Outboard Vehicle Camera Layout for Forward Blind-Zone Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face significant forward blind spots, particularly when following large vehicles or in congested traffic, which can lead to increased risks due to obstructed visibility of adjacent lanes and potential hazards, despite the use of traditional mirrors and camera systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system employing one or more CMOS cameras positioned at the side of the vehicle to capture images of the forward and sideward areas, with video images displayed on a screen to provide enhanced visibility, including the use of forward viewing cameras that can be placed outboard to reduce blind zones and encompass A-pillar blind spots, and optionally include additional cameras for surround view systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional mirrors and camera systems are used, then the vehicle can provide basic rearward and side views, but forward blind spots remain obstructed when following large vehicles or in congested traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions cameras in outboard locations (side mirrors or door assemblies) rather than traditional front or rear positions, utilizing the lateral dimension to capture forward views around leading vehicles. This dimensional change allows the camera to see around obstacles that block traditional forward-facing cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The outboard camera acts as an intermediary viewing position, capturing images of the forward area that are then processed and displayed to the driver. This intermediary position allows viewing around leading vehicles by capturing images from a lateral offset position.
2Reliability
If cameras are positioned outboard at the side of the vehicle, then forward and sideward blind zones are reduced, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outboard camera position serves multiple functions: it captures forward views around leading vehicles, provides sideward visibility, and can contribute to surround view systems. This multi-functionality justifies the additional complexity by delivering multiple safety benefits from a single camera placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the forward viewing function with the side mirror or door assembly structure, merging the camera placement with existing vehicle components. This integration reduces the overall system complexity compared to adding completely separate mounting structures.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are added for surround view systems, then the field of view is enhanced, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the viewing function across multiple camera positions (outboard cameras for forward/sideward views, traditional cameras for other areas), with each camera capturing a specific portion of the overall field of view. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while optimizing the placement of each individual camera.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera disposed at a side of a vehicle so as to view at least sideward and forward of the vehicle including a forward blind zone ahead of the vehicle that is caused by a leading vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle and in the same traffic lane along which the equipped vehicle is traveling. The camera captures image data. An electronic control unit (ECU) includes electronic circuitry and associated software, with the electronic circuitry including an image processor for processing image data captured by the camera. A display screen is disposed in the equipped vehicle and viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The display screen, responsive to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera, displays video images derived from image data captured by the camera to provide displayed images of the forward blind zone ahead of the vehicle.