Rear vision camera switching

Methods and systems are provided for controlling camera images of vehicle cameras. In one example, a camera, a radio system, a processor, and a display are disposed onboard a vehicle. The camera is configured to generate camera images. The radio system is configured to process the camera images. The processor is configured to at least facilitate determining whether a radio system of the vehicle is functioning properly; processing the camera images through the radio system prior to displaying the camera images within the vehicle, if the radio system is functioning properly; and providing instructions for displaying the camera images within the vehicle without processing the camera images through the radio system, if the radio system is not functioning properly. The display is configured to display the camera images in accordance with the instructions provided by the processor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to the field of vehicles and, more specifically, to methods and systems for controlling a rear vision camera in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles include a rear vision camera that provides a view for a region behind the vehicle. However, in certain circumstances the rear view camera may be part of a system that does not always provide optimal images in certain situations.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for controlling rear vision cameras in vehicles. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes determining whether a radio system of the vehicle is functioning properly; processing the camera images through the radio system prior to displaying the camera images within the vehicle, if the radio system is functioning properly; and displaying the camera images within the vehicle without processing the camera images through the radio system, if the radio system is not functioning properly.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a camera and a processor. The camera is disposed onboard a vehicle, and is configured to generate camera images. A processor is coupled to the camera, and is configured to at least facilitate determining whether a radio system of the vehicle is functioning properly; processing the camera images through the radio system prior to displaying the camera images within the vehicle, if the radio system is functioning properly; and displaying the camera images within the vehicle without processing the camera images through the radio system, if the radio system is not functioning properly.

In accordance with a further exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a camera, a radio system, a processor, and a display. The camera is disposed onboard the vehicle, and is configured to generate camera images. The radio system is disposed onboard the vehicle, and is configured to process the camera images. The processor is disposed onboard the vehicle, and is coupled to the camera and the radio system. The processor is configured to at least facilitate determining whether a radio system of the vehicle is functioning properly; processing the camera images through the radio system prior to displaying the camera images within the vehicle, if the radio system is functioning properly; and providing instructions for displaying the camera images within the vehicle without processing the camera images through the radio system, if the radio system is not functioning properly. The display is coupled to the processor, and is disposed onboard the vehicle. The display is configured to display the camera images in accordance with the instructions provided by the processor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a vehicle100, according to an exemplary embodiment. As described in greater detail further below, the vehicle100includes a camera102, a radio system104, a control system106, and a display118.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the camera102comprises a rear vision camera that is mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle100, and that provides images from behind the vehicle100, for example when the vehicle100is in reverse. The camera102is controlled via a control system106, as depicted inFIG. 1. In various embodiments, the control system106controls switching of the camera102in appropriate circumstances, for example depending on whether the radio system104is functioning properly, for example as discussed further below in connection withFIG. 1as well asFIGS. 2 and 3.

The vehicle100preferably comprises an automobile. The vehicle100may be any one of a number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a wagon, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and/or various other types of vehicles in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the vehicle100may also comprise a motorcycle or other vehicle, or other system having a camera image with a fixed referenced point.

The vehicle100includes the above-referenced body110that is arranged on a chassis112. The body110substantially encloses other components of the vehicle100. The body110and the chassis112may jointly form a frame. The vehicle100also includes a plurality of wheels114. The wheels114are each rotationally coupled to the chassis112near a respective corner of the body110to facilitate movement of the vehicle100. In one embodiment, the vehicle100includes four wheels114, although this may vary in other embodiments (for example for trucks and certain other vehicles).

A drive system116is mounted on the chassis112, and drives the wheels114. The drive system116preferably comprises a propulsion system. In certain exemplary embodiments, the drive system116comprises an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor/generator, coupled with a transmission thereof. In certain embodiments, the drive system116may vary, and/or two or more drive systems116may be used. By way of example, the vehicle100may also incorporate any one of, or combination of, a number of different types of propulsion systems, such as, for example, a gasoline or diesel fueled combustion engine, a “flex fuel vehicle” (FFV) engine (i.e., using a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and/or natural gas) fueled engine, a combustion/electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric motor.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the camera102is mounted on the body110of the vehicle100. In the depicted embodiment, the camera102is mounted on a rear end of the vehicle, as shown inFIG. 1. Also in the depicted embodiment, the camera102captures images from behind the vehicle100, for example when the vehicle100is in reverse.

The camera102provides images from behind the vehicle100for viewing on one or more displays108that are disposed inside the vehicle100(i.e. inside the body110of the vehicle100), and/or for providing other information for the vehicle100(e.g. information to a vehicle control system for use in vehicle control).

In one embodiment, the camera102provides images for viewing on a display118of a center console of the vehicle100. In various embodiments, the display118may be part of a radio display, a navigation display, and/or other display, for example as part of or in proximity to the center console. In certain other embodiments, the display118may be part of one or more other vehicle100components, such as a rear view mirror. In one exemplary embodiment the display118comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or a light emitting diode (LED) screen. However, this may vary in other embodiments.

The radio system104is also disposed onboard the vehicle100. The radio system104processes camera images from the camera102. In addition, in various embodiments, the radio system104also provides for radio audio and/or other information and/or entertainment (e.g., FM radio, AM radio, satellite radio, compact disk, DVD, connectivity with electronic devices via wired connections and/or wireless communications, and so on).

As depicted inFIG. 1, the radio system104comprises a transceiver119, a processor120, and one or more tuners122.

In various embodiments, the transceiver119transmits signals on a regular basis (preferably, on a continuous basis) to serve as an indication that the radio system104is functioning properly. In certain embodiments, the signals comprise “heartbeat” type signals for this purpose. In certain embodiments, the transceiver119also receives camera images from the camera102and/or instructions from the control system106, and/or transmits filtered camera images to the control system106and/or the display118.

Also in various embodiments, the processor120processes and buffers the camera images from the camera102prior to display on the display118. In certain embodiments, the processor120provides overlays for the camera images, for example including guidelines for where or how to turn, and so on. In addition, in certain embodiments, when the camera102reduces its image rate from a first rate (e.g., 30 frames/second) to a second rate (e.g., 15 frames/second), the radio system104converts the images back to the first rate (e.g., 30 frames/second) as an output for showing on the display118.

In various embodiments, the tuners122provide tuning for one or more radio frequencies (e.g., AM, FM, and/or satellite radio), and/or provide tuning and/or other assistance for radio audio and/or other information and/or entertainment (e.g., FM radio, AM radio, satellite radio, compact disk, DVD, connectivity with electronic devices via wired connections and/or wireless communications, and so on).

The control system106controls operation of the camera102. In certain embodiments, the control system106also controls operation of the radio system104and/or the displays108. The control system106is disposed within the body110of the vehicle100. In one embodiment, the control system106is mounted on the chassis112. Among other control features, the control system106obtains images from the camera102, monitors whether the radio system104is functioning properly, and exercises control over the camera images (e.g., by determining the image rate for the camera102and also whether or not the camera images are to be sent to the radio system104) based at least in part on whether the radio system104is functioning properly, in accordance with the steps of the process300discussed further below in connection withFIG. 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

In various embodiments, the control system106provides these and other functions in accordance with steps of the process300described further below in connection withFIG. 3. In certain embodiments, the control system106and/or one or more components thereof may be disposed outside the body110, for example on a remote serve, in the cloud, or in a remote smart phone or other device where image processing is performed remotely. In addition, in certain embodiments, the control system106may be disposed within and/or as part of the camera102, radio system104, and/or display118, and/or within and/or or as part of one or more other vehicle systems.

Also as depicted inFIG. 1, in various embodiments the control system106is coupled to the camera102via a communications link109, and receives camera images from the camera102via the communications link109. In certain embodiments, the communications link109comprises one or more wired connections, such as one or more cables (e.g. coaxial cables and/or one or more other types of cables). In other embodiments, the communications link109may comprise one or more wireless connections, e.g., using transceiver123depicted inFIG. 1.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the control system106includes the above-referenced transceiver123, as well as a sensor array124, a video switch125, and a controller126. Also as depicted inFIG. 1, in certain embodiments the control system106may also include and/or is part of one or more of the camera102, the radio system104, and/or the display118, and/or one or more components thereof.

The transceiver123monitors transmission signals from the radio system104(e.g., from the transceiver119of the radio system104), to monitor the health of the radio system104. In certain embodiments, the transceiver123also received and/or transmits camera images (e.g., processed and/or unprocessed) from and/or to the camera102, the radio system104, and/or the display118.

The sensor array124generates sensor data, and provides the sensor data to the controller126for processing. As depicted inFIG. 1, the sensor array124includes one or more gear sensors128and light sensors130. In various embodiments, the gear sensors128detect a gear or transmission state of the vehicle100(e.g., park, drive, neutral, reverse, and so on, such as by detecting movement and/or activation of an ignition, and so on). Also in various embodiments, the light sensors130detect light conditions outside the vehicle100, for use in determining whether nighttime conditions are present.

The video switch125causes the transmission of the camera images to be provided via one or more routes, based on instructions provided by the controller126. In certain embodiments, the video switch causes the camera images to be provided either directly from the camera102to the display118(without being sent to the radio104), or to be provided from the camera102to the radio system104, depending upon the position of the video switch125, as set by the controller126.

The controller126controls operation of the camera images. In various embodiments, the controller126monitors whether the radio system104is functioning properly, and provides instructions for the camera images to be provided either directly from the camera102to the display118(without being sent to the radio104), or to be provided from the camera102to the radio system104, depending upon the whether the radio system104is functioning properly. In certain embodiments, the controller126provides this functionality via engagement of the video switch125. In addition, in certain embodiments, the controller126also controls a frequency of the camera102based upon whether nighttime conditions are in effect, and based on whether the radio system104is functioning properly. Also in various embodiments, the controller126provides these and other functions in accordance with the steps discussed further below in connection with the schematic drawings of the vehicle100and components ofFIGS. 1 and 2and the flowchart ofFIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the controller126is coupled to the camera102, the radio system104, and the display118. Also in one embodiment, the controller126is disposed within the control system106, within the vehicle100. In certain embodiments, the controller126(and/or components thereof, such as the processor142and/or other components) may be part of and/or disposed within the camera102, the radio system104, the display118, and/or one or more other vehicle components. Also in certain embodiments, the controller126may be disposed in one or more other locations of the vehicle100. In addition, in certain embodiments, multiple controllers126may be utilized (e.g. one controller126within the vehicle100and another controller within the camera102, the radio system104, and/or the display118), among other possible variations. In addition, in certain embodiments, the controller can be placed outside vehicle, such as in a remote server, in the cloud or on a remote smart device.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the controller126comprises a computer system. In certain embodiments, the controller126may also include the transceiver123, one or more sensors of the sensor array124, the video switch125, and/or other devices and/or components thereof. In addition, it will be appreciated that the controller126may otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1. For example, the controller126may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems, for example as part of one or more of the above-identified vehicle100devices and systems.

In the depicted embodiment, the computer system of the controller126includes a processor142, a memory144, an interface146, a storage device148, and a bus150. The processor142performs the computation and control functions of the controller126, and may comprise any type of processor or multiple processors, single integrated circuits such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and/or circuit boards working in cooperation to accomplish the functions of a processing unit. During operation, the processor142executes one or more programs152contained within the memory144and, as such, controls the general operation of the controller126and the computer system of the controller126, generally in executing the processes described herein, such as the process300described further below in connection withFIG. 3.

The memory144can be any type of suitable memory. For example, the memory144may include various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as SDRAM, the various types of static RAM (SRAM), and the various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and flash). In certain examples, the memory144is located on and/or co-located on the same computer chip as the processor142. In the depicted embodiment, the memory144stores the above-referenced program152along with one or more stored values154.

The bus150serves to transmit programs, data, status and other information or signals between the various components of the computer system of the controller126. The interface146allows communication to the computer system of the controller126, for example from a system driver and/or another computer system, and can be implemented using any suitable method and apparatus. In one embodiment, the interface146obtains the various data from the camera102, the radio system104, the transceiver123, the sensor array124, and/or the video switch125. The interface146can include one or more network interfaces to communicate with other systems or components. The interface146may also include one or more network interfaces to communicate with technicians, and/or one or more storage interfaces to connect to storage apparatuses, such as the storage device148.

The storage device148can be any suitable type of storage apparatus, including direct access storage devices such as hard disk drives, flash systems, floppy disk drives and optical disk drives. In one exemplary embodiment, the storage device148comprises a program product from which memory144can receive a program152that executes one or more embodiments of one or more processes of the present disclosure, such as the steps of the process300(and any sub-processes thereof) described further below in connection withFIG. 3. In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be directly stored in and/or otherwise accessed by the memory144and/or a disk (e.g., disk156), such as that referenced below.

The bus150can be any suitable physical or logical means of connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hard-wired connections, fiber optics, infrared and wireless bus technologies. During operation, the program152is stored in the memory144and executed by the processor142.

It will be appreciated that while this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functioning computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed as a program product with one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal bearing media used to store the program and the instructions thereof and carry out the distribution thereof, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium bearing the program and containing computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as the processor142) to perform and execute the program. Such a program product may take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable signal bearing media used to carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include: recordable media such as floppy disks, hard drives, memory cards and optical disks, and transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It will be appreciated that cloud-based storage and/or other techniques may also be utilized in certain embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the computer system of the controller126may also otherwise differ from the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, for example in that the computer system of the controller126may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and/or other control systems.

FIG. 2is a functional block diagram for a system200of the vehicle100ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As depicted inFIG. 1, the system200includes the camera102, the radio system104, the control system106(including the video switch125thereof), and the display118ofFIG. 1.

As depicted inFIG. 2, in one embodiment, the camera102provides camera images to the control system106along first path202. Also in one embodiment, the control system106provides the camera images to the radio system104along second path204for processing. Also in one embodiment, the radio system104processes the camera images, and provides the processed images to the control system106along third path206for analysis. In addition, also in one embodiment, the radio system104also transmits signals to the control system106along the third path206to indicate that the radio system104is functioning properly (e.g., by sending continuous, “heartbeat” type signals).

Also in one embodiment, the control system106determines whether the radio is functioning properly based on whether the heartbeat type signals have been received from the radio system104, and/or by an analysis of the processed images from the radio system104. In addition, in one embodiment, the control system106utilizes the video switch125to bypass processing by the radio system104when the radio system104is not functioning properly. Specifically, when the radio system is functioning properly, subsequent camera images continue to be processed by the radio system104, and the processed images are then provided along fourth path208for display on the display118. Conversely, when the radio system is not functioning properly, subsequent camera images are not processed by the radio system104, and are instead bypassed by the radio system104via the video switch125to be provided directly to the display118via the fourth path208for display via the display118.

In addition, in various embodiments, the control system106also provides instructions to the camera102along the first path202to control the image rate for the camera102based on whether nighttime conditions are present and based on whether the radio system104is functioning properly. Specifically, in one embodiment, when nighttime conditions are not present (e.g., when a light intensity surrounding the vehicle100is greater than a predetermined threshold), the camera102is instructed to capture and provide images at a first (relatively higher) rate (e.g., thirty frames per second, in one embodiment). Also in one embodiment, when nighttime conditions are present (e.g., when a light intensity surrounding the vehicle100is less than a predetermined threshold), the camera102is instructed to capture and provide images at a second (relatively lower) rate (e.g., fifteen frames per second, in one embodiment) if the radio system104is functioning properly, and at the first (relatively higher) rate (e.g., thirty frames per second, in one embodiment) if the radio system104is not functioning properly. In some embodiments, there may be no additional light sensor processing, and instead the camera102acts as a light sensor (e.g., the camera102decides if it is nighttime or daytime). In one such configuration the camera is102instructed by the control system106(via the first path202) to stay at the higher frame rate and not to switch to lower frames if the radio is not working properly

Also in various embodiments, the system200ofFIG. 2, and the vehicle100ofFIG. 1and components thereof, provide these and other functions in accordance with the process300, depicted inFIG. 3and described below in connection therewith.

FIG. 3is a flowchart of a process300for controlling a camera of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The process300ofFIG. 3can be implemented in connection with the vehicle100, camera102, control system106, and displays108ofFIG. 1, and the system200ofFIG. 2(and the associated flows depicted inFIG. 2) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

As depicted inFIG. 3, the process begins at302. In one embodiment, the process300begins when a vehicle drive or ignition cycle begins, for example when a driver approaches or enters the vehicle100, or when the driver turns on the vehicle and/or an ignition therefor (e.g. by turning a key, engaging a keyfob or start button, and so on). In another embodiment, the process300begins when the camera102is activated (e.g., when the vehicle100is in a reverse gear triggering use of a rear camera, and so on). In one embodiment, the steps of the process300are performed continuously during operation of the vehicle.

Sensor data is obtained at step304. In certain embodiments, sensor data is obtained from the gear sensor128ofFIG. 1with respect to a current gear or transmission (e.g., park, reverse, neutral, drive, and so on) of the vehicle100. Also in certain embodiments, sensor data is obtained from the light sensor130ofFIG. 1with respect to a light intensity surrounding the vehicle100.

Radio signals are transmitted at step306. In certain embodiments, the radio system104ofFIG. 1transmits signals (e.g., “heartbeat” type signals) on a continuous basis to serve as an indication that the radio system104is functioning properly. Also in certain embodiments, the radio signals are transmitted by the transceiver119of the radio system104ofFIG. 1and are received by the controller126ofFIG. 1(and/or indirectly via the transceiver123of the control system106ofFIG. 1).

A determination is made as to whether the vehicle100is in a reverse gear at step308. In certain embodiments, the processor142ofFIG. 1determines that the vehicle is in a reverse gear based on sensor data provided by one or more gear sensors128ofFIG. 1at step304above (e.g., as to whether a driver has shifted the gear to reverse).

In one embodiment, if the vehicle is not in a reverse gear, then the process proceeds to step310, in which the radio system104provides information and/or entertainment via a radio and/or other component of the radio system104, instead of showing the rear camera images on the display118. The process then returns to step304, and steps304-310thereafter repeat until a determination has been made in an iteration of step308that the vehicle100is now in a reverse gear.

Once a determination is made that the vehicle100is in a reverse gear, camera images are generated at step312. In one embodiment, the camera102ofFIG. 1generates camera images from behind the vehicle100.

The camera images are provided to the126at step314. In one embodiment, the camera images are provided from the camera102ofFIG. 1to the control system106ofFIG. 1via the communications link109ofFIG. 1. In certain other embodiments, the camera images may instead be provided in another manner, such as via one or more transceivers.

A determination is made at step316as to whether the radio signals have been received. In one embodiment, the processor142ofFIG. 1determines whether the transceiver123of the control system106has received the “heartbeat” signals of step306from the radio system104.

If it is determined at step316that the radio signals (e.g., the “heartbeat” signals of step306) have been received (e.g., receiving the “heartbeat” signals in one embodiment means that the radio is working properly and therefore it will be appropriate to reduce the frame rate as a mechanism to enhance night time image quality, when nighttime conditions are present), then a determination is made at step318as to whether nighttime conditions are present. In one embodiment, this determination is made by the processor142as to whether the light intensity measured by the light sensors130and/or camera102(which can also act as a light sensor) at step304is less than a predetermined light intensity threshold. In one embodiment, the predetermined light intensity threshold is equal to ten lux; however, this may vary in other embodiments.

If it is determined that nighttime conditions are present, then the frequency for the camera102is set to the second (relatively lower frequency) at step320. In one embodiment, the frequency is lowered in order to enhance night time image quality. Also in one embodiment, the processor142provides instructions for the camera102to capture and provide images from behind the vehicle100at the second frequency. In one embodiment, the second frequency is equal to fifteen frames per second. However, this may vary in other embodiments. Also in various embodiments, the lower frequency allows more light to enter the camera imaging sensor and therefore improve image quality, and the radio system can be subsequently used to restore the higher frequency during processing. The process then proceeds to step324, described further below.

If it is instead determined that nighttime conditions are not present, then the frequency for the camera102is set to the first (relatively higher frequency) at step322. In one embodiment, the processor142provides instructions for the camera102to capture and provide images from behind the vehicle100at the first frequency. In one embodiment, the first frequency is equal to thirty frames per second. However, this may vary in other embodiments. The process then proceeds to step324, described directly below.

During step324, the camera images are provided to the radio system104(regardless of the frame rate applied in step320or322). In one embodiment, the camera images are provided from the camera102to the radio system104via the communications link109ofFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the camera images may be provided via one or more other manners, such as via one or more transceivers.

The radio system104processes and buffers the camera images at step326. In certain embodiments, the processor120of the radio system104processes the camera images and provides overlays for the camera images, for example including guidelines for where or how to turn, and so on. In certain embodiments, the radio system104also performs other types of image processing, such as cropping and distortion correction. In addition, in certain embodiments, when the camera102reduces its image rate from a first rate (e.g., 30 frames/second) to a second rate (e.g., 15 frames/second) during nighttime conditions, the radio system104converts the images back to the first rate (e.g., 30 frames/second) as an output for showing on the display118.

During step328, the processed camera images are provided from the radio system104to the control system106. In one embodiment, the camera images are provided from the radio to the control system106via the communications link109ofFIG. 1. In other embodiments, the camera images may be provided via one or more other manners, such as via one or more transceivers (e.g., via respective transceivers119,123ofFIG. 1).

The processed camera images are analyzed by the control system106at step330. In various embodiments, the processor142of the control system106analyzes the image quality of the processed camera images to determine whether the radio system104is properly processing the camera images in a manner that the processed images are satisfactory for viewing by users of the vehicle100on the display118. In various embodiments, the processor142of the control system106determines the image quality based on whether (and how long and/or how often) the images become frozen, or stuck; and also based on whether the images are predominantly of a single color (e.g., blue or black).

A determination is made at step332as to whether the image quality is acceptable. In one embodiment, the processor142of the control system106determines that the image quality of the processed images is not acceptable if the images become frozen, or stuck, for more than a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment, the predetermined amount of time is equal to one second; however, this may vary in other embodiments. Also in one embodiment, the processor142determines that the image quality of the processed images is not acceptable if the images are predominantly a single color (e.g., if greater than a predetermined percentage of the pixels of the processed images are black, blue, or another single color). In various embodiments, the image quality is deemed to be not acceptable if either or both of these conditions (i.e., frozen images, and/or images of predominantly the same color) are met.

If it is determined that the image quality is acceptable, then the process proceeds to step334. During step334, the images continue to be processed and provided in the standard mode of operation, using the radio system104for processing. The processed images are then provided to the display118(via instructions provided by the processor142) for display within the vehicle100. In one embodiment, the process then returns to the above-described step304.

Conversely, if it is determined that the image quality is not acceptable, then the radio system104is deemed to not be functioning properly, and the process proceeds instead to step338, described further below.

With reference back to step316, if it is determined at step316that the radio signals (e.g., the “heartbeat” signals of step306) have not been received, then the process also proceeds to step338, described directly below.

During step338, a camera frequency is set to a first (or relatively higher) frequency at step338. In one embodiment, the processor142ofFIG. 1provides instructions for the camera102ofFIG. 1to capture and provide images at the first (or relatively higher frequency) discussed above. Per the discussion above, in one embodiment the first frequency is equal to thirty frames per second. However, this may vary in other embodiments. Also in various embodiments, the relatively higher frequency is maintained because the radio system104is not functioning properly, and therefore would be unable to restore the higher frequency during processing if the lower frequency were used instead by the camera102under these conditions.

In addition, a bypass mode is established for the camera102at step340. Specifically, in one embodiment, the processor142provides instructions for the video switch125ofFIG. 1to allow subsequent camera images to be provided directly to the display118ofFIG. 1for display within the vehicle100, rather than being first provided to the radio system104for processing. The camera images are provided via the display118within the vehicle100at step342, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor142, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the process then returns to the above-described step304.

In accordance with certain embodiments, and by way of additional explanation, in many examples the display118of the vehicle100ofFIG. 1may be configured and/or designed to accept only images at the relatively higher frequency (i.e., the first frequency discussed above), and may not be configured to accept images at the relatively lower frequency (i.e., the second frequency, discussed above). Accordingly, in such an example, during the bypass mode of steps338-342, the display118would not be able to display the images if the images were received directly from the camera102at the relatively lower frequency (i.e., the second frequency). Accordingly, in situations in which the radio system104is not functioning properly (e.g., when a determination is made in step316that the “heartbeat” signal from the radio is not received) and the system is thus in the “bypass” mode of steps338-342, the camera102is instructed to provide the images at the relatively higher frequency (i.e., the first frequency), even at night time (i.e., rather than switching to the relatively frequency at night time, as would normally be the case for improved image quality at night time).

Accordingly, the systems, vehicles, and methods described herein provide for controlling camera images of a rear view camera for a vehicle. In accordance with various embodiments, when the radio system is functioning properly, then the camera images are processed by a radio system of the vehicle, and a frequency of the camera is adjusted based on whether nighttime conditions are present. Conversely, also in accordance with various embodiments, when the radio system is not functioning properly, then a video switch is used to bypass the radio system, so that the camera images are provided directly to the display for displaying the images within the vehicle, without being sent to the radio system. In addition, when the radio system is not functioning properly, the frequency of the camera is not adjusted based on nighttime conditions.

The systems, vehicles, and methods thus provide for potentially improved rear camera images for viewing by users of the vehicle. For example, when the radio system is not functioning properly, adjustments are made to bypass the radio system and to maintain the relatively higher camera frequency, including at nighttime, to provide potentially improved images for display. In addition, when the radio system is functioning properly, the radio system is utilized to process the images, and the relatively lower camera frequency is used at nighttime for improved processing (e.g., to allow more light to enter the camera imaging sensor), to thereby provide potentially improved images.

It will be appreciated that the systems, vehicles, and methods may vary from those depicted in the Figures and described herein. For example, the vehicle100, the camera102, the radio system, the control system106, the display118, the system200, and/or various components thereof may vary from that depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2and described in connection therewith, in various embodiments. It will similarly be appreciated that the steps of the process300may differ from those depicted inFIG. 3, and/or that various steps of the process300may occur concurrently and/or in a different order than that depicted inFIG. 3, in various embodiments.