be fitted centrally, then the ruler arrangement 70 can be used to shift the plate 16 left or right. The ruler arrangement 70 is typically fitted only after the plate 16 has been secured in its final, centered position.

The second alignment member 14 typically acts as a sensor/device guide and is used to align the driver assistance apparatus/device 200 on the inside of the windscreen 102. More specifically, the second alignment member 14 is positioned against the inner surface 110 of the windscreen 102 and aligned with the first member 12. The corresponding magnets 22, 42 located in the respective alignment members 12, 14, urge the members 12, 14 towards each other (i.e. thereby helping to secure the second member 14 against the windscreen 102.

When the first and second alignment members 12, 14 are aligned, the first part 32 of the second member 14 is placed against the inner surface 102, such that the magnets 42 are aligned with the magnets 22 of the first alignment member 12. When in this position, the second part 34 extends perpendicularly, inwardly away from the windscreen 102. The second part 34 therefore provides an engagement/guide surface 37 which extends along the windscreen. When the vehicle is seen in front view, the surface 37 extends substantially vertically. In other words, the surface 37 extends in an259605/2 up-down direction along the windscreen 102. In order to secure the second alignment member 14 in position, the suction cups 44 are used to secure it against the windscreen 102.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the driver warning device 200 typically includes a body 202 and a sensor arrangement 220 which is secured to the body and which should, in use, be directed forwardly in order to analyse the area in front of a vehicle. The body includes a front 206, a rear 208, and two lateral sides 210, 212 which extend between the front 206 and rear 208. When seen in top view, the lateral sides extend in the same general direction as a forward direction towards which the sensor arrangement 204 is directed. In other words, the lateral sides 210 and 212 extend generally parallel to a direction in which the sensor arrangement 204 is directed, when seen in top view.

When the second alignment member 14 is secured in position on the windscreen 102, the driver warning device 200 is placed in proper alignment by positioning the front part 206 to face the front part of the vehicle (when seen in top view), and placing the one lateral side 212 against the engagement surface 37. The lateral sides 212 therefore extends substantially parallel to the engagement surface 37, when seen in top view.

Since the second alignment member is 14 already correctly aligned and the driver warning device 200 is placed against the engagement surface 37 in the manner described above, the driver warning device 200 is oriented/aligned in a correct manner within the vehicle. The device 200 can then be secured in this position against the windscreen 102 (e.g. by using double sided tape).

Once secured, the first and second alignment members 12, 14, elongate measuring member 50 and ruler arrangement 70 are removed from the windscreen 102.

It should be noted that, in order to aid in the alignment of the first alignment member 12 on the windscreen 102, four additional suction cups 90 may be used by positioning one suction cup 90 in each of the vehicle windscreen corners and then measuring (see reference numerals 92) from each suction259605/2 cup 90 to a respective suction cup 26.1,26.4, 26.5, 26.8 on the first alignment member 12, to thereby help verify the accuracy of the position of the first alignment member 12.

The present invention further provides a compass 400 configured to determine a horizontal and vertical position of a vehicle assistance apparatus/device, for example a Mobileye® device.

According to one embodiment, the compass 400 comprises a shaft 402 having a first edge 4022 and a second edge 4024.

An attaching element 404, configured to reversibly attach to a surface, for example a car surface, a windshield and the like, is pivotally attached to the first edge 4022 of the shaft 402, namely the shaft 402 is configured to rotate about the attaching element 404. The attaching element 404 employs any mechanism known in the art for reversibly attaching to a surface, for example, but not limited to, adherence, gluing, vacuum and the like.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8A-B the attaching element 404 employs vacuum for attachment, and comprises a suction cup 4042 and a locking arm 4044 as known in the art.

An extrusion 406 is attached to the second edge 4024 of the shaft 402. The extrusion 406 is configured to change its length. Any mechanism known in the art for changing the length of the extrusion 406 is under the scope of the present invention. For example, the extrusion 406 may be a rod that is configured to be reversibly attached to the shaft 402. A user places the rod extended from the second edge 4024 of the shaft 402 in a desired length and then reversibly attaches the rod to the shaft 402. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8A-B the extrusion 406 is a telescopic extrusion 406 and the shaft 402 has a shape of a tube where the telescopic extrusion 406 is configured to reside. An extrusion knob 4067 may be placed at the second edge 4024 of the shaft 402. After the telescopic extrusion 406 is adjusted in a desired length beyond the second edge 4024 of the shaft259605/2 402, the extrusion knob 4067 is configured to lock the telescopic extrusion 406.

The extrusion 406 comprises two edges: a first edge 4062 configured to be in contact with the shaft 402, or in an embodiment of a telescopic extrusion 406 reside inside the tube-like shaft 402; and a second edge 4064 distally from the shaft 402.

A writing member holder 408 is attached to the second edge 4064 of the extrusion 406. The writing member holder 408 is configured to hold a writing member 410, for example a pencil, a pen, a crayon and the like. The writing member holder 408 may comprise a writing member holder knob 4082 configured to lock the writing member 410 in place and allow adjustment of a position of the writing member 410 in the writing member holder 408.

According to one embodiment, the extrusion 406 may comprise a plurality of scale marks 4068 configured to determine for example a length between the writing member 410 attached to the extrusion 406 and either the second edge 4024 of the shaft 402 or the first edge 4022 of the shaft. In other words, the scale marks 4068 are configured to mark the extent in which the extrusion 406 is extruded from the shaft 402.

In addition, the present invention provides a method for determining horizontal and vertical position of a vehicle assistance apparatus/device, for example a Mobileye® device.

According to one embodiment, the method for determining horizontal and vertical position of a vehicle assistance apparatus/device comprises: attaching the attaching element 404 of the compass 400 described herein to a first top corner 902 of a front windshield 900 of the vehicle, as illustrated in Figs. 9A-B;259605/2 releasably attaching a sheet of paper 500, or the like, on an outer surface of the front windshield 900, for example by using an adhesive tape, as illustrated for example in Fig. 9B; extending the extrusion 406 of the compass 400 such that the writing element 410 points on approximately the windshield center, as illustrated in Fig. 9B; Noting the extent in which the extrusion 406 is extruded from the shaft 402, for example by using the scale marks 4068 of the extrusion 406; drawing a first arc 602 on the sheet of paper 500 with the writing element 410 from the top of the sheet of paper 500 to a side of the sheet of paper 500 by rotating the shaft 402 about the attaching element 404, as illustrated in Figs. 9B-C; extruding the extrusion 406 beyond the shaft 402 by substantially 150-200 mm; drawing a second arc 604 on the sheet of paper 500 with the writing element 410 from a side of the sheet of paper 500 to an opposite side of the sheet of paper 500 by rotating the shaft 402 about the attaching element 404, as illustrated in Figs. 9B-C; removing the compass 400 from the first top corner 902 of the windshield 900; attaching the attaching element 404 of the compass 400 to a second top corner 904 of the front windshield 900 of the vehicle, as illustrated in Fig. 9D; drawing a third arc 606 on the sheet of paper 500 with the writing element 410 from a side of the sheet of paper 500 to an opposite side of the sheet of paper 500 by rotating the shaft 402 about the attaching element 404, as illustrated in Figs. 9D-E;259605/2 returning the extrusion 406 to the extent in which it was extruded when the first arc 602 was drawn; drawing a fourth arc 608 on the sheet of paper 500 with the writing element 410 from a side of the sheet of paper 500 to an opposite side of the sheet of paper 500 by rotating the shaft 402 about the attaching element 404, as illustrated in Fig. 9D-E; the result of the aforementioned process is two crosses drawn on the sheet of paper 500 - a cross comprising the first arc 602 crossed with the fourth arc 608 in crossing point 605 and a cross comprising the second arc 604 crossed with the third arc 606 in crossing point 607, as illustrated in Fig. 9E; removing the compass 400 from the windshield 900; drawing a straight line 610, for example with a ruler, between crossing point 605 and crossing point 607, as illustrated in Fig. 9F. Line 610 marks the place on the windshield 900 on which the vehicle assistance apparatus/device should be installed.

After the horizontal and vertical position of a vehicle assistance apparatus/device has been determined, for example with the aforementioned method, namely a line 610 has been drawn, positioning of the vehicle assistance apparatus/device may occur, as follows: a first alignment member if placed on line 610 on an outer surface of the windshield 900, taking into account appropriate distance from top of windshield 900 to where the vehicle assistance apparatus/device may be placed in final position, and securing the first alignment member to the sheet of paper 500 attached to the windshield 900, for example with an adhesive tape. The first alignment member may comprise at least one magnet, and the second alignment member may comprise a material that is configured to attract to a magnet, for example iron, a magnet and the like. This allows placing of the second alignment member on the inner surface of the windshield 900 in the place of the first alignment member. Then, a vehicle assistance apparatus/device may be installed on the windshield 900 by using the second alignment device as described herein.259605/2 It should be noted that drawing arcs 602, 604, 606 and 608 ensures that the crossing points 605 and 607 are exactly in the center of the windshield 900 vertical imaginary line, and that drawing a straight vertical line 610 ensures that line 610 is perpendicular to the vehicle horizontal access irrespective of the slope of the surface on which the vehicle stands. Advantage of the method for determining horizontal and vertical position of a vehicle assistance apparatus/device are that it may be performed by a single person within minutes, and that the vehicle may stand on a surface having any slope.

The Inventor believes that since the alignment process is all done directly on the vehicle, it will help ensure a precise and accurate installation of the driver warning device 200. The alignment tool/apparatus 10 also provides an effective way of implementing the alignment process.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

- 14 - 259605/3 CLAIMS

1. A method of installing a driver assistance apparatus, wherein the method includes: positioning a first alignment member against an outer side of a windscreen of a vehicle; aligning a second alignment member with the first alignment member, or placing the second alignment member in a specific orientation relative to the first alignment member, by placing the second alignment member against an inner side of the windscreen; and installing the driver assistance apparatus in the vehicle by using the second alignment member in order to orient/align the driver assistance apparatus/device in a specific manner in relation to the vehicle or at least part thereof.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of positioning the first alignment member against the outside of the windscreen includes positioning the first alignment member at a central position between respective ends of the windscreen.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of positioning the first alignment member at a central position further includes utilising one or more elongate measuring ruler.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the measuring ruler is made from a flexible material.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of aligning the second alignment member with the first alignment member includes utilising magnets in order to urge the two alignment members together, with the windscreen there between.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further includes securing the driver assistance apparatus against the windscreen.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method includes utilizing the second alignment member in order to secure the driver assistance apparatus with specific alignment against the windscreen.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the vehicle assistance apparatus is a driver warning device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the driver warning device is for preventing or mitigating possible collisions. - 15 - 259605/3

10. An alignment apparatus for installing a driver assistance apparatus in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes: corresponding first and second alignment members, wherein the first alignment member is, in use, positioned against an outer side of a windscreen of the vehicle and the second alignment member is, in use, positioned against an inner side of the windscreen, wherein the second alignment member includes an alignment structure with which the driver assistance apparatus is engageable in order to allow it to be installed in the vehicle and aligned in a proper manner relative to the vehicle or the windscreen of the vehicle, when the second alignment member is positioned against the inner side of the windscreen.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, which includes one or more magnets, which is/are configured to urge the two alignment members together, with the windscreen there between, when in use.

12. An alignment kit for installing a driver assistance apparatus in a vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes: corresponding first and second alignment members, wherein the first alignment member is, in use, positioned against an outer side of a windscreen of the vehicle and the second alignment member is, in use, positioned against an inner side of the windscreen, wherein the second alignment member includes an alignment structure with which the driver assistance apparatus is engageable in order to allow it to be installed in the vehicle and aligned in a proper manner relative to the vehicle or the windscreen of the vehicle, when the second alignment member is positioned against the inner side of the windscreen.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the apparatus includes one or more magnets which is/are configured to urge the two alignment members together, with the windscreen there between, when in use. For the applicant Gold – Patents & Financial Services ltd.