Catch Hit And Run - System (CHAR-S)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of sensor-driven automotive imaging systems employing digital cameras, and more particularly to a parked motor vehicle system, that automatically transmits digital images and videos in response to one or more sensors -driven detection a motor vehicle hit or scratch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a vehicular hit-and-run refers to causing a traffic or vehicular accident and fleeing the scene of the accident without stopping to identify oneself. When a hit-and-run occurs, it is desirable to locate the motor vehicle that fled. However, locating the motor vehicle is often difficult.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) to overcome the defects existing in the prior art. The current disclosure is about lodging one or more sensors 5 (for example FSR and/or load sensors) in the body of the motor vehicle at the most commonly hit and scratch sites. The current disclosure can video record and photograph the collision scene. In many cases, side mirrors of modern cars retract when switching the motor vehicle off. In the light of one of the specific features of the current disclosure, Said cameras are equipped with a gearbox, which allows the camera to torque back into position to view the whole side of the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle is switched off and side mirrors retracted. Heretofore mentioned novel features and functions allows recording the license plate number of the accident motor vehicle, so that the perpetrators have nowhere to escape and guarantee the legality of people rights and interests. The Side mirrors cameras have additional function; help parking in a narrow area, wherein side mirrors camera capture same view while retracted.

The Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) is either separately integrated as modules in motor vehicles, and is specialized, optimized and dedicated solely to the specific application of that particular system, or make use of digital camera system that are integrated into a motor vehicle for other purposes to provide enhanced features.

Since hit and run have been a problem facing society over decades, plenty of prior art has been trying to find a solution for that problem. US 1816939 (A) Detector against hit and run drivers— 1931-08-04 one of the oldest US documents. KR20140145295 relates to a shock sensor to prevent a motor vehicle accident and a hit-and-run accident by automatically reporting the accident to a police station through a pager or a wireless signal immediately after the accident occurs, and provides a location of a stolen motor vehicle to a police station after a motor vehicle theft is reported by a wireless signal provided by the motor vehicle when the motor vehicle theft occurs. The inventor discloses shock sensor used in motor vehicles when collision happens. In this reference the inventor used no cameras to record the event. The shock sensors operates in moving motor vehicles. The invention to be used if the motor vehicle got stolen and/or in a hit and run. Current disclosure present a system including one or more sensors implanted all over the motor vehicle and connected to motor vehicle cameras and a GSM/LTE/5G technology. Current disclosure is for parked motor vehicles and it records any coming hit and share the records as evidence. The current invention is a better surveillance system when the motor vehicle is switched off or on parking mode.

CN102756696 the invention provides a monitoring device for automobile hit-and-run accidents. The monitoring device is characterized in that one or more cameras are mounted on an automobile and used for monitoring hit- and-run motor vehicles, and continuously or intermittently monitoring and recording hit-and-run accidents occurring near the automobile, so as to not only look up hit-and-run motor vehicles hitting the automobile, but also provide videos of hit-and-run motor vehicles hitting other motor vehicles for relevant departments. The video images of this event are not recorded or sent to a third party, continuously ON and recording which will consume the car battery and also there is no sensors mentioned.

JPH11316404 photograph a run-away perpetrator's motor vehicle by a camera, when a motor vehicle which is parked is involved in hit and mn accident. In this photographing device, a camera starts photographing through a remote device when the vibration is detected by a vibration detector. When this photographing device is used, the camera is fitted to the body of a motor vehicle so that the camera is faced in the direction that a perpetrator's motor vehicle makes hit and probably runs away and is so fixed in position that the photographing direction thereof is not changed, even if strong large impact is applied. Current disclosure FSR or load sensors are lodged in the motor vehicle’s doors, quarter panels and bumpers. Here the inventor used at least four cameras to view all around the motor vehicle in response to the one or more sensors activated as shown in FIG 4 Current disclosure cameras installed outside the body of the motor vehicle, and there will be a communication module to transfer video/images and SMS to recipient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) to record one or more sensors based events caused by a hit or a scratch to a switched off and/or parking mode motor vehicle while parked.

The system comprising FSR force sensitive resistor and/or load sensors 5 lodged to the body of the motor vehicle at the most commonly hit and scratch sites for example doors, bumpers and quarter panels;

An open source computer hardware control 16 unit comprises variety of microprocessors and controllers. The boards are equipped with sets of digital and analog input/output (I/O) pins that may be interfaced to various expansion boards or Breadboards; Wireless communications system supports outgoing notifications, Simple Message System (SMS or text messaging), and data communication for communicating with a central reporting service; An image memory system 17 allows mass storage for storing Video records and digital images captured by the one or more digital cameras;

Receiving input from the means for detecting a hit or scratch; and in response to the detection of a hit or scratch; U sing at least four of the digital cameras 1 , 2, 3 , &4 to capture digital images; storing digital images and recording video in the image memory;

Opening a communication link using the wireless communications system, and transmitting one or more of the stored captured digital images or recorded videos to the recipient most particularly the owner or insurance company;

An advantage of the current disclosure are side mirror cameras 19& 20 fitted with a servomotor or gearbox when the said side mirrors are retracted after switching the motor vehicle off.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can make use of digital camera systems 1, 2, 3, &4 of the motor vehicle 18 to provide enhanced features for reporting hit or scratch of the parked motor vehicle 18. This provides a cost advantage since the digital camera systems can be used for multiple purposes. It has the further advantage that the transmission of digital images to a recipient reporting service images can be used by insurance agencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG (1) illustrates the system’s logic.

FIG (2) illustrates System’s operation flowchart. FIG (3) Schematic illustration for the system.

FIG (4) illustrates a top view of the motor vehicle shows one or more sensors and cameras distribution.

FIG (5) top view of the motor vehicle illustrates side mirrors cameras. Fig (6) top view of the motor vehicle illustrates first hit and mn collision scenario.

Fi8 (7) top view of the motor vehicle illustrates second hit and run collision scenario.

Fig (8) top view of the motor vehicle illustrates third hit and run collision scenario.

Fig (9) front and rear view of the motor vehicle showing sites of lodging sensors (bumpers).

Fig (10) side view of the motor vehicle showing sites of lodging sensors (doors and quarter panels).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specification and claims include, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on.” The term“connected” means either a direct electrical connection between the items connected, or an indirect connection through one or more passive or active intermediary devices. The term“circuit” means either a single component or a multiplicity of components, either active or passive, that are connected together to provide a desired function. The term“signal” means at least one current, voltage, charge, or data signal.

Additionally, directional terms such as“on”,“over”,“top”,“bottom”, are used with reference to the orientation of the figure being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations.

In the following description, some elements of the present invention will be described in terms that would ordinarily be implemented as software programs. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the equivalent of such software may also be constructed in hardware. Because image manipulation algorithms and systems are well known, the present description will be directed in particular to algorithms and systems forming part of, or cooperating more directly with, the method in accordance with the present invention. Other aspects of such algorithms and systems, together with hardware and software for producing and otherwise processing the image signals involved therewith, not specifically shown or described herein may be selected from such systems, algorithms, components, and elements known in the art. Given the system as described according to the invention in the following, software not specifically shown, suggested, or described herein that is useful for implementation of the invention is conventional and within the ordinary skill in such arts.

The invention is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments described herein. References to“a particular embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to“an embodiment” or“particular embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments; however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to the“method” or“methods” and the like is not limiting. It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly noted or required by context, the word“or” is used in this disclosure in a non- exclusive sense. In accordance with the present invention Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) in aspect are integrated into a motor vehicle and used in conjunction with additional components to provide an aggregated motor vehicle imaging system for automatically recording and reporting hit and mn collision events. FIG 2 shows a flow chart describing a workflow process of Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. System“on” refers to the state of having a motor vehicle parked, system“off” refers to the state of having the motor vehicle 18 in motion. Flowchart illustrates system operation once the motor vehicle is in parking mode. On the motor vehicle 18, hitting or scratching one or more sensors 5 are activated. Said one or more sensors send signals to the open source computer hardware 16 (for example Arduino Mega 2560). The global system for mobile communication GSM shield 15 (for example Arduino) supports outgoing notifications, Simple Message System (SMS or text messaging). The micro- SD card Module 15 for transferring data to and from a standard SD card. The pin out is directly compatible with open source computer hardware 16 (for example: Arduino Mega 2560), but can also be used with other microcontrollers. The micro- SD card allows mass storage and to recording from all cameras at the same time

An embodiment of the current invention with reference to FIG 4 provides a top view of the integrated Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) includes panoramic photography 1, 2, 3, &4 (for example: an ArduCAM) which is a technique of photography, using specialized equipment, that captures images/ recorded video with elongated fields of view. To create panorama photos several photos from different view point are needed and stitching them afterwards, using multiple cameras and shooting at the same time or consequently according to one or more sensors are activated by the hit and or scratch (FIG 4). At least four cameras are installed to the motor vehicle 18. Cameras (1, 2, 3, & 4), including two side cameras (2, 4) fitted with a servomotor or gearbox. A front camera mounted on the front of the motor vehicle 1 a rear- view camera 3 mounted on the rear of the motor vehicle. Another embodiment of the invention with reference to figure (10 &11) are one or more force sensitive resistor sensors s or one or more load sensors s 5. The sensors allow detection of physical pressure and weight. They are simple to use and provide quick and precise measurements. The sensors 5 are disposed in soft, therefore pressure-sensitive and elastic materials, such as within the foam to ensure best contact sensitivity and protection of the sensors. Said one or more sensors 5 are fitted in the form of long sensors s that are strip-like to cover flat, curved and bent surfaces like bumpers, doors and quarter panels. FIG 4 further illustrates Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S). Cameras 1, 2 and 3 operate on receiving signal from one or more FSR or load sensor sensors 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and/or 5F. Capturing whole right side view of the motor vehicle. CAM 1, 3 and 4 operate on receiving signal from one or more sensors 51, 5J, 5K, 5L, and/or 5M. Capturing whole left side view of the motor vehicle 18 which got hit or scratched. While, Cameras 1, 2 and 4 operate and start recording on receiving signal from sensor 5N. Capturing front view of the motor vehicle, which got hit or scratched. Camera 2, 3 and 4 operate and start recording on receiving signal from sensor 5G. Capturing the whole rear view of the motor vehicle was hit or scratched. The one or more FSR or load sensors are activated when the hitting force is at least 2 Newton or more. Number of sensors vary according to the motor vehicle length and design.

FIG 3 illustrates a schematic of the system according to implementation. Schematic diagram of the system comprising electronic pictograms used to represent various electrical and electronic devices or functions, such as wires, batteries, resistors, one or more sensors and controllers of system’s electrical circuit. Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) includes an open source computer hardware (for example Arduino Mega 2560) in electronic communication between cameras 1 ,2, 3, 4, one or more sensors, wireless communications system. Arduino board designs use a variety of microprocessors and controllers. The boards are equipped with sets of digital and analog input/output (I/O) pins that may be interfaced to various expansion boards or Breadboards (shields) and other circuits. In an embodiment of current invention two batteries 6&7 are connected in parallel with a relay to switch between them to measure the value of battery voltage. The voltage has freewheeling diode 12 (fly back diode) to protect and eliminate fly back from a sudden voltage spike seen across an inductive load when supply voltage is suddenly reduced or removed. Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) power supply depends on an external battery 6. External battery 6 is preferably of high amplitude about 200-250 mA to supply each of the cameras 1, 2, 3, & 4 by at least 5 volts and recording for 10 minutes. Said external battery 6 and car battery 7 batteries are connect in parallel with a relay to switch between them to measure the value of battery voltage. The relay switches batteries when the external battery capacity is less than 10%. Schematic view of Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) in FIG 3 further illustrates how SCL & SDA the SDA (data line) and SCL (clock line) are unified to synchronizing the data transfer. Other ports for each camera are connected with its digital port. Wherein, the Digital Media Port (DMP or DMPort) is an interface for analog audio and video signal and digital control

Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S) schematic diagram as illustrated in FIG (3) is connected to MISO Port (Master In Slave Out) the Slave line for sending data to the master. MOSI Port (Master Out Slave In) the master line for sending data to the peripherals. SCK (Serial Clock) the clock pulses which synchronize data transmission generated by the master and one line specific for every device. SCF port Clock line is configured as an output. SDA port is data line, should be configured as an input. SS (Slave Select) is the pin on each device that the master can use to enable and disable specific devices. PC (Inter- Integrated Circuit) combines the best features of SPI and UARTs. With I2C connects multiple slaves to a single master (like SPI) and has multiple masters controlling single, or multiple slaves. Said I2C is to log more than one microcontroller data to a single memory card. The GSM/LTE/5G shield 15 (for example Arduino) GSM supports outgoing notifications, Simple Message System (SMS or text messaging), and data communication (via GPRS). It operates after the hit or scratch happens. The micro- SD card module 17 is for transferring data to and from a standard SD card 17. The pin out is directly compatible with Arduino 16, but can also be used with other microcontrollers. It allows mass storage and data logging.

Another preferred embodiment of the current disclosure is a separate button to manually switch off the Catch Hit and Run - System (CHAR-S). Said button is used in particular conditions for example in cases of cleaning the car, traveling, or fixing.

It should be noted that although the specific embodiments described herein relate to implementations of the present invention in an automobile, other motor vehicles 18 can similarly employ this invention. Examples of other types of motor vehicles include, but are not limited to, motorcycles, all- terrain motor vehicles, recreational motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.