Automatic Rearview Mirror Adjusting System for Glare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rearview mirrors in automobiles require manual adjustment by drivers, which can be inconvenient when the driver's eye position changes or when excessive light from the mirror enters their eyes, necessitating frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automatic adjusting system for the rearview mirror, comprising an image capturing unit, light detecting unit, processing unit, and motor, which captures images of the driver's face, detects light intensity, and adjusts the mirror's position based on changes in eye position and light intensity to prevent glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of rearview mirror is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when driver's eye position changes or light enters eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The rearview mirror system performs self-adjustment by detecting its own operational state (light intensity and driver eye position) and automatically correcting positioning without requiring driver intervention. The mirror system serves itself by integrating sensors and actuators that enable autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors light intensity reflected into the driver's eyes and eye position through cameras, then uses this feedback information to automatically adjust mirror positioning. The feedback loop ensures the mirror maintains optimal positioning by comparing actual state with desired state and making corrective adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If automatic adjusting system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes light intensity data from photodetectors, analyzes eye position from camera images, determines whether adjustment is needed, and controls the actuator. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate systems into a single integrated control unit, managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines light detection, image capture, processing, and actuation control into an integrated automatic adjusting system. The control unit merges multiple control functions, and the positioning mechanism combines motor actuation with mirror mounting to create a unified adjustment system.
3Reliability
If rearview mirror position is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when driver's eye position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The rearview mirror transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position based on real-time detection of driver eye position and light conditions. The actuator enables continuous or discrete position changes, allowing the mirror to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain reliable performance.
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 automatically adjusts the rearview mirror to maintain optimal positioning relative to the driver's eyes, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing glare from excessive light.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector positioned to detect light reflected off of the rearview mirror
Implementation Method 2
a camera positioned to capture images of a driver's face
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile includes a rearview mirror, a motor electrically coupled to the rearview mirror, an image capturing unit configured to capture a number of images of a face of a driver in real time, a light detecting unit configured to detect light on the rearview mirror, a storage unit configured to store a preset value of light intensity, and a processing unit configured to execute an automatic adjusting system to adjust a position of the rearview mirror when one of a number of conditions is met. The number of conditions include a position of eyes of the driver changes, and light exceeding the preset value of intensity enters into the eyes of the driver.