Patent Document

[0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/704,898, filed Nov. 10, 2003. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to devices, assemblies and systems for enhancing the observation of a driver of any vehicle by extending the driver&#39;s point of vision to the corners of the vehicle by transmitting forward, side, and rear images from the corners of the vehicle to a location within the vision of the driver at the controls of the vehicle.  
         [0003]     With the ever increasing number of vehicles on the roads, streets and highways and the increasing number of larger vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles, commonly known as SUVs, the ability of the driver of a vehicle, especially smaller vehicles such as sports cars and sedans, to see traffic conditions, whether on the side, in the rear or forward has been diminished. This is particularly so in those conditions where a driver is attempting to turn into an intersecting street, or back out of a parking spot, or trying to turn left from a turning lane across oncoming traffic. In all those instances the driver must extend the vehicle into traffic a sufficient length, usually almost half the length of the vehicle, so that the driver&#39;s line of vision covers the oncoming traffic. While most vehicles are equipped with rear view mirrors and there have been attempts to eliminate the “blind spot” behind the driver, the need to extend the driver&#39;s line of vision applies in all directions.  
         [0004]     Likewise, because so many vehicles are already in use, there is a need to provide an enhancement or extension of the driver&#39;s line of vision to existing vehicles as well as those under manufacture. Such an enhancement would have broader application and use if it were relatively small and unobtrusive.  
         [0005]     Therefore, it would be clearly advantageous and would improve the safety of a vehicle if the line of vision of the driver were extended to the corners of the vehicle.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The main object of this invention is to improve safety and avoid accidents by extending the line of vision of a driver of a vehicle to the corners of the vehicle in forward, side and rear directions from corner mounted camera mirror assemblies to the driver&#39;s view.  
         [0007]     It is a further object of this invention that it be applicable to the front and rear of a vehicle and to the right and left side of a vehicle in any combination.  
         [0008]     It is a further object of this invention that it be applicable to existing vehicles as well as vehicles under manufacture and the invention be installed either during manufacture or after and such installation be either internal or external to the body of a vehicle or a combination of both.  
         [0009]     It is a further object of this invention that it be a camera device comprising at least one camera transmitting light images to the driver&#39;s view, said camera either directly receiving light images or working in combination with a light reflecting surface such as a mirror, with the location, size and configuration of the camera and light reflecting surfaces suitable to the vehicle upon which the invention is installed.  
         [0010]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver-operated vehicle, said driver observation system comprising; at least one corner camera mirror assembly disposed to receive light images from a front corner of the vehicle with at least one side facing mirror to receive and reflect a light image not within the vision of the driver and a camera to receive said light image reflected from said mirror; transmitting means to communicate said light image from said camera; and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive said light image from the transmitting means.  
         [0011]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver operated vehicle where at least one said side facing mirror at a front corner of the vehicle further comprises a pivotal mount and control means to rotate said side facing mirror to allow the camera to receive a light image not reflected from said mirror, and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive the light image not reflected from said mirror from the transmitting means.  
         [0012]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver operated vehicle, further comprising; at least one corner camera mirror assembly disposed to receive light images from a front corner of the vehicle with a right facing mirror and a left facing mirror to receive and reflect light images not within the vision of the driver and a camera to receive said light images reflected from said mirrors; transmitting means to communicate said light image from said camera; and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive said light image from the transmitting means.  
         [0013]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver operated vehicle, where the right facing mirror and left facing mirror at a front corner of the vehicle further comprises a pivotal mount and control means to rotate either or both of said side facing mirrors to allow the camera to receive a light image not reflected from said mirrors, and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive the light image not reflected from said mirrors through the transmitting means.  
         [0014]     As an alternative embodiment of this invention it is a further object to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver-operated vehicle, said driver observation system comprising; at least one camera disposed to receive light images from a front corner of the vehicle to receive a light image not within the vision of the driver; pivotal mount and control means to rotate said camera on pivotal mount; transmitting means to communicate said light image from said camera; and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive said light image from the transmitting means.  
         [0015]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver-operated vehicle, said driver observation system comprising; at least one corner camera mirror assembly disposed to receive light images from a rear corner of the vehicle with at least one side facing mirror to receive and reflect a light image not within the vision of the driver and a camera to receive said light image reflected from said mirror; transmitting means to communicate said light image from said camera; and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive said light image from the transmitting means.  
         [0016]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver operated vehicle where at least one said side facing mirror at a rear corner of the vehicle further comprises a pivotal mount and control means to rotate said side facing mirror to allow the camera to receive a light image not reflected from said mirror, and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive the light image not reflected from said mirror through the transmitting means.  
         [0017]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver operated vehicle, further comprising; at least one corner camera mirror assembly disposed to receive light images from a rear corner of the vehicle with a right facing mirror and a left facing mirror to receive and reflect light images not within the vision of the driver and a camera to receive said light images reflected from said mirrors; transmitting means to communicate said light image from said camera; and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive said light image from the transmitting means.  
         [0018]     It is a further object of this invention to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver operated vehicle, where the right facing mirror and left facing mirror at a rear corner of the vehicle further comprises a pivotal mount and control means to rotate either or both of said side facing mirrors to allow the camera to receive a light image not reflected from said mirrors, and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive the light image not reflected from said mirrors through the transmitting means.  
         [0019]     As an alternative embodiment of this invention it is a further object to provide a driver observation system for use with a driver-operated vehicle, said driver observation system comprising; at least one camera disposed to receive light images from a rear corner of the vehicle to receive a light image not within the vision of the driver; pivotal mount and control means to rotate said camera on pivotal mount; transmitting means to communicate said light image; and a display monitor within the vision of the driver to receive said light image through the transmitting means.  
         [0020]     It is a further object of this invention that the transmitting means not be limited to any one modality but by way of example and not by way of limitation may be one or more wire cables, fiber optic cables or wireless communication between the camera and display monitor. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of vehicle with driver observation system.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a left side view of vehicle with driver observation system.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of vehicle with driver observation system.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a camera mirror assembly installed in the left front corner of vehicle.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a schematic of a camera mirror assembly installed in the right front corner of vehicle.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a schematic of an alternative camera mirror assembly installed in the right front corner of vehicle.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a schematic of another alternative camera mirror assembly installed in the right front corner of vehicle.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a schematic of a camera mirror assembly installed in a rear corner of vehicle.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a schematic of an alternative camera mirror assembly installed in a front corner of vehicle.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of a camera installed in the left front corner of vehicle.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the dashboard of a vehicle with the driver observation system.  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a schematic of a camera mirror assembly housing.  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of vehicle with driver observation system in left turn situation in common turning lane.  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a plan view of vehicle with driver observation system attempting to turn into cross street. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a vehicle  1  with a part of the roof broken away to show the driver  16  operating the vehicle  1 . In  FIG. 1 , the vehicle  1  is depicted as an automobile but the invention is equally suitable for other types of vehicles, including but not limited to vans, trucks, pick-up trucks, and sports utility vehicles.  
         [0036]     In  FIG. 1 , the invention is shown as installed on all corners of vehicle  1 . However, this depiction is to illustrate several possible embodiments and it is not intended or required that the invention be installed on all corners of the vehicle  1  to achieve the desirable objects of the invention.  
         [0037]     A left front corner camera mirror assembly  102  is located at the left front corner of the vehicle  1 , and a right front corner camera mirror assembly  103  is located at the right front corner of the vehicle  1 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104  and a right rear corner camera mirror assembly  105 . In  FIG. 1 , these camera mirror assemblies  102 ,  103 ,  104  and  105  are shown on the exterior of the vehicle  1 , but it is not intended that these camera mirror assemblies be limited to external installation.  
         [0038]     Also depicted in  FIG. 1  is a left monitor  106  and a right monitor  119  within the vision of the driver  16 .  
         [0039]     Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a left light image  107  entering the left front corner camera mirror assembly  102 , and a left light image  108  entering the right front corner camera mirror assembly  103 , as well as a right light image  109  entering the right front corner camera mirror assembly and a right light image  110  entering the left front corner camera mirror assembly  102 . In addition a forward light image  111  is shown entering the right front corner camera mirror assembly and a forward light image  112  is shown entering the left front corner camera mirror assembly.  
         [0040]      FIG. 1  also shows a left light image  113  entering the left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104 , a left light image  114  entering the right rear corner camera mirror assembly  105 , a right light image  115  entering the left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104  and a right light image  116  entering the right rear corner camera mirror assembly  105 . In addition a rear light image  117  is shown entering the right rear corner camera mirror assembly and a rear light image  118  is shown entering the left rear corner camera mirror assembly.  
         [0041]      FIG. 2  shows the left side view of a vehicle  1  operated by a driver  16  with certain embodiments of the invention. A left front corner camera mirror assembly  102  is shown on the left front exterior of the vehicle  1  and a left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104  is shown on the left rear exterior of the vehicle  1 . The forward light image  112  is shown entering the left front corner camera mirror assembly  102  and a rear light image  118  is shown entering the left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 3  shows a plan view of a vehicle  1  with certain embodiments of the invention. A left front corner camera mirror assembly  102  is located at the left front corner of the vehicle  1 , and a right front corner camera mirror assembly  103  is located at the right front corner of the vehicle  1 . Also shown in  FIG. 3  are a left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104  and a right rear corner camera mirror assembly  105  as well as a left monitor  106  and a right monitor  119 .  
         [0043]     Also shown in  FIG. 3  is a left light image  107  entering the left front corner camera mirror assembly  102 , and a left light image  108  entering the right front corner camera mirror assembly  103 , as well as a right light image  109  entering the right front corner camera mirror assembly and a right light image  110  entering the left front corner camera mirror assembly  102 . In addition a forward light image  111  is shown entering the right front corner camera mirror assembly and a forward light image  112  is shown entering the left front corner camera mirror assembly.  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  also shows a left light image  113  entering the left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104 , a left light image  114  entering the right rear corner camera mirror assembly  105 , a right light image  115  entering the left rear corner camera mirror assembly  104  and a right light image  116  entering the right rear corner camera mirror assembly  105 . In addition a rear light image  117  is shown entering the right rear corner camera mirror assembly and a rear light image  118  is shown entering the left rear corner camera mirror assembly.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic view of a camera mirror assembly  102  installed in the left front corner of a vehicle  1 . In  FIG. 4 a  left facing mirror  123  is shown in position ahead of a left front camera  120  with a receiving lens  120   a . In this arrangement the left facing mirror is positioned at an angle to receive a left light image  107  and reflect the left light image to the receiving lens  120   a  and into the left front camera  120 . By means of a transmission cable  121 , the left light image  107  is displayed on the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . In this embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the left facing mirror  123  will only block a portion of the receiving lens  120   a  allowing a forward light image  112  to be received by the receiving lens  120   a . into the left front camera  120  and transmitted by the transmission cable  121  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . The left light image  107  would be displayed as a lower image  125  on the left monitor  106  and the forward light image  112  would be displayed as an upper image  124  on the left monitor  106  or the images could be reversed. While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4  is shown with a transmission cable  121  for transmitting a light image from the camera  120  to the left monitor  106 , it is not intended that the transmission of the light image be limited to cable and alternative means such as fiber optic cable or wireless transmission may be employed.  
         [0046]     As shown in  FIG. 4  left front camera  120  is not aimed directly forward but is angled to the right at an angle  112   a  to enhance the vision of the driver  16  in left turn situations where the vehicle  1  is turning into the direction of oncoming traffic which is difficult to see because of vehicles directly ahead. It is intended that this orientation be reversed in right hand drive vehicles and countries. While the angle  112   a  may be fixed to suit an optimum placement to enhance the vision of the driver  16 , an alternate embodiment not shown would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turn the camera on the pivotal mount to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 .  
         [0047]     Although not shown it is understood that the camera mirror assemblies and monitors will normally receive power from the vehicle electrical service and such electrical service may be wired directly to such elements or wired integrally with the transmission cables.  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  shows a schematic view of a camera mirror assembly  103  installed in the right front corner of a vehicle  1 . In  FIG. 5 a  right facing mirror  129  is shown in position ahead of a right front camera  126  with a receiving lens  126   a . In this arrangement the right facing mirror is positioned at an angle to receive a right light image  109  and reflect the right light image to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126 . By means of a transmission cable  127 , the right light image  109  is displayed on the right monitor  119  within the vision of the driver  16 . In this embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the right facing mirror  129  will only block a portion of the receiving lens  126   a  allowing a forward light image  111  to be received by the receiving lens  126   a  into the right front camera  126  and transmitted by the transmission cable  127  to the right monitor  119  within the vision of the driver  16 . The right light image  109  would be displayed as a lower image  131  on the right monitor  119  and the forward light image  111  would be displayed as an upper image  130  on the right monitor  119  or the images could be reversed. While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  is shown with a transmission cable  127  for transmitting a light image from the camera  126  to the right monitor  119 , it is not intended that the transmission of the light image be limited to cable and alternative means such as fiber optic cable or wireless transmission may be employed.  
         [0049]     It is intended that the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5  can be used together or separately. Likewise, while not shown an alternate embodiment would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turn either or both cameras on pivotal mounts to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows a schematic view of an alternative right front camera mirror assembly  103 . In this embodiment the right front camera  126  and receiving lens  126   a  are in line with a right pivoting mirror assembly  132  and a left pivoting mirror assembly  133 . The right pivoting mirror assembly  132  is hinged to swing a mirror  132   a  on pivot  132   b  into position to receive a right light image  109  and reflect the right light image  109  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . Likewise, the left pivoting mirror assembly  133  is hinged to swing a mirror  133   a  on pivot  133   b  to receive a left light image  108  and reflect the left light image  108  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . When not in a position to receive and reflect a light image each mirror is retracted to allow the other mirror to receive and reflect a light image or both mirrors are retracted to allow a forward light image  111  to be received by the receiving lens  126   a  into the right front camera  126  and transmitted by the transmission cable  127  to the left monitor  119  within the vision of the driver  16 . While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6  is shown with a transmission cable  127  for transmitting a light image from the camera  126  to the left monitor  106 , it is not intended that the transmission of the light image be limited to cable and alternative means such as fiber optic cable or wireless transmission may be employed. An alternate embodiment not shown would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turn the camera on the pivotal mount to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 . Likewise, it is not intended that the position of the pivoting mirrors be limited to one of two positions.  
         [0051]     In  FIG. 6 , the left monitor  106  is depicted with a forward image  134  showing the forward light image  111 , a left image  135  showing the left light image  108 , and a right light image  136  showing the right light image  109 . Also shown are a forward image control button  134   a , a left image control button  135   a , and a right image control button  136   a . When the forward image control button  134   a  is activated, both the right pivoting mirror assembly  132  and the left pivoting mirror assembly  133  are in their retracted positions allowing the forward light image  111  to reach the receiving lens  126   a . When the left image control button  135   a  is activated, the mirror  133   a  swings into position on pivot  133   b  to receive a left light image  108  and reflect the left light image  108  to the receiving lens  126   a . When the right image control button  136   a  is activated, the mirror  132   a  swings into position on pivot  132   b  to receive a right light image  109  and reflect the left light image  109  to the receiving lens  126   a . The pivoting mirror assemblies may be activated by any suitable mechanism such as an electrical solenoid, vacuum control or gears.  
         [0052]      FIG. 7  shows a schematic view of another alternative right front camera mirror assembly  103  installed in the right front corner of the vehicle  1 . In this embodiment the right front camera  126  and receiving lens  126   a  are in line with a pyramid pivoting mirror assembly  137  with a right pivoting mirror  137   a  and a left pivoting mirror  137   b . The right pivoting mirror  137   a  is hinged on pivot  137   c  to swing into position to receive a right light image  109  and reflect the right light image  109  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . Likewise, the left pivoting mirror  137   b  is hinged on pivot  137   d  to swing into position to receive a left light image  108  and reflect the left light image  108  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . When not in a position to receive and reflect a light image each mirror is retracted to allow a forward light image  111  to be received by the receiving lens  126   a  into the right front camera  126  and transmitted by the transmission cable  127  to the left monitor  119  within the vision of the driver  16 . While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  is shown with a transmission cable  127  for transmitting a light image from the camera  126  to the left monitor  106 , it is not intended that the transmission of the light image be limited to cable and alternative means such as fiber optic cable or wireless transmission may be employed. The pivoting mirror assemblies may be activated by any suitable mechanism such as an electrical solenoid, vacuum control or gears.  
         [0053]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the left light image  108  would be displayed as a left image  139  on screen  122  of the left monitor  106  and the right light image  109  would be displayed as right image  138  on screen  122  of the left monitor  106 . When the mirrors  137   a  and  137   b  were retracted then the screen  122  would display the forward image  111 . An alternate embodiment not shown would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turn the camera on the pivotal mount to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 . Likewise, it is not intended that the position of the pivoting mirrors be limited to one of two positions.  
         [0054]      FIG. 8  shows a schematic view of a camera mirror assembly  105  installed in the right rear corner of a vehicle  1 . In  FIG. 8 a  left facing mirror  143  and a right facing mirror  142  are shown in crisscross position one above the other and ahead of a right rear camera  140  with a receiving lens  140   a . In this arrangement the left facing mirror  143  is positioned at an angle to receive a left light image  114  and reflect the left light image  114  to the receiving lens  140   a  and into the right rear camera  140 . Likewise, the right facing mirror  142  is positioned at an angle to receive a right light image  116  and reflect the right light image  116  to the receiving lens  140   a  and into the right rear camera  140 . By means of a transmission cable  141 , the left light image  114  and right light image  116  are displayed on either the left monitor  106  or the right monitor  119  within the vision of the driver  16 . Although not shown, it is understood that the left light image  114  and right light image  116  could be displayed as side by side images or top and bottom images on either monitor in a manner similar to that depicted in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 7 . Likewise, the mirror arrangement depicted in  FIG. 8  would be equally applicable to any corner camera mirror assembly, both front and rear. Also, While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8  is shown with a transmission cable  141  for transmitting a light image from the camera  140  to a monitor, it is not intended that the transmission of the light image be limited to cable and alternative means such as fiber optic cable or wireless transmission may be employed. An alternate embodiment not shown would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turi the camera on the pivotal mount to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic view of another alternative right front camera mirror assembly  103  installed in the right front corner of the vehicle  1 . In this embodiment the right front camera  126  and receiving lens  126   a  are in line with a pyramid mirror assembly  144  with a right facing mirror surface  144   a  and a left facing mirror surface  144   b . The right facing mirror surface  144   a  is in a position to receive a right light image  109  and reflect the right light image  109  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . Likewise, the left facing mirror surface  144   b  is in a position to receive a left light image  108  and reflect the left light image  108  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . While the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  is shown with a transmission cable  127  for transmitting a light image from the camera  126  to the left monitor  106 , it is not intended that the transmission of the light image be limited to cable and alternative means such as fiber optic cable or wireless transmission may be employed. An alternate embodiment not shown would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turn the camera on the pivotal mount to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 .  
         [0056]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the left light image  108  would be displayed as a left image  139  on screen  122  of the left monitor  106  and the right light image  109  would be displayed as right image  138  on screen  122  of the left monitor  106 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of a camera installed in the left front corner of vehicle  1  to receive a forward light image  112  into the receiving lens  120   a  and into the left front camera  120  for transmission by cable  121  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . The left front camera  120  is not aimed directly forward but is angled to the right at an angle  112   a  to enhance the vision of the driver  16  in left turn situations where the vehicle  1  is turning into the direction of oncoming traffic which is difficult to see because of vehicles directly ahead. It is intended that this orientation be reversed in right hand drive vehicles and countries. While the angle  112   a  may be fixed to suit an optimum placement to enhance the vision of the driver  16 , an alternate embodiment not shown would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turn the camera on the pivotal mount to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the dashboard  145  of a vehicle with the driver observation system and depicts the steering wheel  146  and a left monitor  106  and a right monitor  119  both mounted on the dashboard  145  in the sight of the driver. On the steering wheel are also shown a set of left control buttons  148  and right control buttons  147  to control the screen images presented on the monitors as generally depicted in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 through 10  in accord with the camera mirror assemblies installed on a vehicle. It is understood that these controls could select left, right, forward and rear light images or any combination and said controls would serve to activate any motors or driving devices to position the mirrors, the cameras or the camera mirror assemblies in the desired position or otherwise activate any feature of the camera such as focus or zoom. Likewise, it is understood that these controls could be mounted on the monitors or other location within the reach of the driver.  
         [0059]      FIG. 12  shows a schematic of a camera mirror assembly housing  149  for encasing a right front corner camera mirror assembly  103  as depicted in  FIG. 6 , where the right front camera  126  and receiving lens  126   a  are in line with a right pivoting mirror assembly  132  and a left pivoting mirror assembly  133 . The right pivoting mirror assembly  132  is hinged to swing a mirror  132   a  on pivot  132   b  into position to receive a right light image  109  and reflect the right light image  109  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 . Likewise, the left pivoting mirror assembly  133  is hinged to swing a mirror  133   a  on pivot  133   b  to receive a left light image  108  and reflect the left light image  108  to the receiving lens  126   a  and into the right front camera  126  for transmission by cable  127  to the left monitor  106  within the vision of the driver  16 .  
         [0060]     In  FIG. 12 , a right pivoting mirror motor  150  is shown to move the mirror  133   a  on pivot  133   b , and a left pivoting mirror motor  151  is shown to move the mirror  132   a  on pivot  132   b . Also shown is a control module  155  to activate the motors  151  and  150  in accord with the control instructions from the driver  16 . It is intended that the camera mirror assembly housing  149  be of material of adequate strength and stiffness to hold the components in proper position and to be impervious to weather conditions. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the housing  149  has right light image aperture  152  to permit the reception of a right light image; a left light image aperture  153  to permit the reception of a left light image; and a forward light aperture  154  to permit the reception of a forward light image. It is intended that said apertures be of rigid transparent material such as tempered glass or plastic and made an integral part of the housing  149  to maintain protection against weather and entrance of foreign matter into the camera mirror assembly. It is understood also, that the pivoting mirror motors  150  and  151  may be any suitable drive mechanism whether electrically, hydraulically, vacuum or pneumatically powered. Although not shown an alternate embodiment would comprise a pivotal mount and turning means to turn the housing  149  on the pivotal mount to the most advantageous position at the control of the driver  16 .  
         [0061]      FIG. 13  shows a plan view of a vehicle  53  with the invention attempting a left turn from a common turning lane  57  across an oncoming traffic lane  59  with an oncoming vehicle  56  while facing an opposing turning vehicle  55  in the common turning lane  57 . In this depiction, the vehicle  53  will have moved from the traffic lane  58  into the common turning lane  57  to turn left across the opposing lane  59 . In this situation the driver of vehicle  53  would have a clear view of oncoming traffic in lane  59  except for the opposing vehicle  55  coming in the opposite direction and attempting a left turn across traffic lane  58 . At this point, the driver of vehicle  53  must nose the vehicle out into the oncoming lane to see any oncoming vehicles  56 . When equipped with the driver observation system, the left front corner of the vehicle  53  need only extend slightly to the left so that a forward light image  112  would be received at the left front corner camera mirror assembly and transmitted to the vision of the driver. In contrast, a vehicle  54  without the invention would have to turn into the oncoming traffic lane  59  a sufficient distance to allow the driver to see the oncoming traffic from the controls of the vehicle. This increased distance could be enough to cause an accident.  
         [0062]      FIG. 14  shows a plan view of a vehicle  60  with the invention attempting to turn left onto an intersecting street from a cross street  66  by crossing an opposing lane  64  to reach a merging lane  65 . A parked vehicle  61  obstructs the vision of the driver of vehicle  60 . When equipped with the driver observation system, vehicle  60  need only proceed slightly forward to receive a left light image  107  at the left front corner camera mirror assembly and have that image transmitted to the driver. In contrast, a vehicle  63  without the invention would have to proceed almost half the length of the vehicle forward to allow the driver to see oncoming traffic.  
         [0063]     The camera can be any commercially available unit with or without focusing or zoom features.

Technology Category: 7