Patent Blind Spot, Turn Signal, Brake Light Detection Using Retractable Camera

Description

Blind Spot, Turn Signal and Brake Light Detection Using Retractable Camera.
Many new cars come with a rear-mounted camera that helps the driver see what is behind the car when backing up and notifies the driver when another vehicle is in the car’s blind spot. Great idea. But what about the millions of older vehicles on the road today that do not have this capability? The invention covered by this patent creates an exterior-mounted, retractable camera that offers multiple benefits:
It enables the driver to see when a vehicle enters the auto’s blind spot.
It gives the driver a view of traffic to the left and right of the car for safer lane changes.
It can be maneuvered to show the driver if the turn signals and brake lights are working.
It provides a view of the area immediately behind the vehicle for added safety when backing up.
On trucks, it can be used to guide drivers when backing up large rigs.
Unlike other exterior vehicle cameras that easily get dirty, reducing their effectiveness, the retractable feature of this invention keeps the camera lens clean.
The unit can be linked to OBD port for automatic activation when turn signals are activated.
The camera can be mounted anywhere on the exterior of a vehicle, including on the side of a school bus or truck. Since the camera retracts, the lens is kept clean during snow, rain and other messy conditions. U.S. Patent No.
9,843,734
for a "Retractable Camera for Vehicle" would be a critical acquisition for any business in the auto after market.