WO2007084990A2

WO2007084990A2 - Camera and display device for use with vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2007084990A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/060779
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mervin A. Dayan; Maurice S. Dayan
Original assignee: Intellectual Solutions, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-01-20
Filing date: 2007-01-19
Publication date: 2007-07-26
Also published as: CA2609338A1; WO2007084990A3

Abstract

A safety system ibr use with a vehicle. The camera is capable of wirelessly transmitting signals to a display device. The camera is capable of being adjusted after being mounted to a vehicle. The display device may also he adapted to receive video signals trom a video player.

Description

CAMERA AND DISPLAY OEVlCJE FOR USE WITH VEHICLES €ross-ReterfiKce to Related Patent Applications ϊ he present application is a continuation in part of United States

isioruii Application 11/567.504. filed December 6_S 2006, whkh is in turn a eo&tmi&tioπ-uHi&ri of United Sales Design Paten: Application 29/252.238. filed Jaauaij 20. 2006, tailed Stance Design Patent Application 29/252,239. filed Jammr> 20, 2006, t aiκκl States Design Patent Application ZΨ1522%, Hied January 20, 2006. United States Design Patent Application 29/258,861, filed April 28, 2006 and United States Design Patent Application 2<V258,86^ filed Λpiil 28.2006 and also claims the benefit oi^' United States FroviMoπal Patent. A|ψlic8tioa 60 '826.61$. fύsxl Sqscmber22, 2006 mid I Jaitcd States

Pateni Apphcatioπ 60/^S2.oSL illed December 2^C?, 2006 the entireties of ulikh £rø hereby iπcorpoiatεd by refsr«αec iti their etuirett«$.

Fieϊd of the laveadoa

[(M)OI I Υhα present invention relates generally to safety systems in vehicles, and ppecificully to systems and methods for monitoring an area behind a vehicle.

Biickgrottiid of the Isveniion

[8θδ2| When opciating a vehicle in reverse iϊ h sαmoiimcά difiϊciilt to f rope* i> view cverjtlimg that

it Fn the psst people have aitcmpted to ameliorate the lack of

m reverse by placing mirrors &t vaihm locations throughout the cat. Mirrors have proven to be & reliable method of viewing tilings while in reverse. However the usage of mntors Ls still piagaed by not having a toiaJiy -unobstructed view of the space behind a vehicle.

|0003] Recently, the usage of cauiera*; &nά censors lias become popular in order to detect ϊhe presence cfileiBS hehkd a vehicle. The detection of Items previous!) υnsecn through the usage of mirrors has prevented many unfortunate

of these devices problems isijlϊ perøsε.

|0004] When mcimtlng a camera on a vehicle its placement is Important so »:> to offer a proper view of those objects located behind it. Many cameras are unable to provide a proper viewing angle tor the

upon whkii it is mounted. Therefore there is a need for a camera that is capable uf being pioperly mounted on α vehicle mxά ilvxl is able to be adjusted m order to coaipoπsate for the vaπstiom in the structure of different \ eMelc^ |øθ05f Additionally., emπeras that

mounted on vehicles arc exposed to the effects of the εm ύomncm, such as changes in temperature, humidity, etc. can cause moisture to form on the lens thereby decreasing the efϊtecihcucss of the camera, Theiefcse it is additionally im.portu.r3t to ensure that ihe clarity of ihe lens is not compromised as resuk of environmental factors.

|!HHΪ6| Furthermore,, dye to the cost of display devices ii may prose beneficial to further provide additional functionality to existing diϊ?pla> devices so that entertainment ma> be provided as SΛCH as safety features.

|OΘO7| Thus, there is a need for & camera and display device fur a vehicle thai is able to provide appropriate angles of view mid remaia ααcompromised during exposure to the environment.

Summary at the Invention

|000β| it k therefore sn obtcct ttf the present invention, to provide a systeπj and msthod that provides for improved viewing of the aiea behind a \ chicle. fθ089| Another object of the present

is to provide a system for viewing the area behitnJ a \ elucle that can be properly and easily installed by end users.

(0010 j StHI aύmher object of the present Imentioti h to piovide a system and method for the area behind a Schick that allows vertical fJppmg tu the transmitted .mage.

|00ll| Yet anther object of the present invention Is 1o provide a tireless backup camera &Λ stem.

|0012 i A ζwnhϋv object of ihe present im'ention is to provide a system and method for viewing the area behind a vehicle that affords a& adjustable aiigle of the camera Ions.

|0013] Yet another object of the prese&t invention ts to provide a system and tϊiethod tor \ levying the area behind a vehicle that afiαrds an adjustable angle ot^'tlie camera vύthoiu rci.{uύing nϊiroiiϊϊting of the camera.

|00!4| Λ yet lmithcsr object of ihe present invention is to provide & system and method for viewing the area behind a vehicle that minimizes foggiug of the camera tens.

|001S| A still fertile!- object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for viewing ths area behmd a vehicle that provides automatic activaiwn 'operation of the component [0Θ16| Yet another object of the present invention h to provide a system and method for viewing the <«ea behind α vehicle that further pro\ ides a user of the system to utilise the dbpla> device in order to also ύew images received from a \ ideo

|ΘOt?| These mid other objects are met by the present invention, which ύi a first aspect can be a system fo? monitoring &n area, arorød a vehicle comprising: a camera provided vuthin a bousing, whcrem the camera produces an image signal based upon a received image, wherein the camera has α roggns for adjustably positioning the camera a. the rear of a vehicle; a transmitter operablj cøtfpkil to the camera for iransinittmg the image signals: a Ussplaj device having a means for mounting the display device ^ithia a passenger compartment of the vehicle_* the display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the image signal: an image processing unit operably connected to the receh or.

the image processing unit is capable of manipulating the image signal in onler io invert the received image; and wherein the display device is operably connected to the image processing unit and adapted to ths received image, fOOIS] ϊn αno&ei the invemion caα be a system for monitoring an arez άvotmά a vehicle cnmprising; a telling adapted Iw mounting to a rear portion of a vehicle; a camera provided within the first housing, wherein the camera produces a Irøt image signal certespottdlRg to a perceived image: a transmitter tirelessly transmitting the first image signal received from the camera: a display

having a means for mounting the display device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the display device fuϊthor comprismg a receiver for receiving ilw first image signal; an image processing unit operably connected io the rεceis'er, therein the itinagc processing unit is capable of manipulating tlie received first imago ήgn&l anύ α second image signal; and an image signal witch operably connected to the image

unit, wherein the image signal switch is capable of switching between sending the first image signal a«d the second image signal to the image processing unn: and wherein the display device is operably connected to the image processing unit and adapted to display an image based on the iϊrst image signal or the second image signal.

[0019] in yet another aspect the invention can be a system for nionitoring aa area around s vehicle cotaprismg: s camera provided within a homing, wherds tbe camera produces a lϊrst image signal based upon a received image, axid further wherein the camera has a means for adjusiabiy positioning the camera at the rear of a vehicle; a transmitter operahh coupled ia the cataeia lor transmitting the first Image signals: a display device having a means ff»r mounting the 4ispla> device Λvithln a passenger compartm^m of the \ chicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the first image signal; an image processing unit opcrabiy ccvniiscxed to the receiver, wherein the image processing xrøit is capable of πκmϊjmlatmg the received first image signal and a second image signal; an image signal svMteh operαb-> connected to tlie image processing unit wherein the image signal switch is capable of swUchmg between sending fee first image signal ami the second Image signal to the image processing unit aad wtierein the display device is operably connected to the image processing unit and adapted io display the fust image signal or the second image signal,

|6Θ2O] Tfese a«d various other advantages

ihat characterise the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto find forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the in\ cxύiotu its advantages, and the objects obt&iaed by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and io the accompanying descriptive matter, m which there is illustrated snd described α preferred embodiment of tho invention.

Brief Deseπptioa of the Drawings

|0021| FRs- 1 is a front view of the system having a camera, disphj device and stand, according to an embodiment of the piesent invention, fO023J Frø. 2 is a Cami view of the display device, holder and stand ofFϊO. I, according to an. embodiment oftbe present invention-

[9Θ231 FlCi ^a h a rear viε^ of a camera of FlG_* L according to tm. embodimeat of the present inveniicm.

[0024] FlO. 3b « a side view of the camera of MG. 1. [0825| FlG. 3c is a front view of ihe camera of FIG. L fθø26| FiG, 3d is a ctoss-sectiosof view of a camera FIG I takes along the line I shown in TlG. 3b,

|1⁾037] FiO. 4a is a front view of a positioner according to an embodiment of the present hrventfoa.

|0Θ2S| FXu 4b is a side view of the positioner of FΪG.4a.

[0029] Fl⁽1. 5 illustrates the aitachmeEt of the camera of FKX 1 to a \ebtcle through the usage of the posiiiorse? shown m FIO. 4a, according so an embodiment of the present invention. (0030] FKI 6 is a rear view of a second embodiment of the camera having a transmitter located in a second housing,

[0031 ] FlG.7a is a schematic of the electrical components of ihe camera of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

|0032f FKl 7b k a schematic of the electrical components of the display device of FIG. 1. according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(8833] FlG. 8 is circuit diagram tor an image sensor and its associated components whicύ are part of the camcsa shown in VlG. 1. according to an embodiment of the present invention,

)Θ034] PiO. 9 is a eiicuit diagram of the tnansmittei and its associated components which arc part cf the camera shown in FJG, L according to an embodiment of the pmscnl invention.

|^βO35] FK I. IO h a circuit diagram of a receiver and its associated components which are put of the display device shown Is FICi 1 , according to ail emtodm^αu of the present invention.

|ΘCB6J MG. 1 ! is a circuit diagram for the CPU. the display, and

which are pan of the display device shown in FIG. L aecordisg to an embodiment of tiie present

|0θ37| Ϊ-I(i. 12 shoves a \iew of θiiaitεrϋatlse embodiment υfihe camera -v^herelu the camera Is capable of toeing adjusted,

|δO38| MCs. I? άkm.λ a side ikw of the camera in accordance with the embodiment shou» in Figure 12 fO03$| Fig. 14 shows a top down view of the camera shown In FΪG< 12 ϋirther illustrating the itJterior mechanism for adjusting tbe camera.

|0O4!>] FfO. 15 illustrates tho interior mechanism for adJTistiug ihύ ctmiexn shown ta FIG, 13. |004i ] FiG- 16 ill«j,uates Ike interior mechanism for the camera shown in MU. 15,

|0042( FIG. I? illustrates the operation of the camera m accordance to the embodiment shgvui h FlCs, 12.

|0043| FIG. 18 k a from view of the system having a camera, display device and stand adaplM to seceive video signals from a video player, according to as sllemath e embodiment of the present invention. j$t)44] FiCI 19 is u schematic of a system thai uses liie display device according to the embodiment shows m FIG. IS, Detailed Description of the Brawiags

|δO45] A Mat view of the system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the i&Stant invention is shown IB FKX 1 , The system IQQ has a camera 30 and a display device 10, A holding device 28 miά a stand 22 may also be part of the system 100. The display device i0 and die- camera 30 are discussed in greater thtύl below. f$MH6] FIG.2 is a front view of the display device. 10 shown in FlG, ! . The display device 10 is a compact device that is placed within a vehicle. The. display housing 26 comprises line mala body of the display device 10. Placed within the display housing 26 are the electrical components tlmt exiaMe ©per-stioa mά control of the screen 24, Reference can Ix- made to FIGS. 6b, $ and 10 for more detailed information regarding the electrical components of the display device 10 md the corresponding circuitry, f$IM7f OK the front of the display housing 26 a screen 24 is located. The screen 24 may bo shsed in order to aSbrd a proper view to the operator of the vehicle in which it is placed. The screen 24 show. i« FSO.2 is roughly 2.5 inches when measured diagonally. However it is to be understood that the size of screen 24 may vary depending upon the ske of the vehicle and viewing seeds of the operator of the vehicle. The screen 24 may bε a thin flks liquid crystal display, or alternatively some other type of display device that is capable of being able to produce- an image,

[004S| Placed along one side of the front of the display housing 26 are a nutate of controls The controls that are placed oa display device 10 control various features of the camera 30 and/or the display device 10. ϊπ addition Io the controls there may be a status Uφi 20 ihat mdjcates whether or not Che display device 10 is powered on or not. The status light 20 is preferably located on the front of the display device 10 so as to be visible.

|004&] Still referring to FIO. 2, an increase brightness button 18 is provided below lhe status light 20 and may be depressed in order to increase the bxigM&css of the screen 24, Also placed on the display device 10 is & decrease brightness fouttoft .12, The decrease brightness button 12 Is αsedio lower the brightness of the screen 24, It is also possible to combine the control features of the increase brightness button 18 miά the decrease brightness button 12 iaio one button for control.

|00Sϋ] Still referring to FIG. 2, below the increase brightness button 18 is the view adjust button 16. The view adjust button 16 is capable of being depressed m order to change the angle aad/or view that is displayed on screen 24. The image shows may be a forward image. a mirror image, a forward xvpsykic down Image, a mirror upside down image, or sotns other alterative image type, Iu the event that more than one camera 30 would be used It Is possible: to have the \ lew adjust button 16 switch between the different cameras 30. Iu aiother alternative embodiment H may be possible to use the view adpsi button 16 to røampukte the direction in which the camera 30 points^,, through the maisϋpulatiGn of hcxs os, etc.

|ΘO51| l^'h*5 pawtψ button 14 is placed % lth ths other controls. Depressing xhs power button 14 turns the display device 1 ϋ on and off. It is also possible to have additions^" buεtoas. laiobs anti_'rø dials placed o» the display device 10 for controlling either the display device 10 or ύm camera 30 in as alternative embodiment of the instant invention the display device 10 is activated upon receipt of aa image signαJ sent Jxom the camera 30 by the transmitter. This insures that the operator of the

will have access to the visibility afforded by the system 100 and not be required to manually activate the dispkj device 10. Display

ke 10 ma) also be activated upon the- starting the vehicle, or

the car is placed into u certain gear.

100521 Retimihifϊ now to FlG. 1 as uell as FlCi 2, the display housing 26 is placed inside a holding device 28 thai is steed and shaped to hold the display dc\ ice 10 securely while inside a vehicle. The holding device 28 may

securement mea«ϊs placed on the inside surface that can further Ncciirely held the display device 10, or, as in FIG.2. the shape of the hoidiug dtn ice 28 may be cradls the display

2o ia such a manner so a& to prevent dislodgmerit duaag the operation of the vehicle. The holding

2$ may

additkrøal secutwmcnt mcaas ihat may he attached to tlie bottom of the holding dsvice 28 and may be fuilhcf attached to the display housing 26, The further seeuremeat moans may coasisi of placing a male projection

a female receptacle oa the holding device 28, Λ stand 22 U attached to tii« holding deuce 2$ via a swivel member 29 so that it is capable en^' being is%jve!ed wher placed uith a vehicle,

|0O53] The stand 22 is capable of being mounted to tlie interior of a vehicle. The mounting means m&y be adheane material thai i<, placed on the bottom of the stand 22 m thai the ^f ^d 22 may be attached io the surface of a dashboard or some other interior of the vehicle, Alternatively, there røsy be hook and loop iasicner tape attached to tlie dashboard &&<$ the corre-spondϊBg material attached to the base of the siand 22. This peimits the staad 22 to easily placed and lemoved from tlie ititerior of the vehicle. [00541 Preferably the stand 22 sad the display device IO are placed m a location where the operator of the vehicle is capable of seeing it. Hie display device 10 may bε attached to the visors used ύi a vehicle, to the rear-view mirror, or to the windshield. When mounting the display device 10 directly to a \ isor or mirror it may τu>i be necessary io use the hoidei 2£ or the itand ?2, bovsevcr lht\se devices may still be used b conjunction with other meatis for seeming the display device IO to the interior of the vehicle.

(CHItSSI The display device 10 may use batteries in order to operate it or may alternatively use a 12 volt adaptor that is plugged into a vehicle's lighter socket Alternatively, the display device 10 m&> have a povsec cable attached to a vehicle's fu<>e block, it may also be possible to hardvύre the disspiaj device KK as well as the camera 30, to the reverse light circuit. When hardwir d κ> the reverse light circuit tha display device 10 will switch on when the vcMde is placed into rø. erse and \\ ill turn off %\ hen placed into drive or forward.

|0056] FKlS ?a-3d Illustrate a wifeless camera 30, according to the embodiment of the present invention άhown In FIG. 1. from a

of angles. The camera 30 !«s a housing 34. that contains the electrical componenis and internal circuitry of the camera 30. Reiemiee can be made to FK JS_* 7a. 8 and 9, wherein this circuitry is tUus&ateU and discussed in further detail below. The housing 34 may be sealed watei tight mrng & gasket seal or some other ts pe of mechanism that is able to picvcat the entπ of moisture into tlic liousing M of the camera 30. The space within the homing 34 ma) be prcssuήxed with an mert gas, which may he a non-reactive gas, such as CO2, Na (niuogea gas), or a aubk gat> ^neh a? heilutn, xenon, etc* in order to purge a!! moisture from the camera 30 and from the component? of &s transmitter 125. Removal of flic moisfurt* lrom the housing 34 prevents- ύie lens ?6 from becoming clouded or logged when it is exposed to the Λ ariabk conditions of the environment i®057] Attached to the homing 34 i$ a leiis 36. The leas 3ι> shou-n ia FfGS.3b-3d has a vertical camera view mg tuigie of tip to 80° and a hori/oaU! view ing angle of 1 ! 0^β. Hie vertical viewing angle may be up to 100^β and the horizontal viewing angle may be xψ to 170°. Preferably the lens 36 has an ultra-violet coating for light gathering and αrapiϊficaiioα. it a!so may be pteferabk to provide the ten*i 36 with an additional layer of coring in order to prevent tiny scratches ihai may owαr from small accidents UΪ other events- or alternstiveiy construct the lens out of materials sudi as plasties or polycarbonate- [005S] The housing 34 of the camera 30 has a pair of elongated Usages 3S that exlend from IL The flanges 38 extend is a lengthwise direction from the bousing 34 <mά are roughly ISO⁰ apart from each other. The flanges 3S have flange holes 32 which are- spaced from the housing 34 at approximately equal distances from the housing 34, The flange holes 32 are used in otdes to seeme the camera 30 to the rear of a vehicle 60» Hie tlaage hole 32 is preferably oval shaped so as to have a sufficient amount of clearance space in ordsi to accommodate attachment to the various structures of different vehicles. The flange fioks 32 may e oihur geoϊseirk shapes depending upon the respective seeds of the attachment devices and the haidwam ysed.

|δ0591 Also contained within the housing 34 may be a wue 37 thai further extends from a portion of the rear. The wire 37 is provided so as to be attached to a ntmet scarce, such as xtie circuit that c^nirαb the lights that acth ated when a vehicle is placed into reverse , It ma> St-JO be possible- for the camera 30 to

an interna: power supply, such as <t battery, instead of the atre 37. føθόøj K cf erring now u> FIO. 4, an alierαsUϊve embodiment of tlie camera ?0 is shown in which the tr&n^«*«ntιet 125 is placed outside of the bousing 34 that Ls used for iiie cameta 30. ϊ^'hδ 2Λ Gl i/ \\ ireloss signal that is emitted from the transmitter 125 must penetrate the steel body of a vehicle αrΛ travel the distance to the receiver 135 that ii> located vύthiπ the housing 26. The omitted image signal preferable arrives at the receiver 135

sufficient sireπgUi ^o tϊiat it is able to \ klύ a good stable image on the screen.

1006 J 1 1 he output pcrwcr of the transmitter 125 m&y not be increased in the I " S, or FCC rules are violated. However, the transmitter antenna 112 can be rtkncd so that it Is pkceJ within the body of α veMck and closer to the receiver 135. As shown tn FIO.4, This is done b> piaciag ai (east a pomoR of the transmitter 125 within a transmitter housing 39, which may act as a ground plane. The transmitter antenna 112 transmits the signal. The iiar&xmUer amcnxia 1 12 mav be cosnecU-d to the other slecUiea! components of the triujsmitier L25 via a length of coaxial cabk, while ouK the transmitter antenna 112 is υlactjd withtbf imϊismϊtief housing

entire transmitter 125 may be located within the transmitter housing 30, The coaxial cable i& preferably flexible wiring.

|0#62] The coaxial cable is mn in parallel to the wire 3\ and both may be covered by a piece of float shrink tubing, aUcniaήveiy the transmitter 125 and the tranxmiuer antenna 112 may he exposed. The result of locating the transmitting antenna 112 in&kh the vehicle Is so that there is improved signal strength, and les& interference from externa! devices.

J®063] Referring now to Figs, 5a and 5b the- positioner 40 is used during the iustal-ation of the- earners 30, Preferably mounting the camera 30 involves the use of one or more positioners 4ϋ> The positioner 40 as illustrated may be made of .flexible plastic material, rubber material, and/or some other flexible material

|0064| FIO. Sa Is a front view of an embodiment of (he positioner 40 used in the instant IfiventKiii The positioner 40 is a ring-like -structure that is circular in sfcapo wheα viewed from the front. The positioner 40 has a hole 42 that is also circular is shape and extends through the body of the positioner 40,

[0065] The side view of (lie positioner 40 shown in Fig, 5b illustrates that one side of the positioner 40 may be sloped, thereby forming a wedgelike structure. The sloped face of the positioner 40 helps angle/orient the camera 30 so thai ii is positioned properly when mounted io a vehicle. The slope preferably has an angle θ between 15-75°, however it may be adjusted depending upon the specific needs of the vehicle upon which the camera 30 is to be mounted. The positioner hole 42 msy also have a sloped interior ?o as to properly orient a screw 70 during the mtnmtiag process,

[0066J & is possible to provide a plurality of positioners 40 that are angled at: a variety of different slopes. The angle ø of the slope used may vary based upon the desired orientation of the camera 30 and the structure of the vehicle, with respect to the distance of the mounting location, to the ground (e.g, the difference between a sports utility vshick aad a aedrm in terms of the distance of the rear from the ground). The iffigle θ inFΪG. 4b adjusts the slope of tlie device. The smaller the angle θ the steeper the slope will be. Preferably the system comes with a plurality of positioners 40. having a variety of angles 8, in order to accommodate mounting the camera 30 on say type of vehicle, f 0067] FK3. 6 shows the mouotmg of the camera 30 to a vehicle 60, The camera 30 may be mounted through the license jύ&tv 50 of vehicle 60 by using the flange holes 32, the positioner holes 42, the plate holes 52 and the bolt holes 62.

[006Sj During the mounting process a screw 70 Is placed through &e positioner hole 42 of a fust positioner 40 that the sloped face is angled away torn lhff vehicle 60. The screw 70 is further placed through the flange hole 32 of the flange 38, On the other side of the flange 38 Is & second positioner 40, The sccorsd positioner 40 has & sloped άde that is sloped κ>war<ls the vehicle 60.

|0069] The screw 70 is placed through the flange hob ^2 of the second positioner 40. From that pomt it i« the placed through the plate hole 52 of the plate 50. The screw ^*?0 is ftnal!) placed in the bolt hole 62 of the \ ehicle 60, This acts to secure the caαaera 30 tc* the vehicle 60.

|0070| The -usage of the two positioners 40 cooperate to orient the camera 30 so that it is pointing tow aids th<? sm face on which the vehicle t>0 is situated. Λs noted above the slope of the positioner 40 provided

the angle 0 may vary depending on the structure of the vehicle 60 {e.g. mounting on a SUV versus a sedan), The angled mounting permits the viewing of objects ihά' t noιmά' V>y would be iuVfcibks from a xear-vicvv mirror.

[0071 J It should be understood that tπøuaUag the camera 30 is not limited to the method described aho\e. Other means for mounting the camera 3d to the vehicle 60 mas be used, such us sdheshvs, magnetb, etc. It ma> also be possible to mount the camera 30 so that tlte direc^tion in v%hkh It poύits is controllable ik>m the inside of the vehidc. This may by accomplished though the usage of .servos or other devices attached toihe interior of the camera 30 ?o that it can adjust and oiient the camera 30.

|0O72) FiG. 7a shows tlis electrical componcnus of the camera 30 that are located -within the hoiking 34 in one cmbodimeπi of the instant m\ enύon. As shown 1« FIG. ?a, connected to the iens 36 Is an image- sensor i 11 thai converts the light received through the leas 36 into electrical impulses, the image sensor 111 may be a CMOS_* or some other appropriate sensor,

[0073] Still referring to FIG. 7a, attached to the image sensor U l h the image signal processing circuitry 122. This cireuUry takes the Information icceivcd from the image ses&ot IU aitU placet !ι into a ibrmai usable by the display device 10. Connected Io the image signal processing clrαύtx) 122 \s an BMh2 crystal controlled oscillator I IS and a phased locked loop 116. which

jpart of tlie transmitter 124. These two devices generate a 24 QHz RF sigaai The produced signal is sent to the phase array ! 14 for Lofsiiøft and an-plifieatioiiv The ampHfiαl signal is ihsw sent to the transmitter antenna 112 is timed for 2.4 i}Hz and mmsmits th^ generated signal to the dispk) device 10. ϊt is possible ι« trans>mu the signal at other frequencies sωά ønq is not limited to transmitting at 2.4 Ql k.

|00741 Also part of the electrical components that may be placed within the hoαsiag 34 of the camera 30 is fbc swhchmg power supply 124. The switching power supply circuitry 124 is provided for creating +3.3 V and +5V from the O volt DC energy from the vehicle. This provides power κ> the camera 30. The power is typically gathered through the wire 37. shown m FiGS. 3a-3d* that is attached to the wire that lights the revere lights. This in turn activates the camera 50 when ihe vehicle is placed in rex erse.

J9075} Inside the display device K) are a number of electrical components that ϋτanslbrm (he signal received from the camera 30 into an image displayed t«i the display des'ice 10« The transmitted image signal is received at receiver 135

the receiving antenna 146. to the embodiment shtnva in FIG. ?b the receiving anteima Ϊ46 h timed to 2.4 GRs. it should be understood that the receiving antenna 146 may be toaed to whatever frequency that that the image signal is being transmitted at. f 0076) b'urthermofe. receipt of the image signal may in turn ainomalteally trigger the display device IO to bs activated. Automatic activation of the display device 10 permits the display device IO robe activated without requiring a separate action fmm the user thereby insuring that the accurate viewing of the area behind the vehicle will be achieved.

[6077] Still referring to PlG. 7b and in particular to those components of the? receiver 135, a low noise amplifier (LNA) 144 is provided inside the display housing 26 in order to booM the 2.4 GUz signal that is received via The receiving antenna 146. An B MI I/, crystal controlled oscillator 138 and phase locked loop (PLl.) 140 are also provided ir&ϊcle the housing 26 so as to generate a base fre^υencv.

J 0078] Also pmt of the receiver 125, a mixer 142 is> provided thai is connected Io the LNA 144 and the PLI, 140, The mixer 142 combines the received 2.4 GΪ-IVJ sϊgαsJ a«d the base freqϊisncy to create an Unermediate frequency (IF). The Intermediate; frequency signal i$ then sent to the intermediate amplifier 128 which increases the strength of the signal.

[θβ7§] Still referring to FIG, 7b. The intermediate frequency signal is then sent to a video demodulator 12ϋ Tilt* video demodulator strips away the IF and leaves only fee image signal, which is then $ont to aa integrated circuit 132. Ia lbte embodiment shown in FlG, 7b the integrated circuit 132 is a thin film technology (TFT) driver,

100861 A driver circuit 132 is provided for setting up and supplying the correct signals far the display 24. As discussed above, the screen 24 shows the images tliat are received from ifo? image signals. The driver eiπmit 132 is connected to both the screen 24, and ύm central processing unit (CPU) 123, f008l| lhe CPU 123 is used for conttoiHng receive* functions, usmg Image enhancement software, enabling image rotation and inversion, aad providing color. The CPV 123 receives the signal? generated from the operation of the controls placed on

front of the disspja) housing 2b, For example, when the brightness is adjusted, or the Image angle is to be switched the CPO 123 receives the signal and acts upon it The CPU 123 is also connected to the switching power supply circuitry and is used for creating the > 3.3V, the - SY, the * 12V. &nύ the ~14Y from, the 12 ΩC \oltage provided by the vehicle.

[0082J Image rotation and iαver_dαa. is provided so that m the event that tine camera 30 k mounted ineoπectiy. the mage ma> be &miply adjusted so thai there 1$ no need to reraocnl the csiϊtϊera 30

|0083] FIGv H shows a diagram of the circuit 200 that is used for the rnage censor 111 Sϊϊd Us associated compoacais. Slioun in circuit 200. H2 Volt of direct cmreat is applied through a zener diode 21 1 that provides reverse polarity voltage protection ior the camera 30, The capacitors 212 and the capacitor 213 set as filters in the circuit 2(K). The MOSMVT iraiisLsSor 214 and the voltage regulator 215 form a current re-gufeted ^5 V DC regulator in Lhe ciremi 200. Thi inductor 216s capacitor 217. mά capacitor 218 filter lhe output that ceaiei ftom the regulator ϊ\>m\cά by MOSFBT ttatisistor 214 and regulator 215. The resistors 2 l^c) and 220 establish a vυluge reierence for the regulate* 215.

[0084] Sensor circuit 221 and its associated components convert the light passing through lhn caraora lcπ> 36 into electrical impaLses and detertnine the uutomax>«; gam eofstrol I A(HJ) levels sxiά the video sync frequency for either PΛ! or NfSC formats, In the instant invention PAL is used . hew ever ii is to ba understood that other acceptable formats may he nana, The composite vi&jo output of the sensor 111 is then fed to the circuii 300 of the transmitter 125.

10085] FIO. 9 shows the circuit 300 that Ls used for the transmitter 125 mid UB asOOchiteά components. Image input from ihe sensor 111 is shov-n on flic far left side of tS.e circuit diagr-aπs. 1 he compoMte image signal passes through a series of filtets that ate composed of imhiciois 31 L tapackoff! 313. and resϊϋtors 312. These components operate together i& order L* form a bandpass filter thai keeps unwanted frequencies from reaching the trammhtci mtvgrated circuit 320. f(lβ8<>! Siiil retbrrmg to the circuit diagram shoun m FlG. 9, tlie voltage regulator 330 and its associated components eomerl -^»-5 YDC to ÷3.3 VDC for ϊlie integrated transmitter cireuit 320. The transmitter circuit ?20 is a 2,4 GIJz audioΛisual transmitter. Iu ihe emkxilmetit shown In MCiS. 1 „ 3a~3ti and 4 only the visual section ss used, however it is possible to utilize the audio section should one add a microphone to the camera 30.

(098?] The oscillator 118 is used by the transmitter circuit 320 to establish a frequency reference. Fhϊs frequency is divided by die internal PLL 116 into one of four frequencies 2.414 GHz, 2.432 GHΛ 2.450 GH/, 3.468 GH/. Control of the PLL 116 k determined by grounding combinations of inputs 321 to the transmitter circuit 320.

[0888} The 2,4 Ulϊ/. KV output from the transmitter circuit 320 passes through km pass, and bandpass fillers consisting of the inductors 322, the capacitors 523, and a 3 phi Surface Acoustic iSAW) filter 324 to the transmitter antenna 112.

[088*11 The transmitter antenna 112 may be a simple wire placed inside the camera, bousing 34. as shown in FIGS. 3a-3d. or it can be a V: wave dipole at the end of a coaxial cable attached to the camera 30 that permits the transmitter antenxis 112 iv> be located inside the body portfon of the vehicle shown in FIG. 4.

{00901 Fl-G. 10 i* a diagram of the circuit 400 for the 2.4 Gl fø receiver 146 and its associated components. The 2,461 b RK signal is picked up by the receiver antemia 146. which may fee a simple wire thai is placed inside ύm housing 26. The transistors 411 ami their associated components amplify the RF signal and feed It to the receiver circuit 415. Ilie receiver circuit 415 is aa migrated eitculi The receiver circuit 415 and its associated components fonts a complete Rf receiver 135 with the crystal 138- the PLL 140. and die IF αmpliJkr 128. automatic gain control, &nύ video outputs 416- The input pin? select one of four frequencies, whichever is the same frequency &s that «j>cd bv tbe transmitter 125, Λ \olfage regulator 417 regulates ⁺5 V DC to -"-3.3 V PC Video output from the receiver circuit 4] 5 is fed to the CPU cifcitit 500. føθDif FIG, 1 1 is a diagram of the circuit 500 for the CΨO 134, the screen 24, and the pwer supply 136, Povver ibr the display device 10 iss applkd through the $vmc type of circuit that the transmJtter i 12

plaά additional regulators and a DC to DC convene? provide; all the nsjcessary voltages for flic CPU 134, the driver circuit 132 . and the display 24. fd($2J The driver circuit 132 is located in the «pper left section of FlO. 11. Associated components provide power, brightness, contrast, and image rotate and inversion control funcUfiis to the screen 24

|D0*>3I The CFt drciiit 510 is located in the upper right section oFFICs. 11. It accepts the imags signal f?om xhe receiver 146 and provides image processing and color balance. |Q094| Tne display circuit 51 I h located in the icψ ctmer of the page, It receives kaagisg data from the display circuit 511 of the CPU 134, and control signals from ikz driver circuit 132. The display ckcoή 511 turns the electrical impulses back into tiny pixels of light in the coiTcci colors hi vrd&T to recreate the image seen by the camera 30.

|009S] FKL 12 allows an aUermUh e embodiment of the camera 30 wherein the cameia ?0 Ls capable of being adjustably positioned at the rear υf a vehicle, The camera 30 is located wϊthm housing 34 and is operable in the same mariner as the camera 30 diseased above, hi the embodiment shown in FJG_* 12, the housing 34 is mounted on the base 41 s>o as to be adjustable, lhe base 41 ami bousing 34 house a ratcheting mechanism for permitting the camera.30 to be ratcheted along &n a*e defined by the iuigle 0 a⁵.

in FKl 17. f009όf FIG. 13 shows a side view of a» embodiment of the camera ?0 illujiiratod in FlG, 12, As shown irons tills view an end cap 37 is mounted on the end of the ratchet bur 33_Λ shewn :Ώ FlO 14. The end cap 37 may be used hγ an individual in order to adjust the orkntaikm of the camera 30 via ratcheting. U m&} also be possible to depress the end cap 3^" In order to release the anti-rollback iBechamsm 35, discussed below, that μeπnks. th* camera 30 k> be adjissiuU to the desired pcsiuon.

|009T| FlG. !♦* jshcvis a top down

of the Bmbυdrøent of fee camera 30 shown m FIG. 12 lkther iUuskadng the mteπot mechanism located

1I¹Je base M that permits the camera ,iθ to be adjusted. The md cap 37 is connected to a ratchet bar 33« ^VΛ hick Ls furUier coaπecied to a ratchet $"ie»ibeir 35 and an aitfl-rollb&ck mechanism 31. Togciber they operate in order to provide the ratcheting mechanism which Is discussed in detail below,

[0I⁾9S| Fl OS. \5'K> illustrate the mterior iπechaαwπi for sdjusdng the camera 30 shown is FIGS, 13-14. Hie ratchet bar 33 is pavilioned within tlie base 41 so as> tu be capable of being roiaied. The ratchet bτxx 33 further parses tlirough openings located at opposite sides of the housing 34. Located at one end of the ratchet bar 33 is the ratchet member 35, the ratchet member 35 has tooth-Hke pmmisioiw that engage wiih the anti-rollback laechanisπϊ 3 ϊ and <ϊpeπuc in permit the ratcheting of the camera 30 and camera housing 34, with respect to the base 4! and w adjust the camera 30 to a desired position. U is to be understood that the aforementioned pθϊ5itlonm|t VMS^Q various parts of the ratchedng mechanism may be altered depending on the specifics of the camera assembly.

|0099] FiO. 17 shews the rotation of the camera 30 and the housiag 34 with respect to the base 41 ^■svh.ea moimied upon a vehicle 60. In the eiαbcdiractit shown in FJO, 3? the base 41 is mounted via the cnloagated flanges 38. Axis B ϊs vertically oriented vάih respect to ihe ground upon mih the vehicle 60 is located. Axis A is horizontally oriented wήh respect to the ground and is perpendicular to axis B. When using ihe ratchet member 35 along with tlic Mti-foϋback mccfaanitun 31. ώe housing 34 in which the camera 30 resides may be adjmisd by an angio $ in order to point in a direction applicable to the car& distance from thts ground and/or afford ύio a*c of the device a better view. 1 he aagle 0 may be beεwecr 0 and 1 SO*, however it is preferably between 0 aad 90* with respect to the A axis. By perrøjtimg the angtø of the- camera 30 to be adjusted in this matter, rapid adjustment *s permitted and further avoids having to ranonutthe camera 30 iathe event that it is notpioperly positioned This improves oves the usΛge- of the positioners 40 shown in FIGS. 4a-5 iu that it h noi accessajt) to dismount ύ<2 camera 30 and remount it in the event ihat it\^as Initially mistakenly positioned,

|0100] Now turning is¹ _* MU, 1 S v^bere a^ alternative eitsbodiiseat of ihe uiv≤iiϋoβ Is shown. FKl. IS Ls & front view of the display <k\ke 10a nnά stand 22 adapted to receive video signals from a video pk>er 19(L according to an alternative embodiπimt of th? pre&cnl iavertion. hi o^kr Io accommodate the osagc of the \idco player 1% the disp!a> device 10a has s % idea iaptt i 23 that is pro% idc4 on the display housing 26 sad can accommodate a cable that may be extended from the vkico pk>or 190. It k intended that the \ i<leo 'Stjput 23 may receive video signals for reproduction on the screen 24. It may also operate as means for charging ϊh>? video player 190 in some instances.

[010? J The video Input 23 ma) be located on the Bxmt of the displa>' housing 26 or may be located on the back side of the dlsp1a> homing 26. It is also anticipated that the stand 22 may have a video input located on it and be capable of providing the signal through the stand 22 mά hiø a vt&o input 23 m the base of the display housing 26. in proxidisg tbs signal thrøagh tlie stand 22. the stand 22 must ha^ c a video output that is connected to ihe base of ihc display device I Oa as ^\eθ as; a video input.

101021 Still referring to FtG_^ IS, also provided on the display housing 26 ma\ be a switch 25. Ihe switch 25 ia opetabh connected to a circuit That enables the display of different video images from different sources, in the embodiment shown m FIQ. 18, ihe switch 25 Is med is order io manually s itch the video image displayed from the image recehcil from tlio camera 30 to die image received from the video player i 90. ffliβSf FICi 19 is a schematic of a system using the display device 10a according to the embodiment shown in FJG, 18, The video player 190 may be any iype of video player, portable or installed m ^" the vehicle, such as a DVD player or & video iPocf ^' „ Ii is intended thai the video player 190 may be capable of reproducing and transmitting smy type of video føπnai such as MPBG-4, AVl., WMV-9, and DRM. }t is further anticipated that additional formats may be employed as well. Ja some embodiments the video player 190 may be connected directly to the display device 1 Oa through the video input 23. In other embodiments, such as that shown in FlG. 19, the video player 190 ss ϋπ?t connected to a video modulator 1S5. it is also contemplated that some erabodim^HtJ? of the video player 190 may contain a transmitter that enables direct transmission of video signals to the display device 10a.

[01M] Siil! tefemag to FIG. 19, tl\e video player 190 transmits a video signal to the video modulator J 85. The video player 190 is connected to the video modulator 185 via a video cable or may transmit the video signal through a USB port, or other compatible pori sueti as IEEE B94 port (I.e. a ϋrewire port). The video modulator 185 may also act as an. inverter a?id operate to reckirge the video player .190 and/or supply power to It. The video modulator 1 S5 may be plugged into a vehicle's 12 V socket and/or operate on batteries. j^"0J95J The video modulator 1S5 has a microprocessor 187 that processes the kr&ge signals that axe received ftoiri the video player 190 so that they are capable of being transmitted to the display device 10a. After the video modulator .1 BS processes the Image signals they are provided to the transmitter 1 S6 and are subsequently transmitted to the display device 10a at a frequency at which the receiver 146 is enabled to receive.

(01061 Still refermig to FIO. 19. the display device !Oa has a receiving unit 146 arid a video signal switch 170. It. also may &ave a video mput23_v Jrnage signals may be. provided through the- receiver 146 md through the video input 23, as shown in FIO. l%< Both the receiver 146 and the video input 23 are operably connected to the image sig«a! switch 170.

!^'Ol 0?! The image signal switch 170 receives an Image- signal either through &e .receiver 146 or through the video input 23_* The image signal switch .170 may be activated when a user of the device uses the switch 25. Alternatively., the display device I Oa and the image signal switch .170 may be designed so as to maximize the safety measures-. This is accomplished by havkg the image signal switch 170 designed so as to lraismlt the image signal received from the camera 30 in lku of as hsage signal received from the video player 190 when an. image. signal is received at die receiver 146. This can occur when the camera 30 and transmitter 124 is activated, such as when thώ vehicle is placed in reverse.

|010B| In the that a video player 190 is transmitting a signal through the usage of the video modulator i 85 as opposed to the video input 23, die image signal switch 170 mas detect when the reccή or 146 receives signals at different frequencies. By detecting which ftequene> ihe Image signal is being transmitted the image signal switch 170 can give priority to image signals being sraasmirted at the frequency at which the tomsmiUer of the camera 30 transmits. Alternatively, the signal being transmitter from the camera 30 ma> contain daia that instructs the CPU 23 to activate the switch 170.

|010*>) After ihe signal switch 170 is actiiaxed. the switched linage signal Ls then provided to the CPU 23 which then performs any of the accessary imago processing required io provide the image signals to the screen 24,

|Oitθj ϊt is iv be understood^ however, that even lhough noiiierous characteristics and advantages of the present invention liave been set forth in. the foregoing 4escriptioπ, iogt-tJier with detail^ ofihe siructure and function of ths πiventloB, the Uisolosur^ is illustrative υκi>. and changes may he made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size aaJ arrangement of |3aiti; wthin the principles of tbc invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general ϊπs&flϊng of the terms m which the appended claims anϊ expressed,

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Λ systesn for monitoring an area abound a vehicle comprising: a camera pan ided within a housing- wherein the camera produces an image signal based upon & received image, wherein the camera has a means for adjustably positioning the camera at the rear of a vehicle: a transmitter operabh coupled to the camera tor transmitting the image signals; a display device having a means for mounting the display device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle- fee display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the image signal: an image processing unit operabiy connected to the receiver, wherein the image processing ιm\t is capable of manipulating ύι& image signal in order to invert the received image; and wherein the display device is opetably connected to ihe image proc^smg unit arul adapted to display the reeched image.

2. The sysiem of claim I , wherein the camera an J the traαsmHter are activated when, the vehkie

reverse and the display device IsJ activated upon receiving &n iir/age signal tfom εhe transmitler.

3. The s>\sten? of clans J , wheiein die meaϊis for aJjustabJy positioning the camera comprise? a ratcheting mechanism_*

4. The syirtcm of claim 1. wherein the meaas tor adjustably positioning the camera eompm&J a base having elongated flaxiges. a ratcheting member powiioπed within said base, a ratchet bar opetably connected said ratcheting member am! positioned within ssiά base and said housing, and an anti-rollback mechanism positkmev) %vilhia said base.

5. The system of claim 4. wheieiβ the means for adjustably po&idoning the camera fur&er comprises a« end cap connected to the aiiU-roiibaek tseclianbm.

depressing the e«d cap releases the antt-roiiback mechanism. (> The system of claim 1 < wherein the camera comprises a hermetically seafcd space filled xvith. an inert gas for prevαrang condensation on a lens of the camera.

7. The s> stem of claim 1 , wherein the image signal is transmitted wireicssly.

S. The system of claim L further comprising: a cable for iransπriuuig the image signal the cable having a first end op erabl> connected tr> she camera; a sccoad fκ>α§iπg located at a second onύ of the cable: and therein at least a portion of the transmitter Lv ptov icted wiihm the second housing and opcrably coupkπl to ^he second end of the cable,

9. A system for monitoring an area around a vehicle comprising: a housing adapted for mounting to a feax portion of a vehicle; a camera provided wϊihm the first housing, wherein the caiiiem pyoc!yc^& a first Image signai comrspondiπg to a perceived image: a transmitter wrekssly lransmittmg tlie first image signal received from the camera; a disp!a> device having a means for mounting the display device u^ήhiu a pa^ε«§er compartment of the vehicle, ihe display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the first image signal; im image processing trnit operably connected to the receiver, therein tlie image processing xmii is capable of manipulating the received ilκt image signal and a second Image signal; am! an image signal switch operably connected io the image processing unit wherein the image signs! switch Is capable of switching between seπv.1iBg the ilrs.t image signal and the second image signal to the image processing uniu and vv1ie.-ein tlie display devieo is opcrably cuπnecled to ihe image processing imit and adapted to display an image based on the flrst image signal or the second image signal. 10, The system of claim 9. wherein ύι& camera is adapted to bε adjustable.

I L 1 lie system of claim 9, wherein the camera and the transmitter axe activated when tha vehicle is! placed into reverse,

12. The s>stcm of claim I I. wherein the display device is activaied upon receiving the first image signal from the transmitter.

13. I he sj stem of claim 12, ^■vdserom the image signal .switch semis the first image signal bctbw sending the- second ksmge signal.

14. 1 he .system of claim ^$. further comprises a video input adapted so receive- a cable ftom a vidco flajer.

15. The s^ stem of claim ^l\ further comprising a video modulaiør adapted L> rεceh'e a playcn wherein the

modulator further composes a second transmitter adapted to wireless transmit tbe secox^d image sigiu! from the video modulator,

1 h. A system for monitoring an area around a vehicle comprising: a camera provided within a housing, wherein thu camera produces a first tmagt signal based upon a received image, and further wherein the cαmeta has a means for adjustably positioning the camera at the tw of a vehicle; a fraiksiYMlter uperably coupled to the camera lor transmitting the fitsi image signals: a display device having a tneaαs for mounting tke display device wiflim a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for receiving th«s CiTHi image signal; an image processing unit operably connected to the receiver, wherein the image processing mάi b capable oi^'isafiipukting the reoeived first image signal and a second image sigrtfϋ: an image signal switch operafely connected to the image processing unit wbeiein the Image signal switch is capable of switching between sending the Erst image signal and the second image signal to the image processing unit; and whereks the display dcvkα is operably connected to the image processing unit mά $d&γied to dmp- hy the first image signal or the second image signal.

1 ?, The system of claim 16, wherein the means for adjustably positioning the camera eoisptses a ratcheting mechanist^.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the raeam for adjustably positioning the earners comprises a base having elongated flanges- a ratcheting member positioned within κtld base. & ratchet bar opoϊsbly connected said raichoting member and posMoned within -»aid base &&ά όaid aoiising_* and an anti-rollback mechanism positioned within said base

19. The system of claim 1 S, wherein the means for adjustably positioning tlie camera further comprises un end cap connected to the anti-rollback mechanism, vvherem depressing the end cap releases tlie anti-rollback mechanism.

20. A system foi monitoring an area behin.4 a vehicle comprising; a base configured to fee rigidly mounted to the vehiele; ά. camera provided within a housing and pϊvoLably connected to the bast% ika camera configured to puxhiee tm image signal corresponding to apεrcened image; a transaiittcr operabϊy coupled to the camera for wirelcssly transmitting the image signal a Jjsplay device mourned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle., ths dkspkv device comprising a receiver rbr receiving the transmitted image signal: and an image processing unit opcrably coupled to ύiz receiver for com'ertiag the received image signal info an imago tbat is displayed on the displaj. device.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the eamcra is pivoiably coimccted to the base to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis,

22. The system, of claim 21 wherein the camera can only pivot about the substantia!]} horkαntal axis. 23, The system of claim 21 wherein the camera pivots about tlie substantially horizontal axis between a first orientation and a second orientation.

24 The system of claim 2 L farther comprising means for prohibiting free rotation of the camera about the substantially horizontal axis.

25* The system of claim 21 further comprising means for automatically holding the camera in < 'x selected rotational position.

26. The system of claim 20 -wherein the housing is pivotabiy connected to the base.

27. , The system of claim.26 wherein the base comprises an elongated plate extending froiΩ n UtfA end io a second end, the housing pivotably connected to the elongated piatc so as to be substantially equidistant IrOiB the ilrst and second ends of the elongated plate_*

28. The system of claim 20 wherein the base comprises an elongated plate extemikg lrom a first end to a second end_* the elongated plate comprising a first and second holes located respectively at or sear the first and second mάs.

2^C>. The system of claim 20 wherein the transmitter comprises an antenna portion that is operahϊy coupled to the- camera vk s flexible cable, the antenna portion positioned within an interior space of the vehicle.

30. The system of claim 20 wherein ihs ttansmiUer is located in α second bousing and operably coupled to the camera via a flexible cable extending from the housing, tlie second housing secured within a« interior space of the vehicle.

3L A system for monitoring an area around a vehicle comprising: a housing having elongated flanges extending from the housing for mcαmtmg Io the rear portion of a vehicle;

§ camera provided within the housing, wherein lhe camera produces &n image signal based upon a received image; a transmitter operahly coupled to the camera for transmuting the image signals; a display device having a means for mounting the display device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the image signal; an image processing unit operably connected to the receiver, wherein the image processing unit is capable of manipulating the image signal in order to Invert the received imagr. the display device operably connected to the image processing unit and adapted to display the received image; and wherein the camera and the transmitter are activated when the vehicle is placed into reverse and the display device is activated upon receiving an image signal from the transmitter,

32. The system of daltu 3 L further comprising angled positioners placed proximate to the flanges.

33. The system of claim 31_., wherein the camera comprises a hermetically sealed space Sued with an inert gas for preventing condensation on a tens of the camer∑L

34. The system of claim 31 , wherein the image Sipal is transmitted wireiessly,

35. The system of claim 34_> further comprising: a cable lor transmitting the image signal_., the cable having a first end operably connected to the camera; a second housing located at a second end of the cable: and wherein at least a portion of the transmitter is provided within the second housing and operably coupled to the second mid of the cable.

36. A sysiom for monitoring an area atoursd a vehicle comprising: a first housing adapted for mounting to α rear portion, of a vehicle: a camera provided within the first housing, therein the camera produces an image signal corresponding to- a perceived i&sage; a cable for transmitting the image signal, the cable having a first end operably connected to the camera: a second housing located at a second end of the cable: a transmitter having at least a portion thereof provided within the second housing aud operabiy coupled to the second end of the cable, the transmitter wkelessly transmitting the image signal received from the camera \ta the cable; a display device having a means for mounting the display device wirtdu a passenger eompanraem of the vehicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for reedking the image signal; an image processing unit operably connected to the receiver, wherein ϊbc image processing unit is capable of manipulating the received image signal; and the display

ieε opcrably connected to the imago processing unit and adapted to display an image haβed on the received image signal.

37. Hie system y I^' claim 36. further comprising flanges that longitudinally extend from the first housing*.

3E. The system of claim 36. further comprising aagbd positionera placed proximate u> tbc flanges,

39. His system of claim 36. wherein the camera comprises a hermetically sealed space filled with ail insjϊt gas Cor preventing condensation on a leas of the camera.

40, The sysUsa of claim 36, -whcrci-n the camera and the transmitter are activated when the vehicle is placed into reverse. 4] . The system of claim 36. wherein the disρia> device is activated upon receiving an image skna! from the transmitter.

42. Λ system for monhoring an area around a vehicle comprising: a ftfiϊt housing adapted for mounting to a rear portion of a vehicle; a cameia provided within the first housing, wherein the camera produces an image signal corresponding to a peteeh ed image: a transmitter ofcrably coupled to the camera tor wirdeusly iiansmiitmg t&e image signal received from (he camera; a display db\iee having a means for moxmimg the display device within a passenger compartment ofihs vehicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for receiviiϊg the signal; im image processing unit operably connected to ihe receiver, wherein the image processing unit k capable of manipulating the rcceήed image signal; and the display device operabl) connected to the image processing un.it &nά adapted to dϊsjpkv ati image based on tiie t eeeived image signal; wherein the display device is activated upon rec^ivmg an image signal from the iran&asiεier.

4?» The sj'slem of clami 42_* wherein the camera and the transmitter are acιi\ ated uhen ihe vehicle is placed into reverse,

44, Tin system of claim 42, further comprising angled positioners placed proximate to iho flasgcs,

45- ^'Hie N^system of claim 42, wherein the camera comprises a hermetically sealed space filled with an inert gas for preventing condensation on a lens of the camera.

46. The sysiem of claim 42, further comprising: «. cssfek for transmitting the image signal, the table having a first end operably connected to the camera; a second housing locate-d at a second end of the cable; and wherein at least a portion of the it&nsi&itter is provided within tte second housing and is operably.cou.p1ed to the second end of the cable.

47. The system of claim 42, further comprising flanges that iongiαidmaHy extend from the first ϊiousing.

48. The system of claim 42, further comprising angled positioners placed proximate to the flanges.