Dynamic Electronic Mirror Imaging Range Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic mirror apparatuses do not adapt the image display ranges to the driver's needs when shifting from forward to reverse gear, leading to suboptimal visibility of rear-and-side directions during reverse travel.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes cameras and display units that adjust the displayed image ranges based on the vehicle's gear position and additional conditions, such as steering angle and speed, to provide wider or specific views when reversing, enhancing driver convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic mirror apparatus displays a fixed imaging range for all driving conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different driving scenarios (forward vs. reverse) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different driving scenariosVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging range displayed by the electronic mirror apparatus is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the displayed imaging range based on the detected driving condition (forward or reverse gear position). When reverse gear is detected, the system switches to display a different imaging range that is more suitable for reverse parking maneuvers, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple physical mirror devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the display parameter (imaging range) based on the driving condition. By detecting the gear position and switching between different imaging ranges appropriate for forward driving versus reverse parking, the system achieves scenario-specific optimization without increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic mirror apparatus uses traditional fixed mirrors, then the device complexity is minimized, but the fuel consumption increases due to air resistance from multiple mirrors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidvisibility of rear-and-side directions
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic mirror apparatus serves multiple functions: it provides rear-and-side visibility during normal forward driving, and switches to provide enhanced rear visibility during reverse parking maneuvers. By using a single imaging system that adapts its display based on driving conditions, the system replaces multiple fixed mirrors while maintaining comprehensive visibility coverage across different operating scenarios.

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

3Ease of operation

If the electronic mirror apparatus displays the same imaging range during reverse travel as during forward travel, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the visibility of relevant areas during reverse parking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility during reverse travelVSAvoidvisibility of rear-and-side directions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The displayed imaging range is dynamically adjusted based on the driving condition. During reverse travel, particularly when reverse parking is detected, the system switches to display an imaging range that prioritizes rear-and-side visibility, which is critical for safe reverse maneuvering. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the most relevant visual information is always displayed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different display characteristics to different driving conditions. When reverse parking is detected, the imaging range is specifically optimized to show rear-and-side areas that are critical for reverse maneuvering, rather than using a generic fixed display mode. This localized optimization ensures that the right type of visual information is provided for each specific operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9963071B2Electronic mirror apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US9963071B2 patent drawing
  • US9963071B2 patent drawing
  • US9963071B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic mirror apparatus includes an imaging part mounted at one-side or each of both-side surfaces of a vehicle and taking an image in a rear-and-side directions of the vehicle; and a display part mounted in the vehicle interior and displaying an image taken by the imaging part or an image acquired through a predetermined transform process on the image taken by the imaging part. The display part displays the image corresponding to an imaging range that is different between a case where a shift position of the vehicle is a forward position and a case where the shift position is a reverse position.