Rear View Mirror with Infrared Camera for Night Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face difficulty in recognizing objects behind their vehicles, especially at night, due to limited visibility from traditional rear view mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A rear view mirror system incorporating a camera module and display module, which uses an infrared camera to capture and display images of the rear region, enhancing visibility both day and night.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional rear view mirrors are used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the visibility of objects behind the vehicle is insufficient especially at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single rear view mirror assembly: the traditional mirror function, infrared camera detection, visible light camera detection, and display function are all integrated into one unit. This merging approach improves visibility by adding active sensing and display capabilities while keeping the overall structure compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear view mirror is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a traditional reflective mirror during daytime, an infrared detection system at night, and incorporates a display module to show captured images. This multi-functionality allows the single device to address visibility issues across different lighting conditions without requiring separate systems.
2Loss of information
If traditional rear view mirrors are used, then the device is simple to operate, but the driver cannot easily recognize traffic situation and object shape at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces camera modules and display modules as intermediary devices between the rear scene and the driver's vision. The cameras capture images that are then displayed on the mirror surface, serving as a mediator that translates invisible or hard-to-see nighttime scenes into visible information for the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive optical reflection mechanism of traditional mirrors with an active electronic imaging and display system. Instead of relying solely on ambient light reflecting off the mirror, the system uses infrared and visible light cameras to actively capture and electronically display images, substituting mechanical/optical passivity with electronic activity.
3Reliability
If camera module and display module are added to rear view mirror, then nighttime visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera module, display module, and traditional mirror into a single integrated rear view mirror assembly. By combining these components into one unified structure, the patent reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate mirror and monitoring systems, while still achieving reliable nighttime monitoring.
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
The system allows for clear display of objects behind the vehicle, improving nighttime driving conditions and enabling convenient navigation, with the option to install the system in movable or fixed members for traffic monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a trans-reflective mirror showing an object appearing in a rear region
Implementation Method 2
an infrared camera to capture and display images of the rear region
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiment relates to a rear view mirror, a monitoring apparatus and a monitoring method. The monitoring apparatus comprises a mirror for showing an object; a camera module obtaining image data from the object and processing the image data; and a display module for displaying the image data processed by the camera module.