Vehicle Camera Mirror View Control Without Mechanical Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear-view mirror systems in vehicles require mechanical actuators to adjust the field of view, which increases cost, complexity, and risk of damage over time.

Innovation Solution

A camera monitoring system that adjusts the field of view of rear-view mirrors without mechanical actuators, using touch or gesture detection technologies to control the image capture and display on interior screens, and incorporates an electronic control unit to manage image regions based on vehicle conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical actuators are used to adjust the field of view of rear-view mirrors, then the field of view can be changed, but the cost, complexity, and likelihood of damage over time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with an electronic camera monitoring system. The camera captures images from multiple angles, and an electronic control unit processes these images to display the desired field of view on a touchscreen or display device, eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving the same field of view adjustment function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the physical mirror field of view through camera imaging. Instead of physically moving the mirror to change the field of view, the system captures multiple static views with cameras and electronically selects/displays the appropriate view, replacing mechanical adjustment with digital image selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical actuators are used to adjust the field of view, then the field of view can be changed, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical actuator systems with more cost-effective electronic components (cameras, processors, and displays). This substitution reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving the field of view adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses relatively inexpensive electronic components (standard cameras, microprocessors, and display screens) to replace costly mechanical actuators. These electronic components are generally cheaper to manufacture and replace compared to precision mechanical actuation systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical actuators are used to adjust the field of view, then the field of view can be changed, but the likelihood of damage over time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view adjustmentVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical actuators entirely, replacing them with solid-state electronic components. Cameras, microprocessors, and display screens have no moving parts and are far more reliable and durable than mechanical actuation systems that are subject to wear, friction, and mechanical failure over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control unit automatically processes camera images and displays the appropriate field of view without requiring mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates the field of view selection based on processed visual information, eliminating the need for mechanical components that could fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12515588B2Camera monitoring system for motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 FICOSA ADAS S L U

AI summary

A camera monitoring system is adapted for use in vehicles, and includes an image capturing means, a control unit, and at least one display device. The image capturing means is configured to capture an image from an external environment, and is associated with an exterior rear-view mirror of the vehicle. The unit is connected to the capturing means, and is configured to select an image region from the captured image. The image region is smaller than the captured image and is movable within the captured image. The device may be a touch screen, and the system may include a control surface in the touch screen configured to move via touches performed by a driver. The image region is displayed in the touch screen, or in another, additional, screen of the device. The system may further include a gesture detector for the detection of driver gestures associated with the image region.