Mirror-Attached Camera Imaging Range Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera apparatuses mounted in vehicle mirrors change their imaging range when the mirror angle is adjusted, potentially losing the driver's view and failing to detect the driver's state for safe driving support.
Innovation Solution
A mirror-attached imaging apparatus with a semi-transmissive mirror and a camera module, where the semi-transmissive mirror is movable relative to a support, allowing the camera to maintain its imaging range even when the mirror angle changes, and the camera is integrated within the mirror housing to remain unobtrusive and protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is integrated within the mirror housing to remain unobtrusive and protected, then the camera is protected from physical contact and remains discreet, but the imaging range may change when mirror angle is adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent functional components: the mirror unit that can be adjusted by the user and the camera unit that remains fixed. This segmentation allows the mirror angle to change independently without affecting the camera's imaging range, resolving the contradiction between mirror adjustability and imaging stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit is integrated within the mirror housing structure, combining two functions (mirror and camera) into a single device. This merging allows the camera to benefit from the mirror housing's protection while the independent mounting ensures the camera's imaging range remains stable regardless of mirror angle changes.
2Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted at a position that is not noticeable to occupants, then the device remains discreet and acceptable for vehicle interior aesthetics, but the camera may be more vulnerable to physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit is integrated within the mirror housing, combining the camera function with the existing mirror structure. This integration provides the camera with physical protection from the mirror housing while maintaining the discreet placement that is acceptable for vehicle interior aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit is nested within the mirror housing structure, placing the camera inside the protected space of the mirror assembly. This nesting provides physical protection to the camera while maintaining the unobtrusive appearance needed for user acceptance.
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
Ensures continuous driver state monitoring and safe driving support by maintaining the imaging range regardless of mirror angle adjustments, while being discreet and protected from physical contact within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The semi-transmissive mirror allows at least some incident light to pass therethrough. The camera captures a subject by receiving light passing through the semi-transmissive mirror.
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror-attached imaging apparatus includes a semi-transmissive mirror through which at least some incident light can pass, an camera configured to capture a subject by receiving light passing through the semi-transmissive mirror, and a support configured to attach the semi-transmissive mirror and the camera to a vehicle body. The semi-transmissive mirror is movable relative to the support, and the camera is attached to the support.