Safety device for vehicles

Improved safety device for vehicles, including at least one video camera, with possible zoom and tilt function that can be installed in one or more portions of the external surface of a vehicle, oriented so that its lens is facing in the opposite direction to that of the vehicle, or in the same direction in case of reverse, during which the possible tilt and zoom function is activated; at least one processing unit, to which the camera is operatively connected, which sends images selectively and at the request of the driver to a display of the vehicle, operationally connected to the processing unit by means of wiring or wireless connections; a control, operationally connected to the processing unit, operable by the driver and able to selectively activate the camera, and therefore the rear view function on the display.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an improved safety device for vehicles.

More specifically, the present invention relates to improved devices for increasing the active safety of velocipedes, mopeds, motorcycles and all other types of vehicles, integrating the functions of the displays and rear-view mirrors currently supplied to vehicles in general.

Even more in detail, the present invention provides for the adoption of special devices to integrate the functions of the displays and rear-view mirrors to allow the driver to have a clear, complete and panoramic rear view, without blind corners and erroneous evaluation of the distances, while the vehicle moves forward, thus increasing the active safety of velocipedes, mopeds, motorcycles and all other types of vehicles in general.

In addition, in a version of the invention, the device allows cyclists not to have to take a hand off the handlebar to manage the information on the on-board computer, to the benefit of active safety.

BACKGROUND ART

Traveling on a road with a vehicle, of whatever type it is, it is extremely important, as far as traffic safety is concerned, to be able to see and control what is happening behind you and on both sides.

The need for rear vision when traveling with a vehicle is perceived from the beginning.

In fact, already in the first models of motorcycles and motor vehicles, in order to be able to see and control what happened behind, at least one rear-view mirror was provided on the handlebars of the motorcycles; the vehicles were instead equipped with a rear view mirror placed in the center of the dashboard or windscreen.

In more recent years, the need for a wider rear view has been made its own by the legislator, who has imposed the adoption of one or two rear-view mirrors in motorcycles; for motor vehicles, in addition to the central internal mirror, first an external mirror on the left side and then a further one on the right side were made mandatory.

Similar obligations have also been envisaged for other vehicles such as trucks, buses, couriers, caravans, etc. as proof of the importance for active driving safety, while the vehicle is moving forward, to be able to provide the driver with the clearest, most complete and most panoramic view.

To date, the rear view of vehicles, in particular velocipedes, motor vehicles, buses, trucks and caravans, is very poor and incomplete, or even absent.

In fact:velocipedes have no obligation of rear-view mirror(s), and cyclists therefore have no knowledge of what is happening behind them, while remaining exposed to the risks that this entails;motorcycles and mopeds are equipped with one or two small rear-view mirrors, which allow only partial rear vision without losing the central vision, which is the most important;buses, trucks, caravans, etc. have only two external rear-view mirrors, of great dimensions and sometimes double, which allow only a partial rear vision, losing the central vision, which is the most important;only for motor vehicles, the rear view is currently obtained with three rear view mirrors, the use of which, however, involves various limitations and problems.

More specifically, it is noted that the use of rear-view mirrors entails for the driver of a motor vehicle the following limitations and problems which, depending on the circumstances, are also common to drivers of other types of vehicles:the external mirrors, unlike the internal one, provide an incorrect assessment of the distances of the following vehicles;to have the rear view as complete as possible, it is necessary for the driver to look away from the direction of travel of the vehicle for a relatively long period of time, necessary to look first at the left external mirror, then at the central internal mirror and finally the external right one;the rear view, reflected by the interior mirror, is definitely limited by the uprights and the dimensions of the rear window, the headrests of the rear seats, the passengers and/or luggage covering the rear window.

Recently, to make safer only the movement in reverse, some vehicles often include, as an option, a video camera positioned in the rear part of the vehicle; the images taken by this camera are displayed on a display usually installed in the dashboard in a central position, also used for other functions, such as displaying radio information, DVD, external music sources and for viewing images and map data or the navigator and, more recently, a whole series of other information or data relating to the vehicle.

Typically, the camera activates automatically when the driver engages reverse gear; however, it doesn't work during normal forward travel.

Even more recently, in the car trade shows, some “concept cars” have put on display cameras with dedicated displays to replace the rear view mirrors; the innovation has been exposed only to cars, and is expensive and cumbersome, due to the presence of one or more additional displays above the dashboard which reduce, among other things, the front view; on the other hand, the solution to replace/eliminate the rear-view mirrors is not allowed by the current regulations of the individual countries, and is therefore unachievable.

As regards, in particular, the displays with which the various types of vehicles are currently equipped, the following is observed.

Traditional velocipeds, or muscle powered, are generally not equipped with displays, except, sometimes, a small display that can be installed as an accessory to view the information on the on-board computer (total and partial mileage, average, maximum and minimum speed, track of the path followed and to follow, date and time, cyclist's calorie consumption, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.).

This information appears sequentially by pressing one or more buttons, provided in the box element that also contains the display.

Velocipedes with pedal assistance usually have a display that permanently or sequentially displays the battery status, the level of pedal assistance required, information on the on-board computer, etc.

Motorcycles and mopeds, which no longer adopt traditional circular instruments (odometer and tachometer) are generally equipped with a display—usually generous in size—located in the center of the handlebar, which displays, in addition to engine speed and rpm, a set of additional information.

Motorcycles and mopeds that adopt traditional circular instruments, on the other hand, are generally equipped with a small display between the two circular instruments, which displays various information relating to the vehicle.

Passenger cars, bus caravans, trucks, road trains generally have at least two displays.

A first display is generally placed in front of the steering wheel; it displays—usually analogically—the vehicle speed, engine revolutions and other on-board computer information (instantaneous and average consumption, total or partial mileage, etc.); some of the data or information appear sequentially by pressing a special button provided on the steering wheel, or near the steering wheel.

In other cases, this smaller display is interposed between the two traditional circular instruments, and it displays information such as instantaneous and average consumption, total and partial mileage, etc.; also in these cases, some of the information appears sequentially by pressing a special button on the steering wheel or near the steering wheel.

A second display is placed in the central part of the dashboard, generally lower than the first.

Currently, this second display is used to alternately view:information from the radio, or from the DVD, or from external music sources;the images or information of the map or navigator;the images of the rear-view camera when reversing, for vehicles equipped with it;any other information, of various types.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The technical aim of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the field of safety equipment for velocipedes, mopeds, motorcycles and all other types of vehicles, both those of new manufacture and those already in circulation, in order to increase its active safety.

Within such technical aim, it is an object of the present invention to make available a safety device for vehicles that allows the driver to have a clear, complete and panoramic rear view on both sides, almost without taking his eyes off the forward direction of travel.

Another object of the present invention is to develop a safety device for vehicles that can be adopted immediately by the manufacturers, in compliance with the regulations of the individual countries, both for newly manufactured vehicles and for those already in circulation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a safety device for vehicles which can be activated in a simple, easy and safe way, without risks for the driver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a safety device for velocipedes consisting of an “aftermarket” product, or installable on newly manufactured velocipedes, which allows cyclists not to have to take a hand off the handlebar to manage the on-board computer information, to the benefit of active safety.

This aim and these objects are all achieved by the improved safety device for vehicles according to the present application.

The device comprises at least one video camera, which can be installed in a portion of the external rear surface of a vehicle, oriented so that its lens faces in the opposite direction to that of the advancement of the vehicle, or in the same direction in the event of a vehicle capable of proceeding in reverse.

The device also includes at least one processing unit, to which the camera is operationally connected.

The device also includes at least one display, operatively connected to the processing unit, suitable for viewing the images taken by the camera when the vehicle moves in travel direction.

The device also includes at least one control, operatively connected to the processing unit, which can be operated by the driver, and is capable of activating the camera, and therefore the rear-view function on the display.

Thanks to this solution, at any time while the vehicle is moving, the driver can see and check what is happening behind him without taking his eyes off the travel direction for a too long time period, and even in the event of being unable to use the normal rear view mirrors.

In greater detail, two main versions of the invention are proposed, one of which relating to newly manufactured vehicles, and the other relating to vehicles already in circulation, or in any case already manufactured.

In summary, the version relating to newly manufactured vehicles provides that a certain display, already provided in the vehicle (preferably the instrument panel display or the display already present inside the instrument panel), can operate in a first mode of use, or in a second use mode, distinct from each other: the switch from one mode to the other can be activated by means of a control (for example a manual control).

In the first mode of use of the display, the rear display function is not active, and the display behaves like a traditional display, showing normal vehicle information, graphics and/or images, etc.

In the second mode of use, however, the display is driven to visualize, in real time, the images taken by the camera, in other words the rear view function is activated, at the discretion of the driver: this rear view function is activated only for the time desired by the driver, just to avoid the risk of diverting attention from driving.

The version relating to vehicles already in circulation provides for the preparation and installation of a kit comprising, in its fundamental components, at least one camera, at least one processing unit, at least one rear view display and at least one control (for example a manual control), operationally connected to each other.

The peculiarity of this version is that the rear display is incorporated in a support that can be installed in vehicle, in place of at least one of the rear-view mirrors, or that can be installed inside the passenger compartment.

For example, in the case of a car, the support can be installed in place of the central mirror; in a motorcycle or a velocipede, the support can be installed in place of one of the external side mirrors.

In a truck, bus, and the like, the support can be installed inside the passenger compartment, since a central rear-view mirror is not normally provided in these vehicles.

The present application refers to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference toFIG. 1, an improved safety device for vehicles, according to the present invention, is wholly indicated with1.

FIG. 1shows a vehicle V consisting of a car; the vehicle V could however be of any other type, for example a truck (FIG. 2), a bus (FIG. 3), a motor vehicle (FIG. 4), or other, without particular limitations for the objects of the present invention.

Within the present invention, a device1with specifically devised features has been developed for each type of vehicle V.

The device1comprises at least one camera2, or a plurality of cameras2a,2b,2c.

Camera2, or each of cameras2a,2b,2c,can be of any type suitable for the application: for example, it can be a mini-camera.

The video camera2, or each of the video cameras2a,2b,2c,can be installed in a portion of the external rear surface3of the vehicle V, oriented so that its lens is turned substantially in the opposite direction to that of the advancement of the vehicle V itself.

In other words, the camera2, or each of the cameras2a,2b,2c,is oriented so that its lens captures the surrounding environment behind the vehicle V, with reference to the direction of normal forward travel.

In two-wheeled V vehicles (velocipedes, motor vehicles) the device1preferably comprises a single camera2, installed in the rear area of the V vehicle itself.

For example, the only camera2can be installed under the saddle of vehicle V.

In the other types of V vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, etc.), device1comprises one or more cameras2a,2b,2c.

More in detail, in some embodiments of the invention of particular practical interest, the device1comprises at least three cameras2a,2b,2c,or even a higher number of cameras.

The aforementioned three cameras2a,2b,2ccomprise a central camera2a,and two side cameras2b,2c.

The central camera2acan be installed in the rear area of the vehicle V, preferably in the center, and preferably in a position from which the shots are optimal: for example, it can be positioned at the top of the rear area, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, or possibly even lower, in the area of the plate holder.

The central camera2acan have a tilt and zoom function, so as to give a more panoramic and remote view when the vehicle V drives forward, and a more narrow and downward view directed towards the road while the vehicle is reversing.

The side cameras2b,2care preferably installable in positions that allow the driver to have a rear view as similar as possible and comparable to that which is obtained by observing traditional side rear-view mirrors.

For this reason, the side cameras2b,2c,in an embodiment of the invention of particularly practical interest, can be installed in the vehicle bodywork V under the two external side rear view mirrors4.

This could allow, in the future, the complete elimination of the exterior rear-view mirrors in case of modification of the rules of the highway code.

Furthermore, the side cameras2b,2cdo not interfere with the driver's direct side view.

However, in other embodiments of the invention, the side cameras2b,2cof the device1could be provided in other areas of the external rear surface3of the vehicle V, according to certain design/application requirements.

The side cameras2b,2ccan be adjustable in position, like the current mirrors, with manual or electric devices to optimize the vision on the sides according to the height, and according to driver's needs; the side cameras2b,2ccould also automatically position themselves downwards, when reverse gear is engaged.

Device1also includes at least one processing unit5.

The processing unit5is schematically shown in a discontinuous section, and for the sole purpose of better understanding, inFIG. 5.

The only camera2, or the plurality of cameras2a,2b,2c,is operationally connected, and enslaved, to the processing unit5.

The processing unit5can be the same already present in the vehicle V (for example, the control unit of the vehicle V, or a specific unit of the control unit), or it can be an autonomous unit, assigned only to manage the device1according to the invention.

The device1also comprises at least one display6.

Display6is operationally connected to the processing unit5.

The display6is suitable to visualize the images taken by the single camera2, or by the plurality of cameras2a,2b,2c.

More specifically, according to the invention, display6is suitable to visualize the images taken by the single camera2, or by the plurality of cameras2a,2b,2c,when the vehicle V moves in the travel direction.

In this way the driver, at any time as the vehicle V advances, can observe and control what is happening behind him

For example—but not only—the driver can observe and detect the movements of the vehicles that follow him, to avoid, in turn, from carrying out actions or movements that could put himself and/or other vehicles in a situation of potential danger.

According to an aspect of the present invention, display6is positioned, in the vehicle V, so that the driver can observe it quickly and effectively without taking his eyes off the travel direction for too long.

In an embodiment of the invention, which refers in particular to newly manufactured vehicles V (see for exampleFIG. 5), display6is positioned inside the instrument panel7of the vehicle V, in a front position with respect to the driving position.

According to a possible and advantageous positioning, the display6is provided in the center of the instrument panel7; in this position, the display6can be immediately observed by the driver of the vehicle V, by simply lowering his gaze slightly from the travel direction, even for a few seconds.

The dimensions of the display6are such as to allow the driver to have a clear, crisp and complete vision, compatibly with the space available inside the instrument panel7.

Evidently, V vehicles equipped with wide instrument panels7benefit from this point of view.

Furthermore, as better described below, inside the instrument panel7the display6is as large as possible, precisely for the needs of clear, clear and complete vision of the driver while driving.

According to an aspect of the invention, therefore, the display6is a display already supplied with the vehicle V; therefore, there is no need to set up another special display.

According to another aspect of the invention, the device1comprises a control8.

Control8is operationally connected to processing unit5.

The control8can be operated by the driver at his own discretion, and it is suitable for activating the camera2(or the plurality of cameras2a,2b,2c), and therefore the rear view function, in real time, on the display6.

In this embodiment of the invention, the control8is suitable to selectively modify, at the discretion of the driver of the vehicle V, the mode of use of the display6from a first mode, in which the rear display function is not active, to a second mode, in which the rear view function is active, and vice versa.

This control8is configured to selectively change, at the discretion of the driver of the vehicle, the mode of use of the display from a first mode, in which the rear view function is not active, to a second mode, in which the rear display function is active, and vice versa, and in which the first mode of use of the display functions as a traditional display, i.e., it shows the normal information relating to the vehicle, and possibly also graphics and/or images, and in which, in the second mode of use, the display is driven to display, in real time, the images taken by the camera.

The display6is a display already supplied with current vehicles, and it preferably consists of the display of the instrument panel of the vehicle positioned frontally with respect to the driver; the display is able to selectively display the images taken by the camera when the vehicle moves in the forward or reverse direction, occupying only part of the display of the instrument panel or its entire surface, to have a larger image.

In other words, in the first mode of use, the display6functions like a traditional display, that is, it shows the normal information relating to the vehicle, and possibly also graphics and/or images, if it is set up to operate in this way (for example, images or graphics of the navigator, of the radio, or even images or graphics that simulate analog instruments, etc.).

In the second mode of use, however, the display6is driven to visualize, in real time, the images taken by the only camera2, or by the plurality of cameras2a,2b,2c.

This means that the driver, only when he wishes, can decide to instantly change the way the display6is used to activate the rear view generated by the cameras2,2a,2b,2c.

The control8can be of the manually operated type; the control8can be constituted, for example, by a button, a lever, a knob, or the like.

Control8, if it is of the manually operated type, is preferably provided in an area of the vehicle V, or of the passenger compartment of the vehicle V, easily and quickly accessible for the driver.

For example, in the case of a vehicle V consisting of a car, or a truck, or a bus, the control8can comprise (or consist of) a button (or lever, or knob) located on the steering wheel9, for example on the spokes of the steering wheel9(FIG. 5), or also on the inside of the wheel of the steering wheel, or near it.

Thanks to this solution, the driver can change the way the display6is used quickly and easily, even without taking his eyes off the guide, that is, the travel direction.

In a typical situation, described only as a non-limiting example, if the driver wishes to overtake, or a lane change, he can then operate the control8to activate, even if only for a few moments, the rear view, so as to verify that no vehicles arrive and that there is sufficient space and the necessary safety conditions.

The control8can be configured so as to allow the modification of the operating mode (in particular the modification from the first mode to the second mode, in which the rear view is active) only when the driver works actively on it: for example, in the event that the control8consists of a button, this means that the rear display is activated only when the driver keeps the aforesaid button pressed (and therefore deactivates when the button is released). Or, control8can be configured so as to allow modification of the operating mode (from first to second, and vice versa) with a simple press or touch.

For example, if the control8consists of a button, this means that a simple and instantaneous pressing of this button causes the passage from the first mode of use to the second mode of use, while a further instantaneous pressing of the button brings the display6again in the first mode of use.

In this configuration, therefore, the driver can keep the rear-view function active for as long as he wishes, without having to keep the button on the control8pressed.

It may also possibly be provided that the driver can choose/set the configuration of use of the control8he prefers (simple pressure, maintained pressure, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 5, the device1can also comprise several actuation controls8, to make the driver's gestures easier (for example, two identical and symmetrical buttons on the steering wheel9in the case of a vehicle consisting of a car, truck, bus, etc.).

In other embodiments of the invention, the actuation control8can also be of a non-manual type.

For example, in some embodiments the control8could be of the vocal type, or of another type, without limitations for the purposes of the present invention.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in detail inFIGS. 6,7refers, in particular, to a vehicle V of the type of cars, trucks, buses, etc., comprising an instrument panel7entirely consisting of a single display6(for example of the LCD type or the like), which in the first mode of use (FIG. 6) shows, on the full screen, parameters and information relating to the vehicle, as well as graphics and images (images of the navigator, and/or emulation of analog instruments, and/or other).

In the second mode of use (FIG. 7), activated by control8, the display6allows to visualize the rear images taken by the cameras2a,2b,2c.

In particular, in this second mode of use, the display6comprises three rear display portions6a,6b,6cside by side, i.e. a central portion6aand two side portions6b,6c,which respectively show, in real time, the images taken from the three cameras2a,2b,2c.

Since, as mentioned, the instrument panel7is entirely made up of a single display6, the three rear display portions6a,6b,6ccan have an overall surface that substantially corresponds to the entire surface of the display6(possibly, a less than small differences due to the shape of the instrument panel7itself).

This solution is certainly to be preferred as it allows obtaining the rear view with the maximum surface extension, obviously in relation to the useful dimensions of the instrument panel7.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in detail inFIGS. 8,9refers, instead, to a vehicle V of the type of cars, trucks, buses, etc. equipped with a more traditional instrument panel7, comprising at least one analog instrument10a,10b.

For example, the embodiment ofFIGS. 8,9includes, more particularly, two analog instruments10a,10b(typically a speedometer and a tachometer, but not exclusively), among which at least one display6is included.

The aforementioned display6, in the first mode of use (FIG. 8), shows parameters and information relating to the vehicle, and/or graphics and images (images of the navigator, and/or simulation of analog instruments, and/or other).

Here too, in the second mode of use (FIG. 9), which can be activated by control8, the display6allows visualizing, in real time, the rear images taken by the cameras2a,2b,2c.

Also in this case, the display6comprises three rear display portions6a,6b,6cside by side, i.e. a central portion6aand two lateral portions6b,6c.

This solution is therefore indicated in situations in which the vehicle V is intended to be equipped with an instrument panel7equipped with analog instruments10a,10b.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 10, 11refers to a device1installed on a motor vehicle V.

In particular, it is a motor vehicle in which the instrument panel7is entirely made up of a single display6(similarly to the embodiment ofFIGS. 6, 7).

In this case (and also with reference toFIG. 4) the device1comprises, as mentioned, a single camera2; consequently, display6also includes a single rear display portion (which therefore may have a surface substantially corresponding to that of the entire display6).

In more detail,FIG. 10refers to the first mode of use of the display6, in which the latter works in the traditional way showing data, parameters, graphics relating to the vehicle.

FIG. 11refers, instead, to the second mode of use of display6, in which the latter shows, in real time and in full screen, the images taken by the only camera2.

The control8, in this embodiment of the device1, can comprise (or consist of) at least one button, associated with the handlebar11of the motor vehicle V.

Then the driver, while driving, in case he wants to activate the rear display function, activates the control8(for example, by pressing the button on the handlebar11), and thus determines the passage of the display6from the first use mode (FIG. 10) to the second mode of use (FIG. 11).

Also in this embodiment, the configuration of the control8can be of the active drive type (i.e. the second mode of use is active only as long as the control8is actually activated) or with a drive determined by a single touch to activate/deactivate the second mode of use.

As can be understood, among the technical advantages of the device1according to the invention there is also—in theory, and if desired—the possibility of completely renouncing the use of the side rear-view mirrors4.

As a consequence of this, the vehicle V which incorporates the device1according to the invention can be equipped with side mirrors4with variable configuration, in particular foldable mirrors.

As shown schematically inFIGS. 12, 13, therefore, the motor vehicle V can comprise side rear-view mirrors4which can pass from the normal open use configuration (FIG. 12) to a closed configuration (FIG. 13), in which they are not used, since rear vision is guaranteed by device1.

The latter configuration also improves the aerodynamic performance of vehicle V.

Also, the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 14, 15refers to a device1installed on a motor vehicle V (of a different type from that of the embodiment ofFIGS. 10, 11).

In this case, it is a motor vehicle V in which the instrument panel7comprises at least one analog instrument10a,10b;in more detail, this instrument panel7comprises two analog instruments10a,10b(typically a speedometer and a tachometer) between which at least one display6is included.

In this embodiment too, the device1comprises a single rear view camera2; consequently, the display6also includes a single rear display portion (which therefore may have a surface substantially corresponding to that of the entire display6itself).

In more detail,FIG. 14refers to the first mode of use of the display6, in which the latter works in the traditional way showing data, parameters, graphics relating to the vehicle.

FIG. 15refers, however, to the second mode of use of the display6, in which the latter shows, in real time, the images taken by the only camera2, thus allowing the visualization of the rear view of the motor vehicle V.

In this embodiment too, the control8can comprise (or consist of) at least one button, associated with the handlebar11of the motor vehicle V.

The same considerations expressed with regard to the embodiment ofFIGS. 10, 11apply; in particular, also in this embodiment, the motor vehicle V can be provided with side mirrors4with variable configuration.

More in detail, in this embodiment the side rear-view mirrors4can be movable from a normal configuration of use (FIG. 16), to a configuration of minimum aerodynamic resistance (FIG. 17), in which they are—for example—rotated in a way to be arranged substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

In the embodiment of the invention ofFIGS. 18-20, the vehicle V comprising the device1consists of a velocipede, or bicycle.

This embodiment can be indicated for newly manufactured velocipeds V; however, the entire device1can consist of a complete kit that can be installed on any velocipede V.

More specifically, the camera2can be associated with a respective bracket12, or other equivalent support element, which can be fixed to the rear part of the frame13of the velocipede V.

In this embodiment, the device1can comprise an instrument panel7which comprises a box-like element14, which can be fixed to the handlebar15of the velocipede V.

The box-like element14can be fixed to the handlebar15by means of clamps16, which can be of any suitable type.

The processing unit5is housed inside the box-like element14; in addition, the box-like element14houses the display6.

The box-like element14can comprise buttons17for controlling the display6display functions, in particular in its first mode of use.

The control8comprises a fixing element18to the handlebar15of the velocipede V.

The fastening element18can be constituted, for example, by a ring, a clamp, or the like.

The control8can comprise a first button or a lever8a,suitable for activating/deactivating the second mode of use of the display6, associated with the fixing element18.

Furthermore, the control8can comprise a second button8b,for controlling the display functions of the display6in its first mode of use.

The second button8bis also integrated in the same fixing element18.

In more detail, the second button8ballows the cyclist to select the various information to be viewed sequentially, without taking his hands off the handlebar15.

In this way, the information can be displayed clearly and at a larger size (even occupying the entire screen) and driving safety is not jeopardized.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG. 19A, the first button8aand the second button8bare associated respectively with a first fixing element18aand a second fixing element18b,provided near the two opposite handles of the handlebar15.

With this solution, the cyclist can, with one hand (via the first button8a) control the transition from the first mode to the second mode of use of the display6, and vice versa; he can also, with the other hand (via the second button8b), select the information to be displayed sequentially, forward or backward.

Thanks to these solutions, in particular, the cyclist can avoid pressing the control buttons17on the display, to view different information.

The various components of the device1—in particular the box-like element14, the camera2and the control8—can be connected by cables19fixed along various parts of the frame13, or of the handlebar15.

FIG. 19refers to the first mode of use of the display6, in which the latter works in the traditional way showing data, parameters, graphics relating to the vehicle.

FIG. 20refers, however, to the second mode of use of the display6, in which the latter shows, in real time, the images taken by the only camera2, thus allowing the view of the rear panorama to the velocipede V.

Also in this embodiment, the configuration of the control8can be of the active drive type (i.e. the second mode of use is active only as long as the control8is actually activated) or with a drive determined by a single touch to activate/deactivate the second mode of use.

In another version of the present invention, which concern in particular vehicles already in circulation, provision is made for the preparation and installation of a complete kit in which the rear view display6is incorporated in a support20which can be installed in the vehicle V, instead of at least one of the rear-view mirrors, or can be installed inside the passenger compartment of vehicle V.

As part of this version of the invention,FIGS. 21-27refer to specific embodiments in which the device1comprises a support20with which the display6is associated; this support20also includes at least one mirror21, which can be used as a rear-view mirror.

According to this aspect of the invention, the display6and the mirror21can be used alternatively one to the other: in particular, the mirror21can be used in case of failure of the display6, or of the camera2, or of other parts of the device1.

More in detail, the support20comprises an element22having a first surface23, in which the display6is provided.

The element22also comprises a second surface24, opposed to the first surface23, in which the rear-view mirror21is provided.

In particular,FIGS. 21-23concern an embodiment of the invention in which the support20can be installed inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle V, such as a car, a truck, a bus, etc., in place of the normal central rear view mirror.

In more detail, the support20can replace the normal central rear view mirror in vehicles V (typically cars) in which it is present; in vehicles V where, instead, it is not normally present (for example trucks, buses, etc.) the support20could be installed from scratch.

When viewed from the front, and also from the side—see for exampleFIG. 22—the element22of the support20essentially has the same dimensions as a normal central rear-view mirror for the passenger compartment of cars, or the like.

It is therefore not necessary to make changes inside the passenger compartment, apart from replacing the traditional rear-view mirror with the support20according to the present invention.

The support20also comprises a connecting portion25of the element22to fixed parts of the vehicle V; in more detail, the connecting portion25is suitable to constrain the element22, for example, to the roof of the passenger compartment of the vehicle V.

The connections25aof the display6to the processing unit5can pass through the connection portion25, if provided.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support20comprises a rotating joint26, which connects the element22to the connecting portion25.

The rotary joint26allows to manually rotate the element22with respect to the connecting portion25, in such a way as to selectively orient the first surface23, or the second surface24, towards the driver.

Typically, and in normal conditions of use, the driver orients the first surface23, comprising the display6, so that it can be observed during the forward movement of the vehicle V.

In the event that the driver does not intend to monitor the rear area of the vehicle V via the display6, or, above all, in the event of failure of some component of the device1(for example of the same display6, or of one of the cameras2a,2b,2c) the driver can manually rotate the element22around the rotating joint26, so as to orient the second surface24towards itself, comprising the rear-view mirror21.

In this way, even in case of failure of the device1or some of its components, the driver can continue to monitor the rear area, albeit with the traditional view of the rear-view mirror.

Also in this embodiment, the display6comprises three rear display portions6a,6b,6cside by side, i.e. a central portion6aand two lateral portions6b,6c,which display the images taken, respectively, by the central camera2aand from side cameras2b,2cof vehicle V.

Differently from what previously described, in this embodiment the control8is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the rear display function in the support20, since the display6is solely assigned to this function.

FIGS. 24, 25schematically represent another embodiment of the invention, with features similar to those of the embodiment ofFIGS. 21-23, in which the vehicle V consists of a motorcycle, a moped, or the like.

In this embodiment too, the vehicle V comprises, in place of at least one of the traditional rear-view mirrors21(in particular at least the right one), at least one support20having features similar to those described with regard to the embodiment ofFIGS. 21-23.

With regard to the specific features of the device1in this embodiment, and in particular to the features of the support20, reference is made to what is described with regard to the embodiment ofFIGS. 21-23.

However, this embodiment of the invention includes a further feature, namely the fact that the support20includes at least one protection27for one or the other of the surfaces23,24of the element22.

More in detail, since the support20, while the vehicle V is traveling, is directly exposed to the air and atmospheric agents, the surface23,24which is oriented forward can become dirty, wet or damaged.

For this reason, in any condition, the one among the surfaces23,24that is not used can be effectively protected, so as to present itself immediately in optimal conditions when its use is necessary.

The protection27can therefore be removed (fixed for example by interlocking portions27aor other similar fixing means) so that it can be easily assembled or disassembled in case of need, at one or the other of the surfaces23,24.

In this case too, the control8is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the rear display function in the display6of the support20.

The embodiment ofFIGS. 26, 27is similar to that ofFIGS. 24, 25, and it differs in that the vehicle V is constituted, here, by a velocipede.

In this embodiment, the device1can comprise a box-like element14, to which all the components of the device1are operatively connected (for example, by means of cables19).

The box-like element14also houses the processing unit5; the same box-like element14can also comprise push-buttons17for the main operation/control operations of the device1.

The box-like element14can be fixed, for example, to the handlebar15of the velocipede V, in the most convenient and best accessible position.

In this case too, as regards the actuation of the device1, the control8is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the rear display function in the support20, at driver's discretion.

In all the embodiments previously described, the display6can be of any known type, and suitable for this type of application.

For example, the display6can be of the LCD type, with limited overall dimensions especially as regards the thickness; this allows its assembly on even very thin and light supports, which do not, for example, modify the features of the instrument panel7of vehicle V.

It is specified that, in all the previously described embodiments, all the connections between the components of the wired device1can be replaced by wireless connections.

The operation of the device1according to the invention is, in the light of what has been described, completely intuitive.

The images taken by camera2, or by cameras2a,2b,2c,may undergo any treatments and/or processing (carried out by the processing unit5) before being sent to the display6; for example, in the case of use with low visibility (low light, or fog, etc.) the images taken by camera2may undergo changes/processing (for example for characteristics such as brightness, contrast, or others) in order to be better visible for the driver.

Camera2, or cameras2a,2b,2c,can also be used to facilitate reverse operations, as already happens in some vehicles; in this case, the images taken can be sent—as already happens—to the central display provided on the vehicle's dashboard.

The present invention also concerns a vehicle V comprising a safety device1having the features previously described.

In particular, the present invention concerns a vehicle V consisting of a car, a truck, a bus, a motorcycle, a moped, a velocipede, a bicycle, or others, comprising the device1according to the present invention.

The invention thus conceived allows to achieve important technical advantages.

As clarified, the main advantage of the device1according to the present invention is constituted by the clear, sharp and complete rear vision during the forward movement of the vehicle V, especially in the case in which the use of traditional rear-view mirrors is hindered or made difficult for some reason (for example, for the presence of passengers or bulky luggage on vehicle V).

Another advantage consists in the fact that the actuation of the device1, to activate the rear display function in a given instant, is carried out through a very simple and easy control8(for example, but not exclusively, manual), which allows the driver not to take his eyes off the travel direction.

Another advantage consists in the fact that the device1can be easily integrated/incorporated into elements or components already provided in the vehicle V; we refer in particular to the embodiments ofFIGS. 21-27, in which the support20of the device1itself completely replaces at least one of the traditional rear-view mirrors, and does not entail further additional dimensions.

These advantages are obtained with simple and inexpensive construction solutions, which do not entail substantial modifications to the vehicles on which the device1is installed.

In all the embodiments of the invention illustrated above, or in others which are also possible, and in any case falling within the scope of the present invention, the device1allows the driver of the vehicle V to have a complete rear view both in normal forward and during the reverse operations, thus making the installation of the devices in use today—which are often supplied as an option—unnecessary for viewing the images of the rear view in a monitor during the reverse operations only.

Adopting the device1according to the present invention would also allow vehicle designers (for example cars) to design the bodywork of the rear part of the vehicle without the current constraints in the sizing of the rear pillars or of the rear window, to make it possible for the driver to view rear through the interior rear view mirror.

Among the most significant advantages are also the resolution of the problem of blind spots, or dead spots, the resolution of the problem of incorrect evaluation of the distances of the current side mirrors, and also the elimination of the central rear-view mirror, which also improves visibility front.

Thanks to the solutions according to the present invention, in order to have the rear view, the driver must take his eyes and attention away from the direction of travel of the vehicle for an extremely short period of time, since the images taken by the various cameras are displayed in a single display.

Furthermore, newly manufactured vehicles could be immediately equipped with the devices provided in the present invention, so as to be able to eliminate the side mirrors and the internal central mirror, with all the advantages already exposed, as soon as the legislation of each individual country allows it.

The external and internal mirrors could be prepared to be disassembled, and the fixing and passage holes of any cables could be closed with practical and special covers already supplied.

In addition, the exterior mirrors should have a good aerodynamic profile both in the open and closed position, so as to minimize aerodynamic resistance in the event that a first regulatory change may allow vehicles equipped with mini-cameras to proceed with the exterior mirrors closed and the internal one raised, to be repositioned only in case of malfunction of the display and/or mini-cameras.

The specific embodiment of the invention developed for velocipedes is of considerable benefit for driving safety, as the cyclist must never take his hands off the handlebar neither to obtain the rear view taken by the camera, nor to view sequentially the various information available on the display.

It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the proposed purposes.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be conceived without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.