Extended lateral field of view system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an extended lateral field of view system. Methods and systems include a turn signal lever movable between a neutral position, a standard turn signal position, and a mirror extended field of view position. A desired extended field position for the mirror is set by the driver, and the mirror is automatically moved to the desired extended field position as a function of movement of the turn signal lever to the mirror extended field position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a mirror system that provides an extended field of view option, which allows the driver to expand the lateral mirror field of view for merging purposes. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles typically include side mirrors, which are used to facilitate driving maneuvers such as merging, changing lanes, and parking. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A system according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, in particular: an input for selecting between vehicle settings including at least a standard field of view and an extended field of view; a mirror adjustment control, wherein, based on the selection of the extended field of view, the mirror adjustment control is selectively actuated by a user to position the mirror at a desired extended field of view position; a turn signal stalk movable between a standard position and an extended field of view position; and a controller, wherein, based on the selection of the extended field of view and the turn signal stalk being moved to the extended field of view position, the controller automatically moves the mirror to the desired extended field of view position.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, in response to the user determining that extended lateral visibility can facilitate driving maneuvers, the turn signal stick is selectively moved to the extended visibility position.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, once driving maneuvers have been completed and / or predetermined conditions have been met, the mirror returns from the desired extended field of view position to the mirror's standard position.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, the user determines whether to extend the lateral field of vision in response to the turn signal stick moving to the standard position.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, the steering lever returns to the neutral position once the driving maneuver has been completed.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, the neutral position includes a no-turn signal condition, the standard position includes a right or left turn signal condition, and the extended field of view position includes a mirror-activated condition to move the mirror to the desired extended field of view position.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, the memory stores the desired extended field of view position of the mirror selected by the user.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, the input element includes an input screen having a menu that includes the vehicle settings.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, the input screen includes a save option that the user can select once the user has moved the mirror to the desired extended field of view position.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any system, a button or switch can be selectively actuated by the user to hold the mirror in the desired extended field-of-view location.

[0013] An exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, in particular, providing a turn signal lever movable between a neutral position, a standard turn signal position, and a mirror extended field of view position; setting a desired extended field of view position for the mirror; and automatically moving the mirror to the desired extended field of view position as the turn signal lever moves to the mirror extended field of view position.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the method includes: selecting an extended field of view option from a plurality of vehicle setting options; selectively actuating a mirror adjustment control to place the mirror in the desired extended field of view position based on the selection of the extended field of view option; storing the desired extended field of view position in a memory; and automatically moving the mirror from an initial mirror position to the desired extended field of view position based on the selection of the extended field of view option and the turn signal lever moving to the mirror extended field of view position.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the method includes selectively moving the turn signal stick to the mirror's extended field of vision position in response to the driver determining that expanding the lateral field of vision can facilitate driving maneuvers.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the method includes automatically returning the mirror from the desired extended field of view position to the initial mirror position once driving maneuvers have been completed and / or predetermined conditions have been met.

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the driver determines whether lateral visibility needs to be expanded in response to the turn signal lever moving to the standard turn signal position.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the neutral position includes a no-turn signal condition, the standard turn signal position includes a right or left turn signal condition, and the mirror extended field of view position includes a mirror activation condition to initiate moving the mirror to the desired extended field of view position, and the method includes returning the turn signal lever to the neutral position once the driving maneuver has been completed.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, selecting the extended view option from the plurality of vehicle setting options includes selectively interacting with an input screen having a menu that includes the plurality of vehicle setting options.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the input screen includes a save option that can be selected by the driver once the mirror has been moved to the desired extended field of view position.

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the method includes providing a button or switch that can be selectively actuated by a driver to hold the mirror in the desired extended field of vision position.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of any method, the method includes positioning a button or switch adjacent to a mirror adjustment control.

[0023] Embodiments, examples, and alternatives, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be adopted independently or in any combination of the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible. Attached Figure Description

[0024] According to the specific embodiments, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings of the specific embodiments can be briefly described as follows:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a mirror control system used to selectively provide an extended lateral field of view to the mirror.

[0026] Figure 2A It is a perspective view of the vehicle interior, including the steering wheel, turn signal stalk, and input screen.

[0027] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram showing multiple positions of the turn signal pole.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the program used to select and set options for expanding the horizontal field of view.

[0029] Figure 4A It is a perspective view of the mirror in its initial (e.g., standard) field of view position.

[0030] Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A However, it shows a mirror in an extended lateral field of view position.

[0031] Figure 5It is a perspective view of the input screen used to select expanded view options.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top view of the mirror adjustment input component.

[0033] Figure 7 Similar to Figure 5 However, it shows the preservation feature of the mirror adjustment settings used to provide an expanded lateral field of view.

[0034] Figure 8 Similar to Figure 6 However, a button / switch option is shown, which is activated to save the mirror adjustment settings for providing an expanded lateral field of view.

[0035] Figure 9 This is an illustration of a save message displayed to the driver once the mirror adjustment settings that provide expanded lateral visibility have been saved.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of a mirror control system designed to selectively provide an extended lateral field of view. Detailed Implementation

[0037] This disclosure relates to a mirror system that provides an extended field of view option, which allows the driver to expand the lateral mirror field of view for purposes such as, for example, merging.

[0038] Figure 1 A mirror control system 10 is shown for selectively providing extended lateral field of view to vehicle side mirrors / wing mirrors 12 using mirror adjustment controls 14 controlled by one or more system controllers 16. The mirror adjustment input device 18 includes one or more buttons / switches 20 for selecting RH or LH side mirrors 12, and one or more buttons / switches 22 for adjusting the position of the selected mirror 12. The buttons / switches 22 are actuated by the driver to place the selected mirror 12 in the desired extended lateral field of view position (compare). Figure 4A (Initial position) and Figure 4B (Extended lateral view position)). Once the mirror 12 is selected in the desired extended lateral view position, the position is saved in the memory 24 via the digital input screen 26 or via the physical button / switch 28. When the driver selects and saves the extended lateral view option, the driver selectively controls the turn signal lever 30 to move the mirror 12 to the desired extended lateral view position as needed.

[0039] like Figure 2AAs shown, vehicle 32 includes a driver area with a steering wheel 34, a turn signal stalk 30, and an input screen 26. In one implementation, the input screen 26 may include a touchscreen or other similar type of electronic display device. The input screen 26 allows the driver to select between multiple vehicle settings or options. In one example, the multiple options include an option for having an extended lateral field of vision for the side mirrors 12. Each mirror 12 includes a mirror adjustment control 14 that can change the position of the mirror surface 36 relative to the mirror housing 38. Figure 1 The mirror adjustment control 14 may include any type of mirror actuator device, such as a motor, gear drive, linear actuator, or any other similar device capable of controlling the movement of the mirror.

[0040] In one implementation, the mirror surface 36 can move between multiple different positions, including at least a first or initial position and an extended lateral field of view position, which increases the viewing angle for purposes such as merging.

[0041] In this implementation, and based on the selection of the extended field of view option from the input screen 26, the mirror adjustment control 14 is selectively actuated by the user to position the mirror surface 36 at the desired extended field of view location. This position can then be saved in the memory 24.

[0042] In one implementation, the turn signal lever 30 can move between multiple positions, including at least a neutral position, a standard turn signal position, and a mirror-extended field-of-view position. Figure 2B An example is shown in which the turn signal lever 30 can move between a neutral position 40, a right turn signal position 42, a right extended lateral view and right signal position 44, a left turn signal position 46, and a left extended lateral view and right signal position 48.

[0043] Figure 3 An example flowchart of a procedure for selecting and setting the extended lateral view option is shown. The procedure begins at 50, while vehicle 32 is parked as instructed at 52. Next, the driver enters vehicle 32 and selects the "Extended View" option from the menu on input screen 26, as instructed at 54. Next, the system determines at 56 whether the "Extended View" option has been activated, and if not, the procedure ends at 58.

[0044] If the "Extended Field of View" option is activated, the driver then uses the mirror adjustment control 18 to adjust the mirror position to the desired extended lateral field of view position, as indicated at 60. This desired extended lateral field of view position can then be saved via a switch or button, as indicated at 62, and / or by selecting the save option on input screen 26, as indicated at 64. The driver will then receive a confirmation message, as indicated at 66, and the procedure ends at 68.

[0045] Figure 4A An example of the initial or initial field of view of mirror 12 during driving maneuvers including merging events is shown. In this field of view, two lane lines 70 can be seen on the far left of mirror 12. Figure 4B The same mirror 12 is shown in an extended lateral view position. In this position, it can be seen that the two lane lines 70 have shifted further to the right, and the previously invisible additional lane line 72 is now visible on the left.

[0046] To move mirror 12 to the extended lateral view position, the extended view option must be activated, and the turn signal stalk 30 must first be moved to a first turn signal position, such as right turn 42 or left turn 46. While the turn signal stalk 30 is in this first position, the driver determines whether the mirror's lateral view should be extended. Once it is determined that extending the lateral view facilitates driving maneuvers, the driver selectively moves the turn signal stalk to a second position, such as extended lateral view and right or left signal positions 44, 48.

[0047] In this implementation, based on the selection of the extended field of view option and the movement of the steering signal lever 30 to the extended field of view position (e.g., the second position), the controller 16 automatically moves the mirror 12 to the desired extended lateral field of view position.

[0048] In this implementation, once driving maneuvers are completed and / or predetermined conditions are met, mirror 12 returns from the desired extended field of vision position to the mirror's standard or initial position. Examples of predetermined conditions may include the steering wheel returning to its original position, the signal stalk returning to its neutral position, or other similar events.

[0049] In this implementation, once the driving operation is completed, the turn signal lever 30 returns to the neutral position 40.

[0050] Figure 5 An example of an input device with menu 74 is shown, which has multiple vehicle settings and options, including an option for mirror field of view 78. Figure 7 ).

[0051] Figure 6An example of a mirror adjustment input 18 is shown, which has one or more buttons / switches 20 for selecting RH or LH side mirrors 12 and one or more buttons / switches 22 for adjusting the position of the selected mirror 12. The buttons / switches 22 are actuated by the driver to place the selected mirror 12 in the desired position for extended lateral field of view.

[0052] In this implementation, once the selected mirror 12 is in the desired extended lateral field of view position, the position is saved in the memory 24 via the digital input screen 26 or via the physical button / switch 28.

[0053] Figure 7 An example is shown in which the input screen 26 includes a save option 76, which the driver can select once the mirror 12 has been moved to the desired position for extended field of view.

[0054] Figure 8 A button or switch 28 is shown that can be selectively actuated by the driver to hold the mirror 12 in a desired extended field of vision position. In one example, to hold the desired position, switch 28 is pressed for a predetermined amount of time, such as 3 seconds. In some implementations, button or switch 28 may be located adjacent to, or may be part of, the mirror adjustment control 18.

[0055] Figure 9 An example is shown in which a confirmation message 80 is generated on screen 82, for example, on instrument cluster 83, once the position of the extended field of view mirror has been saved.

[0056] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of a mirror control system 20 for selectively providing extended lateral field of vision. The procedure begins at 84, where the driver wishes to perform a driving maneuver, such as a merging maneuver, as indicated at 86. To initiate this maneuver, the driver moves the turn signal lever 30 to the appropriate first position 42 or 46, as indicated at 88. Next, the driver determines the lateral field of vision (… Figure 4A Is it sufficient, as indicated in location 90?

[0057] If lateral visibility is sufficient, the driver performs a maneuver, as indicated at 92, the turn signal lever 30 returns to the neutral position 40, as indicated at 94, and the operation ends 96. In one example, the turn signal lever 30 returns to the neutral position 40 when the steering wheel 34 returns to a straight path; however, the driver may return the lever to the neutral position or use other methods.

[0058] If the lateral field of vision is insufficient, the driver moves the turn signal lever 30 to the appropriate second position 44 or 48, as indicated at 98. The controller 16 then automatically moves the mirror surface 36 to the saved position for extended lateral field of vision. Figure 4B As indicated at 100. Then, the driver performs the operation, as indicated at 102. Once the operation is complete, the mirror position and turn signal lever 30 return to their original positions and neutral positions 40, as indicated at 104, and the operation ends at 96.

[0059] In some conventional mirror configurations, due to geometric limitations, exterior mirrors may not provide a complete side / rear view for drivers merging into streets, highways, etc. This disclosure provides a mirror control system that expands side / rear view, making merging maneuvers easier to perform. Furthermore, the system can be easily and efficiently integrated into any type of vehicle.

[0060] The foregoing description is exemplary in nature and not restrictive. Variations and modifications made to the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications do not necessarily depart from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection accorded to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

[0061] According to the present invention, a system is provided comprising: an input for selecting between a vehicle setting including at least a standard field of view and an extended field of view; a mirror adjustment control, wherein, based on the selection of the extended field of view, the mirror adjustment control is selectively actuated by a user to position the mirror at a desired extended field of view position; a turn signal lever movable between a standard position and an extended field of view position; and a controller, wherein, based on the selection of the extended field of view and the turn signal lever being moved to the extended field of view position, the controller automatically moves the mirror to the desired extended field of view position.

[0062] According to an embodiment, in response to the user determining that expanding the lateral field of vision can facilitate driving maneuvers, the turn signal stick is selectively moved to the expanded field of vision position.

[0063] According to an embodiment, once the driving maneuver has been completed and / or the predetermined conditions have been met, the mirror returns from the desired extended field of view position to the mirror's standard position.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the user determines whether to expand the lateral field of vision in response to the turn signal pole moving to the standard position.

[0065] According to an embodiment, once the driving maneuver has been completed, the turn signal lever returns to the neutral position.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the neutral position includes a no-turn signal condition, the standard position includes a right or left turn signal condition, and the extended field of view position includes a mirror activation condition to move the mirror to the desired extended field of view position.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a memory for storing the desired extended field of view position of the mirror selected by the user.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the input device includes an input screen having a menu that includes the vehicle settings.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the input screen includes a save option that can be selected by the user once the user has moved the mirror to the desired extended field of view position.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a button or switch that can be selectively actuated by the user to store the mirror in the desired extended field of view position.

[0071] According to the present invention, a method includes: providing a turn signal lever movable between a neutral position, a standard turn signal position, and a mirror extended field of view position; setting a desired extended field of view position for a mirror; and automatically moving the mirror to the desired extended field of view position based on the turn signal lever moving to the mirror extended field of view position.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by: selecting an extended field of view option from a plurality of vehicle setting options; selectively actuating a mirror adjustment control to place the mirror in the desired extended field of view position according to the selection of the extended field of view option; storing the desired extended field of view position in a memory; and automatically moving the mirror from an initial mirror position to the desired extended field of view position according to the selection of the extended field of view option and the movement of the turn signal lever to the mirror extended field of view position.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that: in response to the driver determining that expanding the lateral field of vision can facilitate driving maneuvers, the turn signal stick is selectively moved to the mirror's expanded field of vision position.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that once the driving operation has been completed and / or the predetermined conditions have been met, the mirror is automatically returned from the desired extended field of view position to the initial mirror position.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the driver determines whether to expand the lateral field of vision in response to the turn signal lever moving to the standard turn signal position.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the neutral position includes a no-turn signal condition, the standard turn signal position includes a right or left turn signal condition, and the mirror extended field of view position includes a mirror activation condition to initiate moving the mirror to the desired extended field of view position, and includes returning the turn signal lever to the neutral position once the driving maneuver has been completed.

[0077] According to an embodiment, selecting the extended view option from the plurality of vehicle setting options includes selectively interacting with an input screen having a menu that includes the plurality of vehicle setting options.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the input screen includes a save option that can be selected by the driver once the mirror has been moved to the desired extended field of view position.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by providing a button or switch that can be selectively actuated by the driver to store the mirror in the desired extended field of vision position.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that the button or switch is positioned adjacent to the mirror adjustment control.

Claims

1. A system comprising: An input element for selecting between vehicle settings that include at least standard and extended views; A mirror adjustment control, wherein the mirror adjustment control is selectively actuated by the user to position the mirror at the desired expanded field of view position based on the selection of the expanded field of view; A turn signal pole that can move between a standard position and an extended field of view position; as well as A controller that automatically moves the mirror to the desired extended field of view position based on the selection of the extended field of view and the movement of the turn signal rod to the extended field of view position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein in response to the user determining that an expanded lateral field of view can facilitate driving maneuvers, the turn signal stick is selectively moved to the expanded field of view position.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein once the driving maneuver has been completed and / or the predetermined conditions have been met, the mirror returns from the desired extended field of view position to the mirror standard position.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the user determines whether to extend the lateral field of vision in response to the turn signal stick moving to the standard position.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein once the driving maneuver has been completed, the turn signal lever returns to the neutral position.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the neutral position includes a no-turn signal condition, the standard position includes a right or left turn signal condition, and the extended field of view position includes a mirror activation condition to move the mirror to the desired extended field of view position.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the desired extended field of view position of the mirror selected by the user.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the input includes an input screen having a menu including the vehicle settings, and optionally, the input screen includes a save option that can be selected by the user once the user has moved the mirror to the desired extended field of view position, or a button or switch that can be selectively actuated by the user to save the mirror at the desired extended field of view position.

9. A method comprising: A turn signal stick is provided, which is movable between a neutral position, a standard turn signal position, and a mirror-extended field-of-view position; Set the desired expanded field of view position for the mirror; and Based on the movement of the turn signal rod to the mirror's extended field of view position, the mirror is automatically moved to the desired extended field of view position.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Choose the Extended View option from among the various vehicle settings options; Based on the selection of the extended field of view option, the mirror adjustment control is selectively actuated to place the mirror in the desired extended field of view position; The desired expanded field of view location is stored in memory; as well as Based on the selection of the extended field of view option and the movement of the steering signal rod to the mirror's extended field of view position, the mirror is automatically moved from its initial mirror position to the desired extended field of view position.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising selectively moving the turn signal stick to the mirror's extended field of vision position in response to the driver determining that expanding the lateral field of vision can facilitate driving maneuvers.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising automatically returning the mirror from the desired extended field of view position to the initial mirror position once the driving maneuver has been completed and / or the predetermined conditions have been met.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the driver determines whether lateral visibility needs to be expanded in response to the turn signal lever moving to the standard turn signal position.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the neutral position includes a no-turn signal condition, the standard turn signal position includes a right or left turn signal condition, and the mirror extended field of view position includes a mirror activation condition to initiate moving the mirror to the desired extended field of view position, and includes returning the turn signal lever to the neutral position once the driving maneuver has been completed.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the extended field of view option from the plurality of vehicle setting options comprises selectively interacting with an input screen having a menu including the plurality of vehicle setting options, and optionally, The input screen includes a save option that the driver can select once the mirror has been moved to the desired extended field of view position, or A button or switch is provided that can be selectively actuated by the driver to hold the mirror in the desired extended field of vision position.

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