Digital Rear-View Control for Double-Leaf Doors Left Open

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital rear-view systems in vehicles with double-leaf rear doors deactivate the rear view function when either door panel is opened, posing inconvenience and safety risks, especially when the passenger-side tailgate is intentionally left open for transporting large objects.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allows reactivation of the digital rear-view system by a 'long' press on a control element, overriding the deactivation caused by an open door panel, ensuring the rear view function remains operational even when one or both door panels are open.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a camera is mounted in the rear door to capture images of the rear area, then the field of view is improved, but image quality deteriorates when the door is open due to inconsistent camera positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is mounted on the door in a position that moves with the door, allowing the camera to maintain a consistent relative position to the door structure while capturing the rear area. The system dynamically adjusts or selects images based on door position to maintain image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the rear viewing area into multiple zones and uses multiple cameras positioned at different locations. When the door is open, it selectively uses images from cameras whose fields of view are not obstructed by the door, segmenting the imaging function across multiple devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple cameras are installed to cover different rear areas, then the field of view is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each camera is designed to serve multiple functions: capturing images for different door positions (open/closed), covering different rear areas, and providing backup coverage. The system universally uses the same camera hardware for multiple imaging scenarios, reducing the need for dedicated cameras for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single integrated system that manages multiple cameras through one control unit. The control unit merges image data from multiple sources and selectively displays appropriate images based on door position, consolidating the complexity into a single management point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If images are captured with the door open to maintain field of view, then the field of view is improved, but image reliability deteriorates due to door obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidimage reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors door position and uses this feedback to determine which camera images are reliable and should be displayed. When the door is open, the control unit detects the obstruction and selectively excludes images from cameras whose fields of view are blocked, ensuring only reliable images are shown

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes multiple camera positions and predetermined field of view zones for both open and closed door conditions. Before image capture, the system determines the appropriate camera to use based on the anticipated door position, ensuring reliable image capture from the outset

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4514655B1Method and device for controlling a digital rear-view system of a vehicle comprising a double-leaf rear door
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4514655B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4514655B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a digital rear-view system of a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises a double-leaf rear door and the digital rear-view system comprises a camera (1010) arranged on a first door leaf and a display screen (22) arranged inside the vehicle (10). A first item of information representing opening of one leaf is received, which disables a rear-view display function. A second item of information representing a long press on a button (220) is received, causing the rear-view display function to be re-enabled. The display of the rear-view on the display screen (22) is controlled using data received from the camera (1010).