Infrared Blind Spot Detection in Side View Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side view mirrors on vehicles have limitations in visual observation due to blind spots caused by the B-pillar, leading to potential accidents, and existing blind spot detection technologies are prone to errors from external light and noise.
Innovation Solution
An infrared object detecting module integrated into the side view mirror that emits and receives infrared rays to detect objects in the blind spot, using a light shielding unit to block external light and a controller to determine the presence of objects, which can also coordinate with turn signals and steering angles to analyze collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If camera-based or ultrasonic/radar-based blind spot detection systems are used, then object detection capability is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to external light and noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from visible light (camera) or acoustic waves (ultrasonic) to infrared radiation. By operating in the infrared spectrum, the system avoids interference from visible light and ambient noise, thereby maintaining detection capability while significantly improving measurement precision in various environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical camera system with an infrared detection system that uses infrared transmitters and receivers. This substitution eliminates the problem of external light interference since infrared detection operates in a different spectral range, thus improving detection accuracy without sacrificing object detection capability
2Reliability
If blind spot detection is added to side view mirror, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blind spot detection function with the existing side view mirror structure. The infrared transmitter and receiver are integrated into the mirror housing, and the detection results are displayed through the mirror's existing indicators or the vehicle's display system. This consolidation improves safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing existing structural and display resources
3Measurement precision
If infrared detection is used to detect objects in blind spot, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic emission of infrared rays rather than continuous emission. The infrared transmitter sends out detection pulses at regular intervals, and the receiver processes these periodic signals to detect objects. This periodic operation maintains high detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous infrared emission
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural infrared radiation emitted by objects (including the heat signature of vehicles and pedestrians) to enhance detection accuracy. By detecting both active infrared emissions and passive thermal radiation, the system improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing energy consumption, as objects essentially provide part of the detection signal themselves
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
The module effectively prevents accidents by accurately detecting objects in blind spots, minimizing errors from external light and noise, and analyzing collision risks in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter configured to emit infrared rays in an orientation direction
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving sensor configured to detect incident infrared rays
Implementation Method 3
a light shielding unit that is disposed to surround the light receiving sensor to block external light
Implementation Method 4
reflected light of the infrared rays emitted by the optical transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A side view mirror is disclosed. The side view mirror comprises: a mirror; a mirror housing supporting the mirror; and an infrared object detecting module that is fixed to the outside of the mirror housing, emits infrared rays in a direction in which the mirror housing or the mirror is oriented, and uses reflected light from the emitted infrared rays to determine whether an object is present in the direction in which the mirror housing or the mirror is oriented.