Rearview Mirror Eye Imaging Layout for Driver Distraction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems for vehicles lack effective methods to accurately monitor and authenticate vehicle occupants, particularly in determining distracted states and biometric features, especially when occupants are interacting with mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system integrated into an interior rearview mirror assembly, featuring a centrally disposed imager and strategically positioned light sources that project infrared light onto occupants' eyes and other areas, allowing for eye-tracking and identification functions, along with a wide field of view to capture biometric features and detect mobile device interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a light source is positioned close to the imager for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of biometric features deteriorates due to insufficient light angle control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light source laterally offset from the imager's optical axis by a specific distance (e.g., 10-20mm), creating a controlled angle of incidence (5°-15°) between the light ray and the optical axis. This spatial arrangement in a different dimension enables precise biometric measurement without requiring the light source to be directly adjacent to the imager, thus maintaining measurement precision while managing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the light source is positioned far from the target surface, then measurement precision improves with better light angle control, but illumination intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges: the light source is positioned at a first distance from the target surface and a second distance from the imager, creating an angle of incidence between 5°-15°. These parameter optimizations ensure that sufficient illumination reaches the target while maintaining the geometric conditions necessary for accurate biometric measurement, balancing illumination intensity with measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the imager uses a narrow field of view to focus on biometric features, then measurement precision improves, but the ability to detect mobile device interactions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into two components: the imager captures biometric features (eyes, face) with focused precision, while separate light sources illuminate specific target areas (eyes, mobile devices). This segmentation allows the imager to maintain a relatively narrow field of view for accurate biometric capture while the strategically positioned light sources ensure that both biometric features and mobile devices within the broader mirror field of view are adequately illuminated and detectable.
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
Enables accurate monitoring of driver and passenger states, including distraction levels, by capturing detailed images of biometric features and mobile device interactions, improving safety through enhanced occupant authentication and alert systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first light source is spaced from the target surface by a first distance. The first light source is spaced from the imager by a second distance. The ray of light forms an angle of incidence having legs extending from the target surface to the first light source and the imager.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a mirror assembly. An imager is centrally disposed on the mirror assembly and configured to acquire an image of a biometric feature of a vehicle occupant within a field of view of the imager. A first light source is disposed within the mirror assembly and configured to project a ray of light onto a target surface corresponding to an eye of the vehicle occupant. The first light source is spaced from the target surface by a first distance. The first light source is spaced from the imager by a second distance. The ray of light forms an angle of incidence having legs extending from the target surface to the first light source and to the imager, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are operable to define the angle of incidence in the range of 5° to 15°.