WO2008052178A2

WO2008052178A2 - Vehicle vision system

Info

Publication number: WO2008052178A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/082707
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard J. Chutorash; Michael Sims; Cynthia L. Price
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Current assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Priority date: 2006-10-27
Filing date: 2007-10-26
Publication date: 2008-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2009-04-27
Also published as: WO2008052178A3

Abstract

A vehicle vision system is provided. At least one video camera (or other video source) is mounted with respect to the vehicle structure so as to view the vehicle interior and/or exterior. A display is in communication with the video camera so as to receive video signals from the video camera. The video camera is movable with respect to the vehicle structure. In one example, the camera is included in a cellular telephone which may be mounted with respect to the vehicle. Also provided is a method of monitoring the interior and/or exterior of a vehicle.

Description

VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The following description of the background of the invention is provided simply as an aid in understanding the invention and is not admitted to describe or constitute prior art to the invention.

[0002] The present application relates generally to the field of vehicle vision systems for viewing objects within and outside of the vehicle cabin.

[0003] Rear view mirrors are utilized to enable vehicle drivers to view objects rearward the vehicle. Traditional rear view mirrors include a mirrored surface mounted to the windshield. Drivers may selectively glance at the mirrored surface and observe the reflection of objects rearward the driver and/or vehicle. This arrangement provides a limited range of visibility to the driver. For example, objects in the rearward portion of the vehicle cabin may obstruct the driver's line of sight. Such objects may include other passengers, head rests, personal items, alumni/"honor role parent" paraphernalia, and the like. Particularly, federal regulations regarding head restraints (e.g., FMVSS 202A) encourage the implementation of larger head rests within the vehicle cabin which further obstruct the driver's field of view. Additionally, mirror-based rear vision systems can leave a blind spot in areas not reflected by the rear view and side view mirrors to the driver. [0004] Additionally, viewing objects located in the rear section of the vehicle can be difficult for the driver and front seat passengers. Drivers may attempt to do so by adjusting the angle of the rear view mirror or by turning their head away from the road. This can be especially difficult for drivers with small children in the rear section of the vehicle. The problem is only exaggerated for larger vehicles with more than two rows of seating like many contemporary SUVs, mini-vans, trucks, and passenger vans. Still, with contemporary vision systems it is difficult to simultaneously monitor the road and the rear section of the vehicle when needed.

[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a vision system that enables the user to view objects inside and outside of the vehicle. Moreover, it would be desirable to provide a flexible vision system with a camera (or other video source) that is movable with respect to the vehicle to provide a number of different viewing perspectives according to user demands. Further, to would be desirable to provide a remote device for remotely monitoring the vehicle using the vision system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle vision system includes a vehicle structure at least partially defining a vehicle interior, a video source mounted with respect to the vehicle structure so as to view the vehicle interior, and a display in communication with the video source so as to receive video signals from the video source. The video source is movable with respect to the vehicle structure.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle monitoring system includes a module for storing a sub-module in an overhead system of a vehicle. The sub-module includes a video source. An elongated member is positioned on a vehicle structure. A module housing is adaptable to engage at least one of the elongated members. A holder is incorporated in the module housing and configured to selectively attach the module to the elongated member.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of monitoring the interior and/or exterior of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: providing a movable storage module attachable to various points on a vehicle structure, providing a video source attachable to the storage module, and attaching the storage module to the vehicle structure in a manner to send video images from the video source to a display system.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle vision system includes a vehicle structure, and a cellular telephone mountable with respect to the vehicle structure. The cellular telephone includes a video source. A display is in communication with the cellular telephone to receive at least a video signal from the cellular telephone.

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with a vision system according to several exemplary embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle vision system according to an exemplary embodiment.

-7- [0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle structure with a vision system according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vision system with a module attached to two elongated members according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a module with a video source according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 of a module with a fastener in the engaged position according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 of a module with a fastener in the released position according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle vision system according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle power bus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a user interface with display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle with vision system including a cellular telephone according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a rearview mirror with display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle vision system according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the invention.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 1, a vehicle 12 includes a vehicle vision system 10 for viewing objects within and/or outside of the vehicle. The vision system 10 includes at least one video source 14 (e.g., a camera) mounted with respect to the vehicle 12 via a vehicle structure such as those described herein below. The video source 14 may be mounted to a number of different architectural structures and aimed in a plurality of directions with respect to the vehicle structure to provide numerous viewing perspectives within and outside of the vehicle. While the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is a minivan the vehicle vision system 10 can be used in a variety of automobiles such as cars, trucks, SUVs, buses, and the like, as well as other transportation devices like airplanes, boats, trains, etcetera. [0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 12 includes a number of vehicle structures which define the vehicle interior 16. Vehicle structures include an overhead system 18, roof bow 20, A-pillar 22, B-pillar 24, C-pillar 26, D-pillar 28, vehicle floor 30, first-row, second-row, and third-row seating (32, 34 and 36, respectively), door panel 38, center high-mounted stop lamp 40 (CHMSL), other structural components associated with the vehicle 12, other interior components upon which the system 10 can be mounted, etc. The vehicle structures may be composed of a number of different materials including plastic, steel and aluminum alloys.

[0027] The vehicle interior includes a front section 42, rear section 44 and several rows of seating (e.g., 32, 34 and 36 as shown in FIG. 1) for vehicle passengers. A driver may be stationed in the front row of seating 32. Adults and children may sit in the second-row or third-row of seating 34 and 36. The video source 14 may be selectively secured to any of the vehicle structures (e.g., 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, video sources 14a, 14b and 14c are mounted to the overhead system 18; video sources 14d and 14e are mounted to roof bow 20; video sources 14f and 14g are mounted to door panels 38; and video source 14h is mounted to the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) 40. In one exemplary embodiment, video sources 14a-h are configured to provide images of the vehicle interior 16. For example, video sources 14a and 14b are configured to provide images proximate the second-row and third-row of seating 34 and 36, respectively (or in the rear section 44 of the vehicle 12). In this way, video sources 14a and 14b enable the system user to monitor vehicle passengers including, for example, small children. Video sources 14f and 14g provide images within the lower region of the vehicle interior 16 proximate the vehicle floor 30. In another embodiment, video sources 14a-h are positioned to point outside the vehicle 12. Video sources 14f and 14g, for example, are aimed towards the side of the vehicle at a driver blind spot, as shown in FIG. 1. Video sources 14f and 14g may be mounted outside the vehicle 12 or inside the vehicle door panel 38 with transparent paneling to enable imaging through the door panel. Video sources 14a-h provide comprehensive imaging of the vehicle interior 16 and exterior for users of the vehicle vision system 10. Though cameras are one example of a video source, it should be understood that any imaging device and/or sensor may be utilized as a video source for the vision system 10. Examples include, but are not limited to, scanners, infrared sensors, night vision imagers, motion detectors, etc.

[0028] Video source 14 is attachable to a vehicle structure 46 (as shown in FIG. 2) and is configured to send video images to a display 48. In one embodiment, the video source 14 is wired to the display 48. In another exemplary embodiment, video source 14 wirelessly sends video signals to the display 48 via a radio and/or infrared frequency. The display 48 includes a receiver (not shown) and the video source 14 includes a video transmitter (not shown). Bluetooth technology, configured to enable short-range communication between electronic devices is utilized to enable the video source 14 to communicate with the display 48 wirelessly. Other wireless standards or technologies are compatible with the vehicle vision system 10 such as IEEE 802.11 and other communication platforms. While a video source 14 provides imaging to the vision display system 10 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, any type of imaging device may be utilized including but not limited to e.g., an infrared sensor, night vision imagers, motion detector, etc. [0029] The video source 14 is movable with respect to the vehicle 12. For example, the vehicle vision system 10 may include one video source 14 which is attachable to any one of the vehicle structures including but not limited to the overhead system 18, roof bow 20, A- pillar 22, B-pillar 24, C-pillar 26, D-pillar 28, vehicle floor 30, first-, second-, and third-row seating (32, 34 and 36, respectively), door panel 38, and CHMSL 40, other structural components associated with the vehicle 12, other interior components upon which the system 10 can be mounted, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 12 includes an attachment mechanism by which the video source is secured to the vehicle structure. In FIG. 3, a vehicle overhead system 18 for attaching to a video source 14 is shown. The overhead system 18 includes two generally parallel elongated members 50 laterally spaced, extending from the front section 42 of the vehicle to the rear section 44 of the vehicle. At each end, the elongated members are bezels 52 in which the elongated members 50 are anchored. The elongated members 50 may be rails, tracks, channels, holders, bars, rods, poles, as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 6,827,384, filed December 10, 2002, entitled, "Modular System for a Vehicle" which is commonly assigned and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0030] The video source 14 may be housed in a module 54 (as shown in FIGs 3-6B). The module 54 includes a housing 56 and a holder 60 which enables the module to be selectively secured to the elongated members 50. As the holder 60 is released the module 54 slides along the elongated members 50 to various locations throughout the vehicle interior 16. For example, the module 54 may slide to the front section 42 of the vehicle 12 so that the user may monitor the first-row or second-row of seating 32 and 34. Likewise, the module 54 may slide towards the rear section 44 of the vehicle to monitor the third-row of seating 36.

[0031] The holder 60, as shown in FIGs 6A-B, may include but is not limited to any selectively releasable latching mechanism, clamp, spring clip, velcro, two-piece re-closable fasteners, finned plugs and any other latching mechanism known within the art. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGs 6A-B, holder 60 is positioned within an attachment profile 62 (e.g. channel, slot, groove, recess, valley, indent, etc.) of the module 54. A fastener mechanism 58 secures the holder 60 to the module 54. Fastener mechanism 58 is shown as a threaded screw but may include finned plugs, adhesive, integral formation, etc. Holder 60 is configured to resiliency conform to the exterior of the elongated member 50 which includes catches 64 (e.g. tabs, ears, dogs, etc.) that are biased inwardly. Catches 64 fit within recesses 66 on one or both sides of holder 60 and are vertically supported by ledges 68. Module 54 is removably attached to the elongated members 50 by aligning holder 60 beneath elongated member 50 and exerting a force on module 54 sufficiently strong enough to force catches 64 around the sides 36 of the elongated member 50 and within recesses 66.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the module housing 56 includes a closure 70 which is pivotably hinged at one end 72 to the module housing 56. The video source 14 is mounted inside the housing 56. As the closure 70 is opened, the video source is exposed so as to image the intended area(s) with respect to the vehicle 12. [0033] In one embodiment, the system 10 includes electrical connectors 74 (or interfaces), as shown in exemplary FIGs 4-5, to provide electrical power to the video source 14 and enable the video source 14 to communicate with the display 48 (e.g., DisplayPort, (R)F connectors, VDL, banana connectors, DIN connectors, RCA connectors). Electrical connectors 74 may include receptacles, jacks, plugs, ports, electrical connecting strips, etc. In one exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGs 4-5, the elongated members 50 include electrical wiring (e.g., 76) which is in connected to the vehicle power bus 78. The wiring 76 runs through each elongated member 50. The elongated members 50 include electrical connectors 80 (e.g., ports) by which the module 54 may electrically connect to the vehicle power bus 78 at various locations with respect to the elongated members 50. The module 54 includes electrical connectors 82 and wiring 84 configured to receive power from the vehicle power bus 78. The video source 14 is electrically connected to the vehicle power bus 78 through the module 54.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of electrical connectors run through the elongated members such as power lines and audio/visual cables. In another exemplary embodiment, the elongated members 50 includes a power bus 78 which is configured to communicate audio and video signals therethrough, as shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8. The vision system 10 includes a video source 14 connected to a vehicle power bus 78 via a single line 86. The power bus 78 supports power lines 88, video signals 90, and audio signals 92. Video source 14 is configured to send video images to a display 48 via the vehicle power bus 78. In one exemplary embodiment, system 10 uses an enhanced form of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing with forward error correction and sends video and audio information on different frequencies. The vehicle power bus 78 includes an analog video data that can be routed across the vehicle power bus. Each signal is separated by signal space into distinct data channels by splitting it into uniform chunks of bandwidth. In one embodiment, the available range of frequencies on a vehicle bus is from 4.3 MHz to 20.9 MHz which is separable into 84 different carriers. In another embodiment, the system uses a frequency- shift keying to send data across the vehicle bus. The frequency-shift keying utilizes two frequencies to send digital information between the video source 14 and video display 48. The frequencies consist of a series of zeros and/or Is. [0035] In one exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the vision system 10 includes multiple video sources 14 and displays 48. The displays 48 may be located in a number of locations with respect to the vehicle 12. For example, a display 48 may be mounted in the front section 42 of the vehicle 12 so that the driver may use the system 10. Alternatively, a rear seat passenger may monitor the front section 42 of the vehicle with a display 48 located in the rear section 44 of the vehicle 12. As shown, for example in FIG. 1 , multiple video sources 14a-h may be utilized in combination to provide various views with respect to the vehicle 12.

[0036] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the system 10 includes a microphone 94 and motion detector 96. The microphone 94 and motion detector 96 are incorporated into a vehicle structure 46. The microphone 94 provides audio observations as well as video images to the system user. In one exemplary embodiment, the video source 14 is configured to selectively power on when movement is detected by the motion detector 96. The motion detector 96 may be placed in a number of locations throughout the vehicle including an overhead system 18, roof bow 20, A-pillar 22, B-pillar 24, C-pillar 26, D-pillar 28, vehicle floor 30, first-row, second-row, and third-row seating (32, 34 and 36, respectively), door panel 38, center high-mounted stop lamp 40 (CHMSL), other structural components associated with the vehicle 12, other interior components upon which the system 10 can be mounted, etc. In another embodiment, system 10 detects movement via video surveillance software included in the video source control circuit. In this way, the motion detector may be incorporated into the video source 14.

[0037] The display 48 is in communication with the video source 14 so as to receive video signals from the video source. In one exemplary embodiment, the display 48 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Alternatively, a cathode ray tube (CRT) or other image projector may be utilized with the present vehicle vision system 10. The display may be a LCD, CRT, TFT, heads up display, or any other display known within the art. The display 14 may be mounted with respect to the vehicle 12 at a vehicle structure 46. For example, the display can be mounted in the front section 42 of the vehicle 12 so as to provide imaging to the driver. In such instance the display 14 may be configured only to project still images (e.g., at a frame rate less than or equal to 24 frames per second). U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/840,183, filed August 25, 2006, entitled, "Rear Seat Entertainment System" which is commonly assigned and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses, for example, a display for front seat passengers which displays still images. In another exemplary embodiment, the display 14 may be portable as shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the display 14 may be incorporated in the vehicle overhead system (or overhead console) as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/816,994, filed June 28, 2006, entitled, "Vehicle Rear Vision System" which is commonly assigned and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the display 48 is included in a portable user interface 98. Figure 9 shows a planar view of an exemplary hand-held or portable user interface 98 for the vision system 10. The user interface 98 includes a keypad having entertainment control buttons or switches 100 for operating components of vision system 10. Control switches 100 may be configured to activate any of a number of functions, such as on/off, camera direction, switching between a number of video sources and changing the video source provided to the display 48. Additionally, switches 100 may be provided for adjusting the volume, changing a channel, or any other appropriate functions for use with the vision system 10. User interface 98 also includes a display 48 for displaying information. Any type of control switches or knobs that may be configured for controlling system 10 or other features of vehicle 12 may be included in the interface 98 and the type and configurations of switches and knobs may be modified depending on design or functional considerations.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the user interface 98 controls a plurality of vehicle systems (e.g., HVAC, a personal navigation system - having a GPS receiver and/or geographic information database, personal digital assistant systems, or telecommunication devices). An input selection key 102 is also included to select between said functions. In this way, the controller enables one control platform to be "moded" or selected at a given time. The mode may be selected from a visual setup menu shown on the display 48. User prompts are provided on the user display for the appropriate selections and adjustments. The user interface 98 may be, for example, a "smartphone", personal data assistant, hand-held computer, or a dedicated RSE or vehicle system controller.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, the video source 14 is camouflaged to act as a hidden video source or camera. The video source 14 is positioned behind an element of the vehicle structure 46. The vehicle structure 46 is transparent to enable the video source to image through the vehicle structure without being detected by vehicle passengers. In one arrangement, a one-way transparent glass (not shown) is provided in the vehicle structure 46. A video source is mounted on one side of the glass and a reflective material or mirror coating shows on the other side of the glass.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle vision system includes a cellular telephone 104 in which the video source 14 may be located. The cellular phone 104 is attached to a head rest 106 (or seatback 108) in a second row of seating 34. In this arrangement the head rest 106 is biased downward therefore, the video source 14 is automatically positioned to view a small child, B, in a rear facing child seat 110 to send real time imaging of the child to a vehicle operator, M. The headrest 106 may include a fastener (not shown) to lock or secure the cellular telephone 104 therein. The cellular telephone 104 is, of course, not limited to being attached to a vehicle seat back 108 but may also be located or secured anywhere throughout the vehicle, including but not limited to, the overhead system 18, roof bow 20, A-pillar 22, B-pillar 24, C-pillar 26, D-pillar 28, vehicle floor 30, door panel 38, and/or center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) 40, other structural components associated with the vehicle 12, other interior components upon which the system 10 can be mounted, etc. For example, the cellular telephone 104 may be mounted to a side widow to monitor the blind spot of the driver. Additionally, the cellular telephone may be mounted to a rear mirror to broadcast video information regarding cargo in the rear section 44 of the vehicle, particularly for large items that require the trunk and/or tailgate to remain partially open. In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle head rest includes a pocket (not shown) which houses the cellular telephone 104 and video source 14 therein. The pocket may be attached to different locations throughout the vehicle such as, for example, the seat back 108.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the cellular telephone 104 is Bluetooth enabled to transmit video images of a rear seat passenger (e.g., B) to a display 48 located in the front section 42 of the vehicle. Other wireless standards or technologies are compatible with the vehicle vision system 10 such as IEEE 802.11 and other communication platforms. Moreover, in another embodiment, the cellular telephone 104 includes electrical connectors, to provide electrical power to the cellular telephone and enable the video source 14 to communicate with the display 48. The cellular phone 104 may be incorporated into a storage module (e.g., 54 shown in FIG. 5) and be positioned throughout the vehicle 12. In this way, the video source 14 may be positioned in a number of locations throughout the vehicle 12 and remain electrically connected to the display 48. [0043] The display 48 includes a video receiver configured to accept video signals from the cellular telephone 104. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, the display 48 is included in the overhead system 18 (or overhead console) of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the display 48 is included in a center-stack (or center-mounted) console. While the center-stack console may include other feeds for the display 48 (e.g., a navigation system), the display can selective switch between display modes to, at times, display images from the video source 14 and, at other times, display images from a number of other vehicle systems such as a global positioning system, entertainment system, HVAC system, etc. [0044] In another embodiment, the display 48 includes a rear view mirror 112 as shown in FIG. 11. The rear view mirror 112 includes a primary 114 and secondary 116 viewing surface. The primary viewing surface 114 may be a reflective surface (as shown in FIG. 11) or it may include a display screen such a LCD, CRT, TFT or any other display known within the art. The secondary viewing surface 116 is a display screen in communication with the cellular telephone 104. The primary and secondary viewing surface 114 and 116 may be of any size and location with respect to each other. For example, the secondary viewing surface 116 may be larger than the primary viewing surface 114 and vice versa. Moreover, the secondary viewing surface 116 may be located anywhere within the rear view mirror 112, side view mirror, center-stack console, etc.

[0045] The display 48 may also be used to show images from a number of teleconference participants. During video conferencing, video and audio signals are sent to the cellular telephone 104 which may in turn be sent to the display 48. The display 48 includes a number of secondary viewing surfaces (e.g., 116) to show images from each participant. The cellular phone 104 is further configured to provide video imaging from any of the teleconference participants as well. Images may includes those of a speaker, driver, other vehicle passengers, the vehicle interior, external road conditions, etc. [0046] In another embodiment, the user interface 98 is included in the cellular telephone 104. The cellular phone 104 may control the display 48 and/or the video source 14. The telephone keypad is configured to actuate at least one of any number of functions including, but not limited to, on/off, positioning, zoom, tilt, microphone, display brightness, and display contrast.

[0047] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the video source 14 is operably connected to a network connection 120 which is operably connected to a remote receiver 130. According to one embodiment, the network connection 120 and remote receiver 130 are connected wirelessly. According to one embodiment, the video source 14 includes a network connection 120. In the alternative, the network connection 120 is a separate module from the video source 14. The wireless connection is configured to transmit video signals and can be any one of several wireless networks including but not limited to a cellular network, a local area network or a wide area network (Internet). As stated above, the video source 14 can be any number of imaging devices including but not limited to a camera, a camcorder, cell phone, PDA, scanner, etc. Similarly, the remote receiver 130 can be any one of several devices configured to receive and display images including a cell phone, PDA, lap top, monitor, display, etc.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the system shown in Fig. 12 can be used to transmit video signals captured by the video source 14 to the remote receiver 130. According to one embodiment, the video source 14 is configured to continuously transmit images to the remote receiver 130 via a wireless network connection 120. In an alternative embodiment, a detection sensor e.g., a microphone 94 or motion detector 96 triggers the operation of the video source 14 upon detection of movement or sound in proximity of the vehicle and/or inside the vehicle. In the alternative, the video source 14 could be activated using a remote device such as a remote control or the remote receiver 130 itself. According to still another embodiment, the video source 14 can be configured so that the video source 14 only sends images to the remote receiver 130 when a change in the images captured by the video source 14 is detected. For example, such a change may be caused by a person entering the vehicle.

[0049] A method of monitoring the interior and/or exterior of a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing a movable storage module attachable to various points on a vehicle structure, providing a video source attachable to the storage module and attaching the storage module to the vehicle structure in a manner to send video images from the video source to a display system.

[0050] While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the FIGS, and described above are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the video source 14 may be attached to additional vehicle structures including those shown and not shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiments, e.g., tailgate, trailer, trailer hitch, side view mirrors, etc. Moreover, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A vehicle vision system, comprising: a vehicle structure at least partially defining a vehicle interior; a video source mounted with respect to the vehicle; and a display in communication with the video source so as to receive video signals from the video source; wherein the video source is movable with respect to the vehicle structure.

2. The vision system of Claim 1, further comprising: a module for storing the video source therein, wherein the vehicle structure is an overhead system of a vehicle; and at least one elongated member positioned on the vehicle overhead system, wherein the module is adapted to selectively engage with the at least one elongated member; wherein the video source is movable with respect to the vehicle structure via the selective attachment of the module with respect to the elongated member.

3. The vision system of Claim 2, wherein the module is a cellular telephone configured to transmit video signals to the display.

4. The vision system of Claim 1, wherein the display is configured to display images at a rate less than 24 frames per second to effectuate a still image.

5. The vision system of Claim 1, further comprising: a user interface configured to send a control signal to the video source to actuate at least one of a plurality of functions, the functions including: on/off, positioning, zoom, tilt, microphone, display brightness, and display contrast.

6. The vision system of Claim 1, further comprising: a vehicle power source configurable to supply power to the video source; and a power bus connecting the vehicle power source to the video source, and further connecting the display to the video source, wherein video signals and/or audio signals are transferable across the power bus.

7. The vision system of Claim 1, further comprising: a motion detector in communication with the video source and configured to detect movement with respect to the video source, wherein the video source is configured to activate upon detection of movement by the motion detector.

8. A vehicle monitoring system, comprising: a module for storing a sub-module in a vehicle structure of a vehicle, wherein the sub-module includes a video source; an elongated member positioned on the vehicle structure; a module housing adaptable to engage at least one of the elongated members; and a holder incorporated in the module housing and configured to selectively attach the module to the elongated member.

9. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 8, wherein the sub-module includes a cellular telephone configured to transmit video signals.

10. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 9, further comprising: a user interface, included in the cellular telephone, configured to send a control signal to the video source to actuate at least one of a plurality of functions, the functions including: on/off, positioning, zoom, tilt, microphone, display brightness, and display contrast.

11. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 9, wherein the vehicle module housing is attachable to the elongated member at a plurality of locations.

12. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 9, further comprising: at least two elongated members positioned on the vehicle structure; and at least two video sources attachable to the vehicle structure.

13. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 9, wherein the module is movable with respect to the elongated member.

14. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 9, further comprising: a user interface configured to send a control signal to the video source to actuate at least one of a plurality of functions, the functions including: on/off, positioning, zoom, tilt, microphone, display brightness, and display contrast.

15. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 9, further comprising: a vehicle power source configurable to supply power to the video source; and a power bus connecting the vehicle power source to the video source, and further connecting the display to the video source, wherein video signals and/or audio signals are transferable across the power bus.

16. The vehicle monitoring system of Claim 9, further comprising: a motion detector in communication with the video source and configured to detect movement with respect to the video source, wherein the video source is configured to activate upon detection of movement by the motion detector.

17. A method of monitoring the interior and/or exterior of a vehicle, comprising: providing a movable storage module attachable to various points on a vehicle structure; providing a video source attachable to the storage module; and selectively attaching the storage module to the vehicle structure in a manner to send video images from the video source to a display system.

18. The method of Claim 17, comprising: selectively detaching the storage module to the vehicle structure; and re-attaching the storage module to the vehicle structure in a manner to send video images from the video source to a display system.

19. The method of Claim 17, comprising: providing a cellular telephone in which the video source is included.

20. A vehicle vision system, comprising: a vehicle structure; a cellular telephone mountable with respect to the vehicle structure, wherein the cellular telephone includes a video source; and a display in communication with the cellular telephone to receive at least a video signal from the cellular telephone.

21. The vehicle vision system of Claim 20, wherein the vehicle structure is a vehicle seat back to which the telephone may be mounted.

22. The vehicle vision system of Claim 20, wherein the vehicle structure is a head rest to which the telephone may be mounted.

23. The vehicle vision system of Claim 20, wherein the vehicle structure is a side window to which the telephone may be mounted.

24. The vehicle vision system of Claim 20, wherein the vehicle structure is a rear window to which the telephone may be mounted.

25. The vehicle vision system of Claim 20, further comprising: an overhead console in which the display is located.