Vehicular visual assistance system
US7520616B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2300/802
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicular visual assistance system includes: a retro-reflective surface formed on an inside face of a pillar that is in a position obstructing the view of a vehicle driver seated on a driver's seat within a vehicle compartment; a camera mounted on the vehicle outside the vehicle compartment for taking an image outward from the pillar in a direction that is substantially the same as the line of vision of the vehicle driver on the driver's seat; and a projector for projecting in real time the image taken by the camera toward the retro-reflective surface of the pillar. The projector is fixedly disposed within the vehicle compartment at a position close to the eyes of the vehicle driver on the driver's seat. Thus, it is possible to eliminate a blind spot due to the pillar, thereby enhancing safety of driving.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.