Door-Mounted Vision System with Camera and Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exterior rearview mirror systems face challenges in providing an enhanced field of view while meeting regulatory requirements, as larger mirrors increase weight, aerodynamic drag, and cost, and existing solutions that replace mirrors with cameras are not compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 111.
Innovation Solution
A rearview vision system that incorporates a reduced-size reflective element with a camera at the exterior rearview mirror assembly, displaying video images captured by an imaging sensor on a door-mounted display screen, allowing for enhanced field of view and user control, while maintaining compliance with FMVSS 111.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a larger mirror is used to provide an enhanced field of view, then the rearview visibility is improved, but the weight and aerodynamic drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a camera system with a traditional mirror assembly, merging optical imaging (camera) with reflective imaging (mirror) to provide enhanced rearview visibility without requiring a larger mirror. The camera captures images that are displayed on a screen integrated into the mirror housing, supplementing the traditional mirror view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures visual information and displays it on a screen within the mirror assembly. This intermediary system provides enhanced visibility information without requiring the physical mirror surface to be larger, thus avoiding increased weight and drag.
2Loss of information
If a larger mirror is used to provide an enhanced field of view, then the rearview visibility is improved, but the aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges camera-based imaging with traditional mirror reflection in a compact assembly, enabling enhanced visibility without increasing mirror size. This combination allows the mirror to remain small and aerodynamic while providing superior rearview information through the integrated camera display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical enlargement of the mirror with an electronic imaging system (camera and display). Instead of mechanically increasing mirror size to improve visibility, the system uses electronic image capture and display to provide enhanced visual information without the associated aerodynamic penalties.
3Weight of moving object
If a camera system is used to replace the mirror, then weight and drag are reduced, but compliance with FMVSS 111 is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a camera system with a traditional mirror assembly, combining electronic imaging with optical reflection. This hybrid approach maintains the mirror component required for FMVSS 111 compliance while incorporating camera-based enhancement for improved visibility, thus satisfying both regulatory and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a traditional reflective mirror for regulatory compliance, houses a camera for enhanced imaging, and includes a display screen for presenting supplemental visual information. This multi-functionality ensures both compliance and performance enhancement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a camera and display system is integrated into the mirror assembly, then styling freedom is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that incorporates reflection, camera imaging, and electronic display capabilities. This universal design allows the same assembly to provide traditional mirror function, enhanced imaging, and styling customization, managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and display components are nested within the mirror housing structure. The camera is positioned inside the mirror assembly, and the display screen is integrated into the housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides enhanced functionality without proportionally increasing external dimensions or complexity.
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
This solution reduces weight and aerodynamic drag, enhances driver visibility, and provides styling freedom for vehicle manufacturers while meeting regulatory requirements, by using a smaller mirror with a camera system that supplements the rearview field of view with video display technology.
Implementation Method 1
An imaging sensor or camera is disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly and has a generally rearward field of view exterior the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The exterior rearview mirror assembly comprises a reflective element attached at a back plate
Data Source
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AI summary
A vision system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at an exterior portion of a door of a vehicle, an imaging sensor having a field of view exterior the vehicle and a video display screen operable to display video images captured by the imaging sensor. The video display screen is disposed at an interior portion of the vehicle door at which the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted. The exterior rearview mirror assembly and the video display screen may be part of a mirror and display module that is mountable at the vehicle door as a unit. The camera may be disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly.