Mirror Obstruction Detection With Camera Switching for Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal obstructions in vehicles, such as passengers or cargo, often block rear and side view mirrors, reducing visibility for drivers and potentially leading to safety issues during maneuvers like backing up or changing lanes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensors like line-of-sight sensors, interior cameras, LiDAR, RADAR, and ultrasonic sensors to detect obstructions and switch to a camera mode when the obstruction is permanent, providing a camera view on a display instead of the mirror, and offering driver assistance through alerts and feedback to prevent unsafe maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If passengers or cargo are placed in the vehicle, then the vehicle can transport people and goods, but the rear and side view mirrors become blocked reducing driver visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that detect obstructions in the mirror field of view and trigger alternative viewing mechanisms (switchable mirrors or camera displays). The sensor system acts as a mediator between the obstruction problem and the solution, automatically detecting when passengers or cargo block the mirror and activating the appropriate compensation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switchable mirrors that can dynamically change their reflective surface orientation or position in response to detected obstructions. The mirror system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing the driver to switch between different mirror surfaces (e.g., from a blocked primary surface to an unblocked secondary surface) to maintain visibility.
2Ease of operation
If a driver moves large objects within eye level, then the driver can perform internal vehicle tasks, but rear and side view mirrors become obfuscated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the driver through sensor detection. When an object blocks the mirror view, the sensor detects the obstruction and triggers an alert or automatic switch to an alternative view, informing the driver of the visibility issue and enabling corrective action without requiring the driver to manually check mirror visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously monitors the mirror field of view in advance, detecting obstructions before they critically impact driving safety. The system is ready to activate alternative viewing mechanisms proactively, rather than waiting for the driver to notice the blockage and react.
3Quantity of substance
If the vehicle is loaded with many passengers, then the vehicle can accommodate more people, but internal blockage of mirrors causes visibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves as an intermediary that detects passenger positions and their impact on mirror visibility. The system automatically identifies when passengers block critical viewing angles and activates compensation mechanisms, relieving the driver of the burden of manually assessing mirror visibility in complex passenger configurations.
4Device complexity
If traditional mirrors are used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot detect or compensate for obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical mirror system with an integrated electro-optical system. Sensors (optical or electromagnetic) detect obstructions, and the system responds by switching mirror surfaces or displaying camera feeds, substituting mechanical adjustment with automated detection and response mechanisms.
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
Enhances driver visibility by overcoming internal mirror obstructions, providing real-time camera views of obstructed areas and assisting drivers to avoid accidents by alerting them to permanent obstructions and exigent circumstances.
Implementation Method 1
detecting via a line-of-sight sensor within the vehicle interior that detects obstructions within the vehicle of a region of interest associated with rear and side view mirrors
Implementation Method 2
switching to a camera mode in lieu of the mirror when the obstruction has a permanence beyond a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for automatically detecting internally blocked rear and side view mirrors. An example method to detect an obstruction may include detecting via sensors in the vehicle an obstruction preventing a driver from viewing a region of interest associated with a mirror, determining a permanence associated with the obstruction, and switching to a camera mode in lieu of the mirror when the obstruction has a permanence beyond a threshold.