MONITORING A DRIVER

Technical Field

Present invention relates in general to a field of automobiles. Particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a monitoring device in a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a driver monitoring device and a mount structure to arrange driver monitoring device within an instrument cluster of the vehicle.

Background

Vehicles, such as passenger vehicle and commercial vehicles are typically operated and controlled by human drivers. Through training and with experience, a human driver may learn how to drive a vehicle safely and efficiently in a range of conditions. For example, as driver gains experience, he may become adept at driving in challenging conditions such as rough terrain, rain, snow, or darkness.

Drivers may sometimes drive unsafely or inefficiently. Unsafe driving behavior may endanger the driver and may also damage the vehicle. Unsafe driving behaviors may also lead to fines. For example, highway patrol officers may issue a citation for speeding. Unsafe driving behavior may also lead to accidents, which may cause physical harm, and which may, in turn, lead to an increase in insurance rates for operating a vehicle. In efficient driving, which may include hard accelerations, may increase the costs associated with operating a vehicle.Also, in certain scenarios, drivers may lack focus on the road due to distractions such as gadgets, and also due to sleepiness. Such lack of focus may lead to unsafe driving causing danger to the driver and the vehicle.

The global automotive industry has been utilizing cameras for monitoring both exterior and interior of the vehicle for many years. One particular application is the use of camera to monitor the condition of a passenger compartment or cabin of a passenger vehicle. The camera may be used to monitor driving behavior of the driver or user. Driver monitoring may be done in real-time as the driver operates a vehicle. Driver monitoring at a later time may be useful, for example, when investigating the cause of an accident. Driver monitoring in real-time may be useful to guard against unsafe driving, for example, by ensuring that a car cannot exceed a certain pre-determined speed. Monitoring the state of a subject within a vehicle, which is of particular importance for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, for example, the monitoring of the subject for potential driving hazard such as fatigue, so that the vehicle may alert the subject to switch to autonomous or semi-autonomous driving.

One of the challenges in the driver monitoring system is the positioning of the camera in the passenger compartment. Con ventionally, such cameras or imaging devices are mounted in an instrument cluster of the vehicle. When the camera in the instrument cluster is recognizable by the driver of the vehicle, the notion of being watched by the camera possibly affects the driver of the vehicle negatively in a psychological sense which in turn affects the driving behavior of the driver. Therefore, designing a vehicle interior camera for monitoring subject's [driver or occupants] state is the space constraints of po sitioning the interior camera within the passenger compartment or cabin, since the camera has to be strategically positioned to get a field of view of subject's facial features, for example the eyes. Conventionalmethods include placing ormounting the camera at a location that is visible to the subject, such as an instrument cluster, which is normally in line-of-sight of the subject which may not be desirable. To meet the requirements of monitoring a subject in an interior of a vehicle, US8587656B2 proposes a face camera mount structure in a vehicle having a camera for imaging a driver's face being disposed on a rearward side of a dial at a portion that does not interfere with a speedometer design portion on the dial. The camera is positioned on a back side of the dial plate of the meter device and is outside of the rotation range of the pointer. The camera is lower than the axle of the pointer and is between lowest-most endpoints of the concentric arc shapes of the speed numerals and scale patterns. A portion of a surface of a front side of the dial plate that faces the lens of the camera has a treatment that allows a near-infrared light to pass through the dial plate but prevents a visible light from passing through the dial plate.

There may be a need for improved camera positioning and hiding the same within the instrument cluster to provide efficient monitoring and reduce the feeling of "I'm being watched" caused to the driver.

The present disclosure has been devised in the light of the above considerations .

Summary

One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or device are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the assembly and system as claimed in the present disclosure .

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an imaging device arranged in an instrument cluster of a vehicle for monitoring driver is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of lenses stacked along an optical axis of the imaging device. The plurality of lenses is configured to receive light rays captured within a field of view of the imaging device. At least one lens of the plurality of lenses facing the driver is coated with a translucent coating to filter a pre-determined spectrum of light. The term "translucent" refers to semi-transparent or a material which allow substantial amount of light rays to pass through. Advantageous, the aforesaid configuration allows light rays within a selected spectrum to pass through the lens to the imaging device.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the instrument cluster includes a primary dial and a secondary dial forward of the primary dial. The primary dial comprises of a first scale for indicating a first desired parameters, a pointer rotatable about a pointer axis, the pointer comprises a column configured to attach the pointer to the instrument cluster. The pointer is operatively coupled to a drive unit. Advantageously, the aforesaid feature optimizes a space for mounting the imaging device within an instrument cluster, without blocking the field of view of the imaging device.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the imaging device is mounted in a space defined between the primary dial and the secondary dial. The imaging device is mounted within the range of rotation of the pointer and is mounted above the pointer axis. Advan tageously, the aforesaid feature optimizes a space for mounting the imaging device within an instrument cluster,without blocking the field of view of the imaging device. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the translucent coating is configured to filter visible light from passing through the first lens of the plurality of lenses. The translucent coating is configured to conceal the imaging device from the driver. Advantageously, the aforesaid feature enables the imaging device to be hidden from view.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the imaging device is an infrared imaging device. Advantageous, the aforesaid feature allows light rays within a selected spectrum to pass through the lens to the imaging device.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the secondary dial is structured to include at least one of a display unit and a second scale for indicating a second parameter. Advantageously, the aforesaid feature optimizes a space for mounting the imaging device within an instrument cluster, without blocking the field of view of the imaging device.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the imaging device is mounted behind the primary dial. Advantageously, the aforesaid feature optimizes a space for mounting the imaging device within an instrument cluster, without blocking the field of view of the imaging device.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an in strument cluster for a vehicle is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a dial, a pointer rotatable on the dial about a pointer axis, the pointer comprises a column configured to attach the pointer to the instrument cluster. The pointer is operatively coupled to a drive unit. An imaging device arranged in the instrument cluster of the vehicle for monitoring driver. The device includes a plurality of lenses stacked along an optical axis of the imaging device.The plurality of lenses is configured to receive light rays captured within a field of view of the imaging device. At least one lens of the plurality of lenses facing the driver is coated with a translucent coating to filter a pre-determined spectrum of light.Advantageous, the aforesaid configuration allows light rays within a selected spectrum to pass through the lens to the imaging device.

Description of Drawings

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and ad vantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig . 1 shows a side view of an instrument cluster having an imaging device arranged behind a dial of the instrument cluster, ac cording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig . 2 shows a side view of an instrument cluster having an imaging device arranged between a primary dial and secondary dial of the instrument cluster, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig . 3 shows a side view of an instrument cluster having an imaging device arranged behind the primary dial of the instrument cluster, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the method for controlling the temperature of the vehicle cabin without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

Detailed Description

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the de scription of the disclosure that follows may be better un derstood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other system for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms "comprises.... a", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the system or steps of method proceeded by "comprises...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of device, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the device and system of the present disclosure may be employed in any kind of vehicles including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and the like. However, complete vehicle is not il lustrated in the drawings of the disclosure is for the purpose of simplicity. The term "monitoring system" used hereinafter in the present disclosure refers to a real-time system that collects observable information about driver and test their ability to perform the dynamic driving task in a safe manner. The term "optical axis" used in the present disclosure refers to an imaginary line passing through the center of curvature of a lens or sphericalmirror and parallel to the axis of symmetry.Further, the term "range of rotation" used in the present disclosure refers to the linear or angular distance that a moving object may normally travel while properly attached to another. It is also called range of travel (or ROT),particularly when talking about mechanical devices. The following detailed description ismerely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific di mensions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments that may be disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms of "upper," "lower," "below", "above", "front end" or "rear end" and other terms containing these specific terms and directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate un derstanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention. Fig.l illustrates a sectional side view of an instrument cluster (100) in a passenger cabin of a vehicle employed with an imaging device. Passenger cabin of the vehicle may include a dashboard on driver's side and the instrument cluster (100) may be in tegrated to the dashboard. The instrument cluster (100) may be configured to display instantaneous condition values of the vehicle such as for example speed of the vehicle, real-time fuel level, engine speed, engine check light, engine temperature, engine oil level, ABS check light and the like.

The instrument cluster (100) of the present disclosure may include a plurality of dials (3 and 6) each configured to indicate a desired parameters during operation of the vehicle. The plurality of dials (3 and 6) may be positioned in at least one of side-by-side [i.e., shoulder to shoulder] configuration or overlapping [one over the other] configuration. In some em bodiments, the plurality of dials (3 and 6) may be designed in both side-by-side and overlapping configuration. Each of the plurality of dials (3 and 6) may be provided with one or more display portions. In an embodiment, the one or more display portions may be at least one of analog display or digital display. Each display portion may be defined with a one or more grade scales and characters.Further, the display portions may have a lustrous surface or may be back illuminated by light emitting elements such as LED's. In the present disclosure, the plurality of dial (3 and 6) may include a primary dial (6) and a secondary dial (3). The primary dial (6) may include a first scale for indicating first desired parameters. The first desired parameters may include at least one of vehicle speed, engine speed, engine temperature and the like.Further, the primary dial (6)may include a pointer (5). The pointer (5) may include a pointer needle (5a) which may be used as an indicator for pointing towards reading of the first desired parameters on the primary dial (6). In an embodiment, the pointer (5)may comprise a column configured to attach the pointer

(5) to the primary dial about a central axis (Y-Y) [also referred to as pointer axis [Y-Y]]. The pointer (5) may be operatively attached to a drive unit (4). In an embodiment, the drive unit

(4) may be at least one of stepper motor and a cross-coil type pointer but not limiting to the same. The pointer (5) may be rotatable about the pointer axis (Y-Y)within a range of rotation on the primary dial (6). In an embodiment, shape of the primary dial (6) may be substantially concentric and may protrude outwardly to form a 3-D shape to aesthetically appeal to the driver and the occupants.

As shown in FIG.2, the secondary dial (3) of the present disclosure may be provided forward from the primary dial (6) and supported by the instrument cluster (100).The secondary dial (3) may be provided along the pointer axis (Y-Y) of the primary dial

(6). In an embodiment, the secondary dial (3) may be structured to include at least one of a display unit (digital unit) or a second scale for indicating a second desired parameters. The second desired parameters may be at least one of engine check light, engine oil level indicator,headlight on/off indicator and the like. However, the first desired parameters and the second desired parameters may not be limited to the above indicated parameters, as the primary and secondary dial may be configured to indicate various such parameters related to the vehicle. The secondary dial (3) is mounted on the instrument cluster such that a space may be defined between the primary dial (6) and the secondary dial (3). The space defined between the primary dial

(6) and the secondary dial (3) may be configured to accommodate an imaging device (1). In an embodiment, the housing accom modating the imaging device (1) may be positioned in the space defined between the primary and secondary dials (3 and 6). The imaging device (1) may be an infrared imaging device such as but not limiting to an infrared camera. The imaging device (1) may be positioned in a selected position between the primary and secondary dial (6 and 3) of the instrument cluster (100). The imaging device (1) may be configured to monitor behavior of the driver during the vehicle operation. The configuration of the imaging device (1) and also the position of the imaging device (1) with respect to the instrument cluster (100)maybe explained hereinafter in the present disclosure.

The imaging device (1) of the present disclosure among other components may include a lens stack having a plurality of lenses (2b). The plurality of lenses (2b) is stacked along an optical axis (X-X) of the imaging device (1).The plurality of lenses (2b) may be supported by a body (2a) of the imaging device (1) [as shown in FIG.l]. The plurality of lenses (2b) may be configured to receive light rays captured within a field of view [FOV] of the imaging device (1). The term "field of view" (FOV) or more in particular, "angle of view" (AOV) shall refer to an operational angle or space which the imaging device (1) may be sensitive to light rays or electromagnetic radiation,where the imaging device (1) may receive light rays or capture images. The imaging device (1) may also include an image sensor and a circuit board coupled to the image sensor.The circuit board coupled to the image sensor is interfaced with a control unit of a vehicle, which is configured to detect driver alertness, level of vigilances, signs of drowsiness, and the like, based on the images captured by the imaging device. The imaging device (1) may be any suitable imaging device such as but not limiting to a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of lenses (2b) may be coated with a translucent coating (T). The translucent coating (T)may be configured to filter a pre-determined spectrum of light. As explained above, the term "translucent" refers to semi-transparent or more specifically, a material is semi-transparent, thus allow substantial light rays to pass through. For example, the translucent coating (T)maybe designed to permit infrared light ranging from 700 nm to 1 mm pass through the plurality of lens (2b). The term translucent coating (T) refers to a liquid formation or powder coating (i.e., sprayed electrostatically onto a surface to be coated/surface is dipped into a fluidized bed of suspended powder) which when dried forms a translucent film or may include a paint spray or an ink for dip/print application. In an embodiment, the translucent coating (T) provided on at least one of the lens of the plurality of lenses (2b) may be at least one of dichroic coating, a monochromatic coating, and the like. In an embodiment, the translucent coating (T) provided on the at least one lens of the plurality of lenses (2b) may be configured to filter visible light from passing through imaging device (1).The at least one lens of the plurality of lenses (2b) glazed with translucent coating (T) may be a lens facing the driver and may be the first lens of the stack of lenses which is close to front end of the secondary dial (3) [as shown in FIG.l]. In a preferred embodiment, a first lens facing the driver of the plurality of lenses (2b) may be glazed with translucent coating (T). The translucent coating (T) on the at least one lens of the plurality of lenses (2b) may be configured to conceal the imaging device (1) from the driver. Concealing the imaging device (1) ensures that the driver of the vehicle is not distracted by the imaging device (1). In an embodiment, the imaging device (1) of the said configuration may be mounted at the selected position between the primary dial (6) and the secondary dial (3) which may be explained hereon.

The imaging device (1) of the said configuration may be mounted within the space between the primary dial (6) and the secondary dial (3). In an embodiment, the imaging device (1) may be mounted substantially above the pointer axis (Y-Y) [as shown in FIG.2] and within the range of rotation of the pointer (5). Although, the imaging device (1)may be mounted within the range of rotation of the pointer (5), the pointer (5) does not interfere with the monitoring process of the imaging device (1). The imaging device (1) may be mounted behind the secondary dial (3). In some embodiments, a flange may be defined behind the secondary dial (3) above the pointer axis (Y-Y), the flange may be configured to position the imaging device (1) above the pointer axis (Y-Y). In some embodiments, the imaging device (1) may also be provided behind the primary dial (6) in absence of secondary dial (3) in particular vehicles which may be explained in the present disclosure. A provision may be defined in face of the secondary dial (3) along the optical axis (X-X). The provision may be configured to hide the complete imaging device (1) from the driver and also allow the imaging device (1) to monitor the behavior of the driver. The position of the imaging device (1) described herein above should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure, as a person skilled in the art may make suitable modifications to the present disclosure to achieve similar functions. In some embodiments, the imaging device (1) may be positioned below the pointer axis (Y-Y) without altering the functioning of the imaging device (1) [as depicted in FIG.2 by dotted lines]. Now referring to FIG.3, which illustrates the instrument cluster (100) with only the primary dial (6) [as iterated above].The imaging device (1)of the present disclosure may be provided behind the primary dial (6) i.e., behind the pointer (5) [as seen from FIG.3]. A flange structure may be defined behind the pointer (5)which may be configured to support the imaging device (1). In an embodiment, the imaging device (1) may be provided either above the pointer axis (Y-Y) [indicated in FIG.3 with dotted line] or below the pointer axis (Y-Y) [indicated in FIG.3 with solid line]. The imaging device (1) may be positioned behind the pointer (5) and within the range of rotation of the pointer (5). Although the imaging device (1) is positioned behind the pointer (5) and within the range of rotation the pointer (5), the pointer (5) does not interfere in the imaging/monitoring of the imaging device (1).As the pointer (5) does not interfere with the imaging device (1), the imaging device (1) may continuously monitor behavior the driver.

Further, the imaging device (1) may be communicatively coupled to a control unit for operating the imaging device (1). The control unit may be configured to receive signals such as video images of the driver and send the same to a computing unit which may be communicatively coupled to the control unit. The computing unit may process the signals from the imaging device (1) and may intervene with on-board systems like steering control module, braking control module and the like based on the driver behavior. In some embodiments, the computing unit may be configured to trigger an alarming module to alert the driver. The computing system may intervene in the on-board systems or alert driver based on the driver alertness, level of vigilances, signs of drowsiness, and the like which may be detected by the imaging device (1).

In an embodiment, positioning the imaging device (1) within the range of rotation of the pointer and above the pointer axis (Y-Y) enables the imaging device (1) to possess a wider field of view to monitor the driver. Also, the position of the imaging device (1) as described above ensure that the imaging device (1) may be in line of sight of the driver. In another embodiment, the translucent coating (T) provided on the at least one lens of the plurality of lenses (2b) ensures that the imaging device (2b) is hidden from the driver even when viewed from varying angles.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to, " the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least, " the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to, " etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recita tions. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two reci tations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the de scription, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description .

Referral Numerals: