Charles E Fletcher

US Patent:

20140176712, Jun 26, 2014

Filed:

Dec 21, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/725551

Inventors:

Mark Jerome Redlinger - Lake Ridge VA, US
Charles Edward Fletcher - Fairfax VA, US

International Classification:

B60R 11/04

US Classification:

348148, 295921

Abstract:

An imaging system for enhancing situational awareness during movement of an underground mine vehicle includes a forward viewing camera sensor, such as a thermal camera sensor, that is mounted on the front end of the vehicle. The camera sensor provides a Field of View (FOV) covering a predetermined area in front of the vehicle as the vehicle moves in a forward direction. A second camera sensor can be included to provide a second FOV covering a predetermined area in back of the vehicle as the vehicle moves in a reverse direction. A display monitor is mounted on the vehicle at a vehicle driving station. Transmission lines are provided that extend from each camera sensor to the display monitor. Each camera sensor can include one or more wide angle lenses to establish a relatively wide angle FOV. Typically, the FOV for each camera sensor is about ninety degrees (90).