Flush Front Vehicle Camera System for Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems, such as rear-mounted cameras, have limited fields of view, are easily damaged, and often require dedicated displays that distract drivers, failing to address hazards when pulling out into traffic from perpendicular positions.
Innovation Solution
A non-protruding front side vehicle camera system with a flush or recessed design, linked to an onboard computer and navigation display, providing a wide field of view and automatic activation/deactivation based on vehicle speed, to enhance driver visibility of oncoming traffic without external protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rear-mounted camera system is used to reduce collisions, then collision detection capability is improved, but the field of view is limited and the camera is easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rear-mounted camera approach by placing cameras on the front quarter panels of the vehicle. This allows the system to detect hazards before the driver would naturally see them, providing earlier warning and a different perspective on potential collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional perspective by mounting cameras on the front quarter panels, which provides a lateral and forward viewing angle that complements the traditional rear-camera view. This creates a multi-dimensional hazard detection system.
2Loss of information
If a dedicated display is added to show camera footage, then hazard visibility is improved, but driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing navigation display multi-functional by having it serve both as a navigation interface and as a hazard detection display. The display shows camera footage when hazards are detected, eliminating the need for a dedicated display and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically activates the hazard display only when hazards are detected, without requiring driver intervention. The camera system and display work together autonomously, activating and deactivating based on detected conditions.
3Reliability
If the camera remains activated continuously, then hazard detection coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the camera system based on detected conditions rather than continuous operation. The camera activates when hazards are detected and deactivates when the environment is clear, creating an on-demand operation pattern that reduces energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the camera and processing unit to control its own operation. When the processing unit detects hazards through the camera feed, it triggers the display and maintains camera activation. When no hazards are present, the system deactivates, creating a self-regulating energy consumption pattern.
4Area of stationary object
If the camera is mounted to protrude from the vehicle surface, then field of view is improved, but vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the camera within the vehicle's quarter panel structure, placing it in a recessed or flush-mounted position. This allows the camera to be protected by the vehicle body while still maintaining an adequate field of view for hazard detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized protective structure around the camera mounting area, where the quarter panel itself provides protection. The camera is positioned in a location that balances field of view requirements with physical protection from external hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system is installed on the front end of a vehicle, either on the left front, the right front, or both sides. The camera is linked via wired or wireless connection to an onboard computer and a navigation display that is located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The driver reviews a visual description on the display of any oncoming traffic in the form of motor vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals and the like on the navigation display via a single screen, split screen or alternating screens. The camera system can include a speed sensor that detects when the vehicle reaches a threshold speed to activate or de-activate the camera. Alternatively, the computer can activate the system when a turn signal is activated, and de-activate the system when the turn signal is no longer activated. This camera system can be retrofitted into older vehicles.