TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to controlling a vehicle display device, and more particularly, to a system including the vehicle display device, and a method for controlling the vehicle display device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Safe and comfortable driving of a moving vehicle depends on real-time, line-of- sight visual access to driving related information. Visual distractions, on the other hand, are the causes of most of the accidents. Display methodologies for driving information include either head-down cluster of dashboard display units, or head-up displays (“HUDs”) that display one or more of driving related information on a line-of-sight windshield or a similar translucent screen. Head-down display often causes visual distractions and head-up display is, at times, less legible compared to non-transparent head-down display. Further, the HUD devices are often associated with prohibitive cost and hardware space. Accordingly, there is a need, among others, to present legible, line-of-sight driving information to vehicle drivers so that the movements of their head and resulting distractions are minimal.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a vehicle may include a passenger compartment, the passenger compartment including a driver-side pillar and a passenger-side pillar, a controller area network (CAN) bus, ethernet, a plurality of vehicle sensors coupled to the CAN bus and configured to sense vehicle operation information of the vehicle, a camera coupled to the CAN bus and configured to capture surrounding image information related to the vehicle; and a controller coupled to the CAN bus to receive signals from the plurality of vehicle sensors and the camera, and to generate an integrated display signal of the surrounding image information and vehicle operation information. The vehicle may also include a driver-side a-pillar display screen connected to the driver-side pillar, and a passenger-side a-pillar display screen connected to the passenger-side pillar, the passenger-side a-pillar display screen being a different size than the driver-side a-pillar display screen. The driver-side a-pillar display screen and the passenger-side a-pillar display screen receive the integrated display signal and display the surrounding image information on a respective first visual section and the vehicle operation information on a respective second visual section that is non-translucent.

[0004] According to an embodiment, a vehicle display system may include a camera onboard a vehicle, the camera configured to generate a real-time surrounding image information related to the vehicle and a vehicle monitoring instrument onboard the vehicle, the vehicle monitoring instrument configured to generate a real-time vehicle operation information related to an operation of the vehicle. The vehicle display system may also include a controller in communication with the camera and with the vehicle monitoring instrument, the controller configured to receive the real-time surrounding image information from the camera, to receive the real-time vehicle operation information from the vehicle monitoring instrument, and to generate an integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information. The vehicle display system may further include a vehicle display screen coupled to the controller, the vehicle display screen configured to receive the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information from the controller, and to present the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information from the controller. The real- time surrounding image information is displayed on a first visual section of the vehicle display screen and the real-time vehicle operation information is displayed on a second visual section of the vehicle display screen.

[0005] According to an embodiment, a method for displaying vehicle information may include providing camera onboard a vehicle, the camera configured to generate a real-time surrounding image information related to the vehicle and providing vehicle monitoring instrument onboard the vehicle, the vehicle monitoring instrument configured to generate a realtime vehicle operation information related to an operation of the vehicle. The method may also include providing a controller in communication with the camera and with the vehicle monitoring instrument, the controller configured to receive the real-time surrounding image information from the camera, to receive the real-time vehicle operation information from the vehicle monitoring instrument, and to generate an integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information. The method may further include providing vehicle display screen coupled to the controller, the vehicle display screen configured to receive the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information from the controller. The method may also include presenting the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the realtime vehicle operation information on the vehicle display screen. The real-time surrounding image information is displayed on a first visual section of the vehicle display screen and the realtime vehicle operation information is displayed on a second visual section of the vehicle display screen. ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an embodiment, a vehicle may include a passenger compartment, the passenger compartment including a driver-side pillar and a passenger-side pillar, a controller area network (CAN) bus, a plurality of vehicle sensors coupled to the CAN bus and configured to sense vehicle operation information of the vehicle, a camera coupled to the CAN bus and configured to capture surrounding image information related to the vehicle; and a controller coupled to the CAN bus to receive signals from the plurality of vehicle sensors and the camera, and to generate an integrated display signal of the surrounding image information and vehicle operation information. The vehicle may also include a driver-side a-pillar display screen connected to the driver-side pillar, and a passenger-side a-pillar display screen connected to the passenger-side pillar, the passenger-side a-pillar display screen being a different size than the driver-side a-pillar display screen. The driver-side a-pillar display screen and the passenger-side a-pillar display screen receive the integrated display signal and display the surrounding image information on a respective first visual section and the vehicle operation information on a respective second visual section that is non-translucent.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the passenger-side display screen is larger than the driver-side display screen.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the driver-side display screen is larger than the passenger-side display screen.

[0009] According to an embodiment, at least one of: the driver-side a-pillar display screen or the passenger-side a-pillar display screen is arranged to display the surrounding image information and the vehicle operation information in a line of sight of an operator of the vehicle. [0010] According to an embodiment, the controller includes an image processing module configured to process the surrounding image information, a data processing module configured to process the vehicle operation information, and a display generator module coupled with the image processing module and the data processing module, the display generator module configured to generate the integrated display signal.

[0011] According to an embodiment, at least one of: the surrounding image information and the vehicle operation information is selectable and controllable by an operator of the vehicle.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the respective first visual section covers a first predetermined percentage of an area of the driver-side a-pillar display screen and the passengerside a-pillar display screen and the respective second visual section covers a second predetermined percentage of the driver-side a-pillar display screen and the passenger-side a- pillar display screen.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the surrounding image information includes at least one of: a front view, a rear view, a left-side view, and a right-side view related to the vehicle.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the vehicle operation information includes at least one of: a driving information related to the vehicle operation, and a comfort information related to the vehicle operation.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the driving information includes at least one of: a vehicle speed, an engine speed, a fluid level, tire pressure monitoring data, a battery level, a transmission temperature, an engine temperature, collision detection system data, hybrid drive data, heating system data, cooling system data, and infotainment data. [0016] According to an embodiment, the comfort information includes at least one of: a driving mode, a level of noise, an opening of a sunroof, a temperature of an electric seat, a mode of a power steering, a sound level of an audio system, a value of a climate parameter, and an internal lighting mode.

[0017] According to an embodiment, a vehicle display system may include a camera onboard a vehicle, the camera configured to generate a real-time surrounding image information related to the vehicle and vehicle monitoring instrument onboard the vehicle, the vehicle monitoring instrument configured to generate a real-time vehicle operation information related to an operation of the vehicle. The vehicle display system may also include a controller in communication with the camera and with the vehicle monitoring instrument, the controller configured to receive the real-time surrounding image information from the camera, to receive the real-time vehicle operation information from the vehicle monitoring instrument, and to generate an integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information. The vehicle display system may further include vehicle display screen coupled to the controller, the vehicle display screen configured to receive the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information from the controller, and to present the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information from the controller. The realtime surrounding image information is displayed on a first visual section of the vehicle display screen and the real-time vehicle operation information is displayed on a second visual section of the vehicle display screen.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the vehicle includes a driver-side pillar and a passenger-side pillar. The vehicle display screen includes a driver-side a-pillar display screen mounted on the driver-side pillar, and a passenger-side a-pillar display screen mounted on the passenger-side pillar. The screens may be asymmetrical. The passenger-side a-pillar display screen is larger than the driver-side a-pillar display screen. Alternatively, the driver-side a-pillar display screen is larger than the passenger-side a-pillar display screen.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the vehicle display screen is arranged to present the integrated display in a line of sight of an operator of the vehicle.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the controller includes an image processing module configured to process the real-time surrounding image information received from the camera, a data processing module configured to process the real-time vehicle operation information received from the vehicle monitoring instrument, and a display generator module coupled with the image processing module and the data processing module, the display generator module configured to generate the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information.

[0021] According to an embodiment, at least one of: the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information is selectable and controllable by an operator of the vehicle.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the first visual section covers a first predetermined percentage of an area of the vehicle display screen and the second visual section covers a second predetermined percentage of the area of the vehicle display screen.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the real-time surrounding image information includes at least one of: a front view, a rear view, a left-side view, and a right-side view related to the vehicle. [0024] According to an embodiment, the real-time vehicle operation information includes at least one of: a driving information related to the operation of the vehicle, and a comfort information related to the operation of the vehicle.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the driving information includes at least one of: a vehicle speed, an engine speed, a fluid level, tire pressure monitoring data, a battery level, a transmission temperature, an engine temperature, collision detection system data, hybrid drive data, heating system data, cooling system data, and infotainment data.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the comfort information includes at least one of: a driving mode, a level of noise, an opening of a sunroof, a temperature of an electric seat, a mode of a power steering, a sound level of an audio system, a value of a climate parameter, and an internal lighting mode.

[0027] According to an embodiment, a method for displaying vehicle information may include providing camera onboard a vehicle, the camera configured to generate a real-time surrounding image information related to the vehicle and providing vehicle monitoring instrument onboard the vehicle, the vehicle monitoring instrument configured to generate a realtime vehicle operation information related to an operation of the vehicle. The method may also include providing a controller in communication with the camera and with the vehicle monitoring instrument, the controller configured to receive the real-time surrounding image information from the camera, to receive the real-time vehicle operation information from the vehicle monitoring instrument, and to generate an integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information. The method may further include providing vehicle display screen coupled to the controller, the vehicle display screen configured to receive the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information from the controller. The method may also include presenting the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the realtime vehicle operation information on the vehicle display screen. The real-time surrounding image information is displayed on a first visual section of the vehicle display screen and the realtime vehicle operation information is displayed on a second visual section of the vehicle display screen.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the vehicle includes a driver-side pillar and a passenger-side pillar, and the providing the vehicle display screen includes mounting a driverside a-pillar display screen on the driver-side pillar, and mounting a passenger-side a-pillar display screen on the passenger-side pillar. The passenger-side a-pillar display screen is larger than the driver-side a-pillar display screen.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the presenting an integrated display includes presenting the integrated display in a line of sight of an operator of the vehicle.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the controller includes an image processing module configured to process the real-time surrounding image information received from the camera, a data processing module configured to process the real-time vehicle operation information received from the vehicle monitoring instrument, and a display generator module coupled with the image processing module and the data processing module, the display generator module configured to generate the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information.

[0031] According to an embodiment, at least one of: the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information is selectable and controllable by an operator of the vehicle. [0032] According to an embodiment, the first visual section covers a first predetermined percentage of an area of the vehicle display screen and the second visual section covers a second predetermined percentage of the area of the vehicle display screen.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the real-time surrounding image information includes at least one of: a front view, a rear view, a left-side view, and a right-side view related to the vehicle.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the real-time vehicle operation information includes at least one of: a driving information related to the operation of the vehicle, and a comfort information related to the operation of the vehicle.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the driving information includes at least one of: a vehicle speed, an engine speed, a fluid level, tire pressure monitoring data, a battery level, a transmission temperature, an engine temperature, collision detection system data, hybrid drive data, heating system data, cooling system data, and infotainment data.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the comfort information includes at least one of: a driving mode, a level of noise, an opening of a sunroof, a temperature of an electric seat, a mode of a power steering, a sound level of an audio system, a value of a climate parameter, and an internal lighting mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The description below refers to the following drawings of which:

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a vehicle display system from a driver's perspective; [0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a representative embodiment of the vehicle display system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for displaying vehicle information in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0042] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a representative embodiment of the vehicle display system of FIG. 1 in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

[0044] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle display system suitable for use in a moving vehicle. The vehicle display system deploys different sizes of camera monitoring system (CMS), one for the driver side as nearest to the driver, and one for the passenger side. In certain embodiments, as the passenger side screen is farther away from the driver, the passenger side screen may be larger than the driver side screen. Alternative, in certain embodiments, it may be desired to provide more fine-grain detail to the driver. Thus, the driver side screen may be larger than the passenger side screen. [0045] A dedicated, non-translucent part of the camera monitoring displays (such as a screen) may be reused to integrate driving information as well as comfort information with camera monitoring display presented on both driver and passenger sides. The information provided by the vehicle display system may be dynamic, and the visual interface (screen) can be personalized.

[0046] The vehicle display system may be configured to communicate with the one or more information components via the vehicle’s controller area network (CAN), in order to display to the driver such information as virtual gauges, diagnostics, truck-based applications, among others. Vehicle driving information and comfort information presented in any visual form may be integrated with the real-time video acquired by cameras, resulting in legible, line-of-sight driving information that may enable drivers to limit their head movements, with less distractions.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a vehicle display system from a driver's perspective. Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle display system 100 includes two exemplary cameras 112 and 116 onboard a vehicle 102. The cameras 112 and 116 are configured to generate a real-time surrounding image information 114 and 118 related to the vehicle 102. One or more cameras may be provided at different locations about the vehicle. The vehicle display system 100 may also include an exemplary vehicle monitoring instrument 122 onboard the vehicle 102. The vehicle monitoring instrument 122 may be configured to generate a real-time vehicle operation information 124 related to an operation of the vehicle 102. The vehicle display system 100 further includes a controller 132 coupled to the cameras 112 and 116, and to the vehicle monitoring instrument 122. The controller 132 is configured to receive real-time surrounding image information 114 and 118 from the cameras 112 and 116 respectively, to receive the real-time vehicle operation information 124 from the vehicle monitoring instrument 122, and to generate an integrated display information 134 and 136 of the real-time surrounding image information 114 and 118 and the real-time vehicle operation information 124.

[0048] The vehicle 102 includes a driver-side pillar 104, a passenger-side pillar 106, a driver-side a-pillar display screen 142 mounted to the driver-side pillar 104, and a passenger-side a-pillar display screen 152 mounted to the passenger-side pillar 106. The driver-side a-pillar display screen 142 and the passenger-side a-pillar display screen 152 are coupled in communication to the controller 132. The vehicle display screens 142 and 152 are configured to receive the integrated display information 134 and 136 of the real-time surrounding image information 114 and 118, and the real-time vehicle operation information 124 from the controller 132, and to present the integrated display information 134 and 136 in a line of sight of an operator (not shown) of the vehicle 102. The real-time surrounding image information 114 and 118 may be displayed on first visual sections 144 and 154 of the vehicle display screens 142 and 152 respectively. Further, the real-time vehicle operation information 124 may be displayed on second visual sections 146 and 156 of the vehicle display screens 142 and 152 respectively.

[0049] The controller 132 may be connected in communication with one or more information generating or collecting components (“information components”), such as monitors, sensors, etc., and gauges that may be included in the vehicle monitoring instrument 122. The controller 132 can be connected directly to the one or more information components or can be connected to the one or more information components via a vehicle wide network, such as a controller area network (CAN). Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that the vehicle-wide network may be implemented using any number of different communication protocols. [0050] The real-time vehicle operating information 124 can be processed by the controller 132 or other components so that the appropriate information may be presented on the vehicle display screens 142 and 152. In this regard and by way of example only, the information components may report vehicle information about a number of vehicle systems, including but not limited to vehicle and engine speed, fluid levels, tire pressure monitoring, battery level, transmission and engine temperatures, collision detection system data, hybrid drive data, heating/cooling system data, infotainment data, among others.

[0051] The controller 132 is also connected in communication with the cameras 112 and 116 or other digital image capture device. The cameras 112 and 116 are configured to capture real time images and video, and to transmit the captured images and video to the controller 132. In that regard, the cameras 112 and 116 can include any known image sensor, such as a CCD sensor or CMOS sensor, and associated circuitry for providing real time images and/or video to the controller 132. In one embodiment, the cameras 112 and 116 are mounted to the vehicle 102 (FIG. 1) on the opposite side as the vehicle display screens 142 and 152. Thus, when mounted in front of the driver, the vehicle display screens 142 and 152 face the vehicle driver and the cameras 112 and 116 capture real-time surrounding image information 114 and 118 that includes any of: a front view, a rear view, a left-side view, a right-side view, panoramic view, etc. related to the vehicle. In other embodiments, the cameras 112 and 116 may be discrete from the vehicle 102 and mounted to the vehicle in an appropriate location to capture any desired view. In use, the controller 132 is configured to receive the real-time vehicle operating information 124, integrate the received real-time vehicle operating information 124 with the real-time surrounding image information 114 and 118 obtained from the cameras 112 and 116 respectively, and present the vehicle display screens 142 and 152 with the integrated display information 134 and 136 in realtime or near real-time (e.g., 0.001 to 0.1 second delay, etc.) for display.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a representative embodiment of the vehicle display system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 102 (FIG. 1) includes a passenger compartment 200. The passenger compartment 200 typically includes a driver-side pillar (FIG. 1, 104), a passenger-side pillar (FIG. 1, 106), a controller area network (CAN) bus 210, and an exemplary vehicle monitoring instrument 222 that may include a number of vehicle sensors 226 and 228 coupled to the CAN bus 210. The vehicle sensors 226 and 228 are configured to sense several vehicle operation information of the vehicle. The passenger compartment 200 also includes two exemplary cameras 212 and 216 mounted thereon and connected to the CAN bus 210. The cameras 212 and 216 are configured to generate real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218 respectively, related to the vehicle 102 (FIG. 1). A controller 232 is coupled to the CAN bus 210 to receive real-time vehicle operation information signals 224 (also referred to as “vehicle operation information”) from the vehicle sensors 226 and 228 and real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218 from the cameras 212 and 216 respectively. The controller 232 is configured to generate integrated display signals 252 and 254 of the real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218, and vehicle operation information 224, as described in more detail below.

[0053] The passenger compartment 200 further includes a driver-side a-pillar display screen 262 connected to the driver-side pillar, and a passenger-side a-pillar display screen 272 connected to the passenger-side pillar. In some embodiments, the passenger-side a-pillar display screen 272 is preferably larger than the driver-side a-pillar display screen 262. In the embodiment show in FIG. 4, the passenger-side a-pillar display screen 272 is preferably smaller than the driver-side a-pillar display screen 262. The driver-side a-pillar display screen 262 and the passenger-side a-pillar display screen 272 receive the integrated display signals 252 and 254 and display the real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218 on respective first visual sections 264 and 274, and the vehicle operation information 224 on respective second visual sections 266 and 276. The second visual sections 266 and 276may be non-translucent to provide easier viewing. The first visual sections 264 and 274 cover a first predetermined percentage of an area of the respective vehicle display screens 262 and 272, and the second visual sections 266 and 276 cover a second predetermined percentage of the area of the respective vehicle display screens 262 and 272.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the controller 232 includes an image processing module 234, a data processing module 236, and a display generator module 238. While the modules are separately illustrated in the embodiment shown, it will be appreciated that the functionality carried out by each module can be combined into fewer modules or further separated into additional modules. In some embodiments, the modules of the controller 232 contain logic rules for carrying out the functionality of the system. The logic rules in these and other embodiments can be implemented in hardware, in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

[0055] The image processing module 234 implements the logic for obtaining and processing the real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218 from the exemplary cameras 212 and 216. In one embodiment, the image processing module 234 is configured to control the operation of the cameras 212 and 216. For example, the image processing module 234 is configured to start on/off the camera, retrieve the real-time video generated by the camera or cause the camera to send the real-time video to the controller 232, etc. During processing, the images or video received from the cameras 212 and 216 can be temporarily stored, such as in memory and/or an associated buffer. It will be appreciated that the functionality of image processing module 234 can be incorporated into the cameras 212 and 216 in some embodiments.

[0056] The data processing module 236 implements the logic for obtaining and processing the real-time vehicle operation information 224 received from the vehicle monitoring instrument 222 and to be presented on the vehicle display screens 262 and 272. In particular, the data processing module 236 processes vehicle operating information that convey a variety of vehicle readings. The vehicle operating information processed by the data processing module 236, for subsequent display by the vehicle display screens 262 and 272, include various visual objects used to convey information including, but not limited to, text, icons, images, animations, and combinations thereof. In the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle operating information 224 presented on the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 may be a numerical representation of vehicle speed and the frequency of a local radio station tuned to by the radio. Other vehicle operating information 224 may include, but are not limited to, readings from a speedometer, a tachometer, a headlight indicator, an oil pressure gauge, an air pressure gauge, a fuel gauge, a temperature gauge, a voltmeter, a turn signal indicator, a cruise control indicator, a fuel economy indicator, and a navigation indicator, among others.

[0057] In some embodiments, if the collected and processed vehicle operating information 224 is associated with an unusual or alarming vehicle condition, the associated vehicle operating information 224 may be rendered to be displayed with, for example, increased size, in a color indicative of an abnormal or warning condition (e.g., yellow, red, etc.) and/or flashing in one or more colors, etc. For example, if the vehicle speed information is determined to represent a vehicle speed that is greater than a speed limit set by a fleet operator or the speed limit posted roadside and provided to the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 by, for example, a GPS or navigation system, the vehicle operating information can be generated as an enlarged numerical representation of such information. Similarly, in another embodiment, the graphical element can be generated as a flashing numerical representation of such information.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the display generator module 238 is coupled with the image processing module 234 and the data processing module 236. Specifically, the display generator module 238 implements a logic for integrating the real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218, and the real-time vehicle operation information signals 224. As such, integrated display signals 252 and 254 are generated, which contain the processed vehicle operating information 224 alongside the captured real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218 in one or more sections thereof. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 include one or more real-time surrounding images or video positioned in a default arrangement. The display generator module 238 further implements logic for causing the integrated data stream to be presented to the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 for display. It will be appreciated that known image processing, buffering, and/or the like can occur at one or more of the modules 234, 236, and 238.

[0059] The real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218, and/or the real-time vehicle operation information signals 224 are selectable and controllable by an operator of the vehicle 102. The vehicle display screens 262 and 272 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting polymer display (LPD) that may include a “touch screen” or sensitive layer configured to recognize direct input applied to the surface of the vehicle display screens 262 and 272. For example, the position of the direct input, the pressure of the direct input, or general direction of the direct input may be recognized in order to obtain input from a vehicle operator. In other embodiments, the vehicle may include conventional operator control inputs (not illustrated) connected to the vehicle display system 100 (FIG. 1) for obtaining input from a vehicle operator that may include, but are not limited to, buttons, switches, and knobs etc.

[0060] In some embodiments, the real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218 may be presented at fixed or dedicated sections or locations. In other embodiments, the location of the real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218 can be customized, and thus, may be moved to different locations. For example, a user in one embodiment can select any of the graphical elements displayed in a vehicle display screens 262 and 272 and move it to another location of the vehicle display screens 262 and 272. To arrange the surrounding images or video, a user in one embodiment may employ a “drag-and drop” technique in which a surrounding images or video is selected by a stylus or user's finger, moved, and released at a desired location on the display.

[0061] The real-time vehicle operation information signals 224 includes driving information related to the operation of the vehicle 102, and/or comfort information related to the operation of the vehicle 102. The driving information includes one or more of: a vehicle speed, an engine speed, a fluid level, tire pressure monitoring data, a battery level, a transmission temperature, an engine temperature, collision detection system data, hybrid drive data, heating system data, cooling system data, and infotainment data. The comfort information includes one or more of: a driving mode, a level of noise, an opening of a sunroof, a temperature of an electric seat, a mode of a power steering, a sound level of an audio system, a value of a climate parameter, and an internal lighting mode.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 232 includes a processor 242 and memory 244. As used herein, the term processor is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a microprocessor, a programmable logic controller, an application specific integrated circuit, other programmable circuits, combinations of the above, among others. Therefore, as used herein, the term “processor” can be used to generally describe these aforementioned components, and can be either hardware or software, or combinations thereof, that implement logic for carrying out various aspects of the present disclosure. Similarly, the term “module” can include logic that may be implemented in either hardware or software, or combinations thereof.

[0063] The memory 244 may include computer readable storage media in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. The KAM may be used to store various operating variables or program instructions while the processor 242 is powered down. The computer-readable storage media may be implemented using any of several known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, instructions, programs, modules, etc. In the embodiment shown, the image processing module 234, the data processing module 236, and the display generator module 238 are stored in memory 244. In some embodiments, the controller 232 may include additional components including but not limited to, analog to digital (A/D) and digital to analog (D/A) circuitry, input/output circuitry and devices (VO) and appropriate signal conditioning and buffer circuitry.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for displaying vehicle information in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The method 300 begins with a determination as to whether the vehicle is at rest or in motion, or on a highway or a busy city area. Accordingly, the focus and display details and near-sight and far-sight vision of the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 can be controlled separately or individually. According to an embodiment, a method 300 for displaying vehicle information includes providing a camera onboard a vehicle, the camera configured to generate a real-time surrounding image information related to the vehicle, as in step 312 and providing a vehicle monitoring instrument onboard the vehicle, the vehicle monitoring instrument configured to generate a real-time vehicle operation information related to an operation of the vehicle, as in step 314.

[0065] As a vehicle gets into a ‘motion event’, driving information elements begin to be rendered over real-time video on the vehicle display screens 262 and 272. Generally described, a vehicle ‘motion event’ is an event type that causes the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 to transition from an inactive state to an active state. By way of example only, the vehicle motion event may be the ignition of the vehicle's engine, which results in power being supplied to an ignition bus. Also, the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 may be put to “sleep” (parked or stopped or idle or at rest) in a reduced power state when the vehicle is inactive for a predetermined period of time. Thus, the vehicle motion event may be another type of event, such as the return of the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 from a reduced power state.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, a controller is coupled to the camera and to the vehicle monitoring instrument, the controller configured to receive the real-time surrounding image information from the camera, to receive the real-time vehicle operation information from the vehicle monitoring instrument, and to generate an integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information, as in step 316. Further, several vehicle display screens coupled to the controller are configured to receive the integrated display of the real-time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information from the controller, as in step 318. Furthermore, the integrated display of the real- time surrounding image information and the real-time vehicle operation information are presented on the vehicle display screens, as in step 322. The real-time surrounding image information is displayed on a first visual section of the at least one vehicle display screen and the real-time vehicle operation information is displayed on a second visual section of the at least one vehicle display screen.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2, in operation, after a vehicle motion event, the controller 232 begins collecting information from the vehicle monitoring instrument 222 and images from the cameras 212 and 216 for subsequent display. In some embodiments, the information from the vehicle monitoring instrument 222 and images from the cameras 212 and 216 can be temporarily stored in memory 244 or an associated buffer. This information may be continually collected and processed so that current readings may be conveyed on the vehicle display screens 262 and 272. Subsequently, real time video representing part of the driver's field of view captured by cameras 212 and 216 is received and temporarily stored, for example, in memory 244 or an associated buffer. Next, the real-time vehicle operation information 224 is integrated with the real-time surrounding image information 214 and 218, resulting in integrated display signals 252 and 254. The integrated display signals 252 and 254 are then presented to the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 for display. Once received by the vehicle display screens 262 and 272, the integrated display signals 252 and 254 are rendered by vehicle display screens 262 and 272. Information and images may also be collected and displayed prior to the motion event.

[0068] In one embodiment, the method 300 (FIG. 3) may be implemented by the modules 234, 236, and 238 of the controller 232 from FIG. 2. Accordingly, information may be collected or otherwise received from the cameras 212 and 216, and the vehicle monitoring instrument 222 so that the appropriate instrument readings and real-time video may be presented 1 on the vehicle display screens 262 and 272 in an integrated manner. As a preliminary matter, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 300 (FIG. 3) operates continually until a termination event (such as ignition off or long term parked or display generator being powered down or its operation being otherwise interrupted) occurs. If a termination event occurs, then the method 300 (FIG. 3) ends. If not, the method returns to step 312 (FIG. 3) so that a continuous feed is presented to the vehicle display screens 262 and 272.

[0069] It should be well understood that the method 300 described above with reference to FIG. 3 does not show all of the functions performed when vehicle driving information and real-time video are integrated into an integrated data and visual information display. Instead, the method 300 describes exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Those skilled in the art and others will recognize that some functions may be performed in a different order, omitted/added, or otherwise varied without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0070] In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

[0071] Deployment and use of a vehicle display system and method as described above improves road safety by decreasing visual distractions of a driver and gives the possibility to have cheaper head up display for truck with the camera monitoring system. The vehicle display system allows to have different sizes of camera monitoring information displays (one smaller for the driver side as nearest to him, and one bigger for the passenger side as farer) and to have the same display parts for both driver and passenger sides. Further, the vehicle display system is an enabler to remove the driver instrument cluster and it can support improvement of direct vision of the road by lowering the dashboard (as future regulations may demand). Furthermore, the vehicle display system improves the design possibility to tilt the steering wheel above the dashboard, improving space utilization during normal operation as well as autonomous driving phases.

[0072] Although representative embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to a truck, it will be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure have wide application, and therefore, may be suitable for use with many types of powered vehicles, such as passenger vehicles, buses, RVs, commercial vehicles, light and medium duty vehicles, and the like. Accordingly, the following descriptions and illustrations herein should be considered illustrative in nature, and thus, not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0073] Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.