Rearview Mirror Camera Layout for Balanced Driver Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular driver monitoring systems face challenges in adjusting the field of view to accommodate both driver and passenger visibility, particularly due to differences between left-hand and right-hand drive vehicles, which affects the accuracy of driver monitoring and occupant monitoring systems, and results in inefficient light transmission through the mirror reflective element.
Innovation Solution
The driver monitoring system incorporates a driver monitoring camera positioned at an oblique angle relative to the mirror reflective element, allowing for equalization of the driver and occupant portions of the field of view and improved light transmission, with the camera either fixed or adjustable to maintain optimal viewing angles based on the vehicle configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the driver monitoring camera is positioned perpendicular to the mirror reflective element, then the field of view can be simplified, but the light transmission efficiency deteriorates and the field of view cannot be equalized for both driver and passenger monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the driver monitoring camera at an oblique angle rather than perpendicular to the mirror reflective element. This asymmetric positioning allows the camera to capture both driver and passenger portions of the field of view equally while improving light transmission efficiency through the reflective element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is fixed at a single position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different vehicle configurations (left-hand vs right-hand drive)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides for the driver monitoring camera to be adjustable relative to the mirror reflective element, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle configurations (left-hand drive vs right-hand drive) and different mirror positions. This dynamic positioning capability ensures optimal field of view and light transmission for various operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If the mirror head is adjusted to optimize driver rearward view, then the driver monitoring accuracy improves, but the camera field of view may become unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the camera at an oblique angle rather than perpendicular to the mirror reflective element, the system achieves balanced field of view for both driver and passenger monitoring while maintaining the ability to adjust the mirror head for optimal driver rearward view. This asymmetric camera positioning decouples the mirror adjustment function from the camera field of view balance.
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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of driver monitoring and occupant monitoring by maintaining balanced field of view and improving light transmission, regardless of the vehicle's configuration, thereby optimizing the system's ability to capture relevant image data effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a driver monitoring camera positioned at an oblique angle relative to the mirror reflective element, allowing for equalization of the driver and occupant portions of the field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror head accommodating a mirror reflective element and adjustable about a mounting structure. The mirror head is adjustable relative to the mounting structure to adjust a rearward view provided by the mirror reflective element. A driver monitoring camera is accommodated by the mirror head behind the mirror reflective element. With the mirror head adjusted to provide the rearward view, a normal vector extending perpendicular to the mirror reflective element is directed toward a driver side of the cabin of the vehicle and, responsive to determination that a passenger is present at a passenger side of the cabin of the vehicle, a principal viewing axis of the driver monitoring camera is angled more toward a centerline axis of the vehicle than the normal vector of the mirror reflective element.