Video monitoring system for school buses

摘要

A video camera system for a school bus to replace one or more of the mirror systems typically utilized on school buses today. One or two cameras can be positioned on the sides of the school bus in place of the rearview mirrors presently utilized. A pair of cameras with wide-angle lenses can be positioned on the front fenders of the school bus to replace the cross view mirrors currently used today. One or more cameras can also be positioned on the rear of the school bus to display the environment immediately behind the school bus. Video monitors displaying the images from the cameras can be positioned in the cab of the school bus for viewing by the driver. The monitors from the cameras positioned on the sides of the school bus can be positioned on the A-pillars of the school bus approximately in the locations presently occupied by the rearview mirrors outside of the school bus. The monitors for the cross-view mirrors can be positioned on the dashboard or instrument panel of the school bus, preferably to the right side of the driver and adjacent the egress door. The monitor for the camera(s) on the rear of the bus can be positioned on the windshield of the vehicle. A portable computer could also be provided in place of the stationary monitors, and a central recording system can be utilized to retain the images from all of the cameras for subsequent monitoring purposes.