Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a status of a vehicle door are provided. The method includes detecting a status of a door based on at least one image received from a camera of a vehicle, determining a function to be performed from among a plurality of functions based on the detected status of the door, and performing the determined function. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of a door being ajar or as a supplemental detection system to a hardwired door status sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transmitting video data from a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle processor receives a video transmission command that has been generated in response to a user selection of a video transmission input device, and the vehicle processor transmits video data captured by one or more vehicle cameras in response to the received video transmission command, wherein transmission of video data is at least partly over a telecommunications network to a remote server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and classifying objects associated with a vehicle are provided. The method includes capturing a first image and a second image of a cabin of a vehicle, dividing the first image and the second image into a plurality of regions, comparing a first region of the first image to a second region of the second image, in response to detecting a difference between the second region and the first region, classifying an object present in the difference between the second region and the first region and labeling the classified object, and providing a notification of the classified object to at least one from among an occupant of the vehicle and an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automation of a side mirror of a vehicle. In one example, a side mirror is disposed on a side of the vehicle, and a camera is mounted on the side mirror. A processor is configured to at least facilitate determining whether a condition has been satisfied with respect to a vehicle having a side mirror, and providing instructions for automatic movement of the side mirror from a first position to a second position, when it is determined that the condition has been satisfied. An actuator is coupled to the processor, and is configured to move the side mirror from the first position to the second position based on the instructions provided by the processor when it is determined that the condition has been satisfied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stopping distance selection are provided. The method includes displaying an image from a camera facing an area around a vehicle, detecting a selection of an object in the image, determining a stopping distance from the selected object, and performing an operation if the vehicle is within of a threshold distance of the stopping distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and classifying objects associated with a vehicle are provided. The method includes capturing a first image and a second image of a cabin of a vehicle, dividing the first image and the second image into a plurality of regions, comparing a first region of the first image to a second region of the second image, in response to detecting a difference between the second region and the first region, classifying an object present in the difference between the second region and the first region and labeling the classified object, and providing a notification of the classified object to at least one from among an occupant of the vehicle and an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A display control system of a vehicle includes a surround view module configured to generate a surround view including a predetermined top view image of vehicle and one or more features located within a predetermined area around the vehicle. A parking module is configured to selectively generate a parking signal when, for at least a predetermined period, a vehicle speed is less than a predetermined speed and at least one of: (i) an accelerator pedal position is less than a predetermined position; (ii) a brake pedal position indicates a request for vehicle braking; and (iii) a magnitude of a steering wheel angle is greater than a predetermined steering wheel angle. A display control module is configured to, in response to the generation of the parking signal, display the surround view on a display within the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automation of a side mirror of a vehicle. In one example, a side mirror is disposed on a side of the vehicle, and a camera is mounted on the side mirror. A processor is configured to at least facilitate determining whether a condition has been satisfied with respect to a vehicle having a side mirror, and providing instructions for automatic movement of the side mirror from a first position to a second position, when it is determined that the condition has been satisfied. An actuator is coupled to the processor, and is configured to move the side mirror from the first position to the second position based on the instructions provided by the processor when it is determined that the condition has been satisfied.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for assessing possible misalignment of cameras installed on vehicles. In accordance with one example, a camera is mounted on a body of the vehicle, and is configured to generate camera images. Each of the camera images includes a plurality of pixels. A processor is configured to at least facilitate analyzing the pixels of the camera images with respect to color, brightness, or both; and determining whether the camera is misaligned in its mounting on the vehicle based on the analyzing of the color, the brightness, or both, of the pixels.

Abstract: A color filter array apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first color filter array comprising color filters arranged in a first pattern and a second color filter array comprising color filters arranged in a second pattern. The first pattern and second pattern may be arranged to optimize the detection or viewing of first and second objects, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a top view image of a vehicle are provided. The method includes determining a trajectory of a vehicle or a trailer; and performing at least one from among zooming the top view image of the vehicle or trailer and panning the top view image, based on the determined trajectory. The method and apparatus may provide a better view of the surroundings of a vehicle in order to better navigate the vehicle, including the case where a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling camera images of vehicle cameras. In one example, a camera, a radio system, a processor, and a display are disposed onboard a vehicle. The camera is configured to generate camera images. The radio system is configured to process the camera images. The processor is configured to at least facilitate determining whether a radio system of the vehicle is functioning properly; processing the camera images through the radio system prior to displaying the camera images within the vehicle, if the radio system is functioning properly; and providing instructions for displaying the camera images within the vehicle without processing the camera images through the radio system, if the radio system is not functioning properly. The display is configured to display the camera images in accordance with the instructions provided by the processor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing notifications on camera displays for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, camera is mounted on a body of the vehicle, and is configured to generate camera images. A processor is configured to at least facilitate generating a display image based on a processing of the camera images, for display on a display screen within the vehicle; determining a fixed region of the display image corresponding to a fixed part of the vehicle; and providing notifications on the display image in the fixed region of the display image.

Abstract: A side rear view camera is located at a driver or passenger side of the vehicle, captures video beside and behind the vehicle, and has a predetermined field of view (FOV). The predetermined FOV is defined by a first predetermined horizontal angle of view (AOV) and a first predetermined vertical AOV. A display is located and visible within a passenger cabin of the vehicle. A display module, on the display: displays a first portion of the video from within a first predetermined portion of the predetermined FOV, the first predetermined portion of the predetermined FOV being defined by a second predetermined horizontal AOV and a second predetermined vertical AOV; and selectively displays a second portion of the video from within a second predetermined portion of the predetermined FOV, the second predetermined portion of the predetermined FOV being defined by a third predetermined horizontal AOV and a third predetermined vertical AOV.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a status of a vehicle door are provided. The method includes detecting a status of a door based on at least one image received from a camera of a vehicle, determining a function to be performed from among a plurality of functions based on the detected status of the door, and performing the determined function. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of a door being ajar or as a supplemental detection system to a hardwired door status sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transmitting video data associated with a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle processor determines a vehicle safety event based on one or more safety sensors, activates one or more vehicle cameras that capture video data in response to the determined vehicle safety event, records the video data in a vehicle data storage device, and, if the vehicle processor determines that a suitable connection to a telecommunications network is available when the video data is being captured, then transmits the video data over the telecommunications network in substantially real time.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transmitting video data from a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle processor receives a video transmission command that has been generated in response to a user selection of a video transmission input device, and the vehicle processor transmits video data captured by one or more vehicle cameras in response to the received video transmission command, wherein transmission of video data is at least partly over a telecommunications network to a remote server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transmitting video data from a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more vehicle cameras capture video data, a vehicle processor transmits the video data from the vehicle at least partly over a telecommunications network, the vehicle processor receives one or more control commands that have been transmitted by at least one of a remote server and a remote user device at least partly over the telecommunications network, and the vehicle processor responds to the one or more control commands to implement the one or more control commands.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transmitting video data associated with a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle processor determines a vehicle safety event based on one or more safety sensors, activates one or more vehicle cameras that capture video data in response to the determined vehicle safety event, records the video data in a vehicle data storage device, and, if the vehicle processor determines that a suitable connection to a telecommunications network is available when the video data is being captured, then transmits the video data over the telecommunications network in substantially real time.

Abstract: A method of calculating at least one dimension of a towed vehicle includes sensing an image of the towed vehicle with an image sensing device. A feature on the towed vehicle in the sensed image of the towed vehicle is identified with a controller using a dimension determination algorithm. The dimension of the towed vehicle is determined from the identified feature of the towed vehicle, with the controller using the dimension determination algorithm. The dimension of the towed vehicle may be input into a vehicle tow controller, to enable the vehicle tow controller to control the tow vehicle.