Rearview Display Orientation Sensing for Skew-Free Vehicle Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle rearview systems face challenges in accurately determining and adjusting for the orientation difference between the rearview apparatus and the vehicle body, leading to skewed image presentation and potential viewer distraction.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing first and second measurement devices, such as accelerometers and magnetometers, to detect vehicle and rearview apparatus orientations, with a controller adjusting image data to compensate for orientation differences, ensuring accurate and aligned image display on the rearview apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rearview apparatus is made adjustable relative to the vehicle body, then the ease of operation is improved, but the orientation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of rearview apparatusVSAvoidorientation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses orientation sensors to continuously monitor the angular position of the adjustable rearview apparatus and feeds this information back to a controller. The controller then processes this feedback data to calculate and apply the appropriate orientation correction to the captured images, ensuring accurate orientation compensation despite the apparatus being adjustable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical orientation reference systems with electronic sensing devices (accelerometers, magnetometers, or vision-based sensors) that can accurately measure the apparatus orientation relative to the vehicle body, enabling precise digital correction without mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If orientation sensing and correction systems are added, then the image accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage orientation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. For example, accelerometers and magnetometers that are commonly used for other vehicle functions (stability control, navigation) are utilized for orientation sensing, reducing the need for dedicated components and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer (the controller) that receives raw sensor data, calculates orientation differences, and applies corrections to images. This intermediary approach simplifies the integration between sensors and display systems by providing a standardized processing interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurement devices are used to detect orientation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of measurement devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple sensing modalities (accelerometric, magnetometric, and/or vision-based sensors) into an integrated orientation detection system. The controller processes data from these combined sources to determine the apparatus orientation relative to the vehicle body, leveraging the strengths of each sensor type while maintaining a unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively corrects for orientation discrepancies, providing clear and undistorted image presentation on the rearview apparatus, enhancing user experience and safety by maintaining image alignment with the vehicle's orientation.

Implementation Method 1

A first measurement device may be provided which is configured to detect a vehicle orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A second measurement device may be provided which is configured to detect an apparatus orientation of the rearview apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The controller may be configured to identify an orientation difference between the vehicle orientation and the apparatus orientation. The exterior image data may then be offset by the orientation difference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoordinate transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS12479364B2Vehicle rearview display system with orientation sensing

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A rearview apparatus for a vehicle includes a first measurement device configured to detect a vehicle orientation. The first measurement device is in connection with a portion of the vehicle that maintains a fixed relationship relative to a body of the vehicle. A second measurement device is configured to detect an apparatus orientation of the rearview apparatus, which is adjustable relative to the body of the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the first measurement device and the second measurement device. The controller is configured to identify an orientation difference between the vehicle orientation and the apparatus orientation.