WO2002003712A1

WO2002003712A1 - Vehicular display system

Info

Publication number: WO2002003712A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/019473
Authority: WO
Inventors: John B. Rosen
Original assignee: Rosen Products Llc
Priority date: 2000-06-30
Filing date: 2001-06-18
Publication date: 2002-01-10
Also published as: AU2001269893A1; TW563368B

Abstract

A display system (12) is provided, such display system including a display with a generally horizontally display surface, and a reflecting element with an opaque reflective surface being configured to reflect an image presented by the display for viewing by the vehicle occupant. The display system is to be mounted adjacent the front console (14), typically with the display embedded in the front console and the reflecting element mounted above the display at an angle relative thereto.

Description

VEHICULAR DISPLAY SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to display devices, and more

particularly, to a vehicular display device which presents an image for viewing by a

vehicle occupant.

Background

Vehicular display devices have become increasingly popular in recent

years, particularly where such display devices serve passengers entertainment, either

recorded or live. For example, it is now common to find vehicles outfitted with

displays linked to videocassette and digital video disk (DVD) players, computers, or

other sources of information or entertainment content. These displays often fold down

from a roof or ceiling of the vehicle, and typically are configured such that only

rear-seat passengers can view the content displayed. Displays adapted for vehicle

operators also have been employed, but for the purposes of presenting rear views,

night vision capabilities, image of vehicle status information and the like. Display of

entertainment content to vehicle operators is prohibited in many jurisdictions for safety

reasons.

For non-operator video displays, location is typically not a problem. The

displays may be conveniently located and brightly illuminated without regard for the

need to operate the vehicle unhindered. Video displays intended for use by operators,

however, typically must address concerns regarding location, brightness and visibility

must be addressed in the context of unhindered vehicle operation. Space restrictions also present particular difficulties in the usefulness of video displays intended for use

by vehicle operators.

Although a number of systems have been developed for use in

presenting information to vehicle operators, no known display has done so in a fashion

which adequately addresses all of the concerns set forth herein. Direct video screens

have been employed in large vehicles for rear viewing, but these displays typically

require significant space, making them difficult to place in a location readily viewable

by vehicle operators. Heads-up displays also have been suggested, such displays

typically providing images reflected from the windshield to appear as if the images

exist forwardly of the windshield. These systems, however, may be difficult to see

due to difficulties with lighting, particularly in sunny environments. Further, the

systems are typically complex to install, and may be distracting.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a video display for use by

front seat occupants which is characterized by the viewability more commonly found

in rear seat passenger displays. It also would be desirable to provide a video display

configured for placement within a vehicle in a position which will minimize

interference with other vehicle operations. However, the display should maintain its

effectiveness in providing meaningful information to a front seat occupant without

detracting from the vehicle operator's view of the vehicle path, or of existing

instrumentation. Summary of the Invention

The foregoing objectives are achieved by provision of a display system

which includes a display with a display surface, and a reflecting element with an

opaque reflective surface configured to reflect an image presented by the display for

viewing by the vehicle occupant. The display system is configured to be mounted

adjacent the front console of a vehicle, typically with display embedded in the front

console. Correspondingly, the reflecting element typically is mounted above the

display and is positionable at an angle relative to the display.

In one embodiment, the reflecting element is pivotal between a stowed

orientation wherein the reflective surface is generally parallel with the display surface,

and a deployed orientation wherein the reflective surface extends from the front

console at an acute angle relative to the display surface. Therefore, where a vehicle

driver has a central field of view and a peripheral field of view, the display may be

deployed to a position within the driver's peripheral field of view, thus minimizing any

interference with the driver's view of the vehicle path, or with existing

instrumentation. An image source (such as a video camera, navigation system, vehicle

processor, etc.) operatively connects to the display to provide the image for

presentation on the display surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a cutaway side view of a vehicle which employs a vehicular

display system in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2 is a detail cutaway side view showing a display unit of the display

system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cutaway top view of the vehicle of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cutaway side view of the front console of the vehicle of Fig. 1,

with the display system of the present invention mounted thereon and shown in a

deployed orientation.

Fig. 5 is a cutaway side view of the front console of the vehicle of Fig. 1,

with the display system of the present invention mounted thereon and shown in a

stowed orientation.

Fig. 6 is a cutaway side view showing a display system mounted atop the

front console of a vehicle.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the vehicular display system shown in

Fig. 1.

Detailed Description of the Invention

and Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention

Referring initially to Figs. 1 and 2, a vehicle 10 is shown, such vehicle

being configured with a vehicular display system 12 constructed in accordance with

the present invention. Display system 12 is mounted on the vehicle's front console 14,

preferably for viewing by a driver in a peripheral region of the driver's field of view.

As indicated, the vehicle includes a chassis 16 with a windshield 16a

through which a driver views the vehicle path (e.g. road), the chassis defining a

vehicle interior. An interior area forward of front seats 18 serves as a front passenger area where the driver and front seat passenger are seated. The interior area between

front seats 18 and rear seats 20 serves as a rear passenger area where rear seat

passengers are seated, as shown. The vehicle also may be equipped with various video

sources, including, for example, cameras 62, 64, 66, 68, an onboard vehicle processor

70, and/or a vehicle navigation system 80. It will be appreciated that other sources of

data and/or video, such as a cell phone, a satellite receiver, etc. also may be used

without departing from the scope of the invention. These sources provide images for

presentation by the video display system under direction of a video control module 50

(Fig. 4).

Front console 14 takes the form of a vehicle dashboard such as that

found below a vehicle windshield, such dashboard being configured to extend into the

front passenger area to provide an upper dash surface 14a. A front dash surface 14b

includes instrumentation viewable by the driver to enhance vehicle operation. The

upper dash surface typically is generally horizontal, providing a suitable mounting

structure for vehicular display system 12, as will now be described.

In accordance with the present invention, display system 12 includes a

display 30 mounted adjacent the front console of the vehicle, typically in an

orientation facing other than rearwardly in the vehicle. More typically, display 30 is a

direct view display mounted on the dashboard in an upwardly- facing orientation. In a

vehicle having a dashboard such as that shown here, the display may be embedded in

the dashboard in a generally horizontal orientation so as to minimize interference with

components already present in the dashboard. As shown, the depicted display includes a base 32, and a generally

planar display surface 34, which presents a real image focused on the display surface

such that it may be reflected for viewing by a vehicle occupant. Base 32 is configured

for mounting to the vehicle dashboard, typically via conventional fasteners such as

screws. In one embodiment, the base is embedded in the dashboard (Figs. 1, 2, 4 and

5) in front of the driver of the vehicle. However, a display may similarly be mounted

in front of the front seat passenger of the vehicle (Fig. 3). As indicated, such an

embedded display may include a display housing contoured to mimic a contour of the

dashboard, thereby accommodating seamless storage of the reflective element in the

vehicle dashboard as best shown in Fig. 5.

Alternatively, the base may be mounted on the upper surface of the

dashboard (Fig. 6). In any event, the display surface faces other than rearwardly, and

more typically, faces in an upward direction. The display also may employ upright

side walls (not shown) to shield the display surface from ambient light, and thus

enhance viewability of the display.

Display 30 takes the form of a flat panel display (FPD), typically a liquid

crystal display (LCD) or other flat panel technology display. The display may be of

virtually any size, but preferably is intended for viewing by a front seat occupant, and

thus employs a display screen which is on the order of approximately 4-inches to 8-

inches, measured diagonally. The screen may be color or black-and-white, depending

on the particular use to which the screen is to be put. To save space, various electrical

components may be separated from the display screen, such components typically including video control circuitry (e.g. a central processing unit (CPU), multiplexors

(MUX), on-screen display controls, and/or video/audio amplifiers), power supplies,

etc.

Extending upwardly from display 30 is a reflecting element 40

configured to reflect the real image focused on the display for viewing by the vehicle

occupant. As indicated, the reflecting element includes a housing 42, and a generally

planar, opaque reflective surface 44. The reflecting element also may include a visor

46 and side walls (not shown) configured to reduce glare on reflective surface 44 and

to shield the reflective surface from ambient light. These features also may serve to

prevent light from display 30 from appearing on the vehicle windshield when it is dark

outside the vehicle.

Reflecting element 40 typically takes the form of a mirror (glass,

polished metal, or otherwise) positionable relative display 30 to reflect the image on

the display surface for viewing of the image on the reflective surface. The reflecting

element thus typically is positioned between the dashboard and the windshield at an

acute angle relative to the display surface, and in close proximity thereto.

In the present embodiment, the reflecting element is secured to the

display via a hinge 36, the reflecting element thus being pivotal between a stowed

orientation (Fig. 5) wherein the reflective surface is generally parallel with the display

surface, and a deployed orientation (Fig. 4) wherein the reflective surface extends

upwardly from the dashboard at an acute angle relative to the display surface to

reflect the image presented by the display for viewing by the vehicle occupant. The angle γ typically is chosen such that the reflecting path, shown in Fig. 2, reflects a

focused image presented on display surface 34 off opaque reflecting surface 44 to the

eye of driver D.

It will be appreciated that the reflecting element typically is further

adjustable to accommodate viewing angles for occupants in differing operator

positions. Furthermore, the display itself may be pivotally mounted to the dashboard

(e.g. via a hinge) to accommodate further adjustment of the display system. Such a

pivotal display may prove useful in maintaining an optimal relative angle between

display surface 34 and reflective surface 44, even when the display is at a non-optimal

angle relative to the dashboard.

Importantly, it will be noted from Fig. 2 that a vehicle occupant (such as

driver D) has a central field of view along line-of-sight LS, where line-of-sight LS is

selected to be a view of the vehicle path (approaching an imaginary line parallel to the

vehicle path). The central field of view is denoted by an angle α, between lines CF1,

CF2. Typically, the central field of view corresponds to the image formed in the

fovea, parafovea, and perifovea regions of the driver's eye, and thus has an angular

diameter of approximately 19 degrees. It will be appreciated that the central field of

view is the field of view within which a driver views the vehicle path, and thus

generally should be free of distractions.

In addition to the central field of view, the vehicle occupant has a

peripheral field of view which extends about the periphery of the central field of view.

Typically, the peripheral field of view has an angular diameter of approximately 29 degrees (corresponding to the near periphery region of the eye) surrounding the central

field of view. Fig. 2 shows a lower portion of the peripheral field of view at β,

between line CF2 and line PF2. As indicated, this peripheral field of view extends

generally between the top edge of the dashboard and the central field of view, an area

which typically does not contain any useful information in most vehicle applications.

Referring still to Fig. 2, it will be noted that reflective element 40 is

selectively configured to extend upwardly from the dashboard in the peripheral field of

view of the vehicle occupant to present a reflected image to the driver. Although the

driver may glance down to view the reflected image (much like the driver glances

down to view the instrument panel of the dashboard) the reflected image will not

significantly detract from view of the vehicle path in the driver's central field of view.

As shown in Fig. 3, a driver-oriented vehicular display system 12 may be

positioned in front of a driver D. A passenger-oriented vehicular display system 12'

similarly may be positioned in front of front seat passenger P. The orientation of the

display and reflective element of the display of passenger-oriented vehicular display

system make it difficult for the driver to view the presented image of the passenger-

oriented vehicular display system. Use of a bi-directional film on the display may

further restrict driver view of a passenger-side display. The driver's view of a

passenger-side display is indicated generally by dashed line R in Fig. 3. The present

display system thus is useful in displaying entertainment content to the front seat

passenger while keeping such content out of view of the driver, as required by law in

many areas. Referring again to Figs. 4 and 5, it will be appreciated that vehicular

display system 12 has an associated video control module 50, which may be spaced

from display 30 to conserve space in the vehicle dashboard. Video control module 50

may be configured to accommodate selection of an image source from a plurality of

image sources, and may contain video control circuitry (e.g. a central processing unit

(CPU), multiplexors (MUX), on-screen display controls, and/or video/audio

amplifiers), power supplies, etc. Typically, the video image is processed for inverted

presentation on display 30, so that the image appears in a right-side-up orientation to

driver D after it is reflected by reflecting element 40.

As indicated in Figs. 1 and 7, the vehicular display system includes

multiple image sources. For example, cameras may be provided at various locations

on the vehicle to provide the driver with various views, both interior and exterior to

the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, camera 62 is mounted to a center floor

console, and is trained on the rear seat passenger area to provide a view of rear seat

occupants. It will be appreciated, however, that camera 62 may be mounted to a

vehicle seat, the vehicle ceiling, or in virtually any other location within the vehicle.

The present embodiment also includes a rear view camera 64 mounted

on the rear of the vehicle to provide an external rearward view from the vehicle, and a

forward view camera 66 mounted on the front of the vehicle to provide an external

forward view from the vehicle. The vehicle also may include side view cameras 68

which take the place of side view mirrors found on many vehicles. As a safety feature,

these side view cameras may be linked to the vehicle's turn signal operations, presenting an appropriate view of the vehicle's "blind spot" when a turn signal is

activated.

Forward view camera 66 may take the form of a forward-looking

infrared (FLIR) camera mounted adjacent the front of the vehicle (or within the

vehicle looking forward). FLIR camera 66 is configured to provide an infrared front

view from the vehicle, and is especially useful in identifying hazards at night or at

other times when visibility is poor. It will be appreciated that the FLIR camera image

will change drastically when a live hazard (e.g. an animal) jumps into the road. This

should be enough to attract the driver's attention, even where the reflective surface is

in a peripheral field of view, causing the driver to look down, and react accordingly.

Unlike known Head Up Display (HUD) systems, the proposed FLIR system may be

used day or night.

An onboard vehicle processor 70, and a navigation system 80, also may

serve as image sources for the vehicular display system. The onboard vehicle

processor 70 may be configured to present an image containing vehicle status

information such as vehicle speed, vehicle temperature, external temperature, fuel

level, engine temperature, miles per hour, RPMs, fuel economy, etc. Navigation

system 80 may be configured to generate an image containing navigation information

such as maps, driving directions, weather information, traffic information, etc.

Navigation system 80 may include a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver, such

that the system is able to present a map of the immediate surroundings of vehicle 10 in

its current location. Video control module 50 may be configured to select an image source

for presentation on a display, or may be configured to present two or more image

sources on a single display simultaneously in a split-screen or overlayed screen format.

Similarly, a single video control module may be configured to present different images

on different displays in accordance with each occupant's needs.

Turning now to Fig. 6, according to another embodiment of the

invention, a display system 12" may be mounted atop front console 14". This

embodiment typically is used in after-market installations of display systems. The

display system, however, it will be noted, still may be connected to a video control

module 50 as described above.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described

with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will

understand that many variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit

and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. The description of the

invention should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of

elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to

any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. The foregoing

embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all

possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application. Where the

claims recite "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be

understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring

nor excluding two or more such elements.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. In a vehicle having a forward region, a display system

comprising:

a display mounted in the forward region of the vehicle, the display

including a generally horizontal display surface configured to present an image; and

a reflecting element including an opaque reflective surface configured to

reflect the presented image for viewing by a vehicle occupant.

2. The display system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a

front console, the display being embedded in the front console.

3. The display system of claim 1, wherein the reflecting element is

mounted above the display.

4. The display system of claim 1, wherein the reflective surface

selectively extends from the display at a predetermined angle relative to the display

surface to reflect the presented image for viewing by the vehicle occupant.

5. The display system of claim 4, wherein the reflecting element is

pivotal between a stowed orientation wherein the reflective surface is generally

parallel with the display surface, and a deployed orientation wherein the reflective

surface extends from the display at a predetermined angle relative to the display

surface to reflect the presented image for viewing by the vehicle occupant.

6. The display system of claim 4, wherein the display is pivotal

relative to the front console.

7. The display system of claim 1, which further comprises an image

source operatively connected to the display to provide the image for presentation on

the display surface.

8. The display system of claim 7, wherein the image source is a

video camera.

9. The display system of claim 8, wherein the video camera is

configured to provide a rear view from the vehicle.

10. The display system of claim 8, wherein the video camera is

configured to provide an interior view of the vehicle.

11. The display system of claim 10, wherein the video camera is

trained on a rear seat passenger area of the vehicle.

12. The display system of claim 8, wherein the video camera is

configured to provide a forward view from the vehicle.

13. The display system of claim 7, wherein the image source is a

forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera.

14. The display system of claim 7, wherein the image source is a

navigation system.

15. The display system of claim 7, wherein the image source is a

vehicle processor configured to provide an image including vehicle status information.

16. The display system of claim 1, wherein the display is a flat panel

display.

17. The display system of claim 1, wherein the display is mounted in

front of a driver of the vehicle.

18. The display system of claim 1, wherein the display is mounted in

front of a front seat passenger of the vehicle.

19. In a vehicle having a front console, a display system comprising:

a direct view display mounted on the front console, the direct view

display including an upwardly-facing display surface configured to present an image;

and

a reflecting element including an opaque reflective surface configured to

selectively extend upwardly from the front console at an angle relative to the display

surface so as to reflect the presented image for viewing by a vehicle occupant.

20. The display system of claim 19, wherein the direct view display is

embedded in the front console.

21. The display system of claim 19, wherein the reflecting element is

mounted above the display.

22. The display system of claim 19, wherein the reflecting element is

surface extends from the front console at an acute angle relative to the display surface

to reflect the presented image for viewing by the vehicle occupant.

23. The display system of claim 19, wherein the display is pivotal

relative to the front console.

24. The display system of claim 19, which further comprises an

image source operatively connected to the display to provide the image for

presentation on the display surface.

25. The display system of claim 24, wherein the image source is a

video camera.

26. The display system of claim 24, wherein the image source is a

forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera.

27. The display system of claim 24, wherein the image source is a

navigation system.

28. The display system of claim 24, wherein the image source is a

29. The display system of claim 19, wherein the direct view display is

a flat panel display.

30. The display system of claim 19, wherein the display is mounted in

front of a driver of the vehicle.

31. The display system of claim 19, wherein the display is mounted in

front of a front seat passenger of the vehicle.

32. A vehicle comprising:

a driver seat configured to be occupied by a driver, the driver having a

central field of view and a peripheral field of view when viewing a vehicle path;

a dashboard forward of the driver seat; and

a display system including a dashboard-mounted, upwardly-facing

display surface configured to present a real image and an opaque reflective surface

which selectively extends upwardly from the dashboard at an angle relative to the

display surface in the peripheral field of view of the driver when the driver is viewing

the vehicle path, the reflective surface being configured to reflect the real image for

presentation to the driver.

33. The vehicle of claim 32, wherein the reflective surface is outside

of the driver's central field of view when the driver is viewing the vehicle path.

34. The vehicle of claim 32, wherein the reflective surface is pivotal

between a stowed orientation wherein the reflective surface is generally parallel with

the display surface, and a deployed orientation wherein the reflective surface extends

from the dashboard at an acute angle relative to the display surface to reflect the

presented image for viewing by the driver.

35. The display system of claim 32, wherein the display is pivotal

relative to the dashboard.

36. The vehicle of claim 32, which further comprises an image source

operatively connected to the display surface to provide the image for presentation on

the display surface.

37. The vehicle of claim 36, wherein the image source is a camera.

38. The vehicle of claim 36, wherein the image source is an onboard

processor configured to produce an image.

39. In a vehicle having a dashboard, a display system comprising:

a direct view display mounted on the dashboard, the display including a

generally upwardly- facing display surface configured to present a real image;

a reflecting element including an opaque reflective surface which

extends upwardly from the dashboard at an angle relative to the display surface to

reflect the presented image for viewing by a vehicle occupant, the reflecting element

thus having a proximal end adjacent the display surface and a distal end spaced from

the display surface; and

a visor projecting from the distal end of the reflecting element to shade

the reflecting element from ambient light.

40. The display system of claim 39, wherein the vehicle occupant is a

driver having a central field of view and a peripheral field of view when viewing a

vehicle path, and wherein the reflective surface is positioned in the peripheral field of

view of the driver when the driver is viewing the vehicle path.

41. The display system of claim 39, which further comprises an

image source operatively connected to the display surface to provide the image for

presentation on the display surface.

42. The display system of claim 41, wherein the image source is a

camera.

43. The display system of claim 41, wherein the image source is an

onboard processor configured to produce an image.

44. In a vehicle having a dashboard, a display system comprising:

an image source;

a flat panel display embedded in the dashboard, the flat panel display

including a control module operatively connected to the image source to condition an

image for presentation on the display, and an upwardly- facing display surface spaced

from the control module and configured to present the image; and

a reflecting element including an opaque reflective surface which

selectively extends upwardly from the dashboard at an angle relative to the display

surface to face a vehicle occupant, the reflective surface being configured to reflect the

presented image for viewing by the vehicle occupant.

45. The display system of claim 44, wherein the reflective surface is

surface extends from the dashboard at an acute angle relative to the display surface to

reflect the presented image for viewing by the driver.

46. The display system of claim 44, which further comprises an

presentation on the display surface.

47. The display system of claim 46, wherein the image source is a

camera.

48. The display system of claim 46, wherein the image source is an

onboard processor configured to produce an image.

49. A display system comprising:

a base including a flat panel display with an upwardly-facing display

surface; and

a mirror including an opaque reflective surface, the mirror being

pivotally mounted to the base for pivot between a stowed orientation wherein the

reflective surface is generally parallel with the display surface, and a deployed

orientation wherein the reflective surface extends upwardly from the display surface at

an angle relative to the display surface to reflect the presented image for viewing of

the presented image on the reflective surface.

50. In a vehicle having a front console, a display system comprising:

a display mounted at the front console, the display including a display

surface facing other than rearwardly of the vehicle and configured to present a focused

image thereon;

a reflecting element mounted at the front console and including an

opaque reflective surface configurable to reflect the focused image for viewing within

the vehicle.

51. The display system of claim 50, the display surface being a flat

panel display substantially parallel to the immediate surrounding upper surface of the

front console.

52. The display system of claim 51, the reflecting element being

configured for orientation at an acute angle relative the display.

53. The display system of claim 52, the reflecting element having a

first position with the reflecting element oriented for reflecting the focused image for

viewing by a vehicle occupant, and a second position with the reflecting element

oriented substantially parallel to and covering the display.

54. The display system of claim 50, the vehicle further having an

operator position, the reflecting element being pivotally mounted relative to the

display to provide a range of pivotal locations of the reflecting element relative to the

display to accommodate the angle of viewing from the operator position.

55. The display system of claim 54, the reflecting element having a

first position wherein the reflecting element is oriented at an acute angle relative to the

display.

56. The display system of claim 55, the reflecting element further

having a second position with the reflecting element oriented substantially parallel and

covering the display.

57. The display system of claim 50 further comprising:

a visor affixed to the reflecting element.

58. The display system of claim 50 further comprising:

an image source operatively connected to the display and including at

least one source of image signals.

59. The display system of claim 58, the source of image signals

including at least one video camera operatively connected to the display.

60. The display system of claim 59, the at least one video camera

being orientated to provide a rear view from the vehicle.

61. The display system of claim 59, the at least one video camera

being orientated to provide an interior view of the vehicle.

62. The display system of claim 59, the vehicle further having a rear

seat, the at least one video camera being orientated to provide a view of the rear seat in

the vehicle.

63. The display system of claim 59, the at least one video camera

being oriented to provide a front view from the vehicle.

64. The display system of claim 59, the image source further

including a video control module operatively connected with and between the display

and the at least one video camera.

65. The display system of claim 64, the vehicle further having electric

turn signals, the at least one video camera including a first video camera oriented to

provide a view from the left side of the vehicle and a second video camera oriented to

provide a view from the right side of the vehicle, the video control module being

configured to present the image from the first video camera on the display when the

left turn signal is activated and to present the image from the second video camera on

the display when the right turn signal is activated.

66. The display system of claim 58, the at least one source image

signals including a forward-looking infrared camera.

67. The display system of claim 58, the at least one source image

signals including a navigation system.

68. The display system of claim 58, the at least one source of image

signals including a vehicle processor configured to generate an image depicting

vehicle status information.

69. The display system of claim 50, the display being embedded in an

upper surface of the front console.

70. In a vehicle having a front console and an operator position

behind the front console, a display system comprising:

a display pivotally mounted relative to the front console, the display

including a display surface facing other than rearwardly of the vehicle and configured

to present a focused image thereon;

a reflecting element mounted at the front console and including an

opaque reflecting surface configurable in a range of pivotal locations relative to the

display to reflect the focused image and to accommodate an angle of viewing from the

operator position; and

an image source operatively connected with the display, the image

source including at least one video camera operatively connected with the display and

a video control module operatively connected with and between the display and the at

least one video camera.

71. The display system of claim 70, the at least one video camera

being oriented to provide a rear view from the vehicle.

72. The display system of claim 70, the at least one video camera

being orientated to provide an interior view of the vehicle.

73. The display system of claim 70, the vehicle further having a rear

seat, the at least one video camera being oriented to provide a view of the rear seat in

the vehicle.

74. The display system of claim 70, the at least one video camera

being orientated to provide a front view from the vehicle.

75. The display system of claim 70, the vehicle further having electric

provide a view from the left side of the vehicle and a second video camera orientated

to provide a view from the right side of the vehicle, the video control module being

the display when the right turn signal is activated.

76. The display system of claim 70, the image source including a

forward-looking infrared camera.

77. The display system of claim 70, the image source including a

navigation system.

78. The display system of claim 70, the image source including a

vehicle processor configured to generate an image depicting vehicle status

information.

79. In a vehicle having a front windshield, a front console extending

toward the front window and an operator position behind and facing toward the front

console, a display system comprising:

a display mounted at the front console, the display including a display

image thereon; and

a reflecting element pivotally mounted relative to the display at the front

console and including an opaque reflective surface configured to reflect the focused

image, the reflecting element having a first position providing a range of pivotal

locations relative to the display to accommodate vertically the angle of viewing from

the operator position, the reflecting element being pivotally mounted between the

display and the front windshield.

80. The display system of claim 79 further comprising:

a visor at the reflecting element positioned to shade the opaque reflective

surface and the display surface from light through the front windshield.

81. The display system of claim 79, the display surface being a flat

panel display substantially parallel to the immediately surrounding upper surface of the

front console.

82. The display system of claim 81, the reflecting element in the first

position being orientated at an acute angle relative to the display.

83. The display system of claim 82, the reflecting element further

having a second position with the reflecting element orientated substantially parallel to

and covering the display.

84. The display system of claim 79, the reflecting element being

pivotally mounted relative to the display and the first position providing a range of

pivotal locations relative to the display to accommodate the angle of viewing from the

operator position.

85. The display system of claim 84, the reflecting element in the first

position being oriented at an acute angle relative to the display.

86. The display system of claim 85, the reflecting element further

and covering the display.

87. The display system of claim 79 further comprising:

an image source operatively connected with the display.

88. The display system of claim 79, the display being embedded in

the upper surface of the front console.

89. A vehicle comprising:

a front console;

an operator position behind the front console in the vehicle; and

a display system including a display mounted at the front console, the

display including a display surface facing other than rearwardly of the vehicle and

configured to present a focused image thereon and a reflecting element mounted at the

front console and including an opaque reflective surface configurable to reflect the

focused image for viewing from the operator position.

90. The vehicle of claim 89, the display surface being a flat panel

display substantially parallel to the immediately surrounding upper surface of the front

console.

91. The vehicle of claim 90, the reflecting element being

configurable in a first position with the reflecting element oriented at an acute angle

relative to the display.

92. The vehicle of claim 91, the reflecting element further being

configurable in a second position with the reflecting element oriented substantially

parallel to and covering the display.

93. The vehicle of claim 89, the reflecting element being pivotally

mounted relative to the display to provide a range of pivotal locations relative to the

display to accommodate the angle of viewing from the operator position.

94. The vehicle of claim 93, the reflecting element -'being

relative to the display.

95. The vehicle of claim 94, the reflecting element further being

parallel to and covering the display.

96. The vehicle of claim 89, the display being embedded in the upper

surface of the front console.

97. A vehicle comprising:

a front console;

an operator position behind the front console of the vehicle; and

a display system including a display pivotally mounted relative to the

display at the front console, the display including a display surface facing other than

rearwardly of the vehicle and configured to present a focused image thereon, a

reflecting element mounted at the front console and including an opaque reflective

surface configured to reflect the focused image, the reflecting element being

configurable in a range of locations to reflect the focused image for viewing by a

vehicle occupant and to accommodate the position of the operator, and an image

source operatively connected with the display, the image source including at least one

source of image signals operatively connected with the display and a video control

module operatively connected with and between the display and the at least one source

of image signals.

98. The vehicle of claim 97, the at least one source of image signals

including at least one video camera operatively connected with the display.

99. The vehicle of claim 98, the at least one video camera being

oriented to provide a rear view from the vehicle.

100. The vehicle of claim 98, the at least one video camera being

oriented to provide an interior view of the vehicle.

101. The vehicle of claim 98 further comprising :

a rear seat, the at least one video camera being oriented to provide a

view of the rear seat in the vehicle.

102. The vehicle of claim 98, the at least one video camera being

oriented to provide a front view from the vehicle.

103. The vehicle of claim 98 further comprising:

electric turn signals, the at least one video camera including a first video

camera oriented to provide a view from the left side of the vehicle and a second video

camera oriented to provide a view from the right side of the vehicle, the video control

module being configured to present the image from the first video camera on the

display when the left turn signal is activated and to present the image from the second

video camera on the display when the right turn signal is activated.

104. The vehicle of claim 98, the at least one source of image signals

including a forward-looking infrared camera.

105. The vehicle of claim 98, the at least one source of image signals

including a navigation system.

106. The vehicle of claim 98, the at least one source of image signals

including a vehicle data processor configured to generate an image depicting vehicle

status information.