Rear view mirror simulation
A method is shown to indicate to a driver of a vehicle the presence of an object moving relative to the vehicle. The method begins by collecting data using a camera or other such image capturing device. The data is analyzed to detect a hazard created by the presence of the object, regardless of whether it is moving or not. A warning associated with the hazard is created. Both the hazard and the warning are displayed using the display device.
1. A method for indicating to a driver of a vehicle the presence of at least one object at least temporarily moving relative to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: collecting data using at least one camera; analyzing the data to detect at least one hazard created by the presence of the object; calculating a descriptor representing what the object is and where the object is located relative to the vehicle; creating a warning associated with the descriptor; and displaying the hazard and the warning using at least one display device, wherein the step of displaying includes a step of enhancing the hazard displayed on the at least one display device based on the descriptor to assist the driver in recognizing the hazard, whereby enhancing the hazard displayed includes a step of marking the hazard only by graphical representation with a color and without an image representation of the detected object; and changing the color of the hazard as the object and the vehicle move relative to each other.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of displaying includes the step of enhancing the hazard displayed on the at least one display device based on the descriptor to assist the driver in recognizing the hazard.
3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of enhancing the hazard includes the step of creating audio signals to alert the driver.
4. A method as set forth in claim 1 including dividing at least one of the at least one display devices into at least two regions.
5. A method as set forth in claim 4 including the step of rectifying an image shown on one of the at least two regions.
6. A method as set forth in claim 5 including the step of presenting an image as captured by at least one camera on at least one of the other of the at least two regions.
7. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of enhancing the image includes the step of displaying an alphanumeric and/or graphical warning on at least one display device.
8. A method a set forth in claim 7 , wherein the alphanumerical and/or graphical warning is displayed adjacent and/or surrounding and/or in close proximity to a spotter area.
9. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the step of
creating a warning associated with the hazard includes additional warnings from a group of warnings consisting of odors and/or chemicals.