Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a wireless communication system (10) for a motorcycle and motorcycle helmets (12, 14).
Abstract:
A rear view mirror/video display (16) includes a one-way mirror (22) and a selectively activated video display (24) that is mounted immediately behind the one-way mirror (22) so that the driver is presented with a typical semi-obstructed rearward view when the video display (24) is deactivated, and an unobstructed rearward view of substantially the same size and aspect ratio when the video display (24) is activated. The video image is obtained from an imaging device (12) mounted to capture a rearward field-of-view that is unobstructed by vehicle body panels (26, 28, 30) but otherwise corresponds in content with that of the image reflected by the one-way mirror (22). Activation and deactivation of the video display (24) may be manual, but is preferably automatic based on vehicle operating conditions (36).
Abstract:
An optical system (10a, 10b) for vehicle operating monitoring is disclosed. The optical system (10a, 10b) includes at least one illuminator (12) that illuminates a profile (P) of a vehicle operator (O) and an imager (14) in optical communication with a reflector (16) that captures a reflected image (R) of the vehicle operator profile (P) from the reflector (16). A method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A back-up system (100) for aiding a driver in backing a motor vehicle (10) performs a number of functions when a motor vehicle (10) is placed in a reverse direction. Initially, an image of an area at the rear of the motor vehicle (10) provided by a camera (140) is visually displayed on a monitor (120), which is positioned so as to be visually accessible by a driver of the motor vehicle (10). Then, a distance to an object that is within a path of the motor vehicle (10) is sensed with a radar sensor (124). Next, a warning is provided when the object is within a predetermined collision distance. Finally, when the motor vehicle (10) is placed in a forward direction, the display of the image on the monitor (120) is discontinued.
Abstract:
An optical system (10a, 10b) for vehicle operating monitoring is disclosed. The optical system (10a, 10b) includes at least one illuminator (12) that illuminates a profile (P) of a vehicle operator (O) and an imager (14) in optical communication with a reflector (16) that captures a reflected image (R) of the vehicle operator profile (P) from the reflector (16). A method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A display system (22) and method provides images viewable within an electrically controllable viewing window for controlled viewing by the driver (16) and passenger (18) in a vehicle (10). The display system (22) includes a display (34) for generating an image that is viewable within a viewing window (56, 56'), and a backlight (28) disposed behind the display (34) for generating light for illuminating the display (34). The display system (22) has a light control medium (30, 32) for controlling directivity of the light illuminated on the display (34). The display system (22) further has a control device (40, 42) for controlling the light control medium (30, 32) to change the viewing window (56, 56') to control images for viewing by the driver (16) to reduce distraction thereof.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a wireless communication system (10) for a motorcycle and motorcycle helmets (12, 14).
Abstract:
A vehicle security monitoring system (20) and method (100) is provided for monitoring the security in detection zones (24A-24D) near a vehicle (10). The system (20) includes motion detectors (26A-26D) positioned to detect motion of an object within security zones (24A-24D) of a vehicle and cameras (28A-28D) positioned to generate video images of the security zones (24A-24D). A display (50) located onboard the vehicle (10) displays images generated by a camera (24A) when the camera (24A) is activated. A controller (34) controls activation of the camera (24A) and presentation of images on the display (50). The controller (34) activates the camera (34A) and controls the display (50) to output images captured by the camera (34A) when a moving object is detected in the security zone (24A).
Abstract:
A display system and method for presenting scrolling text (24) on a display (22) is provided in a manner that generally minimizes driver distraction. The system includes a display (22) for displaying scrolling text (24). The system also includes a gaze monitor (40) having an imaging camera (30) oriented to capture images of a person (32), such as a vehicle driver, including at least portions of the driver's head (34), and determining a gaze vector ( g ‾ ) or head orientation vector. The system further includes a controller (50) for determining whether the driver (32) is expected to be viewing the display (22) based on the gaze vector ( g ‾ ) . The controller (50) pauses the scrolling text (24) presented on the display (22) when the driver (32) is not viewing the display (22).