Autonomous Vehicle Mirror Status Detection via Inter-Vehicle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles may operate with stuck side-view mirrors due to malfunctions, which can go unnoticed, affecting aerodynamic efficiency and safety, especially in unoccupied or autonomous modes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using image data from sensors in a second vehicle to determine the operational status of side-view mirrors in a first vehicle by comparing images of the mirrors in extended and retracted positions, analyzing light intensity and blinker visibility to assess deployability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If side-view mirrors are retracted during autonomous operation, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the ability to detect mirror malfunction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second vehicle as an intermediary observer to detect mirror status. The second vehicle's sensors (cameras, LiDAR) act as mediators to monitor whether the first vehicle's mirrors are properly retracted, solving the detection problem without requiring additional sensors on the first vehicle itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the second vehicle's existing sensor suite for dual purposes: its primary function and the additional function of monitoring the first vehicle's mirror status. This self-service approach allows the second vehicle to contribute to detecting the first vehicle's mirror malfunction without requiring dedicated monitoring equipment.
2Reliability
If side-view mirrors remain extended due to malfunction, then safety and visibility are maintained, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the second vehicle monitors the first vehicle's mirror position and communicates this information back to the first vehicle's computing device. This feedback enables the autonomous vehicle to be aware of its mirror status and take appropriate actions, such as alerting occupants or adjusting driving behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mirror position sensors with optical and electromagnetic sensing systems. Instead of using mechanical switches or position sensors on the mirror assembly, the system uses cameras and LiDAR from the second vehicle to optically detect mirror position, thereby solving the detection problem without mechanical contact.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sensors are added to the first vehicle to detect mirror status, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second vehicle's sensor system is designed to serve multiple functions: its primary sensing tasks and the additional function of monitoring the first vehicle's mirror status. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to gain mirror detection capability without adding dedicated single-purpose sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively identifies and reports the operational status of side-view mirrors, ensuring they are properly deployed for aerodynamic efficiency and safety, even in autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system using image data from sensors in a second vehicle to determine the operational status of side-view mirrors in a first vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes capturing a first image of a first vehicle mirror deployed to a first position by a second vehicle. The second vehicle captures a second image of the mirror deployed to a second position and analyzes the first and second images to determine an operational status of the mirror.