School Bus Video Camera Mirror Replacement Blind Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
School bus drivers face blind spots due to the large size of traditional mirrors, which obstruct their view of the surroundings, particularly when the bus is moving or when children are loading/unloading.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of video cameras with different lens types (flat, wide-angle, and fish-eye) positioned on the bus to replace traditional mirrors, with monitors inside the bus displaying the camera feeds, and airfoil/venturi members to keep lenses clean, allowing for improved visibility and reduced blind spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional large mirrors are used for viewing surroundings, then the driver can see the environment around the bus, but blind spots are created that obstruct the driver's view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mirrors with an electronic video camera system. Cameras are mounted on the bus exterior and transmit video signals to displays inside the bus cabin, eliminating the need for physical mirrors that create blind spots. This substitution of mechanical optical components with electronic imaging systems resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive surveillance without obstructing the driver's direct line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of the bus surroundings through video cameras that capture and transmit images to interior displays. Rather than using mirrors that physically block light paths, the cameras create electronic replicas of external scenes, allowing the driver to view multiple angles simultaneously without any physical obstruction in the driver's field of view.
2Area of stationary object
If mirrors are positioned to view sides and distance behind the bus, then the driver can monitor surrounding areas, but the mirrors create blind spots obstructing the view
Solution Approach 1:
The surveillance function is divided into multiple independent camera units positioned at different locations on the bus (front, sides, rear). Each camera captures a specific zone, and the combined feeds provide complete coverage. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring of all areas without requiring large mirrors that would create blind spots, as each camera operates independently from the driver's direct view path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional mirror reflections to multi-dimensional video imaging displayed on interior screens. The video feeds can be arranged to show multiple perspectives simultaneously, providing a composite view that exceeds the limitations of traditional mirror geometry while eliminating the blind spots created by mirror positioning requirements.
3Loss of information
If cross-view mirrors are used when the bus is stopped for loading and unloading, then the driver can see children crossing and walking along the sides, but the mirrors are large and create blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical cross-view mirrors are replaced with video cameras positioned to capture the same zones. The camera feeds are displayed on monitors within the driver's cabin, providing clear views of children and pedestrians without the large mirror surfaces that create blind spots. This electronic substitution maintains comprehensive surveillance capability while eliminating the harmful blind spot effect.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If video cameras replace traditional mirrors, then blind spots are eliminated and visibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses standard video camera technology and display components that are well-established in other applications. By copying proven technologies from consumer and commercial video systems, the patent achieves the function of mirror replacement without requiring complex custom-designed components, thereby managing system complexity while eliminating blind spots.
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
Enhances the driver's ability to view the environment around the bus, reducing blind spots and improving situational awareness, especially for children loading/unloading and the area behind the bus, while maintaining a non-obtrusive and clear view.
Implementation Method 1
airfoil/venturi members are preferably positioned adjacent some of the camera lenses, particularly on the 'cross-view' cameras on the front of the bus in order to aid in keeping the lenses free from dirt and other debris from the road and/or environmental conditions
Data Source
AI summary
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.