The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 20, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 18, 1996
Tomomitsu Terakawa, Aichi Pref., JP;
Yoshihiro Naruse, Chiba Pref., JP;
Takeshi Ikeyama, Brighton, GB;
Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Kariya, JP;
Kabushiki Kaisha Shinsangyokaihatsu, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An infrared-spectrum image processor mounted in a vehicle assists a driver in seeing under difficult conditions, such as rain, smog or fog. The device operates, in part, on the principle that infrared rays are 'visible' at longer distances than are light rays falling within the visible spectrum, especially when adverse visual conditions exist. Also, different objects have different images when 'viewed' in the infrared spectrum. Thus, even if an image is difficult to see in the visible spectrum, if the infrared spectrum is not disturbed, it may be possible to 'see' the objects anyway. In operation, the processor analyzes a histogram derived from a taken image. If the histogram shows a distribution containing two peaks, the processor determines that there is an obscure image. For mounting on a vehicle an infrared camera is mounted on the vehicle roof. A dash-mounted display is provided for transmitting the processed images to the driver to facilitate decision-making while driving.