Autonomous Vehicle Mirror Status Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles may operate with stuck side-view mirrors due to malfunctions, which can go unnoticed, potentially affecting aerodynamic efficiency and safety, especially when unoccupied or in autonomous mode.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the operational status of side-view mirrors by deploying them between extended and retracted positions and analyzing image data from sensors in a second vehicle, using vehicle-to-vehicle communications to assess their deployability and detect any malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If side-view mirrors are retracted during autonomous operation, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the ability to detect mirror malfunctions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where image data from sensors (cameras) mounted on the vehicle continuously monitors the position and status of side-view mirrors. This feedback loop allows the control system to detect whether mirrors are properly retracted or extended, and to identify malfunctions such as mirrors stuck in the wrong position, even when the vehicle is in autonomous mode with mirrors retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own sensor array (cameras, LIDAR, radar) to monitor its mirror system, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring equipment. The existing autonomous vehicle sensors serve dual purposes: navigation and mirror status monitoring, allowing the vehicle to self-diagnose mirror malfunctions without additional hardware.
2Reliability
If side-view mirrors remain extended due to malfunction, then monitoring is possible, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of mirror status using image data before the vehicle enters autonomous mode or during transitions. By detecting mirror position in advance through sensor analysis, the system can alert occupants or automatically adjust mirror positions before autonomous operation begins, preventing energy loss from improperly positioned mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mirror position indicators with optical sensing systems (cameras and image processing). Instead of relying on mechanical switches or position sensors on the mirrors themselves, the system uses visual detection from external cameras to determine mirror status, enabling non-contact monitoring that doesn't interfere with aerodynamic performance.
3Reliability
If image data from second vehicle is used to analyze mirror status, then malfunction detection is enabled, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve both primary autonomous vehicle functions and secondary mirror monitoring functions. The same cameras, LIDAR, and radar used for navigation and obstacle detection are also utilized to monitor mirror status, eliminating the need for dedicated monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the mirror's physical position through image data captured by sensors. By analyzing photographs or sensor images of the mirror assembly, the system derives positional information without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connections to the mirror actuators, simplifying the monitoring architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes deploying a vehicle mirror to a first position and receiving first image data representing the mirror from a second vehicle. The mirror is deployed to a second position and second image data representing the mirror is received. The first and second image data are analyzed to determine an operational status of the mirror.