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Camera and display device for use with vehiclesCamera and display device for use with vehicles description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070171032, Camera and display device for use with vehicles. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/252,238, filed Jan. 20, 2006, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/252,239, filed Jan. 20, 2006, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/252,296, filed Jan. 20, 2006, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/258,861, filed Apr. 28, 2006 and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/258,863, filed Apr. 28, 2006 and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/826,618, filed Sep. 22, 2006, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002]The present invention relates generally to safety systems in vehicles, and specifically to systems and methods for monitoring an area behind a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003]When operating a vehicle in reverse it is sometimes difficult to properly view everything that is behind it. In the past people have attempted to ameliorate the lack of visibility when in reverse by placing mirrors at various locations throughout the car. Mirrors have proven to be a reliable method of viewing things while in reverse. However the usage of mirrors is still plagued by not having a totally unobstructed view of the space behind a vehicle. [0004]Recently, the usage of cameras and sensors has become popular in order to detect the presence of items behind a vehicle. The detection of items previously unseen through the usage of mirrors has prevented many unfortunate events. However, despite the usage of these devices problems still persist. [0005]When mounting a camera on a vehicle its placement is important so as to offer a proper view of those objects located behind it. Many cameras are unable to provide a proper viewing angle for the vehicle upon which it is mounted. Therefore there is a need for a camera that is capable of being properly mounted on a vehicle and that is able to be adjusted in order to compensate for the variations in the structure of different vehicles. [0006]Additionally, cameras that are mounted on vehicles are exposed to the effects of the environment, such as changes in temperature, humidity, etc. can cause moisture to form on the lens thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the camera. Therefore it is additionally important to ensure that the clarity of the lens is not compromised as result of environmental factors. [0007]Thus, there is a need for a camera and display device for a vehicle that is able to provide appropriate angles of view and remain uncompromised during exposure to the environment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008]It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and method that provides for improved viewing of the area behind a vehicle. [0009]Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for viewing the area behind a vehicle that can be properly and easily installed by end users. [0010]Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for viewing the area behind a vehicle that allows vertical flipping of the transmitted image. [0011]Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless backup camera system. [0012]A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for viewing the area behind a vehicle that affords an adjustable angle of the camera lens. [0013]A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for viewing the area behind a vehicle that minimizes fogging of the camera lens. [0014]A still further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for viewing the area behind a vehicle that provides automatic activation/operation of the component devices. [0015]These and other objects are met by the present invention, which in a first aspect can be a system for monitoring an area around a vehicle comprising: a housing having elongated flanges extending from the housing for mounting to the rear portion of a vehicle; a camera provided within the housing, wherein the camera produces an image signal based upon a received image; a transmitter operably coupled to the camera for transmitting the image signals; a display device having a means for mounting the display device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the image signal; an image processing unit operably connected to the receiver, wherein the image processing unit is capable of manipulating the image signal in order to invert the received image; the display device operably connected to the image processing unit and adapted to display the received image; and wherein the camera and the transmitter are activated when the vehicle is placed into reverse and the display device is activated upon receiving an image signal from the transmitter. [0016]In another aspect, the invention can be a system for monitoring an area around a vehicle comprising: a first housing adapted for mounting to a rear portion of a vehicle; a camera provided within the first housing, wherein the camera produces an image signal corresponding to a perceived image; a cable for transmitting the image signal, the cable having a first end operably connected to the camera; a second housing located at a second end of the cable; a transmitter provided within the second housing and operably coupled to the second end of the cable, the transmitter wirelessly transmitting the image signal received from the camera via the cable; a display device having a means for mounting the display device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the image signal; an image processing unit operably connected to the receiver, wherein the image processing unit is capable of manipulating the received image signal; and the display device operably connected to the image processing unit and adapted to display an image based on the received image signal. [0017]In yet another aspect the invention can be a system for monitoring an area around a vehicle comprising: a first housing adapted for mounting to a rear portion of a vehicle; a camera provided within the first housing, wherein the camera produces all image signal corresponding to a perceived image; a transmitter provided within the second housing and operably coupled to the second end of the cable, the transmitter wirelessly transmitting the image signal received from the camera; a display device having a means for mounting the display device within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the display device further comprising a receiver for receiving the image signal; an image processing unit operably connected to the receiver, wherein the image processing unit is capable of manipulating the received image signal; and the display device operably connected to the image processing unit and adapted to display an image based on the received image signal; wherein the display device is activated upon receiving an image signal from the transmitter. [0018]These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019]FIG. 1 is a front view of the system having a camera, display device and stand, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Continue reading about Camera and display device for use with vehicles... Full patent description for Camera and display device for use with vehicles Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Camera and display device for use with vehicles patent application. 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