Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for displacing an image capturing unit (C) between a deployed condition (DC) and a retracted condition (RC) in a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a compartment (1) defined in a body of the vehicle;
a base member (2) fixed within the compartment (1);

at least one resilient member (3) with one end of the at least one resilient member (3) fixed to the base member (2) and another end fixed to a platform (4);
an image capturing module (5) mounted on the platform and configured to house the image capturing unit (C); and
at least one actuator (6) fixed to the base member (2), wherein the at least one actuator (6) is configured to actuate the at least one resilient member (3) between an expanded position and a retracted position based on a signal received from a control unit associated with the image capturing module to displace the image capturing unit (C) between the deployed condition (DC) and the retracted condition (RC).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator includes first actuator (6) fixed to the base member (2), wherein the first actuator (6) arrests movement of the platform (4) at the retracted condition (RC) within the compartment (1).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator includes a second actuator (7) fixed between the base member and the at least one resilient member, wherein the second actuator (7) is configured to retract the at least one resilient member (3) and the platform (4) from the deployed condition (DC) to the retracted condition (RC).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a lock member (6a) coupled to the first actuator (6), wherein the lock member (6a) is actuated by the first actuator (6) for locking the platform (4) at the retracted condition (RC).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lock member (6a) is supported by a linkage mechanism (6b) for actuating the lock member (6a).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lock member (6a) upon actuation engages within a slot (4a) defined in the platform (4) for arresting the movement of the platform (4).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a hatch (9) provided at an opening of the compartment (1), wherein the hatch (9) is operable between a closed position and an open position.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7 comprises a seal defined along a circumference of the hatch (9).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a switch (8) at the opening of the compartment (1), wherein the switch (8) operates the hatch (9) between the closed position and the open position.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a lever (3a) fixed to the at least one resilient member (3), wherein the lever (3a) contacts the switch (8) during displacement of the at least one resilient member (3) from the retracted position to the expanded position to open the hatch (9).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) generates a control signal to operate the at least one actuator (6).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch (8) is operable by a button (11) located on a dashboard (10) of the vehicle.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein operation of the button (11) generates a signal to an electronic control unit (ECU) for operating the switch (8) allowing manual intervention by a user.

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to send the control signal to the at least one actuator (6) to perform one of:
displace the image capturing unit (C) from the retracted condition (RC) to the deployed condition (DC), upon receiving a first control signal from at least one of a GPS module and the operation of the button (11), and
displace the image capturing unit (C) from the deployed condition (DC) to the retracted condition (RC), upon receiving a second control signal from at least one of the GPS module and the operation of the button (11).

15. A vehicle comprising a system for displacing the camera as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system for displacing an image capturing unit. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the system for displacing the image capturing unit between a deployed condition and a retracted condition in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Vehicles are a prime mode of transportation. Many users use a variety of vehicles right from passenger cars to commercial vehicles to move people or goods from one place to another. There are many people who have an affinity to travel long distances through scenic routes to reach a particular place. Over the years, road trips or road travel has gained adequate traction due to many factors such as ease and availability of cars/vehicles, affordability of cars and in many cases simple liking or inclination towards road travel/trips.

Nowadays, due to growing connectivity and social interaction through various social networking platforms, it has become even easy to share such road trips with loved ones via sharing or disclosing the captured images and videos. A recent trend is such that, due to advent in technology, cameras and video recorders are a common commodity amongst many people. Majority of the people are addicted to photography and videography and it is a trend to capture their journey while travelling in vehicles, through images and videos. Not only capturing images and videos, it is also a trend to share and showcase the images and videos on many social networking platforms.

During, road trips, many people use a variety of cameras and video recorders to capture the surroundings, scenic locations, monuments etc. In some cases, unsafe practices are followed by people, where the person pops out of the window of a moving car to capture images and videos. In other cases, some people, stick or protrude the cameras and video recorders fixed to extension rods or extenders outside the windows or sunroofs of the vehicles to capture the images and videos. These practices may be potentially harmful to the person capturing the images and videos or to the others around them. Additionally, there may be incidents where the camera or the videorecorder might fall off due to wind and other environmental conditions. Such an incident can cause severe damage to property or subjects around the moving vehicle.

In addition to the above, there may be incidents where the users in the vehicle may not be in a position to capture images or videos due to weather conditions such as rain, snow, thunder storms and the like. Also, some of the occupants of the vehicle may not be aware of the geography surrounding them wherein important monuments or locations might just quickly go past them while the vehicle is travelling. All these factors constitute to missing out on the opportunity to capture memorable moments during the course of a road trip or travel.

Moreover, even if the occupants or the persons manage to capture appropriate images and videos the quality of the images or videos might not be good due to various factors such as shaky pictures or videos due to road undulations. Also, storage of such images and videos may be a challenge as large amounts of data need to be stored and uploaded, which may not be possible on the move or during travel. In case of solo travelers, each and every photo or video opportunity needs to be availed by stopping the vehicle every now and then in order to capture the moments. CN203580776U discloses a car roof camera shooting and viewing device which includes a telescopic holder that houses a camera for capturing images and videos when the vehicle is in motion. This device is connected or linked to a sunroof of the vehicle, wherein opening of the sunroof, pops up the device for capturing images and videos. Similarly, KR101942793B1 discloses aspects of storing the images and videos captured from an image capturing unit are stored in smart phone gallery or cloud and can also be directly uploaded to a social media platform. Additionally, the vehicle trip details, user preferences, favorite places, priority of locations in view of the GPS location of the vehicle may be entered by the user prior to the trip in order to automatically trigger the system for capturing images and videos at desired locations.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an intelligent system for displacing an image capturing unit between a deployed condition and retracted condition in a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a compartment defined in a body of the vehicle. A base member is fixed within the compartment and at least one resilient member is provided with one end of the at least one resilient member fixed to the base member and another end is fixed to a platform. The system includes an image capturing module mounted on the platform and configured to house the image capturing unit. At least one actuator is fixed to the base member, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to actuate the at least one resilient member between an expanded position and a retracted position based on a signal received from an electronic control unit associated with the image capturing module to displace the image capturing unit between a the deployed condition and the retracted condition.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one actuator includes first actuator fixed to the base member, wherein the first actuator arrests movement of the platform at the retracted condition within the compartment.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the at least one actuator includes a second actuator fixed between the base member and the at least one resilient member, wherein the second actuator is configured to retract the at least one resilient member and the platform from the deployed condition to the retracted condition.

In an embodiment of the disclosure comprises a lock member coupled to the first actuator, wherein the lock member is actuated by the first actuator for locking the platform at the retracted condition.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lock member is supported by a linkage mechanism for actuating the lock member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lock member upon actuation engages within a slot defined in the platform for arresting the movement of the platform.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a hatch is provided at an opening of the compartment, wherein the hatch is operable between a closed position and an open position.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a seal is defined along a circumference of the hatch.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a switch is provided at the opening of the compartment, wherein the switch operates the hatch between the closed position and the open position.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a lever is fixed to the at least one resilient member, wherein the lever contacts the switch during displacement of the at least one resilient member from the retracted position to the expanded position to open the hatch.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic control unit generates a control signal to operate the at least one actuator.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the switch is operable by a button located on a dashboard of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, operation of the button generates a signal to an electronic control unit for operating the switch allowing manual intervention by a user.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic control unit is configured to send the control signal to the at least one actuator to perform one of: displace the image capturing unit from the retracted condition to the deployed condition, upon receiving a first control signal from at least one of a GPS module and the operation of the button. Further, the at least one actuator displaces the image capturing unit from the deployed condition to the retracted condition, upon receiving a second control signal from at least one of the GPS module and the operation of the button.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system for displacing an image capturing unit in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure. 2 illustrates the sectional view of the system with the image capturing unit in deployed condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures. 3a and 3b illustrates a front and top view of a vehicle equipped with the system of figure 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and

Figure 4 shows a flow chart for operating the system of figure 1.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the system, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the system of the present disclosure may be employed in variety of vehicles having different specification.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that of a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a system for displacing an image capturing unit. The image capturing unit is configured to be displaced between a deployed condition and retracted condition in a vehicle. In general, there are myriad of image capturing units such as cameras and video recorders available in the market which serves the purpose of capturing important moments. Also, users or people who are commuting in vehicles tend to use the cameras and video recorders for recording their trip while they travel. It also gives them an opportunity to capture all the important memories along the way such as monuments, historical places, scenic locations and the like. In order to do so, many users or commuters follow unsafe practices such as peeping out of the window, using extension rods for capturing images and videos. However, these are fairly dangerous as there may always be chances of an accident occurring due to the on-coming traffic or in many scenarios the camera or videorecorders might fall off the extension rods which can affect the commuters around them. Additionally, in case of individuals who are travelling alone or driving the vehicle may not be in a position to always click images or videos while he or she is operating the vehicle. More importantly, in the age of connected technology, it becomes a hassle for users to capture the images and videos and also to store the same. Moreover, it can become a hassle to use these stored images and videos and share via a social networking website.

In view of the above, the present disclosure disclose a system for displacing an image capturing unit. The image capturing unit provided in the vehicle is configured to be operable between a deployed condition and an retracted condition. Moreover, the image capturing unit may be configured by the user prior to the start of the journey or trip. Also, images and videos captured by the image capturing unit may be accessible to the user via an application installed on a mobile phone/smart device or computer multi-media user interface device installed or associated with the vehicle. The image capturing unit is mounted within an image capturing module and configured within a body of the vehicle. The body of the vehicle is partitioned with a compartment in order to enclose the system. Further, the compartment may include a base member located at portion within the compartment. The base member further houses at least one resilient member, wherein one end of the resilient member is connected to the base member and another end of the at least one resilient member is connected to a platform. The platform houses the image capturing module and within the image capturing module is the image capturing unit. At least one actuator is fixed to the base member which is configured to actuate the at least one resilient member between an expanded position and a retracted position in order to displace the image capturing unit between the deployed condition and the retracted condition.

In an embodiment, the at least one actuator may comprise of a first actuator which is operable in order to arrest the movement of the platform when the image capturing unit is in an retracted condition. Similarly, when the image capturing unit is in the deployed condition, and the platform needs to retracted back, then a second actuator is configured to retract the platform back into the compartment. Also, the image capturing module is associated with an electronic control unit which receives a signal based on user preference or requirement may operate the image capturing unit. Advantageously, the image capturing unit and the image capturing module works seamlessly when the vehicle is in motion. This ultimately leads to capturing images and videos without intervention of the user or the commuters travelling in the vehicle.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system (100) for displacing an image capturing unit (C). The image capturing unit (C) may be displaced between a deployed condition (DC) and an retracted condition (RC). In an embodiment, the image capturing unit (C) may be provided within a vehicle (200). Further, the system (100) [also termed as intelligent system] comprises a compartment (1) which is defined within the body of the vehicle (200). A base member (2) is fixed within the compartment (1), wherein the base member (2) may be fixed at a bottom portion of the compartment (1). In an embodiment, the compartment (1) defined in the body of the vehicle (200) may be configured at a roof region or dashboard (10) of the vehicle (200). In an embodiment, the compartment (1) may be defined anywhere on in the body of the vehicle (200) such as but not limiting to bonnet, tail gate, fenders and the like. Referring to Figure. 1, the base member (2) accompanies at least one resilient member (3). The at least one resilient member (3) with its one end is fixed to the base member (2) and another end of the at least one resilient member (3) is fixed to a platform (4). In an embodiment, the at least one resilient member (3) may be coil springs, which may compress upon application of pressure and stores potential elastic energy. As soon as the pressure is released, the at least one resilient member (3) releases the elastic energy.

Further, a platform (4) is provided on another end of the at least one resilient member (3). The platform (4) is configured to receive and support an image capturing module (5). The image capturing module (5) is further configured to house the image capturing unit (C). In an embodiment, the image capturing module (5) may include a dome or a transparent enclosure which provides 360° viewing angle of the surroundings. Additionally, the image capturing module (5) may include other electronic items such as printed circuit boards (PCB’s) and electrical wiring [not shown in figures] used for operation of the image capturing unit (C). Further, the image capturing unit (C) may be configured within the image capturing module (5) in order obtain a field of view which can cover the entire surroundings. In an embodiment, the image capturing unit (C) is at least one of a camera for capturing images, a video recorder, which may record motion stills or video and the camera which is capable of recording both videos as well as images.

Referring back to figure 1, the platform (4) with the image capturing module (5) and the image capturing unit (C) are configured to be displaced by the at least one resilient member (3) between the deployed condition (DC) and the retracted condition (RC). Further, the base member (2) located within the compartment (1) is provided with at least one actuator. In an embodiment, the at least one actuator comprises of a first actuator (6) and a second actuator (7). The first actuator (6) and the second actuator (7) are fixed to the base member (2). The first actuator (6) further includes a lock member (6a) which is operated through a linkage mechanism (6b). In an embodiment, the platform (4) is defined with a slot (4a), wherein the lock member (6a) connected to the link mechanism engages within the slot (4a) in order to arrest the platform (4) at the retracted condition (RC). In an embodiment, the deployed condition (DC) of the image capturing unit (C) may refer to the image capturing module (5) being displaced by the at least one resilient member (3) from within the compartment (1) to outside of the compartment (1). Further, the at least one resilient member (3) operates between an expanded position and the retracted position. At the expanded position of the at least one resilient member (3), the platform (4) is protruding out of the compartment (1). Similarly, when the at least one resilient member (3) is in the retracted position, the platform (4) is retracted back into the compartment (1).

An electronic control unit is provided within the intelligent system (100) and the vehicle (200) in order to operate the system (100) for displacing the image capturing unit (C). As an example, a signal is received by the electronic control unit to deploy the image capturing unit (C). Based on the signal received by the electronic control unit, the first actuator (6) is actuated to unlock the platform (4). The lock member (6a) is dislodged from the slot (4a) and the at least one resilient member (3) releases the elastic energy in order to push the platform (4) in an upward direction such that, the platform (4) with the image capturing module (5) and the image capturing unit (C) protrudes out of the compartment (1) [as shown best in figure 2]. As the image capturing unit (C) is protruded out of the compartment (1), the electronic control unit transmits another signal in order for the image capturing unit (C) to start capturing the images and videos of the surroundings.

Further, the second actuator (7) is also fixed to the base member (2) and located adjacent to the first actuator (6). The second actuator (7) is connected to the at least one resilient member (3). In an embodiment, as the at least one resilient member (3) orients to an expanded position, the platform (4) is protruded out of the compartment (1). The electronic control unit may transmit another signal in order to operate the second actuator (7), wherein the second actuator (7) retracts the at least one resilient member (3) from an expanded position to the retracted position. As the at least one resilient member (3) is retracted back into the compartment (1), the image capturing module (5) along with the platform (4)is also brought back into the compartment (1).

In an embodiment, the at least one actuator including the first actuator (6) and the second actuator (7) is at least one of a solenoid actuator, pneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator and the like.

Referring to figure 2, the compartment (1), at its mouth region or opening region comprises a hatch (9). The hatch (9) is configured to cover the compartment (1) and to provide ingress protection to the image capturing module (5). In an embodiment, the hatch (9) is configured to be operated between a closed condition and an open condition. In the closed condition, the hatch (9) completely covers the compartment (1) and in the open condition, the hatch (9) uncovers the compartment (1) such that, the platform (4) with the image capturing module (5) protrudes out of the compartment (1). During, operation, i.e. when the image capturing unit (C)and the image capturing module (5) is operated between the deployed condition (DC) and the retracted condition (RC), the hatch (9) operates in synchronization with the movement of the platform (4).

In an embodiment, at the mouth region or opening region of the compartment (1), a switch (8) is provided which is connected to an actuator [not shown in figures] that operates the hatch (9). Further, this switch (8) is operated mechanically by a lever (3a) which is connected to the at least one resilient member (3). The switch (8) is positioned such that, when the at least one resilient member (3) is displaced from the retracted position to the expanded position, the lever (3a) comes in contact with the switch (8) and thereby operates the actuator for opening the hatch (9). In an embodiment, the lever (3a) connected or fixed to the at least one resilient member (3) remains in contact with the switch (8) until the at least one resilient member (3) is retracted by the second actuator (7) back into the compartment (1). When the lever (3a), loses contact with the switch (8), the switch (8) releases and thereby the actuator operates the hatch (9) to move from the open position to the closed position. In an embodiment, the actuator operating the hatch (9) may be at least one of an electric motor, a push-pull solenoid and the like.

As an example, when the electronic control unit receives a signal for deploying the image capturing module (5) and the image capturing unit (C), the first actuator (6) operates the lock member (6a) in order to release the platform (4). Due to the resilient elastic forces stored by the at least one resilient member (3), the platform (4) is pushed in an upward direction. When the at least one resilient member (3) expands from the retracted position, the lever (3a) connected to the at least one resilient member (3) contacts the switch (8). This operates the actuator connected to the hatch (9) to move the hatch (9) from a closed position to the open position. As the hatch (9) opens, the platform (4) with the image capturing module (5) and the image capturing unit (C) protrudes out of the compartment (1) [as best seen in figure 2] to capture images and videos. Once the image capturing unit (C) has concluded capturing the images and videos, yet another signal may be received by the electronic control unit to operate the second actuator (7) to retract or pull the at least one resilient member (3) back into the compartment (1). As the second actuator (7) is working on retracting the expanded one resilient member (3), at one point, the lever (3a) connected to the at least one resilient member (3) loses its contact with the switch (8). Simultaneously, the actuator connected with the hatch (9) may be operated to move the hatch (9) from the open condition towards the closed condition. As and when the at least one resilient member (3) is compressed or when the at least one resilient member (3) reaches the retracted position, the electronic control unit receives another signal to operate the first actuator (6). The first actuator (6) then operates the linkage mechanism (6b) to actuate the lock member (6a) to engage within the slot (4a) defined in the platform (4) for arresting movement of the platform (4) and in-turn the movement of the image capturing unit (C) and the image capturing module (5).

In an embodiment and referring back to figure 1, deployment of the image capturing unit (C) and the image capturing module (5) can also be performed through manual override. A button (11) may be provided on a dashboard (10) of the vehicle (200) wherein the user may operate this button (11) to manually deploy the image capturing unit (C) and the image capturing module (5). As an example, when the user wishes to manually operate the system (100), the button (11) provided on the dashboard (10) of the vehicle (200) may be pushed. Once the button (11) is pushed, a signal may be generated by the electronic control unit to operate the first actuator (6) to release the lock member (6a) from the slot (4a) and to allow displacement of the platform (4). Once the images and videos are captured by the image capturing unit (C), the system (100) retracts the image capturing unit (C) and the image capturing module (5) as disclosed in the above paragraphs. In an embodiment, any of the occupants may be able to manually override the system based on requirement. Alternatively, the occupants may deploy the image capturing unit (C) through their smart phone or mobile by connecting or pairing with the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the hatch (9) door may be defined with a seal or lining all around the circumference of the hatch (9). This seal or lining prevents any water or other particles from leaking into the compartment (1) when the hatch (9) is in closed position.

In an embodiment, the at least one resilient member (3) may be replaced by a hydraulic or pneumatic system, which may not use coil or compression spring but rather uses compressed fluid in order to operate the platform (4), i.e. to displace the platform (4).

In an embodiment, the compartment (1) may be located at any position within the body of the vehicle (200), which may provide optimum viewing angle of the surrounds to capture the images and videos of the surrounds.

In an embodiment, the switch (8) provided at the mouth region of the compartment may be at least one of a proximity switch, limit switches, a contact relays and the like.

Referring to figure 3, which illustrates the vehicle (200) equipped with the system (100) for displacing the image capturing unit (C) between the deployed condition (DC) and the retracted condition (RC). The compartment (1) may be defined or position at a roof portion of the vehicle (200). The hatch (9) may be operable between the open position and the closed position in order to allow displacement of the platform (4) housing the image capturing module (5) and the image capturing unit (C) from in and out of the compartment (1) between the deployed condition (DC) and the retracted condition (RC).

Turning now to figure 4, which is a flow chart of operation and functioning of the image capturing unit (C) and the image capturing module (5). The user may initiate the system (100) by accessing an application which may be installed in a smart device such as a mobile phone or within the multi-media user interface device installed or associated with the vehicle (200). The user may configure the system (100) to capture images and videos at different intervals and at different locations along a designated route. As an example, if the user is travelling from point A to point B, the user may pick and choose different locations where the system (100) needs to deploy the image capturing unit (C) to capture the images and videos. These different locations may include monuments present of the way/route, scenic locations, hill locks, lakes, ocean and the like. Also, the user may have the option to choose priority of when the system (100) needs to be operated based on the requirement and liking of the user.

Once the user has configure the system (100), the system (100) will be triggered as and when the vehicle (200) reaches particular locations. The vehicle (200) and the system (100) may be synched to a global positioning system (GPS) or a global positioning system module [not shown in figure 4], Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) etc., in order to determine the vehicle (200) is travelling on the designated route and through the locations plotted by the user. In an automated condition, i.e. when the user has configured the system (100), the GPS sends a signal to the electronic control unit in order to trigger the operation of the system (100) to displace the image capturing unit (C) and the image capturing module (5) into a deployed condition (DC) for capturing the images and videos of that particular location.

In an embodiment, a GPS enabled application installed in the smart device/mobile phone or multi-media user interface device may trigger this signal to the electronic control unit.

In an embodiment, the GPS enabled application may send a signal to the electronic control unit of the vehicle (200), 10 to 15 seconds before the vehicle (200) reaches the designated location, so that, the system (100) has enough time to deploy the image capturing unit (C) and the image capturing module (5). In some cases, and as disclosed above, the user may manually intervene and push the button (11) provided on the dashboard (10) to deploy the system (100) for capturing the images and videos. Based on the selection by the user, the image capturing unit (C), may capture the images and videos accordingly. In an embodiment, manual override of the system (100) may be possible through gesture control or through voice recognition commands. In such as configuration, a compatible hardware system may be installed in the vehicle (200) for operating the system (100).

In an embodiment, the captured images and videos may be stored within a storage medium [not shown in figures] which could be a media storage drive provided within the vehicle (200) (10) or a remote cloud storage medium associated with the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the captured images and video may be displayed on-the-go or as a live video through network data streaming on an Infotainment screen provided within the vehicle, once the Image capturing unit (C) is in Deployed condition (DC).

In an embodiment, the captured images and videos may be geo-tagged based on the location at which the images or videos were captured. Similarly, face detection and recognition may be performed on the captured images.

In an embodiment, the images and videos stored in the storage medium may be accessed through local wireless networks and may be downloaded on to various devices such as the user’s smart device or computer.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic control unit may be a centralized control unit or a dedicated control unit associated with the vehicle. The control unit may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The control unit may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.

In some embodiments, the ECU may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system (100) interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., are non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a mechanism and a system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (108) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (108) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

System for displacing the image capturing unit 100
Image capturing unit C
Compartment 1
Base member 2
At least one resilient member 3
Lever 3a
Platform 4
Slot defined in the platform 4a
Image capturing module 5
First actuator 6
Lock member 6a
Linkage mechanism 6b
Second actuator 7
Switch 8
Hatch 9
Dashboard 10
Button 11
Body of the vehicle B
Electronic control unit ECU
Vehicle 200