Rearview Mirror Cabin Monitoring for LHD and RHD Driver Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driver monitoring systems in vehicles are typically two-box systems, where the camera and near-infrared light sources are separate, making them bulky and less adaptable for different vehicle configurations, particularly for left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A one-box interior rearview mirror assembly with a driver monitoring camera and near-infrared light emitters integrated into the mirror head, which adjusts to the vehicle configuration by using software-enabled near-infrared light emitters oriented specifically for LHD or RHD vehicles, ensuring effective driver monitoring without the need for separate modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-box system with separate camera and near-infrared light sources is used, then the driver monitoring function is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and less adaptable for different vehicle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera and near-infrared light sources into a single integrated mirror assembly unit. This merging of previously separate components (two-box system) into one unified structure reduces system complexity while maintaining driver monitoring functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mirror assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a rearview mirror and a driver monitoring system housing. The single unit can be adapted for different vehicle configurations (LHD/RHD) while performing both mirror and monitoring functions, enhancing versatility without increasing overall system complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If separate modules are used for camera and light sources, then installation flexibility is reduced, but the system structure becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the camera and light sources into the mirror assembly during manufacturing, the system becomes a single installable unit. This merging simplifies the installation process (improving ease of manufacture) while the internal integration maintains functional simplicity, resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and system structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If near-infrared light emitters are oriented specifically for LHD or RHD vehicles, then adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but the light emitter configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric orientation of near-infrared light emitters within the mirror assembly, with different emitter configurations for LHD and RHD versions. This asymmetric design enables specific adaptability to different vehicle types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and configuration complexity
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 solution provides a compact, adaptable, and effective driver monitoring system that can be easily installed in various vehicle models, enhancing driver safety by ensuring proper illumination and monitoring regardless of the vehicle's configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the near infrared light emitter emits near infrared light through the mirror reflective element to illuminate the driver region and/or passenger region of the interior cabin of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular cabin monitoring system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attaching at an interior portion of an equipped vehicle and having a having a mirror head accommodating a driver monitoring camera and first and second near infrared light emitters. When the equipped vehicle is a left hand drive vehicle, a beam of light emitted by the first near infrared light emitters is directed toward a driver-side front seating location of the left hand drive vehicle when the first near infrared light emitter emits near infrared light for a driver monitoring function. When the equipped vehicle is a right hand drive vehicle, a beam of light emitted by the second light emitting element is directed toward a driver-side front seating location of the right hand drive vehicle when the second near infrared light emitter emits near infrared light for the driver monitoring function.