Dynamic Vehicle Side Mirror Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle side mirrors struggle to provide a clear rear view when driving in reverse or changing lanes, as the angle is typically set for forward motion, leading to inadequate visibility and requiring driver adjustment which can be time-consuming and not aligned with the driving direction.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes an information receiver, motor controller, and viewing angle controller to automatically adjust the side mirror or side camera angle based on vehicle situation, driving direction, and lane information, using GPS, navigation, and Blind Spot Detection systems to enhance rear and side view visibility without driver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the side mirror angle is set based on forward driving position, then the rear view is secured during forward motion, but the rear view cannot be secured when driving in reverse or changing lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror angle is changed from static to dynamic by automatically adjusting the mirror angle based on vehicle driving status (forward/reverse motion, lane changing). The control unit receives signals from sensors detecting vehicle status and automatically adjusts the mirror angle to maintain optimal rear view coverage in different driving scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The side mirror system performs self-adjustment without driver intervention. The control unit automatically detects vehicle status through sensors and adjusts the mirror angle autonomously, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring continuous optimal rear view coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a convex lens is added as an auxiliary mirror, then the rear view coverage is increased, but the field of rear view seen through the side mirror is narrowed and objects appear smaller
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a static auxiliary mirror that narrows the field of view, the patent dynamically adjusts the main side mirror angle to expand or shift the field of view based on driving status. This maintains a large clear viewing area while adapting coverage to different scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the driver manually adjusts the side mirror angle using cluster input unit, then the rear view can be secured, but it takes a long time and the adjustment is not aligned with driving direction
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror system automatically detects vehicle status through sensors (motion sensors, lane change detectors) and adjusts the mirror angle autonomously without requiring driver input. This eliminates adjustment time and ensures the mirror is always optimally positioned for the current driving scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect vehicle status (forward/reverse motion, lane changing) and provides feedback to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the mirror angle. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures real-time adaptation to driving conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the side mirror angle is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the mirror cannot adapt to different driving situations such as reverse driving or lane changing
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror system transitions from a fixed-angle structure to a dynamically adjustable one. The control unit receives signals from sensors detecting vehicle status (forward/reverse motion, lane changing) and automatically adjusts the mirror angle to maintain optimal rear view coverage in different driving scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for controlling a viewing angle for a vehicle, and a vehicle including the apparatus, are disclosed which may easily determine movements of a following vehicle and increase driving convenience and stability without the need for the driver to look back, by controlling the angle of a side mirror or side camera according to a situation of the vehicle. The apparatus includes an information receiver configured to receive information about a situation of a vehicle, information about a driving direction of the vehicle, and lane information of the vehicle; a motor controller configured to control an angle of a side mirror or side camera that captures a side and rear view of the vehicle; and a viewing angle controller configured to determine whether it is a situation to change the angle of the side mirror or side camera based on the situational information collected by the information receiver, and to then determine an angle between the driving direction of the vehicle, the information of which is received by the information receiver, and a lane, and to control the motor controller based on the determination results.