Camera Mount Position Overlay for Vehicle Side Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Components of camera monitoring systems, such as cameras and mount structures, are not visible to operators during normal vehicle operation and are susceptible to collision or damage.

Innovation Solution

A processor device determines the relative location of a camera mount structure and causes a display device to show an indication of this location within a captured image, providing visibility to the operator for collision avoidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If camera mount structure is positioned to capture images of regions adjacent to vertical side surface, then operator can view areas around vehicle without direct line of sight, but camera mount structure becomes invisible to operator during normal operation and susceptible to collision or damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of camera mount structureVSAvoidcollision resistance of camera mount structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary visual indicator (graphical overlay) to convey information about the camera mount structure's position and orientation to the operator. This intermediary element bridges the gap between the invisible camera mount structure and the operator's awareness, allowing the operator to see where the camera is pointing without requiring direct visibility of the camera itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy or representation of the camera mount structure's position and orientation by displaying graphical indicators (such as orientation lines, field-of-view overlays, or position markers) on the monitor. This graphical copy provides the operator with awareness of the camera's location and pointing direction, compensating for the physical invisibility of the camera mount structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If camera is placed in different locations on and around vehicle to view areas without direct line of sight, then monitoring coverage is improved, but components become susceptible to collision or other damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidcollision damage to camera components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by providing visual warnings about the camera's position and orientation before potential collision occurs. The graphical indicators show the camera mount structure's location relative to the vehicle body, allowing the operator to take preventive action (such as avoiding maneuvers that would cause collision) before damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously displaying the camera mount structure's position and orientation on the monitor, providing real-time information to the operator about the camera's location relative to the vehicle and surrounding environment. This feedback loop enables the operator to adjust operations to avoid collision with the camera components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4335699B1Indicating component of camera monitoring system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4335699B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4335699B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4335699B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A method may include receiving, by a processor device of a computer system of a vehicle, image data from a camera proximate a distal end of a camera mount structure coupled to the vehicle, the image data including a captured image of a region adjacent a vertical side surface of the vehicle, the distal end of the camera mount structure protruding outwardly from the vertical side surface. The method further includes determining, by the processor device, a relative location of the distal end of the camera mount structure with respect to the vertical side surface of the vehicle within the captured image. The method further includes causing, by the processor device, a display device of the vehicle to display an image comprising the captured image and a first indication of the relative location of the distal end of the camera mount structure within the captured image.