WO2004035352A1 - Omnidirectional watching system for vehicle - Google Patents

Omnidirectional watching system for vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004035352A1
WO2004035352A1 PCT/KR2003/002144 KR0302144W WO2004035352A1 WO 2004035352 A1 WO2004035352 A1 WO 2004035352A1 KR 0302144 W KR0302144 W KR 0302144W WO 2004035352 A1 WO2004035352 A1 WO 2004035352A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
image data
display
watching system
omnidirectional
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2003/002144
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tae-Soon Yeo
Original Assignee
Tae-Soon Yeo
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tae-Soon Yeo filed Critical Tae-Soon Yeo
Publication of WO2004035352A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004035352A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/20—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/22—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles for viewing an area outside the vehicle, e.g. the exterior of the vehicle
    • B60R1/23—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles for viewing an area outside the vehicle, e.g. the exterior of the vehicle with a predetermined field of view
    • B60R1/26—Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles for viewing an area outside the vehicle, e.g. the exterior of the vehicle with a predetermined field of view to the rear of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/04—Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/005—Electro-mechanical devices, e.g. switched
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/665—Control of cameras or camera modules involving internal camera communication with the image sensor, e.g. synchronising or multiplexing SSIS control signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
    • H04N23/60—Control of cameras or camera modules
    • H04N23/695—Control of camera direction for changing a field of view, e.g. pan, tilt or based on tracking of objects
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/10—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used
    • B60R2300/101—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used using cameras with adjustable capturing direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/10—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used
    • B60R2300/105—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the type of camera system used using multiple cameras
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/40—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the details of the power supply or the coupling to vehicle components
    • B60R2300/406—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the details of the power supply or the coupling to vehicle components using wireless transmission
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/70—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by an event-triggered choice to display a specific image among a selection of captured images
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/80—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement
    • B60R2300/802—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement for monitoring and displaying vehicle exterior blind spot views
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/80—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement
    • B60R2300/806—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement for aiding parking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2300/00—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle
    • B60R2300/80—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement
    • B60R2300/8066—Details of viewing arrangements using cameras and displays, specially adapted for use in a vehicle characterised by the intended use of the viewing arrangement for monitoring rearward traffic

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle, and more particularly, to an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle in which a digital camera installed in the vehicle photographs a scene behind and around the vehicle to display the photographed scene on a display disposed in the vicinity of a driver's seat so that a driver can wa ch an omnidirectional circumstance easily.
  • a vehicle is a device or structure designed to drive at a high speed, it is important to provide a driver with a driving environment allowing the driver to accurately watch leftward, rightward, frontward and rearward scenes of the vehicle. That is, by providing the driver with an optimal watching environment, the convenient and careful driving will be possible for the driver.
  • a conventional vehicle is provided with a plurality of mirrors such as external side mirrors and an interior rearview mirror.
  • the driver can watch the right-rearward scene through the interior rearview mirror and the left and right scenes through the external side mirrors.
  • the external side mirrors mounted on a vehicle body causes the air resistance applied to the vehicle due to their size to be increased, thereby deteriorating the fuel consumption ratio and increasing noise.
  • the external side mirrors are remote from the driver's seat, it is difficult to accurately identify small objects appearing on the mirrors. Furthermore, since the mirrors are formed of a convex lens, the actual distance from the vehicle to an external object may be misconstrued, so that there may be caused an accident. In addition, the reflecting light from the mirrors dazzles the driver's eyes. Furthermore, since the external side mirrors are generally used to watch faraway-rearward of the vehicle during driving, it is difficult to identify the distance from the vehicle to a vehicle behind. In addition, it is also difficult for the driver to watch and identify external objects that are located at blind spots formed at the lower side of the vehicle.
  • the present invention is directed to an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle that displays an enlarged view when the vehicle makes a left/right turn, thereby enabling the more stable turning of the vehicle.
  • Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle, which has a rearview camera that can be displaced 1) to a first image capture location for capturing a far- way-rearward of the vehicle during normal driving of the vehicle, 2) to a second image capture location for capturing images of other external vehicles during lane-change of the vehicle, and 3) to a third image capture location for capturing blind spots that are formed on a lower side of the vehicle during parking of the vehicle.
  • the present invention provides an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of digital cameras mounted on front portions of left and right fenders and on a rear side of the vehicle to capture images on leftward, rightward and rearward of the vehicle; display for displaying the images captured by the cameras; and a control unit for sequentially receiving image data captured by the ' digital cameras through a wire or wireless communication, dividing the image data by the cameras, and transmitting the divided image data to the display to independently display the divided image data on divided screen sections of the display.
  • a rearward watching system for a vehicle comprising a digital camera installed in an installing groove formed on a rear side of the vehicle to automatically capture views on rearward, left-rearward, and right-rearward of the vehicle during driving or lane- change of the vehicle and to capture views on blind spots formed on a lower side of the vehicle by being oriented downward during parking or reverse driving of the vehicle; driving means installed between the digital camera and a trunk, for pivoting the digital camera vertically and horizontally so that the camera can capture images on the lower side and far-away-rearward of the vehicle; and a control unit for sequentially receiving image data captured by the digital cameras through a wire or wireless communication and transmitting the image data to a display installed in an interior of the vehicle, the control unit including a data input part and a graphic controller.
  • FIG. 1 is a view of a vehicle where an omnidirectional watching system of the present invention is employed.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an omnidirectional watching system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a mounting state of a digital camera depicted in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating camera position adjusting means according to the present invention
  • FIG. 5 a is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying an image captured when a vehicle is traveling in a straight forward driving state according to the present invention
  • FIG. 5b is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying a leftward image captured when a vehicle is making a left turn according to the present invention
  • FIG. 5c is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying a rightward image captured when a vehicle is making a right turn according to the present invention
  • FIG. 5d is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying a rearward image captured when a vehicle is driving in a reverse direction according to the present invention
  • FIG. 6a is a view illustrating an operation of a rearview camera assembly when a vehicle is being parked according to the present invention
  • FIG. 6b is a view illustrating an operation of a review camera assembly when a vehicle is traveling according to the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a rearview camera assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of a rearview camera assembly according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a view of a vehicle where an omnidirectional watching system of the present invention is employed
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an omnidirectional watching system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • the inventive omnidirectional watching system comprises a plurality of digital cameras including left and right external cameras 110- 1 and 110-2 mounted on front portions of left and right fenders of a vehicle 100, an interior camera 110-3 disposed in an interior of the vehicle, and an external rearview camera 110-4 mounted on a rear side of the vehicle; and a control unit 120 for sequentially receiving image data captured by the digital cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 , and 110-4 through a wire or wireless communication and transmitting the image data to a display 130 (i.e., a liquid crystal TV, PDA or laptop computer) mounted in the vehicle to display the images captured by the digital cameras on divided sections of the display.
  • a display 130 i.e., a liquid crystal TV, PDA or laptop computer
  • the interior rearview camera 110-3 may be omitted.
  • a USB terminal is preferably used, and when it is realized through the wireless communication, a Bluetooth communication module is preferably used so that the local or wide access for the display is possible.
  • the control unit 120 comprises an image data input part 122 for receiving the image data from each of the cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and 110-4, a controller 124 for sequentially arranging the image data transmitted from the image data input part 122 to classify the image data by image data groups, and a data output part 126 for outputting the image data classified by the image data groups by the controller 124 and displaying images captured by the respective cameras on the respective divided screen sections of the display 130.
  • the image data input part 122 classifies the digital image data and stores the classified image data into a memory M or directly transmits the same to the controller 124.
  • the image data output from the digital camera 110 are classified by the digital cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, and 110-4 and transmitted to the controller 124 as continuous signals.
  • the image data are then transmitted to a graphic controller 132 of the display 130 through the data output part 126.
  • the image data transmitted to the graphic controller 132 are displayed on three screen sections P L , P B and P R that are divided on a screen of the display 130.
  • the left screen section P displays an image captured by the left external camera 110-1
  • the central screen section P ⁇ displays an image captured by the rearview external camera 110-4
  • the right screen section P R displays an image captured by the right external camera 110-2.
  • the transmission of the image data signal to the graphic controller 132 in a wiring communication is performed by a USB terminal (of LCD TV, navigation or notebook etc.).
  • a PDA that can communicate through a Bluetooth is used, a wireless communication is performed between the control unit 120 and the PDA through a Bluetooth module .
  • the controller 124 of the control unit 120 is designed to receive switch operation signals from a multi-functional switch WSW (i.e., a switch for turn signal lights) formed on a steering wheel of the vehicle. That is, when the multifunctional switch WSW is in a neutral position, as shown in FIG. 5a, the screen sections P , P B and PR are divided having an equal size. When the multi-functional switch WSW is in a left-turn-signal position, as shown in FIG. 5b, the screen sections P L , PB and P R are divided such that the size of the left screen section P L is greater than that of the central screen section P ⁇ that is greater than that of the right screen section P R .
  • a multi-functional switch WSW i.e., a switch for turn signal lights
  • the screen sections P , P B and P R are divided such that the size of the right screen section PR is greater than that of the central screen section P B that is greater than that of the left screen section P L . Therefore, when the vehicle is making a left/right turn, the driver can see the large sized leftward/rightward screen section, it is easy to identify an external vehicle behind.
  • the screen sections P L , P B and P R are divided such that the size of the central screen section P B is greater than those of the left and right screen sections P L and P R .
  • the controller 124 transmits a command to the graphic controller 132 according to the screen section size ratio through the data output part 126, in response to which, the graphic controller 132 controls the sizes of the screen sections.
  • the digital cameras 110 (110-1, 110-2 and 110-4) are attached on an external portion of the vehicle, they should be designed to stand against outer impact.
  • a digital camera assembly comprises a case 304 for receiving the digital camera 110, the case being formed in a streamline-shape and rotatably mounted on the vehicle fender by a hinge member 302; a servomotor 306 coupled on the hinge member 302 and operated by a switch SW1 to rotate the case 304; and a molding member 308 for fixing the digital camera 110 so that the digital camera 110 is not subject to vibration during driving of vehicle.
  • the case 304 is provided at a front portion with an opening for allowing the image capturing operation of the camera, and a glass 310 is attached on the opening at a predetermined inclined angle to prevent foreign substances from coming into the case. Since the glass 310 is disposed at the predetermined inclined angle, the alien substances attached on the glass can be removed by air flowing along the case 304, thereby avoiding the image capture failure of the camera even without cleansing the glass 310 frequently.
  • the digital cameras 110 can capture external view at their optimal positions regardless of their initial positions.
  • the position adjusting means comprises a first hinge member 402 fixed on an inner surface of the case 304, a second hinge member 404 for supporting the digital camera 110, the second hinge member 404 being coupled on the first hinge member 402 in a perpendicular direction, first and second actuators 406 and 408 mounted on the first and second hinge members 402 and 404 to adjust an angle of the hinge members 402 and 404, and an adjusting pad (not shown) installed in the interior of the vehicle to allow the driver to easily control the first and second actuators 406 and 408.
  • the target view of the digital camera 110 can be minutely adjusted, thereby making it possible to display the most appropriate image for driving the car on the display 130.
  • the case 304 is designed to be inserted into or withdrawn out of the fender by the servomotor 306, it is more effective to prevent the digital camera 110 from being damaged.
  • the digital cameras 110-1 and 110-2 are first installed in the cases 304 attached to left and right fenders.
  • the digital camera 110-3 is installed on a location where a conventional interior rearview mirror has been located, and the digital camera 110-4 is installed on a rear side of the vehicle.
  • the digital cameras 110-3 and 110-4 may be received in a case differently structured from the case for the cameras 110-1 and 110-2.
  • the digital cameras 110 are connected to the control unit 120 through a wire communication (the USB terminal) or a wireless communication (the Bluetooth module), after which the control unit 120 is connected to the display 130 through the USB terminal or Bluetooth module.
  • the USB terminal the USB terminal
  • PDA is used as the display 130
  • the Bluetooth module is used.
  • the graphic controller 132 scans the screen of the display 130 such that the screen is divided into three screen sections P L , P B and P R .
  • the screen sections PL, P B and P R are divided having an equal size.
  • the controller 124 receives the corresponding signal from the multi-functional switch WSW to control the graphic controller 132 through the data output part 126 (screen switch control). That is, the graphic controller 132 controls the screen of the display 130 such that, as shown in FIG. 5b, the size of the left screen section PL displaying an image captured by the left external camera 110-1 is greater than that of the central screen section P B that is greater than that of the right screen section P R . Likewise, when the vehicle makes a right turn, the right screen section P R displaying the image captured by the right external camera 110-2 is enlarged when compared with the rest screen sections.
  • Such a screen section variation is controlled by the graphic controller 132. That is, the image data transmitted from the plural digital cameras 110 are designed having a different address to enable the dividing of the screen.
  • the screen ratio of the screen sections is adjusted in accordance with the signal from the multi-functional switch.
  • the number of pixel and capacity of memory of the digital cameras 110 should be enough high to process the image data in response to the vehicle speed.
  • the USB terminal or Bluetooth module should be also well up to the standard for transmitting the image data.
  • the driver can see the views of the leftward, rightward, and rearward of the vehicle through the display 130 disposed in the interior of the vehicle, the more accurate external conditions can be observed. That is, even when the field of vision is so bad due to, for example, rain or snow, since the driver sees the external conditions through the high-resolution camera, the external conditions can be accurately observed when compared with when the driver sees the external conditions through the external side mirrors.
  • the first and second hinge member rotate to adjust the position of the camera.
  • the image is transmitted to the PDA even when the PDA is remote from the control unit 120 by up to 100 m. That is, when the driver with the PDA leaves the vehicle, it is possible for the driver to still watch the vehicle, thereby preventing the vehicle from being robbed.
  • the Bluetooth is designed to support sound, another person can call the driver left the vehicle through a microphone (not shown) installed on the vehicle.
  • the omnidirectional watching system of the present invention provides a driver with an easy view of what is behind and around the vehicle by capturing the views on leftward, rightward and rearward of the vehicle and displaying the picture on a display disposed in the vicinity of a driver's seat and connected through a wire (USB terminal) or wireless (Bluetooth) communication, while preventing the driver's eyes from being dazzled.
  • a wire USB terminal
  • Bluetooth wireless
  • FIG. 6a shows a view illustrating an operation of the external rearview camera assembly when the vehicle is being parked according to the present invention
  • FIG. 6b shows a view illustrating an operation of the external rearview camera assembly when a vehicle is traveling according to the present invention.
  • the external rearview camera 110-4 is installed in an installing groove formed on a rear portion (i.e., an upper end of a trunk) to capture the rearward view of the vehicle.
  • the controller 602 is designed to control first and second motors 604 and 606 in accordance with the manipulation of the switches SW2 and SW3 by the driver. By controlling the first and second motors 604 and 606, a direction of a camera housing 610 is controlled. Accordingly, when intending to park or stop the vehicle, the driver manipulates the switches SW2 and SW3 such that the camera housing 610 is directed downwards. When the vehicle is in a normal driving state, the driver manipulates the switches SW2 and SW3 such that the camera housing 610 is directed rearwards.
  • FIGs. 7 and 8 show respectively an exploded perspective view and a front view of the external rearview camera assembly according to the present invention.
  • the external rearview camera 110-4 is installed in a penetrating hole formed on the installing groove, comprising the first motor 604 fixed on an inner wall of the trunk; a plate 612 connected to a rotational shaft of the first motor 604 to be pivotal in a vertical direction in response to the operation of the first motor 604 and provided at a central portion with an installing hole 614; the second motor 606 fixed on the plate 612 such that a rotational shaft thereof is inserted in the installing hole 614; a rotational guide 616 such as a bearing connected to the rotational shaft of the second motor 606 to pivot the external rearview camera 110-4 in a horizontal direction; and the first and second switches SW2 and SW3 connected to the first and second motors 604 and 606 through a controller 602 to control the operation of the first and second motors 604 and 606.
  • the driver can watch the blind spots formed on a lower-rear portion of the vehicle through the display 130, and when the camera 110-4 is pivoted upward, the driver can see the far-way-backward.
  • the external rearview camera 110-4 is received in a housing 610, which is formed in a spherical or streamline-shape to minimize the air resistance during driving of the vehicle, and is provided with a heat wire 618 to prevent the camera from being frozen in winter, and a viewing glass window 608.
  • the heat wire 618 is designed to be connected with electric power by a switch (not shown) and to generate heat for a predetermined time by a timer actuating circuit.
  • the camera 110-4 is adjusted to capture an image on far-away-rearward of the vehicle. That is, when the driver turns on the second switch SW2 for driving, the first motor 604 is driven by the controller 602. When the first motor 604 is driven, the plate 612 rotates counterclockwise to pivot the housing 610 receiving the camera 110-4 toward a horizontal plane so that the camera 110-4 captures the image on the far-away-rearward of the vehicle.
  • the image captured by the camera 110-4 is converted into image information through the control unit 120 and scanned on the screen of the display 130 so that the driver can see the image.
  • the driver turns on the third switch SW3
  • it is possible for the driver to pivot the housing 610 receiving the camera 10-4 in a horizontal direction the driver can watch what he/she wants by adjusting the housing 610 in the desired direction.
  • the driver operates the second switch SW2 to reversibly rotate the motor 604, thereby pivoting the housing 610 receiving the camera 110-4 downward.
  • the digital camera 110-4 When the digital camera 110-4 is pivoted downward, the camera captures the view in the vicinity of a rear bumper.
  • the image captured (by) the camera 110-4 is transmitted to the display 130 through the control unit 120 so that the driver can see the image. That is, when a driver tries to park the vehicle in an alley way, there may be objects or children on the blind spots near the rear bumper. At this time, by pivoting the camera downward, the driver can directly see the image on the blind spots.
  • the omnidirectional watching system of the present invention can prevent a rear-end collision by enabling a driver to watch the blind spots formed on a rear-lower portion of the vehicle during the backward driving of the vehicle. Furthermore, since the camera position is automatically adjusted during the lane-change of the vehicle, it is possible to accurately identify other vehicles, enabling the safe drive. In addition, since it is also possible for the driver to watch far-away- rearward during the normal driving of the vehicle, the driver can more conveniently and safely drive the vehicle.
  • the present invention can be applied to a navigator or other driving auxiliary devices. Particularly, the present invention allows a driver to easily watch left, right and rear of the vehicle during driving and parking of the vehicle.

Abstract

An omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle includes a plurality of digital cameras mounted on front portions of left and right fenders and on rare side of the vehicle to capture images on leftward, rightward and rearward of the vehicle, a display for displaying the images captured by the cameras, and a control unit for sequentially receiving image data captured by the digital cameras through a wire or wireless communication, dividing the image data by the cameras, and transmitting the divided image data to the display to independently display the divided image data on divided screen sections of the display.

Description

OMNIDIRECTIONAL WATCHING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle, and more particularly, to an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle in which a digital camera installed in the vehicle photographs a scene behind and around the vehicle to display the photographed scene on a display disposed in the vicinity of a driver's seat so that a driver can wa ch an omnidirectional circumstance easily.
BACKGROUND ART
Generally, since a vehicle is a device or structure designed to drive at a high speed, it is important to provide a driver with a driving environment allowing the driver to accurately watch leftward, rightward, frontward and rearward scenes of the vehicle. That is, by providing the driver with an optimal watching environment, the convenient and careful driving will be possible for the driver.
For this purpose, a conventional vehicle is provided with a plurality of mirrors such as external side mirrors and an interior rearview mirror. The driver can watch the right-rearward scene through the interior rearview mirror and the left and right scenes through the external side mirrors. However, the external side mirrors mounted on a vehicle body causes the air resistance applied to the vehicle due to their size to be increased, thereby deteriorating the fuel consumption ratio and increasing noise.
In addition, since the external side mirrors are remote from the driver's seat, it is difficult to accurately identify small objects appearing on the mirrors. Furthermore, since the mirrors are formed of a convex lens, the actual distance from the vehicle to an external object may be misconstrued, so that there may be caused an accident. In addition, the reflecting light from the mirrors dazzles the driver's eyes. Furthermore, since the external side mirrors are generally used to watch faraway-rearward of the vehicle during driving, it is difficult to identify the distance from the vehicle to a vehicle behind. In addition, it is also difficult for the driver to watch and identify external objects that are located at blind spots formed at the lower side of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
An object of the present invention is to provide an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle that can allow a driver to easily watch leftward, rightward and rearward scenes of the vehicle even without using external side mirrors which cause air resistance. Another object of the present invention is to provide an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle that can measure and display the distance from the vehicle to a forward or rearward vehicle.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle that displays an enlarged view when the vehicle makes a left/right turn, thereby enabling the more stable turning of the vehicle.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle, which has a rearview camera that can be displaced 1) to a first image capture location for capturing a far- way-rearward of the vehicle during normal driving of the vehicle, 2) to a second image capture location for capturing images of other external vehicles during lane-change of the vehicle, and 3) to a third image capture location for capturing blind spots that are formed on a lower side of the vehicle during parking of the vehicle. To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides an omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of digital cameras mounted on front portions of left and right fenders and on a rear side of the vehicle to capture images on leftward, rightward and rearward of the vehicle; display for displaying the images captured by the cameras; and a control unit for sequentially receiving image data captured by the 'digital cameras through a wire or wireless communication, dividing the image data by the cameras, and transmitting the divided image data to the display to independently display the divided image data on divided screen sections of the display. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rearward watching system for a vehicle, comprising a digital camera installed in an installing groove formed on a rear side of the vehicle to automatically capture views on rearward, left-rearward, and right-rearward of the vehicle during driving or lane- change of the vehicle and to capture views on blind spots formed on a lower side of the vehicle by being oriented downward during parking or reverse driving of the vehicle; driving means installed between the digital camera and a trunk, for pivoting the digital camera vertically and horizontally so that the camera can capture images on the lower side and far-away-rearward of the vehicle; and a control unit for sequentially receiving image data captured by the digital cameras through a wire or wireless communication and transmitting the image data to a display installed in an interior of the vehicle, the control unit including a data input part and a graphic controller.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view of a vehicle where an omnidirectional watching system of the present invention is employed.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an omnidirectional watching system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating a mounting state of a digital camera depicted in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating camera position adjusting means according to the present invention; FIG. 5 a is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying an image captured when a vehicle is traveling in a straight forward driving state according to the present invention;
FIG. 5b is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying a leftward image captured when a vehicle is making a left turn according to the present invention; FIG. 5c is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying a rightward image captured when a vehicle is making a right turn according to the present invention;
FIG. 5d is a schematic view illustrating a screen displaying a rearward image captured when a vehicle is driving in a reverse direction according to the present invention; FIG. 6a is a view illustrating an operation of a rearview camera assembly when a vehicle is being parked according to the present invention;
FIG. 6b is a view illustrating an operation of a review camera assembly when a vehicle is traveling according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a rearview camera assembly according to the present invention; and
FIG. 8 is a front view of a rearview camera assembly according to the present invention.
The above objects and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from preferred embodiments to be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS <Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 shows a view of a vehicle where an omnidirectional watching system of the present invention is employed, and FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an omnidirectional watching system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring first to FIG. 1, the inventive omnidirectional watching system comprises a plurality of digital cameras including left and right external cameras 110- 1 and 110-2 mounted on front portions of left and right fenders of a vehicle 100, an interior camera 110-3 disposed in an interior of the vehicle, and an external rearview camera 110-4 mounted on a rear side of the vehicle; and a control unit 120 for sequentially receiving image data captured by the digital cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 , and 110-4 through a wire or wireless communication and transmitting the image data to a display 130 (i.e., a liquid crystal TV, PDA or laptop computer) mounted in the vehicle to display the images captured by the digital cameras on divided sections of the display. The interior rearview camera 110-3 may be omitted. When the image data transmission is realized through the wire communication, a USB terminal is preferably used, and when it is realized through the wireless communication, a Bluetooth communication module is preferably used so that the local or wide access for the display is possible.
The control unit 120 comprises an image data input part 122 for receiving the image data from each of the cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and 110-4, a controller 124 for sequentially arranging the image data transmitted from the image data input part 122 to classify the image data by image data groups, and a data output part 126 for outputting the image data classified by the image data groups by the controller 124 and displaying images captured by the respective cameras on the respective divided screen sections of the display 130.
When the digital cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, and 110-4 captures images appeared on the leftward, rightward, frontward and rearward of the vehicle and continuously transmits the captured image data to the image data input part 122, the image data input part 122 classifies the digital image data and stores the classified image data into a memory M or directly transmits the same to the controller 124. At this point, the image data output from the digital camera 110 are classified by the digital cameras 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, and 110-4 and transmitted to the controller 124 as continuous signals. The image data are then transmitted to a graphic controller 132 of the display 130 through the data output part 126.
As shown in FIGs. 5 a to 5d, the image data transmitted to the graphic controller 132 are displayed on three screen sections PL, PB and PR that are divided on a screen of the display 130. For example, the left screen section P displays an image captured by the left external camera 110-1, the central screen section Pβ displays an image captured by the rearview external camera 110-4, the right screen section PR displays an image captured by the right external camera 110-2.
The transmission of the image data signal to the graphic controller 132 in a wiring communication is performed by a USB terminal (of LCD TV, navigation or notebook etc.). When a PDA that can communicate through a Bluetooth, is used, a wireless communication is performed between the control unit 120 and the PDA through a Bluetooth module .
Particularly, the controller 124 of the control unit 120 is designed to receive switch operation signals from a multi-functional switch WSW (i.e., a switch for turn signal lights) formed on a steering wheel of the vehicle. That is, when the multifunctional switch WSW is in a neutral position, as shown in FIG. 5a, the screen sections P , PB and PR are divided having an equal size. When the multi-functional switch WSW is in a left-turn-signal position, as shown in FIG. 5b, the screen sections PL, PB and PR are divided such that the size of the left screen section PL is greater than that of the central screen section Pβ that is greater than that of the right screen section PR. When the multi-functional switch WSW is in a right-turn-signal position, as shown in FIG. 5c, the screen sections P , PB and PR are divided such that the size of the right screen section PR is greater than that of the central screen section PB that is greater than that of the left screen section PL. Therefore, when the vehicle is making a left/right turn, the driver can see the large sized leftward/rightward screen section, it is easy to identify an external vehicle behind. In addition, When the vehicle is driving in a reverse direction, as shown in FIG. 5d, the screen sections PL, PB and PR are divided such that the size of the central screen section PB is greater than those of the left and right screen sections PL and PR.
That is, when the multi-functional switch WSW transmits left/right-turn-signal to the controller 124, the controller 124 transmits a command to the graphic controller 132 according to the screen section size ratio through the data output part 126, in response to which, the graphic controller 132 controls the sizes of the screen sections.
Since the digital cameras 110 (110-1, 110-2 and 110-4) are attached on an external portion of the vehicle, they should be designed to stand against outer impact.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, a digital camera assembly comprises a case 304 for receiving the digital camera 110, the case being formed in a streamline-shape and rotatably mounted on the vehicle fender by a hinge member 302; a servomotor 306 coupled on the hinge member 302 and operated by a switch SW1 to rotate the case 304; and a molding member 308 for fixing the digital camera 110 so that the digital camera 110 is not subject to vibration during driving of vehicle.
The case 304 is provided at a front portion with an opening for allowing the image capturing operation of the camera, and a glass 310 is attached on the opening at a predetermined inclined angle to prevent foreign substances from coming into the case. Since the glass 310 is disposed at the predetermined inclined angle, the alien substances attached on the glass can be removed by air flowing along the case 304, thereby avoiding the image capture failure of the camera even without cleansing the glass 310 frequently.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, when position adjusting means is provided, the digital cameras 110 can capture external view at their optimal positions regardless of their initial positions.
The position adjusting means comprises a first hinge member 402 fixed on an inner surface of the case 304, a second hinge member 404 for supporting the digital camera 110, the second hinge member 404 being coupled on the first hinge member 402 in a perpendicular direction, first and second actuators 406 and 408 mounted on the first and second hinge members 402 and 404 to adjust an angle of the hinge members 402 and 404, and an adjusting pad (not shown) installed in the interior of the vehicle to allow the driver to easily control the first and second actuators 406 and 408.
Accordingly, when the driver adjust the first and second actuators 406 and 408 in left, right and upper and lower directions using the adjusting pad, the target view of the digital camera 110 can be minutely adjusted, thereby making it possible to display the most appropriate image for driving the car on the display 130. Here, since the case 304 is designed to be inserted into or withdrawn out of the fender by the servomotor 306, it is more effective to prevent the digital camera 110 from being damaged. The operation of the above-described omnidirectional watching system of the present invention will be described more in detail hereinafter.
The digital cameras 110-1 and 110-2 are first installed in the cases 304 attached to left and right fenders. The digital camera 110-3 is installed on a location where a conventional interior rearview mirror has been located, and the digital camera 110-4 is installed on a rear side of the vehicle. Here, the digital cameras 110-3 and 110-4 may be received in a case differently structured from the case for the cameras 110-1 and 110-2. When the installation of the digital cameras 110 is finished, the digital cameras 110 are connected to the control unit 120 through a wire communication (the USB terminal) or a wireless communication (the Bluetooth module), after which the control unit 120 is connected to the display 130 through the USB terminal or Bluetooth module. Preferably, when the liquid crystal TV or the laptop computer is used as the display 130, the USB terminal is used, and when PDA is used as the display 130, the Bluetooth module is used.
After completing the above connections, the graphic controller 132 scans the screen of the display 130 such that the screen is divided into three screen sections PL, PB and PR. For example, when the vehicle travels in a straight forward direction, as shown in FIG. 5a, the screen sections PL, PB and PR are divided having an equal size.
When the driver generates a left-turn signal using the multi-functional switch WSW to make a left turn, the controller 124 receives the corresponding signal from the multi-functional switch WSW to control the graphic controller 132 through the data output part 126 (screen switch control). That is, the graphic controller 132 controls the screen of the display 130 such that, as shown in FIG. 5b, the size of the left screen section PL displaying an image captured by the left external camera 110-1 is greater than that of the central screen section PB that is greater than that of the right screen section PR. Likewise, when the vehicle makes a right turn, the right screen section PR displaying the image captured by the right external camera 110-2 is enlarged when compared with the rest screen sections.
Such a screen section variation is controlled by the graphic controller 132. That is, the image data transmitted from the plural digital cameras 110 are designed having a different address to enable the dividing of the screen. The screen ratio of the screen sections is adjusted in accordance with the signal from the multi-functional switch. Here, the number of pixel and capacity of memory of the digital cameras 110 should be enough high to process the image data in response to the vehicle speed. The USB terminal or Bluetooth module should be also well up to the standard for transmitting the image data.
As described above, since the driver can see the views of the leftward, rightward, and rearward of the vehicle through the display 130 disposed in the interior of the vehicle, the more accurate external conditions can be observed. That is, even when the field of vision is so bad due to, for example, rain or snow, since the driver sees the external conditions through the high-resolution camera, the external conditions can be accurately observed when compared with when the driver sees the external conditions through the external side mirrors. Particularly, the image capturing position of the external rearview camera 110-
4 can be adjusted by manipulating the adjusting pad that will be described hereinbelow. By manipulating the adjusting pad, the first and second hinge member rotate to adjust the position of the camera.
When the PDA and the Bluetooth module are used, the image is transmitted to the PDA even when the PDA is remote from the control unit 120 by up to 100 m. That is, when the driver with the PDA leaves the vehicle, it is possible for the driver to still watch the vehicle, thereby preventing the vehicle from being robbed. Furthermore, the Bluetooth is designed to support sound, another person can call the driver left the vehicle through a microphone (not shown) installed on the vehicle. As described above, the omnidirectional watching system of the present invention provides a driver with an easy view of what is behind and around the vehicle by capturing the views on leftward, rightward and rearward of the vehicle and displaying the picture on a display disposed in the vicinity of a driver's seat and connected through a wire (USB terminal) or wireless (Bluetooth) communication, while preventing the driver's eyes from being dazzled.
In addition, when the PDA and the Bluetooth module are used, it is possible for the driver to still watch the vehicle even when he/she leaves the vehicle, thereby preventing the vehicle from being robbed or damaged. <Embodiment 2>
FIG. 6a shows a view illustrating an operation of the external rearview camera assembly when the vehicle is being parked according to the present invention, and FIG. 6b shows a view illustrating an operation of the external rearview camera assembly when a vehicle is traveling according to the present invention.
As shown in the drawings, the external rearview camera 110-4 is installed in an installing groove formed on a rear portion (i.e., an upper end of a trunk) to capture the rearward view of the vehicle. The controller 602 is designed to control first and second motors 604 and 606 in accordance with the manipulation of the switches SW2 and SW3 by the driver. By controlling the first and second motors 604 and 606, a direction of a camera housing 610 is controlled. Accordingly, when intending to park or stop the vehicle, the driver manipulates the switches SW2 and SW3 such that the camera housing 610 is directed downwards. When the vehicle is in a normal driving state, the driver manipulates the switches SW2 and SW3 such that the camera housing 610 is directed rearwards.
FIGs. 7 and 8 show respectively an exploded perspective view and a front view of the external rearview camera assembly according to the present invention.
Referring first to FIG. 7, the external rearview camera 110-4 is installed in a penetrating hole formed on the installing groove, comprising the first motor 604 fixed on an inner wall of the trunk; a plate 612 connected to a rotational shaft of the first motor 604 to be pivotal in a vertical direction in response to the operation of the first motor 604 and provided at a central portion with an installing hole 614; the second motor 606 fixed on the plate 612 such that a rotational shaft thereof is inserted in the installing hole 614; a rotational guide 616 such as a bearing connected to the rotational shaft of the second motor 606 to pivot the external rearview camera 110-4 in a horizontal direction; and the first and second switches SW2 and SW3 connected to the first and second motors 604 and 606 through a controller 602 to control the operation of the first and second motors 604 and 606. That is, when the external rearview camera 110-4 is pivoted downward by the controller 602 and the first motor 604, the driver can watch the blind spots formed on a lower-rear portion of the vehicle through the display 130, and when the camera 110-4 is pivoted upward, the driver can see the far-way-backward.
The external rearview camera 110-4 is received in a housing 610, which is formed in a spherical or streamline-shape to minimize the air resistance during driving of the vehicle, and is provided with a heat wire 618 to prevent the camera from being frozen in winter, and a viewing glass window 608. The heat wire 618 is designed to be connected with electric power by a switch (not shown) and to generate heat for a predetermined time by a timer actuating circuit.
The operation effect of the above described external rearview camera assembly will be described hereinafter.
When the vehicle is traveling in a state where the housing 610 receiving the rearview camera 110-4 is received in the installing groove formed on the trunk of the vehicle and operated by the first and second motors 604 and 606, the camera 110-4 is adjusted to capture an image on far-away-rearward of the vehicle. That is, when the driver turns on the second switch SW2 for driving, the first motor 604 is driven by the controller 602. When the first motor 604 is driven, the plate 612 rotates counterclockwise to pivot the housing 610 receiving the camera 110-4 toward a horizontal plane so that the camera 110-4 captures the image on the far-away-rearward of the vehicle.
The image captured by the camera 110-4 is converted into image information through the control unit 120 and scanned on the screen of the display 130 so that the driver can see the image. Particularly, when the driver turns on the third switch SW3, it is possible for the driver to pivot the housing 610 receiving the camera 10-4 in a horizontal direction, the driver can watch what he/she wants by adjusting the housing 610 in the desired direction. When intending to park or stop the vehicle, the driver operates the second switch SW2 to reversibly rotate the motor 604, thereby pivoting the housing 610 receiving the camera 110-4 downward.
When the digital camera 110-4 is pivoted downward, the camera captures the view in the vicinity of a rear bumper. The image captured (by) the camera 110-4 is transmitted to the display 130 through the control unit 120 so that the driver can see the image. That is, when a driver tries to park the vehicle in an alley way, there may be objects or children on the blind spots near the rear bumper. At this time, by pivoting the camera downward, the driver can directly see the image on the blind spots.
As described above, the omnidirectional watching system of the present invention can prevent a rear-end collision by enabling a driver to watch the blind spots formed on a rear-lower portion of the vehicle during the backward driving of the vehicle. Furthermore, since the camera position is automatically adjusted during the lane-change of the vehicle, it is possible to accurately identify other vehicles, enabling the safe drive. In addition, since it is also possible for the driver to watch far-away- rearward during the normal driving of the vehicle, the driver can more conveniently and safely drive the vehicle.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The present invention can be applied to a navigator or other driving auxiliary devices. Particularly, the present invention allows a driver to easily watch left, right and rear of the vehicle during driving and parking of the vehicle.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:
1. An omnidirectional watching system for a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of digital cameras mounted on front portions of left and right fenders and on a rear side of the vehicle to capture images on leftward, rightward and rearward of the vehicle; display for displaying the images captured by the cameras; and a control unit for sequentially receiving image data captured by the digital cameras through a wire or wireless communication, dividing the image data (captured) by the cameras, and transmitting the divided image data to the display to independently display the divided image data on divided screen sections of the display.
2. The omnidirectional watching system of claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises: an image data input part for receiving the image data from each of the cameras; a controller for sequentially arranging the image data transmitted from the image data input part to classify the image data by image data groups; and a data output part for outputting the image data classified by the image data groups by the controller and displaying images captured by the respective cameras on the respective divided screen sections of the display.
3. The omnidirectional watching system of one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the transmission of the image data signal to the graphic controller is realized by a USB terminal for the wire communication.
4. The omnidirectional watching system of one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the transmission of the image data signal to the graphic controller is realized by a Bluetooth module for the wireless communication.
5. The omnidirectional watching system of one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the controller of the control unit is designed to receive a signal corresponding to an operation of the multi-functional switch on a steering wheel of the vehicle and to control the graphic controller and the display in response to the signal such that one of the screen sections of the display, which displays an image captured by one of the cameras disposed on a turning side of the vehicle, can be enlarged.
6. The omnidirectional watching system of one of claims 1 and 2, wherein each of the digital camera is mounted in a case by position adjusting means, and the case is associated with a servomotor and a hinge member so as to be insertable into and withdawable out of the vehicle.
7. The omnidirectional watching system of claim 6, wherein the position adjusting means comprises: a first hinge member fixed on an inner surface of the case; a second hinge member for supporting the camera, the second hinge member being coupled on the first hinge member in a perpendicular direction; first and second actuators mounted on the first and second hinge members to adjust an angle of the hinge members; and an adjusting pad installed in the interior of the vehicle to allow the driver to easily control the first and second actuators.
8. A rearward watching system for a vehicle, comprising: a digital camera installed in an installing groove formed on a rear side of the vehicle to automatically capture views on rearward, left-rearward, and right-reward of the vehicle during driving or lane-change of the vehicle and to capture views on blind spots formed on a lower side of the vehicle by being oriented downward during parking or reverse driving of the vehicle; driving means for pivoting the digital camera vertically and horizontally so that the camera can capture images on the lower side and far-away-rearward of the vehicle; and a control unit for sequentially receiving image data captured by the digital cameras through a wire or wireless communication and transmitting the image data to a display installed in an interior of the vehicle, the control unit including a data input part and a graphic controller.
9. The rearward watching system of claim 8, wherein the driving means comprises: a first driving member fixedly mounted on an inner surface of a trunk through a penetrating hole formed on the installing groove of the trunk; a plate connected to a rotational shaft of the first driving member to be pivotable in a vertical direction, the plate being provided at a central portion with an installing hole; a second driving member fixed on the plate, the second driving member having a rotational shaft rotatably located in the installing hole of the plate; a rotational guide connected to the rotational shaft of the second driving member to pivot the digital cameral in a horizontal direction; and first and second switches respectively connected to the first and second driving members through a controller to control the operation of the first and second driving members.
10. The rearward watching system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the digital camera is received in a housing formed in a spherical or streamline-shape to minimize air resistance during the driving of the vehicle, and being provided with a heat-wire to prevent the camera from being frozen and a viewing glass window.
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