NL1037443C2 - A device for positioning against a windshield of a vehicle, comprising a suction cup and a camera. - Google Patents

Description

A device for positioning against a windshield of a vehicle, comprising a suction cup and a camera

The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such devices are generally known in the art. For example, they are used for attaching items to the windshields, like sunshades, cell 5 phone holders, navigation device holders and the like. These devices are generally engineered to fulfil only one purpose, which is attaching the respective sunshade, cell phone or navigation device.

According to the invention, the term vehicle relates to any kind of object, especially movable object, like a window, a car, a 10 motorbike, a floating object like a vessel or speed boat, or a flying object like an airplane.

The invention has as a goal to provide a device that can be used for multi purposes.

Furthermore, the invention has as a goal to provide a device 15 that can be used for adding an extra value to a device as indicated in the preamble.

So as to reach at least one of these goals the invention provides a device as mentioned in the preamble that is characterized in that the device further comprises a camera at the inside and directed 20 to the windshield, and a calibration means for changing the position of the camera in at least one of a horizontal and vertical axis. Such a device can be used for providing image data of the surrounding of a car, especially image data from the front side.

So as to reduce reflections that might be recorded by said cam-25 era, the inside of the device is preferably non-reflective, Then, generally no reflections will be visible at the inside of the windshield.

It is preferred that the calibration means can be actuated from the outside of the device. The angle of the camera for directing the 30 camera to a preferred direction can then be adjusted relatively easily.

It is further preferred for the device to comprise at least a power supply for feeding the camera. The power supply may consist of at least one of: - a connection with a power supply of the vehicle, -35 a power supply of an electronic device, - a (rechargeable) battery and - a solar cell that is optionally suitably connected to said re- 1 0 3 7 4 4 3 2 chargeable battery for charging same. So as to be independent of a separate power supply, it is most preferred to use a combination of a solar cell and a rechargeable battery, suitably connected to said battery for charging same. Furthermore, the device may comprise an 5 on/off button for activating and inactivating, respectively, said camera. It may also comprise image processing means for processing image data recorded with said camera, optionally in combination with a storage means for storing image data recorded with said camera or for storing processed images.

10 So as to be able to view the recorded images, it is preferred that said device comprises transfer means for transferring image data from said camera to a receiving device for processing or displaying said data, said transfer means being chosen from at least one of wireless transfer means and wired transfer means, said transfer means 15 being chosen for example from any of bluetooth, wifi, USB, firewire, hdmi or the like.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the device according to the invention is embodied as a windscreen holder of an electronic device, for example a navigation device, a cell phone, 20 a PDA, a computer, a television and the like. It has shown, that the present invention when embodied this way provides images with high quality. The images recorded this way do not strongly suffer from distortion since the windshield is a generally vibration free surface .

25 Many cars and other vehicles nowadays are equipped with an electronic device, like a navigation device or a cell phone, or at least are equipped with a windshield holder for such electronic device. Then, the present device if embodied as a windscreen holder of a navigation device can easily replace the original windscreen 30 holder. As a matter of fact, the device of the present invention and such navigation device then should have co-operating connecting means. For example, the device according to the present invention may be supplied with exchangeable connecting means, such that a user can choose which connecting means to apply, depending on the electronic 35 device he owns. Optionally, a connecting means for connecting another device, for example a cell phone or PDA, may be provided. The invention has as an advantage that a user can easily upgrade his windscreen holder, for example for exchanging a standard windscreen holder without a camera for one with a camera, or for exchanging a 3 windscreen holder with a standard definition camera for one with a high definition camera.

The device if embodied as a windscreen holder for an electronic device, may comprise all features that are specifically mentioned 5 with reference to the device embodied as a suction cup comprising said camera.

The device according to the present invention preferably comprises connecting means for connecting said device with a device comprising a display, said connecting means being chosen from at least 10 one of wireless connecting means and wired connecting means, said device comprising a display being chosen from for example a navigation device, a cell phone, a PDA, a computer with display, and a television. The display may also be a built-in display in a car. A direct viewing of the recorded images can be obtained, if the device com-15 prises image-processing means for processing image data obtained by said camera.

However, a further freedom of view is obtained if the data, which may be the recorded image data or processed recorded image data, are stored on a replaceable memory storage card, since such 20 cards provide for a small medium that can store large amounts of data and that can be easily transported to a device for viewing or for processing said recorded image data. Such card can be taken out of the apparatus according to the invention and then be inserted in a memory card slot of a navigation device, a cell phone, a PDA, a com-25 puter, a television and the like, so as to view the images remote from the vehicle.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the camera is comprised of any of a still camera and a video camera, for example a high-definition camera, a night-view camera and a standard definition 30 camera. Images obtained from such formats are highly standardized and can be viewed on nearly all electronic devices comprising a display. To be able to make pictures of high quality, it is preferred that the chip has at least 3 megapixels, preferably at least 5 megapixels, more preferably at least 8 or even 10 or more megapixels.

35 To be able to make recordings in high definition quality, it is preferred that the camera comprises a high definition recording light sensitive chip. The chip may be a generally known CCD-chip or CMOS-chip.

4

The invention will now be further explained by means of the following schematic drawing, in which: - fig. 1 shows a side view of a navigation device with a holder comprising an integrated camera, 5 - fig. 2 shows a top view of a suction cup with a camera hous ing, and - fig. 3 shows a side view of the device according to fig. 2.

In the drawing, same parts are indicated with same reference numerals. However, not all parts that are required for a correct 10 functioning of the device are shown in the drawing, for reason of simplicity.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic embodiment, wherein a camera 1 is embedded in a suction cup 5 of a holder 2 of a portable navigation device 3. The camera 1 comprises a lens 4 and a CCD-chip (not shown). 15 The lens is directed to the windshield 8 of a vehicle (not shown) and hence directed to the outside of the vehicle. A memory card 6 for storing images made with said camera 1 is provided inside the navigation device 3. The navigation device 3 has a connection 7 for uploading recorded pictures or video images to a viewing apparatus. The 20 camera's operating commands can be integrated in an interface of the navigation device 3. The interface could be based on a touchscreen or on speech-recognition. A plurality of cameras taking images of the outside of the vehicle in different directions and all provided with transmission means, designed to cooperate with receiving means in a 25 navigation device or another receiving station, can transmit the respective recorded images (wired or wireless) to the central storing means or processing means.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the camera is located in a central part of the suction cup 5. The images are transferred by a 30 cable 9 through the mounting rod 10 and mount base 11 to a connector 12 (for example a USB-connector) cooperating with a connector 7 of the navigation device 3.

The recorded images can be sequentially written to the memory-card. The oldest images recorded will be overwritten by new images 35 using the FIFO algorithm (First-in First-out).

When the user connects the Navigation unit to a receiving station, like a personal computer, a television or the like, a software program copies the recorded images to said receiving station. A generally accepted format like MPEG or HD is preferred.

5

Here, the camera 1 is powered through the connection cable 9 by the navigation device's power supply (not shown). However, the camera 1 may be provided with a battery or power cell (not shown) that is provided in the suction cup 5 or mounting rod 10.

5 As the camera 1 (together with the suction cup 5 and holder 2, as shown in Fig. 1) is detachable from the navigation device 3, it can be replaced by a replacement model. For example, a camera with a different CCD-chip with night-vision or higher definition than the original chip might be used as a replacement. This has the advantage 10 that a navigation unit can be upgraded with an improved camera without having to replace the navigation unit itself.

As a matter of fact, the camera 1 is provided in a housing 14. The camera 1 is generally embodied as a CCD-chip that is mounted in a frame that also comprises the lens 4 and connection means (not shown) 15 as is generally known in the art. Of course, all cameras available on the market can be used in the present invention, as far as the camera can be incorporated inside the suction cup or a holder for a navigation device. The size and weight of the camera should preferably be as small and low, respectively, as possible.

20 Fig. 2 shows another view wherein the camera is incorporated in a housing 14. The housing 14 forms an integral part with the suction cup 5. The suction cup 5 is connected to the windshield 8 of a vehicle. Since the windshield 8 of a vehicle does not have a flat surface, wherein the windshield surfaces of cars and trucks in general 25 are even embodied still more differently, the camera is provided with a calibration knob 13 allowing a user to adjust a position thereof for a proper view of the road ahead. Most cars have a front window screen angle between 30 and 40 degrees. In trucks and buses the front window can be almost entirely vertical (90 degrees). A vertical vari-30 ation range of preferably at least 60 degrees will be sufficient.

Apart from adjusting the vertical angle of the camera, the calibration knob 13 may be embodied such as to enable an adjustment in the horizontal angle of the camera, as well. This enables an attachment to a left corner of the windshield or a right corner of the 35 windshield. Generally, a horizontal variation range of maximally about 30 degrees will be sufficient.

Figure 3 below shows a schematic view of the calibration function. Rotating (R) the knob 13 will provide in a variation of the vertical angle of the camera. A sliding movement (F) of the knob 13 6 in the slit 15 will provide for a variation of the horizontal viewing angle of the camera, that is provided inside the housing 14.

As a matter of fact, an adjustment of the viewing angles of the camera may be obtained by means of a calibration knob that is pro-5 vided inside the housing and that can be reached at by means of a screw driver or the like. Then, a smooth appearance of the camera housing is obtained.

Furthermore, a calibration means may be provided for a variation of the camera's horizon angle, by adjusting the knob 13 in a 10 direction H as indicated in Fig. 3. Then, positioning the suction cup 5 exactly horizontally to the windshield 8 is of minor importance. By adjusting the horizon angle of the camera 1 pictures taken by the camera 1 will be levelled out at all times. In such a case the slit 15 should preferably be embodied as a round hole (not shown in this 15 figure), allowing variations in both directions F and H.

The camera of the present invention provides the possibility of collecting images of the roads in a central server. For example, the camera or the navigation device may be provided with a wireless or wired connection with a telephone, preferably one with a UMTS or 20 other high speed wireless connection, for example LTE (long term evolution) or LTE2. Every fixed or dynamically calculated time period an image can be sent to the central server. Especially in case of traffic congestion, images of vehicles in front of the said congestion may provide images so as to enable traffic controllers to determine 25 the reason of said congestion. In case of an accident, police and paramedics may be ordered to go to the specific location. Providing a gps-system in the camera or using the navigation device's gps-system, will help further in determining the exact location of the vehicle and hence of the accident.

30 The central server may be provided with control means to in struct the camera or navigation device to amend the send frequency. Such is useful in case of normal traffic circumstances where a low frequency is sufficient. In case of congestion or an accident, a higher frequency may be useful.

35 In case of car theft or the like search for a specific car, the cameras may be used to identify the identity of cars in the vicinity of said vehicle containing the camera. Image processing may be performed centrally.

7

The wireless camera may include first and second antennas, a receiver, a driver circuit, an image sensor, a correlated double sampling (CDS) unit, a gain control unit, a transmitter and a power source. Of course, the wireless camera may also include various other 5 or different components as will be known to those skilled in the art. The wireless camera may be in communication with an video receiver unit that is configured to transmit signals recorded by the wireless camera over a communications network, and to receive a series of video signals for display on a screen.

10 The images taken from the image sensor, which may consist of still or video images, is a so-called raw analog output from the image sensor which is fed into a CDS unit, as is generally applied for converting analog to digital images. The CDS unit takes a first sample and a second sample of the raw analog output. The CDS unit 15 then generates a filtered output that corresponds to the difference between said first and second samples. The purpose of this step is to remove low frequency noise and any offsets common to both samples.

The filtered output of the CDS unit is then fed into a so-called gain control unit, which controls the gain of the filtered 20 output in order to prevent later stages from being overloaded. Gain-controlled output of the gain control unit is fed into a transmitter for modulation. The modulated image signals are then transmitted to a receiver unit.

A person skilled in the art will recognize that the above func-25 tional components may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the image sensor may take the form of a charge-coupled device (CCD), CMOS sensor, or the like. The transmitter, receiver, and antennas may operate according to a variety of protocols, including the IEEE 802.11 RF wireless standards (i.e., 802.11, 802.11a, b, g or n), 30 Bluetooth, HiperLan, and HiperLan/2. The CDS may take the form of two parallel sample-and-hold circuits. The gain control unit may be either an automatic or manual gain control circuit, both of which are well known in the art. And the power source may take the form of a battery, examples of which are well known in the art.

35 Finally, the camera according to the invention may be used as a surveillance camera. It may have a direct connection with a memory card for storing the images.

1037443

Claims (11)

A device for placing against a windscreen of a vehicle which comprises a suction cup for placing against the windscreen, the device having an inside which is enclosed by the suction cup and the windscreen and having an outside which is directed away from the windscreen, with characterized in that the device further comprises: an inner camera facing the windshield, and a directing means for changing the position of the camera in at least one of a horizontal and vertical axis. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inside of the direction is non-reflecting. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the directing means can be operated from the outside of the device. 15 4. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, which further comprises at least one of: a power supply selected from at least one of a connection to a power supply of the vehicle, a battery and a solar cell which is optionally connected to the battery for 20 loading it; an on / off button for activating and inactivating, respectively, the camera; image processing means for processing image data captured with the camera; and storage means for storing the processed images. 5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein said device comprises transfer means for transferring image data from the camera to a receiving device for processing or displaying the data, wherein the transfer means are selected from at least one of wireless transfer means and 30 wired transmission means, said transmission means being selected from, for example, one of Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, firewire, HDMI or the like. 6. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises a windscreen holder of a navigation device. 1037443 7. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, which comprise connecting means for connecting the device to a display, wherein the connecting means are selected from at least one of wireless connecting means and wired connecting means, wherein the display is for instance selected from an -Vigation device, a mobile phone, a PDA, a computer with a screen, and a television. Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the device comprises a power supply that can be connected to a power supply in the navigation device or to a power supply of the vehicle. 9. Device as claimed in any of the claims 6-8, wherein the device comprises image processing means for processing data obtained from the camera. 10. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device comprises a replaceable memory storage card, for storing recorded data or processed data. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera is a high definition camera, a night view camera, a standard definition camera, or the like. 25 1037443