Blind-Spot Video Mirror Overlay for Distance-Aware Lane Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera-based rearview systems in vehicles lack depth perception and can distort images, making it difficult for drivers to judge distances and navigate blind spots effectively, as they provide a fixed field of view that cannot be expanded like traditional mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A vision system that includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly with a camera and an in-cabin display, using a graphic overlay to enhance cognitive awareness by displaying video images from a side-mounted camera, with adjustable overlays indicating distance and lane change risks, and dynamically changing based on vehicle speed and proximity of other vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera-based rearview system is used, then the field of view can be fixed and image capture is enabled, but depth perception is lost and image distortion occurs making distance judgment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphic overlay system that adds depth information in a visual dimension. The overlay includes perspective-rendered elements such as virtual road markings, lane boundaries, and distance indicators that are superimposed on the 2D camera image to create a perception of 3D depth and spatial relationships, allowing drivers to judge distances more accurately despite the inherently flat nature of camera images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses graphic overlays as an intermediary element between the camera image and the driver's perception. These overlays include virtual representations of road features, lane markers, and distance indicators that mediate the translation of raw camera data into comprehensible depth and distance information, bridging the gap between 2D imaging and 3D spatial understanding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed field of view is provided by the camera, then image capture is simplified, but the field of view cannot be expanded dynamically like traditional mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic field of view system where the graphic overlay can be adjusted and reconfigured based on driving conditions, vehicle speed, and detected objects. The overlay elements such as lane markings, distance indicators, and warning zones can expand, contract, or shift position dynamically, allowing the system to adapt its effective field of view without physically moving the camera or requiring multiple camera systems.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are provided to show detection of other vehicles, then awareness of blind spots is improved, but the information does not provide enhanced cognitive awareness of distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded graphic overlay elements to convey distance and risk information. Different colors represent different distance zones (e.g., green for safe distance, yellow for caution, red for danger), allowing drivers to quickly assess the proximity of other vehicles and objects without needing to interpret complex numerical data or rely on subtle visual cues that may be missed or misunderstood.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera disposed at an exterior portion of a side of a vehicle and viewing at least sideward and rearward of the equipped vehicle. A video display screen is disposed in an interior cabin of the equipped vehicle and displays video images derived from frames of image data captured by the camera. When no other vehicle is detected in another traffic lane, the video display screen displays video images representative of a first portion of the exterior scene viewed by the camera. Responsive to determination that another vehicle is in the other traffic lane and approaching from rearward of the equipped vehicle, the video display screen displays video images representative of a second portion of the exterior scene that includes the determined other vehicle. Responsive to detection of the other vehicle, the video display screen displays a graphic overlay overlaying the displayed video images.