Video Rearview Mirror Switching to a Trailer Camera While Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior rearview mirror systems do not effectively provide a clear rearward view to drivers when towing a trailer, as the trailer obstructs the driver's field of view and existing mirror systems lack the capability to display unobstructed rearward video images.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates a video display screen within the interior rearview mirror assembly that can switch between mirror mode and display mode. When a trailer is detected, the system automatically switches to display mode, showing video images from a trailer-mounted high-definition analog camera, providing an unobstructed rearward view similar to the mirror mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a trailer is towed by the vehicle, then the trailer provides additional cargo or towing capacity, but the trailer obstructs the driver's direct line of sight to the rearward area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera mounted on the trailer to capture optical images of the rearward area, creating a visual copy of the scene that is then displayed on the interior mirror. This allows the driver to view the rearward area indirectly through the displayed image rather than direct line of sight, resolving the visibility obstruction caused by towing the trailer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interior rearview mirror displays video images from a camera, then the driver can see around obstacles, but the mirror assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the interior rearview mirror assembly: it can display video images from the trailer camera, display video images from a vehicle-mounted camera, and potentially function as a traditional mirror. This multi-functionality allows the single device to adapt to different viewing needs without requiring separate systems, managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the trailer camera system with the existing interior rearview mirror assembly, merging the display function into the mirror. This integration approach allows the video display capability to be added without requiring a completely separate system, thereby managing complexity through combination with an existing component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches between mirror mode and display mode, then the driver can select appropriate viewing options, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the interior rearview mirror to change between mirror mode and display mode based on driver selection or system conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to provide different viewing options (direct mirror reflection or camera display) without requiring permanently complex controls, as the system adapts its function based on operational needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular video mirror system includes a display device having a video display screen accommodated by a mirror head of an interior rearview mirror assembly. The vehicular video mirror system is operable in a mirror mode or a display mode. A vehicle-mounted rearward-viewing digital camera is disposed at the vehicle and a trailer-mounted rearward-viewing analog camera is disposed at a trailer that is configured to be hitched to the vehicle. With no trailer hitched to the vehicle, and when the vehicular video mirror system operates in the display mode, the video display screen displays video images derived from image data captured by the vehicle-mounted rearward-viewing camera. With the trailer hitched to the vehicle, and when the vehicular video mirror system operates in the display mode, the video display screen displays rearward-view video images derived from image data captured by the trailer-mounted rearward-viewing camera.