WO2016044820A1 - Pare-soleil de véhicule amélioré avec écran tactile multifonction, multiples vues de caméra, et fonction photo/vidéo - Google Patents

Pare-soleil de véhicule amélioré avec écran tactile multifonction, multiples vues de caméra, et fonction photo/vidéo Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016044820A1
WO2016044820A1 PCT/US2015/051111 US2015051111W WO2016044820A1 WO 2016044820 A1 WO2016044820 A1 WO 2016044820A1 US 2015051111 W US2015051111 W US 2015051111W WO 2016044820 A1 WO2016044820 A1 WO 2016044820A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
camera
display
sun visor
vehicle
automotive
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/051111
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ankit KOTHARI
Original Assignee
Kothari Ankit
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
Priority claimed from US14/623,368 external-priority patent/US9457642B2/en
Application filed by Kothari Ankit filed Critical Kothari Ankit
Publication of WO2016044820A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016044820A1/fr

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/18Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
    • H04N7/181Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60JWINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J3/00Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles
    • B60J3/02Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles adjustable in position
    • B60J3/0204Sun visors
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/10Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/60Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/65Instruments specially adapted for specific vehicle types or users, e.g. for left- or right-hand drive
    • B60K35/654Instruments specially adapted for specific vehicle types or users, e.g. for left- or right-hand drive the user being the driver
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/65Instruments specially adapted for specific vehicle types or users, e.g. for left- or right-hand drive
    • B60K35/656Instruments specially adapted for specific vehicle types or users, e.g. for left- or right-hand drive the user being a passenger
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01Head-up displays
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/143Touch sensitive instrument input devices
    • B60K2360/1438Touch screens
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/21Optical features of instruments using cameras
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/77Instrument locations other than the dashboard
    • B60K2360/777Instrument locations other than the dashboard on or in sun visors

Definitions

  • the present application relates to a vehicle sun visor system with a built-in touch screen display for viewing video feed from one or more cameras.
  • a front facing polarized camera shows the area of view which is normally blocked by the sun visor when it is deployed.
  • the sun visor system also has a "see-me” camera which allows the user to use the screen as a mirror, and one or more rear-view cameras which can be used to see the passenger area of a vehicle through the touch-screen display.
  • the sun visor system also has a video chat/conference functionality which allows the users to talk and share/ex change their video, i.e. any of the sun visor's camera views, in real-time with anyone else in the world that have video chat capable devices. Background
  • the existing sun visor mirrors also don't intend to display any other passengers except the person sitting in front of that sun visor, an individual who wants to look at the other passengers, especially the rear passengers, either has to look using special curved mirror that's usually located in the center of the vehicle, or turn around, or even move up and down their seat in order to create a correct angle for being able to view the other passengers using their vehicle's sun visor or the central rear view mirror.
  • the existing sun visor mirrors don't provide an easy way to be able to view the other passengers that might be sitting in the vehicle.
  • the existing sun visor mirrors don't have the ability to take photos/videos of the passengers or to upload those photos/videos to online albums using built-in Wi-Fi, cellular, or to share those photos/videos with another device like smartphone, computer, etc. using Bluetooth.
  • the existing sun visor mirrors don't have the video chat/conference functionality, which can allow the users to talk and share/ex change their videos in real-time with anyone else in the world that have video chat capable devices.
  • an automotive visualization system comprises: a first camera, a display apparatus placed within view of a user of the vehicle, a computer processor, non-volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configured to: receive a first image from the first camera, display the first image on the display apparatus in real time, and a switching mechanism configured to cause the display apparatus to turn on and/or off in response to the switching mechanism.
  • the first camera is placed in a position that faces toward the front of a vehicle.
  • the first camera is positioned in a vehicle sun visor such that, when the sun visor is deployed, the camera faces toward the front of the vehicle.
  • the display apparatus is a display screen and the display screen is mounted on or configured to be mounted on a vehicle sun visor such that when the sun visor is deployed, the display screen faces toward a user of the sun visor.
  • the automotive visualization system further comprises: a rechargeable battery, and a housing configured to contain the first camera, the display apparatus, the computer processor, and the non-volatile computer memory in the form factor of a tablet PC, wherein the housing is configured to be detachable from the vehicle sun visor.
  • the automotive visualization system is configured to interface with a Head Up Display, wherein the computer instructions are further configured to: send the front image for display on the Head Up Display, turn off the display apparatus when the Head Up Display is in use, and turn on the display apparatus in response to a user action in order to receive additional user inputs.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to keep the display apparatus on, while the Head Up Display is in use, in response to a predetermined user input.
  • the first camera produces a front image that is a polarized front image.
  • the automotive visualization system further comprises a photochromic lens.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to: process the front image to remove glare.
  • the automotive visualization system further comprises: a second camera placed in a position that faces toward a user of a vehicle sun visor, wherein the display is configured to display a user image of the user, produced by the second camera, in response to a command entered by the user.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to capture images produced by the first camera and/or the second camera.
  • the automotive visualization system further comprises: a microphone; and the computer instructions are further configured to record video produced by the first camera and/or the second camera and capture audio produced by the microphone.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to automatically transfer captured images to another location over a wireless connection.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to automatically delete the captured images that have been transferred to another location.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to provide a graphical user interface in a display area of the display apparatus, the graphical user interface comprising: a camera image viewing region centrally located in the display area, a view selection region, displayed on a first side of the display area, for selecting among the views produced by the cameras of the system, and a user action region, displayed on a second side of the display area, made up of one or more user action areas comprising: a user action area for capturing images, a user action area for viewing captured images, a user action area for accessing system settings, and a user action area for adjusting brightness.
  • the automotive visualization system further comprises: one or more rear cameras placed in a position that faces a rear passenger seat of the vehicle, and the display apparatus is configured to display a rear view produced by the one or more rear cameras, in response to user input.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to capture images and/or video produced by the first camera and/or at least one of the one or more rear cameras.
  • the display apparatus is configured to: display multiple rear views in a split view mode displaying each of the multiple rear views in a separate section of the display apparatus simultaneously; and the computer instructions are further configured to switch to an enlarged view of one of the multiple rear views in response to user input.
  • the automotive visualization system further comprises: a rear seat sensor that can detect rear facing passengers sitting on the rear seat.
  • the rear seat sensor is embedded within the rear camera.
  • one or more rear camera is further configured to capture the rear facing passenger sitting in the rear seat; and the display apparatus is further configured to display the rear facing passenger sitting in the rear seat.
  • the display apparatus is configured to: display multiple rear camera views displaying both the rear facing passengers and the front facing passengers sitting on the rear seats of the vehicle.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to: adjust focus and/or zoom of at least one of the one or more rear cameras in response to user input.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to: save a focus and/or zoom level as a default camera setting, wherein a separate default camera setting is stored for each of the one or more rear cameras, and wherein the default camera setting is used each time the rear view of the camera to which the default camera setting belongs is displayed.
  • the display apparatus acts as a regular mirror when the display apparatus is turned off using the switching mechanism.
  • a user of the vehicle can use voice commands to operate the automotive visualization system.
  • an automotive audio visual system comprises: a housing; a first camera positioned on a first side of the housing; a display apparatus on a second side of the housing; a computer processor; non-volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configured to: receive a first image from the first camera, display the first image on the display apparatus in real time; and a switching mechanism configured to cause the display apparatus to turn on and/or off in response to the switching mechanism, wherein the housing is mounted or configured to be mounted on the ceiling of a vehicle.
  • the automotive audio visual system further comprises: a second camera positioned on the second side of the housing, a microphone, and wherein the computer instructions are further configured to: receive a second image from the second camera, and display the second image on the display apparatus in real time.
  • the automotive audio visual system further comprises: a second camera positioned elsewhere in or on the vehicle, an external camera interface to interface with the second camera, and wherein the computer instructions are further configured to: receive a second image from the second camera, and display the second image on the display apparatus in real time.
  • the first camera is configured to produce a polarized first image.
  • a user of the vehicle can use voice commands to operate the automotive audio visual system.
  • an automotive visual system for monitoring traffic signals, road signs, and such from a motor vehicle, where the visual system comprises: a vehicle having a windshield, a camera positioned behind the windshield, and the camera facing toward the front of the vehicle.
  • the automotive visual system further comprises: a head up display, and a front image and/or video captured by the camera is displayed on the head up display.
  • an automotive audio visual system comprises: a sunvisor, a display apparatus installed on sunvisor such that when the sunvisor is deployed, display apparatus faces a user of the sunvisor and a camera configured to face the user of the sunvisor at least when the sunvisor is deployed.
  • the sunvisor is detachable from a vehicle to which the sunvisor is attached.
  • the automotive audio visual system further comprises: non- volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configured to: receive an image and/or video from the camera, display the image and/or video on the display apparatus in real time, and capture images and/or videos produced by the camera in response to user input.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to automatically transfer captured images and/or videos to another location over a wireless connection.
  • the automotive audio visual system further comprises: a switching mechanism configured to cause the display apparatus to turn on and/or off in response to the switching mechanism.
  • the display apparatus on the sunvisor acts as a regular mirror when the display apparatus is turned off using the switching mechanism.
  • an automotive audio visual system comprises: a first camera, a display apparatus placed within view of a user of the vehicle, a computer processor, a microphone, a mechanism configured to turn on and/or off the video chat functionality.
  • an automotive audio visual system further comprises: ability to send video chat request to video chat recipients
  • an automotive audio visual system further comprises: non- volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configured to: send video feed from the first camera to the video chat recipients in real time, display the video chat recipients' video feed on the display apparatus in real time, exchange audio between the video chat recipients and the user of the vehicle in real time.
  • the first camera is placed in a position that faces toward a user of a vehicle sun visor.
  • the first camera is positioned in a vehicle sun visor such that, when the sun visor is deployed, the camera faces toward the user of the vehicle sun visor.
  • the display apparatus is a display screen and the display screen is mounted on or configured to be mounted on a vehicle sun visor such that when the sun visor is deployed, the display screen faces toward a user of the sun visor.
  • the automotive audio visual system further comprises: a second camera placed in a position that faces toward the front of a vehicle, and the display is configured to display surrounding front image or video of the vehicle, produced by the second camera, in response to a command entered by the user.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to capture images and/or video produced by the first camera and/or the second camera.
  • the automotive audio visual system further comprises: one or more rear cameras placed in a position that faces a rear passenger seat of the vehicle, and the display apparatus is configured to display a rear view produced by the one or more rear cameras, in response to user input.
  • the computer instructions are further configured to capture images and/or video produced by the first camera and/or one or more rear cameras.
  • an automotive audio visual system comprises: a display apparatus placed within view of a user of the vehicle, one or more rear cameras placed in a position that faces a rear passenger seat of the vehicle, and the display apparatus is configured to display real time rear view produced by one or more rear cameras.
  • the display apparatus is mounted on or configured to be mounted on ceiling of the vehicle.
  • the display apparatus is configured to: display multiple rear views in a split view mode displaying each of the multiple rear views in a separate section of the display apparatus simultaneously, and the computer instructions are further configured to switch to an enlarged view of one of the multiple rear views in response to user input.
  • an automotive audio visual system further comprises: a rear seat sensor that can detect rear facing passengers sitting on the rear seat
  • the rear seat sensor is embedded within the rear camera.
  • one or more rear camera is further configured to capture the rear facing passenger sitting in the rear seat
  • the display apparatus is further configured to display the rear facing passenger sitting in the rear seat.
  • the display apparatus is configured to: display multiple rear camera views displaying both the rear facing passengers and the front facing passengers sitting on the rear seats of the vehicle.
  • the illustrated embodiments of the invention includes an apparatus of an audiovisual system, either built-in or retrofitted to a vehicle sun visor, allowing the driver and front passenger to regain visibility of the portion of the vehicle's external environment blocked from view when the sun visor is in use.
  • This audiovisual system is alternatively referred to as an automotive visualization system. It also enables them to digitally view themselves and rear passengers, and also other additional camera views can be integrated or interfaced with the system. In addition, it also enabled them to take and upload videos and images of vehicle's internal and external environment by manipulating and communicating with a system of cameras from a tablet-like touch screen device that's built-in or retrofitted on the vehicle sun visors.
  • the illustrated embodiments of the invention not only adds audiovisual systems on the vehicle's sun visors but also returns visibility to the portion of the vehicle environment that is blocked by use of the sun visor. It allows the user to not only view things in the vehicle's external environment that would be otherwise blocked by the sun visor, but also to enhance that view by using glare reduction and other image processing tools.
  • 'Rear polarized view' camera can also be displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, so when the vehicle is being reversed, it would display the rear view of the vehicle on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, and that view would also be auto polarized and auto photochromic.
  • 'Rear polarized view' camera can also be displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, so when the vehicle is being reversed, it would display the rear view of the vehicle on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, and that view would also be auto polarized and auto photochromic.
  • it also allows the user to capture and store video and images, both within the vehicle and in the vehicle's external environment, allowing users to memorialize their trips.
  • the sun visor provides a convenient center for control and manipulation of such a system, allowing a driver to easily view both the external environment and interior of the vehicle by manipulating conveniently placed controls without turning or struggling with the sun visor thereby minimizing distractions during driving.
  • the invention is comprised of three major elements: a tablet like device containing a touch screen, a computer programmed to communicate with and display images/video, and a system of cameras placed within and/or outside the vehicle.
  • the tablet like touch screen device is built-in or retrofitted to the vehicle's sun visors.
  • a "polarized front” view which is the view of the external environment in front of the vehicle, a portion of which is usually hidden while the sun visor is in use
  • a "see me” view which is the view of the person seated in the vehicle directly in front of the sun visor
  • a "rear passengers” view which is the view of passengers seated on the back seats of the vehicle
  • there can also be other additional cameras that can be integrated or interfaced with this system
  • 'Rear polarized view' camera can also be displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, so when the vehicle is being reversed, it would display the rear view of the vehicle on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, and that view would also be auto polarized and auto photochromic.
  • the tablet like touch screen device contains software modules enabling the user to switch between cameras, zoom-in on certain portions of the displayed camera views, take and
  • an audiovisual monitoring system on a vehicle sun visor comprising: a "polarized front" view camera configured to capture view of a vehicle's external environment, a portion of which is typically blocked when the sun visor is in use; a "see me” view camera configured to capture view of the person sitting in front of the sun visor; a "rear passengers” view camera or a set of such cameras configured to capture view of the passengers sittings in the back seats of the vehicle; other potential camera views, a computer communicating with and controlling the cameras; and a tablet like LCD touch screen device electronically communicated to the computer and displaying the views captured by the cameras.
  • the computer is controlled by software allowing a user to communicate to the computer by manipulating controls appearing on the touch screen.
  • the computer is controlled by software allowing a user to direct the computer to selectively display a view from either the polarized front view, see me, or rear passengers view cameras onto the LCD touch screen.
  • the audiovisual monitoring system further includes a memory for capturing an image and/or video from the polarized front view, see me, or rear passengers view cameras.
  • the computer includes a software module therein for selectively controlling touch screen brightness.
  • the computer includes a software module therein for selectively generating a "Take Photos/Videos" control signal directed to a selected camera.
  • the computer includes a software module therein for selectively generating a "Save Settings" control signal directed to each camera.
  • the computer includes a software module therein for generating a "Reset Settings" control signal directed to each camera.
  • the computer includes a software module therein for selectively generating a zoom in/ out control signal directed to the selected camera.
  • the computer includes a software module therein to enable/disable connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc.
  • the computer includes a software module therein for generating an "auto upload/share" signal for the photos/videos stored on the sun visor's LCD touch screen device.
  • the computer includes a software module therein for generating an 'Auto delete after share/upload' signal for the photos/videos stored on sun visor's LCD touch screen device.
  • the computer includes a software module therein to allow the user to set the 'Default webcam/camera' view, which would be displayed whenever the sun visor's LCD touch screen is turned on.
  • the computer includes a software module therein to automatically turn on the sun visor's LCD touch screen display when the sun visor cover is pulled up/opened and automatically turn off the sun visor's LCD touch screen display when the sun visor cover is pulled down/closed.
  • the "polarized front" view camera includes a lens therein that is both auto-polarized and auto-photochromic, and there would also be software modules present on computer that can apply the polarization and photochromic effects.
  • the audio visual monitoring system further includes a vehicle head-up display (HUD) system, and wherein the computer includes a software module for communicating with the vehicle head-up display (HUD) system.
  • HUD vehicle head-up display
  • Purpose of the head-up display (HUD) system is to project information ('camera views', photos/videos, etc.) on the windshield of the vehicle. In some cases, even a special glass is used on the windshield, so the projected information from the 'HUD display' seems to be further away i.e. after the hood of the vehicle, avoiding any distraction for the driver.)
  • the computer includes a software module enabling a camera view that's displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen or the stored photos/videos on the sun visor's LCD touch screen to be displayed on the head-up display (HUD) system.
  • HUD head-up display
  • the computer includes a software module that selectively shuts down the sun visor's LCD touch screen after a predetermined time period while the HUD system is activated.
  • the computer includes a software module therein to manually turn on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, after it's shut down due to activation of the HUD system, by tapping on that sun visor's LCD touch screen with a finger/hand. (Note: In this case, the sun visor's LCD touch screen would turn on for a predetermined short time period and then turn off again.)
  • the computer includes a software module therein to keep the sun visor's LCD touch screen display continuously turned on, while the HUD display is already on, by pressing continuously on the sun visor's LCD touch screen for a predetermined time period.
  • the computer includes a software module therein to enable video chat/conference functionality on the sun visor system, which would allow the users to talk and share/exchange their video, i.e. any of the sun visor's camera views, in real-time with anyone else in the world that have video chat capable devices.
  • the tablet like LCD touch screen device on the sun visor includes the 'Polarized front view' camera on the device itself, 'See me' camera on the device itself, an on/off switch to either turn on or turn off the touch screen display, a speaker for playback of stored videos, a volume control to increase or decrease the volume for playback of any stored videos, a headphone jack for individual listening to audio of any stored videos, a microphone for recording the audio in the videos, and an Audio/video out / Digital terminal that would allow the user to connect to a computer using a USB data cable and transfer any photos/videos stored on the sun visor's LCD touch screen device.
  • the above mentioned features on the sun visor's LCD touch screen device are just for exemplary purposes, however, as technology advances in future, additional ports and/or options can be added to this LCD touch screen device to enhance the use of these devices.
  • the tablet like LCD touch screen device on the sun visor would be detachable, so any of the audio visual monitoring system functions while attached to the vehicle's sun visor would also continue to work while the LCD touch screen device is detached. Note: While detached, the sun visor's LCD touch screen device would continue to work using its built-in rechargeable battery, and battery symbol would be displayed on its LCD touch screen to indicate the amount of remaining battery.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram which illustrates the multi-functional LCD touch screen device built into both the driver side and the front passenger side sun visors, which would replace the existing sun visor mirrors. In addition, it also illustrates the exemplary locations of the cameras that would be installed for the 'Polarized front view', 'See me view' and the 'Rear passengers view'.
  • FIG. 2A is a diagram which illustrates the view displayed when the 'Polarized front view' camera is selected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen. In addition, it also illustrates some of the common functions/features of the sun visor's touch screen display. For example: ability to take and upload photos/videos of any camera views using 'Take Photo /Video' button, ability to review photos/videos of any camera views using 'Review Photos/Videos' button, ability to access general settings using 'Settings' button, ability to reduce bright light on screen using 'Brightness adjuster', ability to close the sun visor using a sun visor's cover, etc.
  • FIG. 2B is a diagram which shows the 'polarized front view' camera on the sun visor's touch screen display from outside the vehicle. As shown, this camera would be externally facing and therefore visible from in front of the vehicle.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram which illustrates the view captured when the 'See me view' camera is selected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen. This 'See me' camera would be displayed on the screen when a user taps on the 'See me' button that's available on the left side of the sun visor's touch screen display.
  • FIG. 4A is a diagram which illustrates the view captured by a single 'Rear passengers' camera when the "rear passenger view" camera is selected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen.
  • FIG. 4B is a diagram which illustrates the view captured when 'Rear passengers' camera is selected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen where there are multiple 'rear passenger view' cameras installed in the vehicle.
  • This figure shows that since there are multiple rear passenger cameras installed in the vehicle for displaying either single rear passenger row or multiple rear passenger rows, therefore, the main screen would be automatically split (either vertically and/or horizontally) on the 'Rear Passengers' camera view and would display all the 'Rear passengers' cameras.
  • the main screen would be automatically split (either vertically and/or horizontally) on the 'Rear Passengers' camera view and would display all the 'Rear passengers' cameras.
  • the main screen would be automatically split (either vertically and/or horizontally) on the 'Rear Passengers' camera view and would display all the 'Rear passengers' cameras.
  • the main screen would be automatically split (either vertically and/or horizontally) on the 'Rear Passengers' camera view and would display all the
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram which illustrates the zoom software module.
  • the software module would allow the user to slide two fingers across the LCD touch screen to zoom in or out of a portion of the currently displayed camera view/ image. It also illustrates that if a user touches the sun visor's touch screen display while a camera view is displaying on the screen, then the following two options 'Save settings', 'Reset settings' would automatically appear at the top of the screen for approximately 10 seconds and then those options would disappear after those 10 seconds until the user taps/touches the screen again.
  • 'Save settings' option would allow the user to save any settings for an individual camera view and those settings would be automatically applied in future whenever the user opens that camera view again.
  • Example of settings that would be saved brightness, zoom in, zoom out, camera angle for top, left, bottom, right, etc.
  • 'Reset settings' option would allow the user to reset any settings previously stored for an individual camera view back to their original settings.
  • Example of settings that would be reset brightness, zoom in, zoom out, camera angle for top, left, bottom, right, etc.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram which illustrates the display presented on the LCD screen when the 'Review Photos /Videos' control is selected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen. This screen would allow the users to view any photos or videos that were previously taken by that device. Also, there would be options available on this screen to either view photos/videos in a slideshow, ability to delete all photos/videos or manually share/upload individual photos/videos.
  • FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary 'Settings' screen on the sun visor's multi-functional touch screen device. This screen would allow the users to either setup or enable/disable features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Cellular. Also, there would be additional options like 'Auto share/upload photos videos', 'Auto delete after share/upload', 'Default webcam/camera', etc.
  • FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary 'Auto share/upload settings' screen, which is sub-part of the 'Settings' screen on the sun visor's multi-functional touch screen device. This screen would allow the users to either setup 'Auto share' or 'Auto upload' options for photos/videos on the device.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side view of the sun visor's multi-functional touch screen device.
  • the following options would be available on the side view - an on/off switch to either turn on or turn off the touch screen display, a speaker for playback of stored videos, a volume control to increase or decrease the volume for playback of any stored videos, a headphone jack for individual listening to audio of any stored videos, a microphone for recording of audio while taking videos, and an Audio/video out / Digital terminal that would allow the user to connect to a computer using a USB data cable and transfer photos/videos stored on the sun visor's LCD touch screen device.
  • the above mentioned features on the side of the sun visor's LCD touch screen device are just for exemplary purposes, however, as technology advances in future, additional ports and/or options can be added to this LCD touch screen device to enhance the use of these devices.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram which illustrates the operation of the system in connection to a Head-up Display system installed within the vehicle.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram of the power connection from the sun visor device into the vehicle's power system.
  • FIG. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary video chat/conference functionality available on the sun visor LCD screen, which allows the users to talk and share/exchange their video, i.e. any of the sun visor's camera views, in real-time with anyone else in the world that have video chat capable devices.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram which illustrates the rear seat sensor that can detect rear facing passengers sitting on the rear seat.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram of 'Rear passengers' view on the sun visor's LCD screen, which not only shows the child sitting in a rear facing child seat, but at the same time, also shows other rear seat passengers that are facing towards the front of the vehicle.
  • this solution would replace the mirror on the vehicle's sun visor with multi-functional LCD touch screen device 102, 104.
  • Each of those LCD touch screen devices would have multiple built-in cameras 106, 108 and an interface to external cameras 110, ability to display any of those camera views, ability to take pictures and videos and later view those on LCD touch screen, ability to share those photos/videos with another device or upload them to central location, and using auto polarization and auto photochromic lens on a camera as well as using software module an ability to auto-reduce the glare or bright light, so the objects (for example: traffic lights) can be clearly visible on screen.
  • the objects for example: traffic lights
  • the size of the LCD touch screen display can either be the full size of the sun visor or can even be a small portion of that sun visor.
  • the camera has a polarized lens which allows the camera to capture a polarized image.
  • the camera may have a polarized image sensor, or a polarizing filter may be affixed to the vehicle windshield or a polarizing film may be applied over the lens of the camera.
  • polarizing filter may be affixed to the vehicle windshield or a polarizing film may be applied over the lens of the camera.
  • a single LCD touch screen device or a plurality of such devices built in or affixed to one or more sun visors and communicated with one or more of the cameras is also within the scope and spirit of the invention.
  • either a single or plurality of sun visors with LCD touch screens can exist in any part of the vehicle i.e. front, back, right, left or top side of the vehicle, and that's within the scope and spirit of the invention.
  • some functionalities or camera views on the sun visor's LCD touch screen devices might be different. For example: rear seat sun visors might not display the 'rear passengers' camera view, instead it might display the front seat passengers using one or more 'front passenger' cameras.
  • FIG. 1 also provides an illustrative interior view of a vehicle containing the sun visor's visual system, including the other components of the vehicle like steering wheel, center console, gear shifter, dashboard with dashboard accessories, rear-view mirror, and front windshield.
  • one or more rear passenger view cameras may be placed elsewhere in the vehicle and interface with the sun visor device through a standard external camera interface, the external camera interface may be wired or wireless.
  • a wired external camera interface may be USB, Firewire, a proprietary camera interface, or any other kind of interface.
  • a wireless external camera interface may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or any other standard or proprietary wireless communication protocol.
  • any external camera interface may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • the invention described herein may be referred to as a computer, system, sun visor device, automotive visualization system interchangeably.
  • the user directs the system to perform various available user actions.
  • user actions used to control the system may be referred to as commands, instructions, directions, input, gestures, or actions. These actions may be performed by pressing buttons, turning knobs, moving sliders, touching the touch-sensitive screen of the device, double tapping, dragging, pinching, sliding or any other gestures commonly used to interact with a touch screen-device.
  • any user action may be used to interact with the computer, sun visor device, or automotive visualization system.
  • the tablet like LCD touch screen devices 102 and 104 each consist of an LCD touch screen, several built-in cameras, interface to external cameras and a computer communicated to the LCD touch screen.
  • the computer includes software modules stored in a memory therein allowing a user to manipulate controls displayed on the LCD touch screen to direct the operation of the system. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
  • programs allowing the user to select which of the camera views to display at any given time direct a selected camera to capture still images or videos by selecting the "Take Photos / Videos" control 204 displayed on the LCD touch screen, display captured still images or videos by selecting the "Review Photos / Videos” control 206 displayed on the LCD touch screen, adjust settings for each of the cameras by selecting the "Settings" control 208 displayed on the LCD touch screen.
  • programs allowing the user to select which of the camera views to display at any given time, direct a selected camera to capture still images or videos by selecting the "Take Photos / Videos" control 204 displayed on the LCD touch screen, display captured still images or videos by selecting the "Review Photos / Videos” control 206 displayed on the LCD touch screen, adjust settings for each of the cameras by selecting the "Settings" control 208 displayed on the LCD touch screen.
  • software modules included in the software modules are programs allowing the user to save settings for each of the cameras by selecting the "Save Settings” control 502 displayed on the LCD touch screen, reset settings for each of the cameras by selecting the "Reset Settings” control 504 displayed on the LCD touch screen, zoom in or out of a portion of the currently displayed camera view by sliding two fingers away from each other (to zoom-in) or toward each other (to zoom-out) on the desired portion of the view displayed on the LCD touch screen as shown in FIG. 5.
  • software modules also include programs that allow the user to automatically upload or share still images and/or video captured by each camera to an online account or a Bluetooth enabled device by activating the "auto upload / share" function.
  • FIG. 7 A and FIG. 7B software modules also include programs that allow the user to automatically upload or share still images and/or video captured by each camera to an online account or a Bluetooth enabled device by activating the "auto upload / share" function.
  • FIG. 7 A and FIG. 7B software modules also include programs that allow the user to automatically upload or share still images
  • the computer would include software modules enabling the computer to display the selected camera view on the head-up display (HUD) system 904, 906, thereby minimizing distractions for the driver.
  • the computer includes software modules that direct the sun visor's LCD screen to shut down after a specified number of seconds while the HUD system 902 is activated, enable the user to direct the computer to turn the LCD screen back on after it is shut down due to activation of the HUD system 902 by tapping the sun visor's LCD screen, and allow simultaneous operation of the sun visor's LCD screen and the HUD system by pressing continuously on the sun visor's LCD screen for a specific number of seconds.
  • the system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) which allows the user to interact with and control the system through a touch screen interface.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the GUI includes a selection region on the left side of the display with three software buttons for switching between the different views, including a front view, a rear passenger view, and a "see me” view, which uses the "see me” camera to simulate a mirror. If more cameras are included or interfaced with the sun visor system, a button will be present in the GUI for switching the view corresponding to that camera.
  • buttons could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • a user action region On the right side is a user action region containing action areas for capturing images and videos, viewing captured images and videos, accessing system settings, and adjusting brightness.
  • the image viewing area In the center of the display area of the display apparatus, between the view selection region and the user action region, is the image viewing area.
  • the image viewing area displays the camera feed from any one or more of the available cameras, captured images, or other user control and settings interfaces.
  • image or images may refer to still images, video images, recorded images, or live images.
  • the system automatically transfers captured images and/or videos to another location over a wireless connection.
  • the other location may be a central server providing a data storage or transmission service, a cellphone, tablet, another automotive visualization system in a nearby vehicle, or any other wireless device within communication range of the system.
  • the wireless connection may be Bluetooth, 802.11 Wi-Fi, cellular, LTE, or other wireless communication technologies.
  • any wireless communication technology may be used to transfer captured images and/or videos without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • the preferred embodiment of the invention would include multiple set of cameras each displaying a specific camera view.
  • the user By selecting the corresponding control displayed on the LCD touch screen on the tablet like device, the user directs the computer to display still images and/or video images from the selected camera onto the sun visor's LCD touch screen.
  • FIG. 2A depicts the view 203 displayed when the "polarized front view" control 202 is selected by the user, and in FIG. 2B, the polarized front view camera 216 is shown how it's visible from the front of the vehicle.
  • polarized front view refers to a view of the vehicle environment located in front of the vehicle and including traffic lights, street signs, and traffic ahead of the vehicle, which would typically be blocked when a conventional sun visor is in use.
  • This camera has a lens that is both auto polarized and auto photochromic, and there would also be software modules on computer that can apply polarization and photochromic effects on the camera view.
  • the "polarized front view camera” 108 is placed near the bottom-center of the sun visor's tablet like device as shown in FIG. 1.
  • polarization and/or photochromic effects may be used to remove glare from the image captured by the camera.
  • Software may be used to apply polarization or photochromic effects to remove glare produced by bright light sources in view of the camera.
  • Other software methods such as local dimming, or software-implemented photographic filters may be used to reduce glare.
  • any software method that reduces glare may be used to reduce glare without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • the camera features of polarization and photochromic effects could be applied to any camera described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • a camera is installed in the back face of the sun visor which points toward the outside of the vehicle when the sun visor is deployed.
  • Deploying the sun visor consists of moving the sun visor from an inactive position to an active position, or a stowed position to an un-stowed position, or a folded position to an unfolded position. Although this position might not face the front of the vehicle when the sun visor is not in use, the camera placed in the back of the sun visor would move into a position that faces the front of the vehicle whenever the sun visor is deployed.
  • the camera may be installed behind the rear view mirror, at the top of the windshield, outside the vehicle, or in the back side of the device's display, pointing through the sun visor toward the front of the vehicle.
  • a camera could be installed in any position that faces the front of the vehicle, even if it only faces the front of the vehicle at certain times.
  • a switching mechanism may be used to switch on the camera and/or the display when the sun visor is deployed.
  • the switching mechanism may be a mechanical button, a software button, an optical sensor, a magnetic switch, a capacitive sensor or any kind of sensor or switch capable of sending a signal or opening or closing a circuit when the sun visor is deployed.
  • One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any kind of switching mechanism could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • the switching mechanism may be positioned on the dashboard, on the steering wheel, incorporated into the vehicle's computer user interface, placed in the ceiling, or built into the sun visor hinge.
  • One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the switching mechanism could be placed anywhere without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • the switching mechanism may also be used to activate the rear camera view or see-me camera view.
  • the switching mechanism may be incorporated into a cover or flap that covers the display, such as the cover or flap that covers the mirror on a traditional sun visor.
  • the switching mechanism wherever it is placed, may be used to activate any of the camera views available in the sun visor system without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • the LCD touch screen may be substituted with any kind of display apparatus.
  • This may be an OLED screen, a plasma screen, an E-ink display, a Head Up Display, or any other kind of display.
  • any display apparatus may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 depicts the view 304 displayed when the "see me view” control 302 is selected.
  • "see me view” refers to a view of the front-seated driver or the passenger, who is directly sitting in front of that camera.
  • this "see me camera” 106 is placed near the top-center of the sun visor's tablet like device as depicted in FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the view 404 displayed when the "rear passenger view” control 402 is selected.
  • "rear passenger view” refers to a view of any of the rear-seated passengers. In the preferred embodiment, this "rear passengers" camera is placed on the ceiling/roof of the vehicle.
  • the preferred embodiment includes multiple "rear passenger views” 406, 408, displaying that the system is capable of showing an additional row of rear seated passengers where the vehicle has more than one row of rear seated passengers.
  • FIG. 5 shows a user operating the zoom function.
  • the software module would allow a user to use two fingers to zoom in or out on a portion of the sun visor's LCD screen.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the "Review Photos/ Videos” module 602.
  • a user would be able to view stored images in a slide show by selecting the slideshow control 608, share/ upload content using the "share/ upload control 604, and delete all stored content using the delete all control 606.
  • buttons available on the left side of the touch screen display ('Polarized Front View' 202, 'See me' 302, 'Rear passengers' 402) to go to any of the camera views.
  • buttons available on the left side of the touch screen display ('Polarized Front View' 202, 'See me' 302, 'Rear passengers' 402) to go to any of the camera views.
  • 'Rear polarized view' camera can also be displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, so when the vehicle is being reversed, it would display the rear view of the vehicle on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, and that view would also be auto polarized and auto photochromic.
  • a note would be displayed to the second person that they don't have permission to move the 'Rear passenger' camera because it's already open on the other sun visor's touch screen display, but they would at least be able to see the camera view that the first person was already watching. For example: If the driver had already opened one of the rear passenger cameras on their sun visor's touch screen display, and thereafter, the front passenger also tries to bring up that same rear passenger camera on their sun visor's touch screen display, then the latter would still be able to view the camera, however, all the options to move, zoom, etc. would be disabled for the latter until the person that opened the rear passenger camera first closes it on their display).
  • a user would have the ability to adjust the brightness of the screen using a brightness adjuster 210, so they can avoid being distracted with bright light while driving.
  • the brightness adjuster would have a transparent background on the sun visor's touch screen display for any of the camera views.
  • 'Save settings' and 'Reset settings' options would allow the user to save any settings for an individual camera view and those settings would be automatically applied in future whenever the user opens that camera view again.
  • settings that would be saved include: brightness, zoom in, zoom out, camera angle for top, left, bottom, right, etc.
  • 'Reset settings' option would allow the user to reset any settings previously stored for an individual camera view back to their original settings.
  • settings that would be reset include: brightness, zoom in, zoom out, camera angle for top, left, bottom, right, etc. Note: This functionality to save or reset the camera view settings can also be easily extended to multiple users if more than one person were planning to use the vehicle.
  • 'Take Photo/Video' option 204 would be available on the sun visor's touch screen display, which would allow the users to take photos or videos of either of the camera views displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen.
  • 'Review Photos/Videos' option 206, 602 would be available on the sun visor's touch screen display, which would allow the users to view any photos or videos that were previously taken by that device.
  • some examples of the options available on the 'Review Photos /Videos' screen would include an option to view photos/videos in a slideshow 608, ability to delete all photos/videos 606, manually share/upload individual photos/videos 604, etc.
  • a user While reviewing the individual photos/videos on the 'Review Photos/Videos' screen, a user would be able to use Bluetooth, cellular or Wi-Fi features to either manually share the photos/videos to another device or upload them to central online location.
  • a user would also have the ability to manually share photos/videos from one sun visor's touch screen device to another sun visor's touch screen device. In fact, even vehicles standing/driving close to each other would be able to connect with each other using Bluetooth, etc. and share photos/videos and display those on their sun visor's LCD touch screen.
  • a sun visor's touch screen display would automatically turn on when the sun visor cover 212 is pulled up/opened, and on the other hand, the sun visor's touch screen display would automatically turn off when the sun visor cover 212 is pulled down/closed.
  • an on/off switch 802 to either turn on or turn off the sun visor's LCD touch screen display.
  • volume control 804 to increase or decrease the volume for any videos playing on the sun visor's LCD touch screen display.
  • FIG. 808 there would be a headphone jack 808 for individual listening to audio of any videos on the sun visor's LCD touch screen display.
  • FIG. 8 there would be a microphone 810 to record the audio along with the videos on the sun visor's LCD touch screen display.
  • FIG. 8 there would be Audio/video out / Digital terminal 812 that would allow the user to connect to another computer device using a USB data cable or other transfer means.
  • a user Once the sun visor's touch screen device and the other computer are connected, a user would be able to transfer any photos/videos from sun visor's touch screen device to that computer. (Note: It would be possible for a user to detach the entire sun visor or the sun visor's touch screen device from the vehicle and transfer any photos/videos from that sun visor's touch screen device to another computer using a USB connection or other available transfer means.) [0111] As shown in FIG.
  • the charging system for the sun visor device would mainly include the vehicle's alternator 1002, voltage regulator 1006, the vehicle battery 1004, a battery fuse 1008, a built-in rechargeable battery 1014 on the sun visor device itself, and the associated wiring and its harness 1010.
  • the vehicle's alternator 1002 While the vehicle's engine is running and the sun visor device is connected to the sun visor hinge system 1012, the vehicle's alternator 1002 would supply the necessary power to the sun visor device. However, if the capacity of the alternator 1002 is exceeded, then the vehicle's battery 1004 would supply the necessary power to the sun visor device, even though the vehicle's engine might be running. In this case, it would be indicated to the user that the vehicle's battery 1004 is being utilized to supply the power to the sun visor device.
  • the vehicle's battery 1004 would supply the necessary power to the sun visor device. Note: it would also be indicated to the user that the vehicle's battery 1004 is being utilized to supply the power to the sun visor device. However, if the vehicle's battery 1004 is about to fully drain out i.e. no more capacity, then rather than using the vehicle's battery 1004, the sun visor device would use its built-in rechargeable battery 1014 even though the sun visor device is connected to the sun visor hinge system. In this case, it would be indicated to the user that the rechargeable battery 1014 on the sun visor device itself is being utilized to supply the power to the sun visor device.
  • the rechargeable batteries 1014 within the sun visor device would supply the necessary power to the sun visor device.
  • the rechargeable battery 1014 on the sun visor device itself is being utilized to supply the power to the sun visor device.
  • any power that's supplied to the sun visor device system would pass through the voltage regular 1006 to control the amount of voltage passed through.
  • a battery fuse 1008 to protect over current being passed through.
  • the wiring 1010 from the alternator and the battery would run parallel through the sides of the engine, and then from the space available between the vehicle's side mirror and the front windshield over to the dashboard of the vehicle, which would be further extended to supply the power to the sun visor hinge system 1012 on the ceiling of the vehicle.
  • the associated wiring can also be extended to the rear seat sun visors, if present. Note: It is to be clearly understood that there are many different ways to run the wiring from the alternator and the battery to the sun visor device in a vehicle, and that's within the scope and spirit of the invention.
  • wiring 1010 from the vehicle's alternator 1002 or the battery 1004 can also be extended to the sun visor device's switching on/off mechanism or the HUD system that's interfaced with the sun visor device system.
  • the power from the vehicle's alternator 1002 or the battery 1004 would be sent to one side of the sun visor hinge system 1012 to charge the sun visor device when connected i.e. both sides/hooks of the sun visor hinge system would not need to be have the power coming in and this would allow the user to snap out the sun visor from one side of the sun visor hinge system and turn the sun visor towards the side window and still continue to get the sun visor device to keep charging.
  • the sun visor device receives power from the electrical system of the vehicle. This power may be passed from the vehicle to the sun visor device in a variety of ways.
  • a primary inductive charging coil is embedded in the ceiling of the vehicle and a secondary inductive charging coil is embedded in either the sun visor or the housing of the sun visor device itself.
  • the secondary charging coil comes into proximity with the magnetic field generated by the primary charging coil and produces an electric current that is used to charge the sun visor device.
  • deploying the sun visor disconnects the sun visor device from the inductive power source and it runs on the internal rechargeable battery.
  • a flexible ribbon cable passes from the vehicle interior through the housing of the sun visor hinge to provide power and data connection to the sun visor device.
  • electrical leads are built into the hinge system with rotatable contacts on the vehicle interior end of the hinge and the sun visor end of the hinge. These contacts allow the hinge to be repositioned in the stowed or deployed position while still providing power through the hinge to the sun visor device.
  • power may be provided to the sun visor device through any means without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • 'Polarized front view' camera 108 is located near the bottom-center of the sun visor's touch screen device. Note: this 'Polarized front view' camera would actually be facing towards the front of the vehicle i.e. external view. Therefore, if the sun visor was pulled down and a user went outside the vehicle and looked, then they would still be able to see 'Polarized front view' camera 216 near the bottom-center on the back side of the sun visor's touch screen device. [0122] As shown in FIG.
  • the intent of this camera would be to display on the main screen 203 the traffic lights, information boards, street names, etc., which are usually higher up on the road and aren't usually visible when a traditional sun visor is pulled down. Note: By being able to view the above mentioned information on the sun visor's touch screen display, a user wouldn't have to look from the sides of their sun visor to get that information.
  • This 'Polarized front view' camera would have lens that has both auto polarization and auto photochromic effect and also there would be software modules, which would help to automatically reduce glare and also darken/lighten the view depending upon the outside light. For example: Even if the sun was right in front of the vehicle, then also a user would still be able to look at the external things like traffic light, street names, etc. using the 'Polarized front view' camera. In addition, even during night time, a user would still be able to get external information using the 'Polarized front view' camera. Note: Since most of the windshields have ultraviolet protection built in them, the photochromic effect mentioned above would even take place in the visible light that's without the ultraviolet rays.
  • this 'Polarized front view' would be the default camera view when the sun visor's touch screen display is turned on.
  • the 'Polarized front view' button 202 on the left side of the touch screen display would be highlighted on the screen. (Note: As shown in FIG. 7A, a user would have the ability to change the screen's default camera 714, 718 by going to the 'Settings' screen available on the sun visor's touch screen display.)
  • sun visor that's in front of the driver of the vehicle would display the following disclaimer whenever the 'Polarized front view' camera is activated on the sun visor's LCD touch screen - "Do not use this view as your source of driving" 214 (Note: Any other multi-functional sun visors present in the vehicle, except the driver's sun visor, wouldn't display the above mentioned disclaimer message since those users aren't driving.)
  • 'See me' camera 106 is located near the top-center of the sun visor's touch screen device.
  • This 'See me' camera can be placed at an angle, so by default its intent would be to display maximum view/body of the person, who's sitting inside the vehicle in the front of that camera, on the main screen 304 of the sun visor's touch screen display.
  • 'Rear passengers' camera/s 110 would be located near the ceiling/roof of the vehicle. Depending upon the size of the vehicle, either one or two cameras would be installed for each rear passenger row, and if the vehicle has more than two rows of seating, then additional cameras would also be added for each additional row of rear passengers. These one or multiple rear passenger cameras would together create the view for the 'Rear passengers' camera screen 404 on the sun visor's touch screen display.
  • FIG. 4A if only one camera is present for displaying the rear passenger row in the vehicle, then only that camera would be displayed when 'Rear Passengers' view is opened.
  • FIG. 4B if there were multiple cameras present for displaying either single rear passenger row or multiple rear passenger rows, then the screen would be split (either vertically and/or horizontally) on the 'Rear Passenger's camera view and would display all the rear passenger cameras 406, 408. If the user wants to enlarge one of the rear passenger cameras, then they would be able to double tap on that camera view on the touch screen display to enlarge it. However, if the user wants to restore an already enlarged rear passenger camera, then they would be able to double tap on that camera view on the touch screen display to restore it again i.e. all rear passenger cameras would be visible again on the screen.
  • These rear passenger cameras 110 can be placed at an angle, so by default their intent would be to display the maximum view of the people sitting inside the vehicle on rear passenger seats.
  • the rear seat sensor 1202 mentioned above can also try to locate the sitting position or a particular body part (for example: eyes) of the rear seat passenger 1306 to discern if they are front facing or rear facing, and accordingly send the instructions via the computer software to the rear passengers camera/cameras to automatically display those rear facing passengers, for example: child, on the sun visor display in addition to the other passengers that are already front facing using one or multiple rear passenger cameras.
  • a particular body part for example: eyes
  • This invention would also include a 'Settings' screen that can be accessed through the multi-functional LED touch screen display -
  • FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B there would be an 'Auto share/upload photos videos' option 710 available on the 'Settings' screen.
  • a user clicks on the 'Auto share/upload photos videos' option they would be taken to a new screen named 'Auto share/upload settings' 720.
  • the user enables 724 the 'Auto share/upload photos videos' field 722 then the following two options would become visible - one for auto share settings 726 for sharing photos/videos with another Bluetooth device and second for auto upload settings 728 for uploading photos/videos to a central online location using Wi-Fi or cellular.
  • Fig. 7A there would be an 'Auto delete after share/upload' option 712, which would be initially grayed out by default. However, when the user enables the 'Auto share/upload photos videos' field 722 on the 'Auto share/upload settings' screen 720, then this 'Auto delete after share/upload' option 712 would be visible i.e. would be no longer grayed out. If the user enables (turns on) 716 this 'Auto delete after share' option 712, then the system would automatically delete any photos/videos present on sun visors' touch screen device after they have been successfully shared and/or uploaded depending upon the user's selection. Note: If both auto share and auto upload are set up, then the system would complete both of those tasks successfully before deleting any photos/videos from the sun visor's touch screen device.
  • FIG. 7 A there would be a 'Default camera' field 714 available on the 'Settings' screen with 'Polarized front view' camera 718 set as the default camera.
  • a user would be allowed to change this 'Default camera' field 714 to either 'See me' camera, or the 'Rear passengers' camera, or another camera that's connected to the sun visor's touch screen device.
  • a user would be able to access/operate the sun visor's multi-functional touch screen display even when the vehicle isn't turned on i.e. the sun visor's touch screen device would run using its built-in rechargeable battery in this case, and battery symbol would be displayed on its screen to indicate the amount of remaining battery.
  • a user would be able to pull out/detach the entire sun visor or the sun visor's LCD touch screen device from the vehicle and would be able to take photos/videos using its built-in cameras or transfer any photos/videos from that sun visor's touch screen device to another computer using a USB connection 812 or other similar transfer means. (Note: The sun visor's touch screen device would run on its built-in rechargeable battery while out of the sun visor slot of the vehicle.)
  • video chat/conference functionality 1 102 available on the sun visor system, which would allow the users to talk and share/exchange their video 1104, i.e. any of the sun visor's camera views, in real-time with any other people 1106 in the world that have video chat capable devices.
  • video chat/conference functionality would mainly use the sun visor's LCD touch screen, any of the associated cameras, computer software module, wireless connection, etc to share/ex change the video with other people.
  • video chat/conference functionality can also comprise of other components like centralized server, server client interfaces, etc. and those would still be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • the sun visor's LCD touch screen would have the necessary controls and the associated computer software modules to enable or disable the video chat/conference functionality on the sun visor system. Note: While using the video chat/conference functionality, the vehicle user would be able to share/exchange any of the sun visor's camera views with the other people.
  • the wireless connection mentioned above may be Bluetooth, 802.11 Wi-Fi, cellular, LTE, or other wireless communication technologies. One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any wireless communication technology may be used to enable the video chat/conference functionality without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • sun visor's video chat/conference functionality Similar to any video chat/conference applications (for example: Facetime application on iOS operating system), there would also be options available on the sun visor's video chat/conference functionality to add/remove or enter details of users with whom the vehicle user wants to do video chatting/conferencing.
  • the sun visor's video chat/conference system can also comprise of other features that might assist with the video chat/conference functionality, and that would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • a user would also be able to use voice commands instead of operating the digital sun visor by touching the sun visor's LCD touch screen. For example: using a voice command, a user would be able to change the camera view on the sun visor's LCD screen from 'Polarized Front View' to 'See Me' view, turn on or turn off the sun visor's LCD screen, start or stop video chat, change the sun visor mirror to traditional mirror view instead of the digital LCD screen, and so on.
  • An alternate is that rather than displaying any of the camera views i.e. 'Polarized front view', 'See me', 'Rear passengers', or any other camera views on the sun visor's LCD touch screen itself, they can also be displayed on any other LCD screens available in any other part of the vehicle.
  • a camera, display apparatus, computer processor, rechargeable battery, and non-volatile computer memory are incorporated into a housing to create a sun visor video device resembling a tablet PC.
  • This sun visor device fits into a molded form within the sun visor and a cutaway for the camera opens toward the front of the vehicle.
  • This sun visor video device can be removed or detached from the sun visor body and used to capture images, view images, share images, etc. independently of the sun visor.
  • the sun visor device may attach to whatever sun visor hinge system is used in the vehicle, taking the place of the sun visor itself.
  • the sun visor hinge system and the sun visor device may be configured to allow the sun visor device to be detached and reattached to the sun visor hinge system to allow the sun visor device to be used independently.
  • the sun visor device of the present invention may have clips at the corners which allow the corners to wrap around, and clip onto, the edges or corners of the sun visor in a similar fashion to a cell phone case.
  • the camera may be incorporated into one of the clips that wraps around the sun visor so that the camera can face the front of the vehicle when the sun visor is deployed.
  • any method of removably attaching or mounting the sun visor device to the sun visor or sun visor hinge system may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Un système de pare-soleil de véhicule avec affichage à écran tactile est configuré pour afficher une vidéo provenant d'une ou de plusieurs caméras. Une caméra photochromique et/ou polarisée dirigée vers l'avant montre la zone de vision qui est normalement bloquée par le pare-soleil déployé, ce qui permet à l'utilisateur de visualiser des feux de circulation, des panneaux de signalisation routière, etc., sans toutefois être ébloui. Un logiciel de traitement d'image peut également être utilisé pour réduire l'éblouissement et améliorer la visibilité. En outre, le système de pare-soleil comprend une caméra "see-me" qui permet à l'utilisateur d'utiliser l'écran comme miroir, et une ou plusieurs caméras de rétrovision qui peuvent être utilisées pour voir la zone passager d'un véhicule sur l'affichage à écran tactile. L'une des caméras peut être utilisée pour prendre des photos ou des vidéos, qui peuvent ensuite être visualisées sur l'écran d'affichage et transmises sans fil à d'autres dispositifs électroniques ou un stockage en nuage.
PCT/US2015/051111 2014-09-19 2015-09-19 Pare-soleil de véhicule amélioré avec écran tactile multifonction, multiples vues de caméra, et fonction photo/vidéo WO2016044820A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201462052475P 2014-09-19 2014-09-19
US62/052,475 2014-09-19
US14/623,368 US9457642B2 (en) 2014-09-19 2015-02-16 Vehicle sun visor with a multi-functional touch screen with multiple camera views and photo video capability
US14/623,368 2015-02-16
US201562220966P 2015-09-19 2015-09-19
US62/220,966 2015-09-19

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US10717406B2 (en) 2015-10-26 2020-07-21 Active Knowledge Ltd. Autonomous vehicle having an external shock-absorbing energy dissipation padding
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CN109791287A (zh) * 2016-06-08 2019-05-21 福塞特汽车有限公司 用于防止车辆事故的车辆安装式显示系统和方法
CN108068586A (zh) * 2016-11-10 2018-05-25 福特全球技术公司 用于车辆的遮阳板总成
FR3067669A1 (fr) * 2017-06-16 2018-12-21 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Systeme de retrovision numerique pour vehicule automobile a reglage facilite
CN109552198A (zh) * 2017-09-26 2019-04-02 恩坦华产品有限责任公司 多位置电子智能遮阳罩
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DE102019211516A1 (de) * 2019-08-01 2021-02-04 Audi Ag Sonnenschutzvorrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug, Kraftfahrzeug, Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Sonnenschutzvorrichtung
CN110843693A (zh) * 2019-11-29 2020-02-28 盐城吉大智能终端产业研究院有限公司 一种便于稳定安装的5g车联网行车记录仪
WO2022033336A1 (fr) * 2020-08-11 2022-02-17 上海商汤临港智能科技有限公司 Véhicule
US11838611B1 (en) 2021-06-11 2023-12-05 T-Mobile Usa, Inc. Vehicle display device with simulated mirror and wireless connectivity

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