Driver assistance system for a vehicle

Abstract

A driver assistance system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an image capture device having a field of view rearward of the vehicle. The image capture device comprises a CMOS image capture device and is operable to capture image data. A display system displays video images output by the image capture device. The display system includes a video display screen. A graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images, and, at least when the wheels of the vehicle are straight, the graphic overlay includes a pair of converging lines extending outward relative to the rear of the vehicle. At least one horizontal line at least partially extends between the pair of converging lines in order to enhance the ability of a driver of the vehicle to judge relative distance to an object located rearward of the vehicle.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A driver assistance system suitable for use in a vehicle, said driver assistance system comprising:
 an image capture device positioned at a rear portion of a vehicle and having a field of view rearward of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device comprises an array of photosensing elements operable to capture image data;   wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS image capture device;   wherein said image capture device comprises a wide angle optic;   wherein at least one of (i) said wide angle optic comprises optical distortion correction and (ii) distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction;   a display system that displays video images output by said image capture device;   wherein said display system comprises a back-lit liquid crystal video display screen;   wherein a graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images, and wherein, at least when the wheels of the vehicle are straight, said graphic overlay comprises a pair of converging lines extending outward relative to the rear of the vehicle; and   wherein at least one horizontal line at least partially extends between said pair of converging lines in order to enhance the ability of a driver of the vehicle to judge relative distance to an object located rearward of the vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said pair of converging lines extend from adjacent the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         3 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said pair of converging lines comprise a pair of substantially straight converging lines. 
     
     
         4 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said graphic overlay adjusts responsive to a steering system of the vehicle. 
     
     
         5 . The driver assistance system of  claim 4 , wherein, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a first direction indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle and, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a second steering direction opposite to said first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a second direction opposite to said first direction. 
     
     
         6 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said graphic overlay is indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said graphic overlay enhances the driver's sense of perspective when executing a reversing maneuver. 
     
     
         8 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said graphic overlay enhances the driver's judgment of the location of an object at least one of (i) behind the vehicle and (ii) alongside the vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said graphic overlay assists the driver when reversing into a parking space. 
     
     
         10 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen displays images that are viewable by the driver of the vehicle at least one of (i) when the driver is looking forward of the vehicle and (ii) when the driver is looking generally toward the windshield of the vehicle. 
     
     
         11 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein image data captured by said array of photosensing elements is displayed in reverse at said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen. 
     
     
         12 . The driver assistance system of  claim 11 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said image capture device. 
     
     
         13 . The driver assistance system of  claim 11 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said display system. 
     
     
         14 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one horizontal line comprises a plurality of spaced apart horizontal lines. 
     
     
         15 . The driver assistance system of  claim 14 , wherein said spaced apart horizontal lines are superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals. 
     
     
         16 . The driver assistance system of  claim 15 , wherein said spaced apart horizontal lines comprise spaced apart short horizontal lines. 
     
     
         17 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said driver assistance system includes a distance-sensing system. 
     
     
         18 . The driver assistance system of  claim 17 , wherein said distance-sensing system is selected from the group consisting of a radar system, an ultrasonic system and an infrared system. 
     
     
         19 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said image capture device is disposed generally at the centerline of the vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. 
     
     
         21 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a ground area at the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         22 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a ground area at the immediate rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         23 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a portion of the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         24 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said wide angle optic has a wide angle view at least at a lower portion of said field of view of said image capture device. 
     
     
         25 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein video images derived from captured image data are displayed by said display system substantially distortion-free. 
     
     
         26 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said wide angle optic comprises non-symmetrical optics. 
     
     
         27 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said image capture device is fixedly mounted at the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         28 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen comprises a back-lit flat panel liquid crystal video display screen. 
     
     
         29 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle. 
     
     
         30 . The driver assistance system of  claim 29 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned at a lower portion of the driver's forward field of view. 
     
     
         31 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at one of a dashboard of the vehicle, a fascia of the vehicle, a header of the vehicle and a windshield of the vehicle. 
     
     
         32 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at a dashboard of the vehicle. 
     
     
         33 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at a fascia of the vehicle. 
     
     
         34 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle. 
     
     
         35 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein video images output by said image capture device are output as one of (i) analog data and (ii) digital data. 
     
     
         36 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said image capture device comprises part of a multi-camera system of the vehicle and wherein said multi-camera system comprises an image capture device disposed at the left side of the vehicle and an image capture device disposed at the right side of the vehicle. 
     
     
         37 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via electrically conductive leads. 
     
     
         38 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via a fiber optic cable. 
     
     
         39 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said array of photosensing elements is operable to capture frames of image data at multiple exposures. 
     
     
         40 . The driver assistance system of  claim 39 , wherein said multiple exposures, at least in part, highlight dark areas in displayed images. 
     
     
         41 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said array of photosensing elements is operable to capture frames of image data at a rate of up to 30 frames per second. 
     
     
         42 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said array of photosensing elements comprises at least 160 columns of photosensor elements and at least 40 rows of photosensor elements. 
     
     
         43 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , comprising circuitry responsive to detection of light by said photosensing elements of said image capture device. 
     
     
         44 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said array of photosensing elements and circuitry associated therewith are constructed on a common semiconductor substrate. 
     
     
         45 . The driver assistance system of  claim 44 , wherein said circuitry comprises a digital-to-analog converter. 
     
     
         46 . The driver assistance system of  claim 44 , wherein said circuitry comprises a logic circuit. 
     
     
         47 . The driver assistance system of  claim 44 , wherein said circuitry comprises a clock. 
     
     
         48 . The driver assistance system of  claim 44 , wherein said circuitry comprises random-access-memory. 
     
     
         49 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said image capture device has an extended dynamic range. 
     
     
         50 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said driver assistance system compensates for at least one of a bright spot and a dark spot in captured image data. 
     
     
         51 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said driver assistance system comprises image morphing. 
     
     
         52 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said driver assistance system comprises warping compensation. 
     
     
         53 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said driver assistance system comprises anti-blooming to mitigate the effect of charge leakage from at least one of said photosensing elements to at least an adjacent one of said photosensing elements. 
     
     
         54 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing a gear selector device of the vehicle in a reverse gear position. 
     
     
         55 . The driver assistance system of  claim 54 , wherein said graphic overlay is not superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing the gear selector device in a position other than in the reverse gear position. 
     
     
         56 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises an automobile. 
     
     
         57 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises a light truck. 
     
     
         58 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises a sport utility vehicle. 
     
     
         59 . The driver assistance system of  claim 1 , wherein said wide angle optic comprises optical distortion correction and wherein distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction. 
     
     
         60 . A driver assistance system suitable for use in a vehicle, said driver assistance system comprising:
 an image capture device positioned at a rear portion of a vehicle and having a field of view rearward of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device is fixedly mounted at the rear of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device comprises an array of photosensing elements operable to capture image data;   wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS image capture device;   wherein said image capture device comprises a wide angle optic;   a display system that displays video images output by said image capture device;   wherein said display system comprises a video display screen;   wherein image data captured by said array of photosensing elements is displayed in reverse at said video display screen;   wherein a graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images, and wherein, at least when the wheels of the vehicle are straight, said graphic overlay comprises a pair of converging lines extending outward relative to the rear of the vehicle; and   wherein at least one horizontal line at least partially extends between said pair of converging lines in order to enhance the ability of a driver of the vehicle to judge relative distance to an object located rearward of the vehicle.   
     
     
         61 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said video display screen comprises a back-lit liquid crystal video display screen. 
     
     
         62 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said wide angle optic comprises optical distortion correction. 
     
     
         63 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction. 
     
     
         64 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said graphic overlay is indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle. 
     
     
         65 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of (a) said pair of converging lines comprise a pair of substantially straight converging lines, (b) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's sense of perspective when executing a reversing maneuver, (c) said graphic overlay assists the driver when reversing into a parking space and (d) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's judgment of the location of an object at least one of (i) behind the vehicle and (ii) alongside the vehicle. 
     
     
         66 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said graphic overlay adjusts responsive to a steering system of the vehicle, and wherein, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a first direction indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle and, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a second steering direction opposite to said first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a second direction opposite to said first direction. 
     
     
         67 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said video display screen displays images that are viewable by the driver of the vehicle at least one of (i) when the driver is looking forward of the vehicle and (ii) when the driver is looking generally toward the windshield of the vehicle. 
     
     
         68 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said image capture device. 
     
     
         69 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said display system. 
     
     
         70 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said at least one horizontal line comprises a plurality of spaced apart horizontal lines, and wherein at least one of (i) said spaced apart horizontal lines are superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals, and (ii) said spaced apart horizontal lines comprise spaced apart short horizontal lines superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals. 
     
     
         71 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said driver assistance system includes a distance-sensing system, and wherein said distance-sensing system is selected from the group consisting of a radar system, an ultrasonic system and an infrared system. 
     
     
         72 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of (i) said image capture device is disposed generally at the centerline of the vehicle, (ii) said field of view of said image capture device is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, (iii) said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a ground area at the rear of the vehicle and (iv) said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a ground area at the immediate rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         73 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a portion of the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         74 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of (i) said wide angle optic has a wide angle view at least at a lower portion of said field of view of said image capture device, (ii) video images derived from captured image data are displayed by said display system substantially distortion-free and (iii) said wide angle optic comprises non-symmetrical optics. 
     
     
         75 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of (i) said video display screen comprises a flat panel video display screen, (ii) said video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle, (iii) said video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle and said video display screen is positioned at a lower portion of the driver's forward field of view, and (iv) said video display screen is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle. 
     
     
         76 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of (a) video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via electrically conductive leads, (b) video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via a fiber optic cable, and (c) video images output by said image capture device are output as one of (i) analog data and (ii) digital data. 
     
     
         77 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of (i) said array of photosensing elements is operable to capture frames of image data at multiple exposures, (ii) said array of photosensing elements is operable to capture frames of image data at multiple exposures and wherein said multiple exposures, at least in part, highlight dark areas in displayed images, and (iii) said array of photosensing elements is operable to capture frames of image data at a rate of up to 30 frames per second. 
     
     
         78 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said array of photosensing elements comprises at least 160 columns of photosensor elements and at least 40 rows of photosensor elements. 
     
     
         79 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said array of photosensing elements and circuitry associated therewith are constructed on a common semiconductor substrate, and wherein said circuitry comprises random-access-memory. 
     
     
         80 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said image capture device has an extended dynamic range. 
     
     
         81 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing a gear selector device of the vehicle in a reverse gear position. 
     
     
         82 . The driver assistance system of  claim 81 , wherein said graphic overlay is not superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing the gear selector device in a position other than in the reverse gear position. 
     
     
         83 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein at least one of (i) the vehicle comprises an automobile, (ii) the vehicle comprises a light truck and (iii) the vehicle comprises a sport utility vehicle. 
     
     
         84 . The driver assistance system of  claim 60 , wherein said video display screen is mounted at one of a dashboard of the vehicle and a fascia of the vehicle. 
     
     
         85 . A driver assistance system suitable for use in a vehicle, said driver assistance system comprising:
 an image capture device positioned at a rear portion of a vehicle and having a field of view rearward of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device comprises an array of photosensing elements operable to capture image data;   wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS image capture device;   wherein said image capture device comprises a wide angle optic;   a display system that displays video images output by said image capture device;   wherein said display system comprises a video display screen;   wherein image data captured by said array of photosensing elements is displayed in reverse at said video display screen;   wherein a graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images, and wherein, at least when the wheels of the vehicle are straight, said graphic overlay comprises a pair of converging lines extending outward relative to the rear of the vehicle;   wherein a plurality of spaced apart horizontal lines at least partially extend between said pair of converging lines in order to enhance the ability of a driver of the vehicle to judge relative distance to an object located rearward of the vehicle, and wherein said spaced apart horizontal lines are superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals;   wherein at least one of (a) said pair of converging lines comprise a pair of substantially straight converging lines, (b) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's sense of perspective when executing a reversing maneuver, (c) said graphic overlay assists the driver when reversing into a parking space and (d) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's judgment of the location of an object at least one of (i) behind the vehicle and (ii) alongside the vehicle; and   wherein said graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing a gear selector device of the vehicle in a reverse gear position.   
     
     
         86 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a ground area at the immediate rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         87 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said wide angle optic comprises optical distortion correction. 
     
     
         88 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction. 
     
     
         89 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said wide angle optic comprises optical distortion correction and wherein distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction. 
     
     
         90 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said graphic overlay is indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle. 
     
     
         91 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said graphic overlay adjusts responsive to a steering system of the vehicle, and wherein, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a first direction indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle and, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a second steering direction opposite to said first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a second direction opposite to said first direction. 
     
     
         92 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said spaced apart horizontal lines comprise spaced apart short horizontal lines superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals. 
     
     
         93 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein video images derived from captured image data are displayed by said display system substantially distortion-free. 
     
     
         94 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said video display screen comprises a back-lit liquid crystal video display screen and wherein at least one of (i) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen comprises a back-lit flat panel liquid crystal video display screen, (ii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle, (iii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle and said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned at a lower portion of the driver's forward field of view, and (iv) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle. 
     
     
         95 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein at least one of (a) video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via electrically conductive leads, (b) video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via a fiber optic cable, and (c) video images output by said image capture device are output as one of (i) analog data and (ii) digital data. 
     
     
         96 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said array of photosensing elements comprises at least 160 columns of photosensor elements and at least 40 rows of photosensor elements. 
     
     
         97 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said graphic overlay is not superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing the gear selector device in a position other than in the reverse gear position. 
     
     
         98 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said image capture device is fixedly mounted at the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         99 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a portion of the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         100 . The driver assistance system of  claim 85 , wherein said video display screen is mounted at one of a dashboard of the vehicle and a fascia of the vehicle. 
     
     
         101 . A driver assistance system suitable for use in a vehicle, said driver assistance system comprising:
 an image capture device positioned at a rear portion of a vehicle and having a field of view rearward of the vehicle;   wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a ground area at the immediate rear of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device comprises an array of photosensing elements operable to capture image data;   wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS image capture device;   wherein said image capture device comprises a wide angle optic;   wherein distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction;   a display system that displays video images output by said image capture device;   wherein at least one of (a) video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via electrically conductive leads, (b) video images output by said image capture device are conveyed to said display system via a fiber optic cable, and (c) video images output by said image capture device are output as one of (i) analog data and (ii) digital data;   wherein said display system comprises a video display screen;   wherein image data captured by said array of photosensing elements is displayed in reverse at said video display screen;   wherein a graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images, and wherein, at least when the wheels of the vehicle are straight, said graphic overlay comprises a pair of converging lines extending outward relative to the rear of the vehicle;   wherein at least one horizontal line at least partially extend between said pair of converging lines in order to enhance the ability of a driver of the vehicle to judge relative distance to an object located rearward of the vehicle; and   wherein said graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing a gear selector device of the vehicle in a reverse gear position.   
     
     
         102 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said graphic overlay is indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle. 
     
     
         103 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein at least one of (a) said pair of converging lines comprise a pair of substantially straight converging lines, (b) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's sense of perspective when executing a reversing maneuver, (c) said graphic overlay assists the driver when reversing into a parking space and (d) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's judgment of the location of an object at least one of (i) behind the vehicle and (ii) alongside the vehicle. 
     
     
         104 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said at least one horizontal line comprises a plurality of spaced apart horizontal lines, and wherein at least one of (i) said spaced apart horizontal lines are superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals, and (ii) said spaced apart horizontal lines comprise spaced apart short horizontal lines superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals. 
     
     
         105 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said graphic overlay adjusts responsive to a steering system of the vehicle, and wherein, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a first direction indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle and, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a second steering direction opposite to said first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a second direction opposite to said first direction. 
     
     
         106 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said video display screen comprises a back-lit liquid crystal video display screen and wherein at least one of (i) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen comprises a back-lit flat panel liquid crystal video display screen, (ii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle, (iii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle and said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned at a lower portion of the driver's forward field of view, and (iv) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle. 
     
     
         107 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said array of photosensing elements comprises at least 160 columns of photosensor elements and at least 40 rows of photosensor elements. 
     
     
         108 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said graphic overlay is not superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing the gear selector device in a position other than in the reverse gear position. 
     
     
         109 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a portion of the rear of the vehicle. 
     
     
         110 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein said video display screen is mounted at one of a dashboard of the vehicle and a fascia of the vehicle. 
     
     
         111 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said image capture device. 
     
     
         112 . The driver assistance system of  claim 101 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said display system. 
     
     
         113 . A driver assistance system suitable for use in a vehicle, said driver assistance system comprising:
 an image capture device positioned at a rear portion of a vehicle and having a field of view rearward of the vehicle;   wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a portion of the rear of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device comprises an array of photosensing elements operable to capture image data;   wherein said array of photosensing elements comprises at least 160 columns of photosensor elements and at least 40 rows of photosensor elements;   wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS image capture device;   a display system that displays video images output by said image capture device;   wherein said display system comprises a video display screen;   wherein image data captured by said array of photosensing elements is displayed in reverse at said video display screen;   wherein a graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images, and wherein said graphic overlay comprises a pair of substantially straight converging lines extending outward from adjacent the rear of the vehicle;   wherein at least one horizontal line at least partially extends between said pair of converging lines in order to enhance the ability of a driver of the vehicle to judge relative distance to an object located rearward of the vehicle; and   wherein said graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing a gear selector device of the vehicle in a reverse gear position.   
     
     
         114 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein said graphic overlay is indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle. 
     
     
         115 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein at least one of (a) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's sense of perspective when executing a reversing maneuver, (b) said graphic overlay assists the driver when reversing into a parking space and (c) said graphic overlay enhances the driver's judgment of the location of an object at least one of (i) behind the vehicle and (ii) alongside the vehicle. 
     
     
         116 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein said at least one horizontal line comprises a plurality of spaced apart horizontal lines, and wherein at least one of (i) said spaced apart horizontal lines are superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals, and (ii) said spaced apart horizontal lines comprise spaced apart short horizontal lines superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals. 
     
     
         117 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein said video display screen comprises a back-lit liquid crystal video display screen and wherein at least one of (i) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen comprises a back-lit flat panel liquid crystal video display screen, (ii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle, (iii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle and said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned at a lower portion of the driver's forward field of view, and (iv) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle. 
     
     
         118 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein said graphic overlay is not superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing the gear selector device in a position other than in the reverse gear position. 
     
     
         119 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said image capture device. 
     
     
         120 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein reversal of image data occurs at said display system. 
     
     
         121 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein said video display screen is mounted at one of a dashboard of the vehicle and a fascia of the vehicle. 
     
     
         122 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein said image capture device comprises a wide angle optic, and wherein said wide angle optic comprises optical distortion correction. 
     
     
         123 . The driver assistance system of  claim 113 , wherein distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction. 
     
     
         124 . A driver assistance system suitable for use in a vehicle, said driver assistance system comprising:
 an image capture device positioned at a rear portion of a vehicle and having a field of view rearward of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device is fixedly mounted at the rear of the vehicle;   wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a ground area at the immediate rear of the vehicle, and wherein said field of view of said image capture device encompasses a portion of the rear of the vehicle;   wherein said image capture device comprises an array of photosensing elements operable to capture image data;   wherein said array of photosensing elements comprises at least 160 columns of photosensor elements and at least 40 rows of photosensor elements;   wherein said image capture device comprises a CMOS image capture device;   a display system that displays video images output by said image capture device;   wherein said display system comprises a video display screen;   wherein image data captured by said array of photosensing elements is displayed in reverse at said video display screen;   wherein a graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images, and wherein, at least when the wheels of the vehicle are straight, said graphic overlay comprises a pair of converging lines extending outward relative to the rear of the vehicle;   wherein a plurality of spaced apart horizontal lines at least partially extend between said pair of converging lines in order to enhance the ability of a driver of the vehicle to judge relative distance to an object located rearward of the vehicle, and wherein said spaced apart horizontal lines are superimposed on displayed video images at predetermined intervals; and   wherein said graphic overlay is superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing a gear selector device of the vehicle in a reverse gear position.   
     
     
         125 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said pair of converging lines comprise a pair of substantially straight converging lines. 
     
     
         126 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a first direction indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle and, when the wheels of the vehicle are turned in a second steering direction opposite to said first steering direction, said graphic overlay curves in a second direction opposite to said first direction. 
     
     
         127 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said graphic overlay is indicative of the anticipated rearward travel of the vehicle. 
     
     
         128 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said graphic overlay enhances the driver's sense of perspective when executing a reversing maneuver. 
     
     
         129 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein video images derived from captured image data are displayed by said display system substantially distortion-free. 
     
     
         130 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle. 
     
     
         131 . The driver assistance system of  claim 130 , wherein said video display screen is positioned at a lower portion of the driver's forward field of view. 
     
     
         132 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said video display screen is mounted at a dashboard of the vehicle. 
     
     
         133 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said array of photosensing elements is operable to capture frames of image data at a rate of up to 30 frames per second. 
     
     
         134 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said array of photosensing elements and circuitry associated therewith are constructed on a common semiconductor substrate. 
     
     
         135 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said driver assistance system comprises anti-blooming to mitigate the effect of charge leakage from at least one of said photosensing elements to at least an adjacent one of said photosensing elements. 
     
     
         136 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said graphic overlay is not superimposed on the displayed images responsive to the driver of the vehicle placing the gear selector device in a position other than in the reverse gear position. 
     
     
         137 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein at least one of (i) said image capture device comprises a wide angle optic and said wide angle optic comprises optical distortion correction and (ii) distortion in captured image data is reduced using electronic distortion correction. 
     
     
         138 . The driver assistance system of  claim 124 , wherein said video display screen comprises a back-lit liquid crystal video display screen and wherein at least one of (i) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen comprises a back-lit flat panel liquid crystal video display screen, (ii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle, (iii) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned in the vehicle cabin without obstructing the driver's view through the windshield of the vehicle and said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is positioned at a lower portion of the driver's forward field of view, and (iv) said back-lit liquid crystal video display screen is mounted at a position conventionally occupied by an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle.