WO2008058277A2

WO2008058277A2 - Video event recorders having integrated illumination sources

Info

Publication number: WO2008058277A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/084313
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Plante; Ramesh Kasavaraju
Original assignee: Smartdrive Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2008-05-15
Also published as: WO2008058277A3

Abstract

Vehicle event recorder includes an illumination system designed to cooperate with the particular task at hand. Specifically, an invisible infrared light is used to avoid disturbing a vehicle operator's concentration while driving. The illuminator is highly integrated with the vehicle event recorder and coupled to its power. The vehicle event recorder system includes illumination management whereby power is only applied to the illuminator when appropriate conditions are present such as natural light. The illumination sources may additionally have a directional bias to preferentially illuminate a portion of the field-of-view of the vehicle event recorder system.

Description

VIDEO EVENT RECORDERS HAVING INTEGRATED ILLUMINATION SOURCES

Cross Reference To Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States non-provisional patent application no. 11/595,014 filed on November 9, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Of The Invention

[0002] The following invention disclosure relates generally to video event recorders and more specifically to auxiliary active illumination systems for automotive video event recorders.

[0003] Video surveillance systems are used to provide video records of events, incidents, happenings, et cetera in locations of special interest. For example, retail banking offices are generally protected with fixed-location, video surveillance systems which provide video evidence in the event of a robbery. Video surveillance systems may also be mobile.

[0004] For example, many police cruisers have been fitted with mobile video surveillance systems. Vehicle mounted video recording systems may also record non- criminal information that is none-the-less important. As a police cruiser is frequently quite near the scene of an active crime, important information may be captured by video cameras installed in or on the police cruiser.

[0005] For example, a video of a simple traffic accident in which two cars come together in a collision may be of evidentiary of value. Events and circumstances leading up to the collision accident may be preserved such that an accurate reconstruction can be created. This information is useful when trying to determine cause, fault, or liability. As such, general use of video systems in conjunction with automobiles is quickly becoming an important tool. Some examples of vehicle video systems are described below. [0006] U.S. patent number 5,570,127, describes a video recording system for a school bus. The system has two video cameras, one for an inside bus view, one for a traffic view, and a single video recorder. The system multiplexes the two cameras at appropriate times to the recording device. A switching signal determines which of the two video cameras is recorded by the video recorder so as to view passengers at certain times and passing traffic at other times.

[0007] U.S. Patent 5,586,130, discloses a method and apparatus for detecting fault conditions in a vehicle data recording device so as to detect tampering or unauthorized access. The system includes vehicle sensors for monitoring one or more operational parameters of the vehicle. The fault detection technique contemplates storing a current time value at regular intervals during periods in which the recording device is provided with a source of main power.

[0008] U.S. patent number 5,815,071, discloses a method and apparatus for monitoring parameters of vehicle electronic control units.

[0009] U.S. patent number 5,815,093, discloses a vehicle accident recording system employing a digital camera connected to a nonvolatile memory and an accident sensing interrupter. Unless an accident is detected, the oldest memory is overwritten by the newest images. When an accident is detected the memory is blocked from further overwrites to protect previously recorded images, which may include important information about events leading up to the accident. In preferred embodiments, the system has a wired communication port whereby stored images are downloaded after an accident to a digital device capable of displaying the images.

[0010] U.S. patent number 6,002,326, teaches an antitheft device for a vehicle having both an audible alarm and visual monitoring system. Video monitor operators are responsible for monitoring and handling an emergency situation and informing a 911 emergency station.

[0011] U.S. patent number 6,088,635, discloses a railroad vehicle accident video recorder. In this system, a method and monitoring unit for recording the status of a railroad vehicle prior to a potential accident is presented. The monitoring unit continuously monitors the status of the railroad vehicle's emergency brake and horn. Operation of the emergency brake or horn triggers the system to record video images for a predetermined period of time. [0012] U.S. patent 6,185,490, discloses a vehicle crash data recorder. The apparatus includes a three stage memory to record and retain information. The system is equipped with a serial or parallel connectors to provide instant on-scene access to accident data. [0013] U.S. patent 6,246,933, describes a traffic accident data recorder and traffic accident reproduction system. The system includes a plurality of sensors for registering vehicle operating parameters, at least one vehicle mounted digital video, audio camera is included for sensing, storing, and updating the operating parameters. A rewritable, nonvolatile memory is provided for storing processed operating parameters and video images and audio signals. A computer can use the data so that an accident can be reconstructed via the collected data.

[0014] U.S. patent 6,298,290, teaches a memory apparatus for vehicle information data. A plurality of sensors including a CCD camera, collision sensor, vehicle speed sensors, steering angle sensor, brake pressure sensor and acceleration sensor, are all coupled to a control unit. The control unit encodes and records the information to a flash memory and a RAM memory. A wired video output terminal is provided to retrieve the high-bandwidth data.

[0015] U.S. patent number 6,333,759, describes a 360° automobile video camera system. A complex mechanical mount provides for a single camera to adjust its viewing angle giving a 360° range for video recording inside and outside of an automotive vehicle.

[0016] Patent number 6,389,339 teaches a vehicle operation monitoring system and method. Operation of a vehicle is monitored with an onboard video camera linked with a radio transceiver. A mobile modem is designed to transmit live video into a network as the vehicle travels. Using a monitoring service, video data received from the transceiver may be viewed on a home-base computer. The system is aimed at parental monitoring of adolescent driving.

[0017] U.S. patents 6,389,340; 6,405,112; 6,449,540; and 6,718,239 are each directed to automobiles camera systems which capture video images, both of forward-looking and driver views, and store the recorded images locally on a mass storage system. An operator, at the end of the vehicle service day, uses a wired connector to download information into a desktop computer system. Specialized application software is provided to playback and analyze the images and other information a highly integrated user display interface. [0018] It is not possible in these systems for an administrative operator to manipulate or otherwise handle the captured data at an off-site location without human intervention. It is necessary for a download operator to transfer captured data to a disconnected computer system. While the downloaded files can be e-mailed or otherwise transferred through the Internet, the files are in a proprietary format and can only be read by the proprietary application. Thus, data captured by the vehicles is unavailable to parties having an interest in the data, unless they have purchased the proper software application. A second and major disadvantage is that a person must take action to download the captured data on a frequent basis.

[0019] U.S. Patent number 6,411,874 discloses an advanced law enforcement and response system. A highly integrated system provides control for a plurality of detector systems, including video and audio systems, distributed about a police car or other emergency vehicle. A primary feature included in this device includes an advanced user interface and display system, which permits high level driver interaction with the system. [0020] U.S. patent number 6,421,080 describes a digital surveillance system with pre- event recording. Pre-event recording is important in accident recording systems, because detection of the accident generally happens after the accident has occurred. A first memory is used for temporary storage. Images are stored in the temporary storage continuously until a trigger is activated indicating an accident has occurred. The images then are transferred to a more permanent memory.

[0021] U.S. patent number 6,459,988 teaches methods and systems for detecting a vehicle collision using the global positioning system (GPS). A GPS receiver is combined with wireless technology to automatically report an accident and remotely locate third parties. The system uses the GPS signals to determine when an acceleration value exceeds a preset threshold which is meant to be indicative of an accident having occurred. [0022] U.S. patent number 6,636,790 describes an OBD system coupled to a microprocessor, by way of a standard electrical connector. The microprocessor periodically receives data and transmits using a wireless communications system characterizing the vehicle performance. The patent specifically calls out transmission of data on a predetermined time interval. Thus these inventions do not anticipate nor include processing and analysis steps which result in data being passed at times other than the expiration of a predetermined time period. [0023] U.S. patent number 6,728,612, teaches an automated telematics test system and method. The invention provides a method and system testing a telematics system in a mobile vehicle a test command from a test center to a call center is based on a test script.

The mobile vehicle is continuously in contact by way of cellular communication networks with a remotely located host computer.

[0024] U.S. patent number 6,732,031 describes systems in which motor vehicles are coupled by wireless communications links to remote host servers.

[0025] U.S. patent number 6,831,556 describes composite mobile digital information system including a mobile server capable of transmitting captured information from a vehicle to a second location such as a building. In particular, a surveillance system for capturing video, audio, and data information is provided in a vehicle.

[0026] U.S. patent number 6,862,524 discloses a system for determining and disseminating traffic information or route information, traffic condition information is collected from mobile units that provide their location or position information. Further, route information may be utilized to determine whether a mobile unit is allowed or prohibited from traveling along a certain route.

[0027] U.S. patent 6,928,348 discloses a system in which Internet based emission tests are performed on vehicles having special wireless couplings to computer networks.

Data may be further transferred to entities of particular interest including the EPA or

California Air Resources Board, for example, or particular insurance companies and other organizations concerned with vehicle emissions and environment.

[0028] United States patent number 6,947,817 discloses systems for non-intrusive diagnostic testing of oxygen sensor operation. The systems include a wireless communications link between a vehicle and a remote network of server computers. In particular, a WiFi type access point enables an analyzer to communicate by way of the

Internet with a server computer hosting an oxygen sensor SOAP (simple object access protocol) service. In essence, the system relates to smog sensors for automobiles which communicate with remote servers by way of a WiFi communications link.

[0029] Other U.S. patents that may be relevant to the present disclosure include U.S. patents No. 6,529,159; 6,552,682; 6,594,576; 6,664,922; 6,735,503; 6,739,078;

6,760,757; 6,795,017; 6,810,362; 6,832,140; 6,832,141 ; 6,850,823; 6,867,733; 6,882,313; and 6,922,566. [0030] U.S. patent application publication 2006/0095175 describes a comprehensive systems having many important components. In particular, the system is a 'crash survivable apparatus' in which information may be processed and recorded for later transmission into related coupled systems. The capability to rate a driver's performance based upon captured data is a particular feature of the system, as is described in some detail.

[0031] U.S. patent publication no. 2005/0099498 titled "Digital Video System- Intelligent Information Management System" describes a digital video information management system for monitoring and managing a system of digital collection devices. A central database receives similar information from a plurality of distributed systems. [0032] U.S. patent publication no. 2005/0100329 titled "Mobile and Vehicle-Based Digital Video System" describes a vehicle based video capture and management system with digital recording devices optimized for field use. Because these systems deploy nonremovable media for memory, they are necessarily coupled to data handling systems via various communications links to convey captured data to analysis servers. [0033] The above-mentioned patents and applications describe various systems related to motor vehicles. However it is a object of these inventions to provide vehicle type video event recorders with integrated illumination sources. [0034] It is an object of these inventions to provide advanced configurations for vehicle video event recorders with a plurality of cameras.

[0035] It is a further object to provide unique geometric arrangements for video recording systems having specific relationship with the operation of motor vehicles in reduced ambient light conditions.

Summary Of The Invention

[0036] It is an object of the invention to provide automotive video event recorders with integrated illumination sources.

[0037] It is another object of the invention to provide illumination systems for automotive video event recorders having a plurality of cameras.

[0038] It is a further object to provide unique geometric arrangements for video recording systems having specific relationship with the operation of motor vehicles in reduced ambient light conditions. [0039] Comes now, James Plante and Ramesh Kasavaraju with inventions of video event recorders having integrated illumination sources. Vehicle event recorders of this disclosure include devices having provision for illumination systems and special couplings of those subsystems. Vehicle event recorders with at least one camera having a field-of-view coupled to an occupant compartment containing a vehicle operator, also include means for illumination of the compartment and objects contained therein. Illumination sources are integrated with the vehicle event recorder cameras such that functionality is improved. In a first regard, an illumination source is coupled to a shared power supply system to reduce the hardware necessary in systems configured separately. In addition, automated switching to activate the illumination source only at desired times may be included. The switch is driven by conditions and states present in various vehicle event recording subsystems. Also, the illumination source may have special cooperation with vehicle event recorder subsystems in a mechanical sense. The vehicle event recorder housing may include special provision to accommodate mounting of these illumination sources in a preferred desirable manner. Further, these vehicle event recorders with integrated illumination sources may support special mechanical arrangements to more effectively couple light to preferred portions of a camera field-of-view. In addition, they may include adjustability with regard to pointing of both a camera and an illumination source.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0040] The above and other objects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like numbered parts refer to like elements throughout and wherein:

Fig. 1 shows spaces (environments) of immediate interest for an automobile video event recorder system;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the relative positions of vehicle event recorder components and a motor vehicle interior;

Fig. 3 presents in greater detail components of a vehicle event recorder and in connection with their immediate surroundings;

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the vehicle event recorder of Fig. 3 having a functional angular bias; Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the vehicle event recorder of Fig. 3 in which a camera and light source are connected so as to point in the same direction; Fig. 6 shows an expanded view of system of Fig. 4;

Figs. 7 and 8 are front elevations of two embodiments of an illumination source; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an illumination source .

Detailed Description

[0041] Throughout this disclosure, reference is made to terms which may or may not be exactly defined in popular dictionaries as they are defined here. To provide a more precise disclosure, the following definitions are presented with a view to clarity so that the true breadth and scope of the disclosure may be more readily appreciated. Although every attempt is made to be precise and thorough, language is necessarily imprecise and not all meanings associated with each term can not be completely set forth. Accordingly, each term is intended to also include its common meaning which may be derived from general usage within the pertinent arts or by dictionary meaning. Where the presented definition is in conflict with a dictionary or arts definition, one must consider context of use and provide liberal discretion to arrive at an intended meaning.

[0042] Video Event Recorder — A video event recorder (VER) is a system that captures data in response to a triggering event. The captured data relates to the use and performance of the vehicle and includes images from a digital video camera as well as numeric measurements or other data from vehicles sensors.

[0043] Illumination Source — An illumination source is a system which includes at least one transducer which converts electrical energy to optical energy. For purposes of this disclosure, a single illumination source may include a plurality of individual elements arranged or configured to operate together.

[0044] Operator Compartment — An operator compartment includes the space or volume which may be occupied by a human operator e.g. the driver. An operator compartment is part of a vehicle's interior.

[0045] In accordance with the principles of the present invention a vehicle event recorder is provided with one or more integrated illumination source related to a field-of- view of the camera(s) associated with a VER. An illumination source may be selectively activated by the vehicle event recorder in response to external factors. For example, an illumination source may be activated when reduced light availability is detected and while the vehicle is in operation. Control of the illumination source may be automated both physically and electronically. Preferably the illumination source is configured so that an operator does not have to connect or turn on, e.g. plug in. It is further preferable that a vehicle operator does not need to mount, align, or adjust the illumination sources such that they cooperate with independently mounted camera systems. [0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a vehicle event recorder housing includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in a recess or cavity. Electrical power is provided by the vehicle event recorder obviating the need for a separate electrical hookup. A controller is connected between the VER and the LEDs so that power is applied to the illumination source only when additional light will improve images captured by the system. The illumination source is only activated when the vehicle is in use and a vehicle event recorder is functioning normally. Alternatively, the illumination source is operated only when a detector measures a reduced ambient light level in the operator compartment. The systems assure power is not wasted by driving the illumination source during bright or daylight conditions.

[0047] With reference to drawing Fig. 1, vehicle mounted video event recorder 1, is installed within motor vehicle 2. Preferably the video event recorder is installed behind the windscreen in a manner providing a clear forward view of the road and traffic ahead, while simultaneously providing a clear view of the vehicle operator. A video event recorder described herein preferably has one or more cameras arranged to capture images of the environment near the vehicle as well as the vehicle operator compartment. Thus video event recorder 1 includes cameras having field-of-view 3 looking forward with respect to the automobile. In addition, some preferred embodiments also include a rearward looking video camera having field-of-view 4, directed into the vehicle operator compartment including space occupied by vehicle operator 5. These cameras operate to capture images of the driver and record actions taken by the driver. A video event recorder may have additional cameras.

[0048] Video event recorder includes an integrated illumination source having an illumination field that fills space 6, substantially similar to field-of-view 4 of the rearward looking camera. Preferably a single housing is provided to support video cameras and the illumination source both mechanically and electrically. At night or in reduced ambient lighting, the integrated illumination source operates in conjunction with the rearward facing camera to capture and record good quality video images of a vehicle operator. The camera(s) and illumination source share a connection to an automobile power supply. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide two electrical connections to the automobile power supply; as may be found in competing illumination systems. Integrating the camera(s) and illumination sources also reduces cost and opportunity for failure. [0049] Fig. 2 shows, schematically, an overhead view of the system of Fig. 1. Video event recorder 21 , is positioned within operator compartment 22 (illustrated in phantom line). In the U.S., operator 23 sits on the left-hand side operator compartment behind steering wheel 24. Vehicle axis 25 is provided in the drawing for orientation. Video event recorder 21 may include first forward-looking camera having field-of-view 26, generally directed into space 27 directly ahead of the vehicle and symmetric about vehicle axis 25. A second video camera may have a opposing or rearward facing field-of-view 28. The first and second cameras are preferably integrated within the same vehicle event recorder housing. In addition, the housing of the video event recorder may include one or more illumination sources arranged to provide an illumination field 29 approximately field-of-view 28. In this way, images captured by the rearward facing video camera are improved by the provided illumination.

[0050] While Fig. 2 shows the relationship of a video event recorder to the environments in which they are deployed, Fig. 3 shows the major components of a video event recorder.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, video event recorder 30 includes housing 31, forward- looking video camera 32, and rearward facing video camera 33. The video event recorders described herein may include one or two independent cameras. This is for reasons of clarity and convenience and does not exclude the possibility of a video event recorder including more than two cameras.

[0052] System axis 35 is provided for orientation. Although, Fig. 3 suggests a high level of symmetry of the video event recorder. This is not necessary, as will be discussed below. Field-of-view 36 of forward-looking camera 32 includes object space 37, ahead of the vehicle. Thus forward-looking camera 32 is operable to capture a video record of events occurring and objects within that space. This would include traffic events and other occurrences related to use of the vehicles in which the video event recorders are deployed. Such a video event recorder is particularly useful in accidents involves other cars as it can be used to understand the causes of the accident and aid in a determination of fault. [0053] In addition to forward-looking camera 32, rearward facing or operator compartment facing video camera 33 captures video records of activity taking place within the operator compartment. Specifically, field-of-view 38 of rearward facing camera 33 includes the space occupied by a vehicle operator. Thus actions taken by a vehicle operator may be captured by the video event recorder. This may be useful for providing video records of a driver's actions, particularly those preceding and leading up to an exceptional event (such as an accident).

[0054] In addition to cameras 32 and 33, video event recorder 30 further includes illumination source 34. Illumination source 34 may be comprised of one or more light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes. Each LED has an emission field 39, which is arranged to be coincident with, or at least partially coincident with field-of-view 38 of rearward looking camera 33. The illumination source is arranged to project light into the operator compartment such illuminate the vehicle operator and improve the quality of video captured rearward facing cameras 33. The light emitting diodes are preferably mounted suitable recesses 310 in system housing 31. [0055] While it is possible to position video event recorder 30 near in a windscreen directly in front of a vehicle operator such that rearward facing camera 33 is roughly centered upon the operator of the vehicle and forward looking camera 32 is centered on the space just ahead of the vehicle, this position is less than perfectly desirable, because it hinders or obstructs a driver's view. Video event recorders of these systems are typically contained within housings approximately the size and volume of a deck of playing cards. It is preferable to install or mount a video event recorder just behind a windscreen near a rearview mirror stem. However, if the fields of view of two cameras are axially aligned, either of the two cameras is not ideally aimed at the space to be recorded. Thus, a preferred embodiment of the invention includes video event recorder having a plurality of cameras in which the field of view or optical axis of at least two of the cameras are co- linear.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows one example of such an embodiment. Video event recorder 41, includes two cameras. First, forward-looking camera 42, has an optical axis 43 aligned in a forward facing direction relative to the vehicle 51 that camera 42 includes a field-of- view suitable to capture events occurring ahead of the vehicle. Second, rearward facing or operator compartment facing video camera 44, has independent optical axis 45 which has an angular offset or bias with respect to optical axis 43. In addition, illumination sources 46 have a similar and corresponding angular bias. Thus, illumination sources, 46 are arranged to project illumination fϊeld(s) 47 to substantially illuminate field-of-view 48 of rearward facing video camera 44. Although Fig. 4 shows the angular bias of illumination source 46 to be substantially the same as that of camera 44, this need not be the case. For example, event recorder 41 may include two video cameras oriented along an optical axis as shown in Fig. 2, but have illumination sources with an angular bias to improve illumination of the vehicle operator. As in Fig. 3, the light emitting elements are preferably mounted into recesses 49 formed in housing 41. [0057] Another embodiment of the invention includes an adjustable mounting arrangement. Figure 5 shows a gimbaled system having camera 53 and illumination source 54 mounted together in a sliding interface such that the direction in which the camera and illumination source are pointed may be adjusted simultaneously. Because camera 53 and illumination source 54 have a fixed relationship with the gimbal pivot point, the illumination beams always remains aligned with the camera field-of-view. Vehicle event recorder 51 includes first, fixedly mounted camera 52 and second, gimbal mounted camera 53. Illumination source elements 54, which may be light emitting diodes are affixed to the camera as well as to sliding portion 55 of the gimbal system. The vehicle event recorder housing may be fashioned to include second gimbaled portion 56. The camera/illumination source system is thus movable about a single pivot point and may be pointed as needed. Portions of gimbal portions 55 and 56 are preferably shaped as spheric sections and may be comprised of hard plastic such as a molded polymer forming a sliding mechanical connection. It is not necessary to provide pointing adjustability to the forward looking camera 52 because the vehicle event recorder can easily be mounted such that its field-of-view corresponds to traffic ahead. However, due to the differences between various automobile models, and particularly the position of a vehicle operator, the direction in which the rearward camera should be pointed is not clear. Thus, some embodiments of the invention include a camera and integrated illuminator that can be adjusted to point in a desired direction to best capture images of vehicle operators.

[0058] Attention is now drawn to Fig. 6, which shows, schematically, video event recorder 61 , installed and mounted within driver compartment 62, just behind windscreen 63. Video event recorder 61 includes a forward-looking camera with field-of-view 64 directed towards the front of the vehicle providing a view of traffic ahead. A second rearward facing camera aligned to include a slight angular bias, is directed toward the interior of the operator compartment so as to include the vehicle operator within field-of- view 65. In addition, an illumination source provides illumination field 66, closely corresponding to a field-of-view 65 and operative to illuminate a vehicle operator 67 with light.

[0059] Because it could be distracting for vehicle operators to have light shined upon them, particularly at night, the illumination sources are preferably designed to provide at least partly invisible illumination. That is, illumination which is not visible to the driver, but which remains easily detected by the camera. Both ultraviolet and infrared light cannot be seen by a human observer, but are still effectively detected by a semiconductor imaging detector. Thus, an illumination system built upon either ultraviolet or infrared light emitting diodes provides good illumination of a vehicle operator without being distracting.

[0060] Because, ultraviolet light is more energetic than infrared, some embodiments will benefit from having an illumination source comprising ultraviolet light emitting diodes with a high energy output. Thus, a preferred embodiment of a vehicle event recorder has an integrated illumination source including ultraviolet light emitting diodes in a recess or partial cavity formed in the device housing. However, infrared systems are well developed and less expensive. Thus, other embodiments of a vehicle event recorder include illumination source provided with infrared emitting elements. A most preferred vehicle event recorder may have a combination of both infrared and ultraviolet LED's which may be turned on together or selectively as needed.

[0061] Figure 7 is a front elevation of video event recorder 71 showing one aspect of an important preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown, illumination source 72 is configured as annular ring 72 having a plurality of individual light emitters 73. The annular ring may surround lens aperture 74. Light emitted from the illumination source leaves the vehicle event recorder, is incident upon objects in the field-of-view, and is thereafter reflected back to the video event recorder. The annular ring may be formed as a single recess volume in the vehicle event recorder housing. Additionally, it may be provided with a plurality of individual seats suitable for mechanically and electronically coupling a common LED package thereto.

[0062] While an annular ring illumination source is one preferred embodiment, it is by no means the only arrangement. For instance, video event recorder 81 includes illumination source 82 arranged as a linear bar of individual light emitters 83. Although lens aperture 84 is not surrounded by illumination source 82, light from illumination source 82 effectively illuminates objects within the video camera's field-of-view. [0063] It is not necessary that light emitting 83 each point in the same direction. Indeed, it is anticipated that it will be desirable to illuminate portions of the field-of-view that are of greatest importance. Some of light emitters may be grouped to all shine toward a common point while others may be configured to spread light evenly over other areas. For example, in Fig. 9, vehicle event recorder 91 includes camera aperture 92 and integrated illumination source 93 formed in a recess in the housing. Individual light emitting diodes 94 are secured to their respective mounts providing mechanical and electrical coupling to vehicle event recorder 91. Each light emitting diode may be pointing in direction 95, independent of or in cooperation with any of the other LED's to effect hotspots in the illumination field. In Fig. 9, the five emitters on the left side of the diagram all point to hotspot 96.

[0064] Accordingly, the invention may be generally characterized as a video event recorder having a video camera and integrated illumination sources. A video camera having a field-of-view including a vehicle operator compartment, is improved by an illumination source arranged to illuminate the volume of the vehicle operator compartment. The illumination source and video camera together are integrated into a common housing.

[0065] A shared power source is electrically connected to the illumination source and video camera so that both are powered from a single connection to the automotive system. An illumination source may be arranged to be energized at all times when the video event recorder is powered. Alternatively, the video event recorder switch power to the illumination source so that illumination only supplied at times when automobile lights are energized. In addition, power may be supplied to the illumination source only when reduced light levels are detected by a suitable brightness sensor.

[0066] The output beam of an illumination source may be arranged with a directional bias such that an illumination field is directed predominately at a portion of the operator compartment likely to contain a vehicle operator.

[0067] A video event recorder may have a forward looking camera with a field-of- view aligned with the forward direction of the vehicle, and a second camera having a rearward field-of-view biased to point toward the vehicle operator. [0068] Illumination sources are preferably embodied as a plurality of light emitting diodes elements. Particularly, those light emitting diodes characterized as having an emission spectrum predominantly in the infrared region. The diodes are more useful when they are arranged in a housing cavity or recess. They may be arranged in an annulus about a lens of a video camera.

[0069] The LEDs may be operated in a pulsed mode having a duty cycle less than 1. [0070] The examples above are directed to specific embodiments which illustrate preferred versions of devices and methods of these inventions. In the interests of completeness, a more general description of devices and the elements of which they are comprised as well as methods and the steps of which they are comprised is presented here following.

[0071] One will now fully appreciate how illumination sources may be integrated with vehicle event recorders. Although the present inventions have been described in considerable detail with clear and concise language and with reference to certain preferred versions thereof including best modes anticipated by the inventors, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited by the description of the preferred versions contained therein, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A video event recorder comprising: at least one video camera having a field-of-view including a portion of a vehicle operator compartment; and an illumination source arranged to illuminate the vehicle operator compartment.

2. The video event recorder of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the illumination source and at least one video camera are each integrated in the housing.

3. The video event recorder of claim 1 , further comprising a power source shared by the illumination source and at least one video camera.

4. The video event recorder of claim 1, wherein the illumination source is energized whenever at least one video event recorder is on.

5. The video event recorder of claim 1, wherein the video event recorder is configured to supply power to the illumination source only when vehicle lights are energized.

6. The video event recorder of claim 1, further comprises a brightness sensor, wherein the video event recorder is configured to supply power to the illumination source responsive to light levels detected by the brightness sensor.

7. The video event recorder of claim 1, wherein the illumination source has a directional bias such that an illumination field is directed predominately toward a portion of the operator compartment likely to contain a vehicle operator.

8. The video event recorder of claim 1 , wherein video event recorder comprises at least two cameras, a first forward looking camera has a field-of-view aligned with the forward direction of the vehicle, a second has a field-of-view bias toward the vehicle operator.

9. The video event recorder of claim 2, wherein the illumination source is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes.

10. The video event recorders of claim 9, wherein the light emitting diodes having an emission spectrum that is predominantly invisible to humans.

11. The video event recorder of claim 10, wherein the light emitting diodes are recessed in a housing cavity.

12. The video event recorder of claim 11, wherein the recess comprises an annulus about a lens of the at least one video camera.

13. The video event recorder of claim 9, wherein the light emitting diodes are energized in a pulsed scheme having a duty cycle less than 1.

14. Apparatus comprising; first camera having a first fϊeld-of-view; a second camera having a second field-of-view which is oriented in substantially the opposite in direction of the field-of-view, and an illumination source providing an illumination field, corresponding to second field-of-view, and a housing, the first and second cameras and illumination source being integrated into the housing.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the illumination source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

16. The apparatus of claim of claim 15, wherein the light emitting diodes have an emission spectrum that is predominantly in the infrared spectrum.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the light emitting diodes predominately emit light in the infrared spectrum.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the light emitting diodes predominately emit light in the ultraviolet spectrum.