WO2008068535A1 - Improving the night vision lighting system for use in vehicles - Google Patents

Improving the night vision lighting system for use in vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008068535A1
WO2008068535A1 PCT/HR2007/000039 HR2007000039W WO2008068535A1 WO 2008068535 A1 WO2008068535 A1 WO 2008068535A1 HR 2007000039 W HR2007000039 W HR 2007000039W WO 2008068535 A1 WO2008068535 A1 WO 2008068535A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
night vision
lighting system
vehicles
vision lighting
vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/HR2007/000039
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Sinisa Milnersic
Original Assignee
Sinisa Milnersic
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sinisa Milnersic filed Critical Sinisa Milnersic
Publication of WO2008068535A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008068535A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/20—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/30—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles providing vision in the non-visible spectrum, e.g. night or infrared vision
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B15/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
    • G03B15/02—Illuminating scene
    • G03B15/03—Combinations of cameras with lighting apparatus; Flash units
    • G03B15/05—Combinations of cameras with electronic flash apparatus; Electronic flash units
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/10—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used
    • B60R2300/103—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used using camera systems provided with artificial illumination device, e.g. IR light source
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/10—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used
    • B60R2300/106—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used using night vision cameras
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/20—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of display used
    • B60R2300/205—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of display used using a head-up display
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/30—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of image processing
    • B60R2300/302—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of image processing combining image information with GPS information or vehicle data, e.g. vehicle speed, gyro, steering angle data
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/80—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement
    • B60R2300/8093—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement for obstacle warning
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B2215/00—Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
    • G03B2215/05—Combinations of cameras with electronic flash units

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to improving the supplementary night vision lighting system in vehicles with the use of a camera.
  • the invention pertains generally to signaling or lighting devices and more particularly, to an arrangement of signaling devices that are mounted onto a vehicle.
  • IPC International Patent Classification
  • the invention is classified under B60Q 9/00.
  • the system consists of a camera mounted onto a vehicle that projects an image on a separate pop-up display, a dashboard or most commonly a windshield.
  • the camera is aided by simultaneously operated infra-red (IR) lights that are more powerful than standard lights and due to their frequency spectrum they are invisible to the oncoming traffic, i.e. they are not detected by the human eyes of the oncoming drivers. In this manner the system lets you see better and further, especially in heavy fog, thus contributing to better visibility at night.
  • IR infra-red
  • the system works perfectly only if few vehicles are equipped with it, but once the system becomes widespread its performance becomes questionable due to the blinding effect of the oncoming infrared-equipped vehicle on the other vehicle's images. This effect can be prevented with an installation of a simple control device.
  • the primary object of this invention is to provide a control unit that will "control" the operation of IR lights (periodically dim them, i.e. switch them off) as well as control the operation of a camera.
  • Satellite (e.g. GPS) navigation systems are also used in vehicles.
  • "atomic clocks” i.e. extremely accurate clocks are installed in the system.
  • a second derived from the satellite signal is used as the synchronization basis for the new type of night vision driving system.
  • a signal from the same satellite system can be used for tracking routes. Loss of satellite signals that can occur due to tunnels or other obstacles can be remedied with the use of a magnetic compass i.e. "flux gate” while the system would then use its own “synchronized” clock for the intermittent activation of lights.
  • a magnetic compass i.e. "flux gate”
  • Cameras (depending on the type) produce e.g. 800 - 1500 and even more frames per second. They transmit these frames to monitors and the human eye sees them as a moving picture. Telecommunications consider the projection of 12 image frames per second to be "video", but since the "frame freezing" effect is so frequent, these systems do not offer clear images, i.e. good resolution.
  • the controlling device depending on the vehicle's direction
  • the human eye due to its slowness — does not see the difference. That way there is still so much "time” left for the night vision driving systems of oncoming vehicles or those approaching sideways to project a "normal” image on the monitor.
  • This invention is a practical and useful device that is economically rewarding to producers. It includes significant improvements to prior known art.
  • the application of this invention is universal because it can be used in combination with a series of video technologies even in video safety systems. With simple modifications it is possible to improve the existing device.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to night vision lighting system in vehicles or other applications which system gives possibility of quality functioning irrespective on how many users are present in the system. The system has a camera associated with an infrared flashing light. The flashes are 'synchronised' using GPS time signal in order to prevent all present vehicles to flash simultaneously. The well-illuminated pictures of the scene are displayed as a video on a head-up display of the vehicle.

Description

IMPROVING THE NIGHT VISION LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR
USE IN VEHICLES
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to improving the supplementary night vision lighting system in vehicles with the use of a camera. The invention pertains generally to signaling or lighting devices and more particularly, to an arrangement of signaling devices that are mounted onto a vehicle. According to the International Patent Classification (IPC), the invention is classified under B60Q 9/00. Technical Problem
In recent years we have witnessed an increase in the number of night vision systems installed in vehicles, namely a camera and a display system. Years ago, a similar system was used by the military, but with time, as the components became less expensive, the system has become affordable for commercial use. Thus far, three major companies have been installing the system in their luxury automobiles. Basically, the system consists of a camera mounted onto a vehicle that projects an image on a separate pop-up display, a dashboard or most commonly a windshield. In addition to standard headlights, the camera is aided by simultaneously operated infra-red (IR) lights that are more powerful than standard lights and due to their frequency spectrum they are invisible to the oncoming traffic, i.e. they are not detected by the human eyes of the oncoming drivers. In this manner the system lets you see better and further, especially in heavy fog, thus contributing to better visibility at night.
The system works perfectly only if few vehicles are equipped with it, but once the system becomes widespread its performance becomes questionable due to the blinding effect of the oncoming infrared-equipped vehicle on the other vehicle's images. This effect can be prevented with an installation of a simple control device.
Prior Art
The author of this invention knows of no comprehensive solution to the described problem, i.e. for the present there is no same prior art that solves this technical problem.
Description of the Invention
The primary object of this invention is to provide a control unit that will "control" the operation of IR lights (periodically dim them, i.e. switch them off) as well as control the operation of a camera.
Satellite (e.g. GPS) navigation systems are also used in vehicles. In order for such systems to operate properly, "atomic clocks" i.e. extremely accurate clocks are installed in the system. A second derived from the satellite signal is used as the synchronization basis for the new type of night vision driving system.
A signal from the same satellite system (e.g. GPS) can be used for tracking routes. Loss of satellite signals that can occur due to tunnels or other obstacles can be remedied with the use of a magnetic compass i.e. "flux gate" while the system would then use its own "synchronized" clock for the intermittent activation of lights.
Cameras (depending on the type) produce e.g. 800 - 1500 and even more frames per second. They transmit these frames to monitors and the human eye sees them as a moving picture. Telecommunications consider the projection of 12 image frames per second to be "video", but since the "frame freezing" effect is so frequent, these systems do not offer clear images, i.e. good resolution.
If the controlling device (depending on the vehicle's direction) is devised to make a "film" out of "correctly exposed" camera images (i.e. half of the frames that are not flashed by the IR lights from oncoming vehicles), the human eye — due to its slowness — does not see the difference. That way there is still so much "time" left for the night vision driving systems of oncoming vehicles or those approaching sideways to project a "normal" image on the monitor.
With the development of technology, especially telecommunications, it is possible that during time the system will partially modify, namely improve. Just a few years ago it was impossible to imagine that one will be able to call a person by phone anywhere in the world. Today, even children have GSM phones. It is probable that in the near future vehicles will "communicate" among themselves, namely exchange data and one information they could exchange could be the synchronization of the activation time of IR lights.
Application
This invention is a practical and useful device that is economically rewarding to producers. It includes significant improvements to prior known art. The application of this invention is universal because it can be used in combination with a series of video technologies even in video safety systems. With simple modifications it is possible to improve the existing device.

Claims

1. An improved night vision lighting system for vehicles wherein it uses GPS's (or some other similar system's) time signal for "synchronization."
2. The night vision lighting system of claim 1 wherein it uses only "selected" - correctly lit image frames from the vehicle's camera and creates video images in real time and projects them onto a display.
3. The night vision lighting system of claims 1 and 2, wherein in case of absence of signal, it uses a magnetic flux gate compass for calculating the vehicle's driving direction namely for controlling the operation of the IR light and camera display.
4. The night vision lighting system of claims 1 through 3 can be used in other similar video systems where there is possible IR-light interference.
5. The night vision lighting system of claims 1 through 4, wherein the system can operate independently (receive and transmit a signal for synchronization) if it is in the "network", namely interactively connected with all other users without the outside trigger (i.e. GPS network.)
PCT/HR2007/000039 2006-12-06 2007-11-30 Improving the night vision lighting system for use in vehicles WO2008068535A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
HRP20060425A 2006-12-06
HR20060425 2006-12-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008068535A1 true WO2008068535A1 (en) 2008-06-12

Family

ID=39269890

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/HR2007/000039 WO2008068535A1 (en) 2006-12-06 2007-11-30 Improving the night vision lighting system for use in vehicles

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008068535A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003209742A (en) * 2002-01-11 2003-07-25 Alpine Electronics Inc Imaging apparatus with infrared ray illumination
US20030155514A1 (en) * 2002-02-21 2003-08-21 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. GPS-based anti-blinding system for active night vision
WO2004106112A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-09 University Of Florida Device and method for vehicular invisible road illumination and imaging
US20050074221A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-04-07 Remillard Jeffrey T. Active night vision image intensity balancing system
EP1562063A1 (en) * 2004-02-04 2005-08-10 Ford Global Technologies, LLC Night Vision System

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003209742A (en) * 2002-01-11 2003-07-25 Alpine Electronics Inc Imaging apparatus with infrared ray illumination
US20030155514A1 (en) * 2002-02-21 2003-08-21 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. GPS-based anti-blinding system for active night vision
WO2004106112A1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-12-09 University Of Florida Device and method for vehicular invisible road illumination and imaging
US20050074221A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-04-07 Remillard Jeffrey T. Active night vision image intensity balancing system
EP1562063A1 (en) * 2004-02-04 2005-08-10 Ford Global Technologies, LLC Night Vision System

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