Vehicular Rearview Vision System A-Pillar Blind Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rearview systems for vehicles face challenges in providing both the required regulatory field of view and additional wide-angle or blind spot views, especially when transitioning from traditional mirror systems to camera monitoring systems, which often result in increased aerodynamic drag and weather exposure issues.
Innovation Solution
A rearview vision system comprising a centrally mounted rearward viewing camera and side rearview mirror assemblies with aspheric or curved reflective elements, where the camera provides the regulatory rearward field of view and the mirrors offer a wide-angle or blind spot view, reducing the need for larger, more drag-inducing mirrors and enhancing visibility by displaying captured images on a processor or display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single centrally mounted camera is used to provide rearward field of view, then device complexity is reduced, but the field of view coverage is insufficient for blind spots and wide angle viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a single centrally mounted camera with two side rearview mirror assemblies to create a cooperative vision system. The central camera captures the rearward field of view, while the side mirror assemblies capture blind spot and wide angle areas, merging their functions to achieve comprehensive coverage without using multiple separate camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rearview mirror assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide traditional rearward viewing capability while simultaneously capturing blind spot and wide angle areas. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive field of view coverage without adding dedicated separate cameras for each viewing zone.
2Area of stationary object
If larger mirrors are used to provide wide angle and blind spot views, then field of view coverage is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vision system is segmented into three separate components: a central camera for rearward viewing and two smaller side mirror assemblies for blind spot and wide angle viewing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, using small mirrors rather than one large mirror, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical mirror system with a hybrid system that uses a digital camera for the central rearward view and smaller mirrors for side viewing. This substitution allows the system to achieve wide angle and blind spot coverage without requiring large physical mirrors that would create significant aerodynamic drag.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional mirror systems are replaced with camera monitoring systems, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but weather exposure and reliability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of both traditional mirrors and camera systems by placing cameras inside the vehicle cabin where they are protected from weather elements, while using smaller external mirror assemblies only where necessary for side viewing. This hybrid approach reduces aerodynamic drag compared to large external mirrors while improving reliability compared to fully external camera systems.
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
This configuration minimizes aerodynamic resistance, protects camera components from weather, and provides comprehensive field of view to the driver, including blind spots and areas obstructed by vehicle structures, while maintaining regulatory compliance and reducing costs by integrating camera and mirror functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
the side rearview mirror assemblies comprise aspheric or curved reflective elements that provide a blind spot or wide angle field of view to the driver viewing the side rearview mirror assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular rearview vision system includes a driver-side display device disposed at an interior driver side region of a vehicle and viewable by a driver of the vehicle, a first camera disposed at the vehicle so as to have at least a rearward and sideward field of view, and a second camera disposed at a driver side of the vehicle so as to have at least a sideward and forward field of view that at least partially views an A-pillar blind spot region forward and sideward of a driver-side A-pillar of the vehicle. The driver-side display device displays video images derived from image data captured by the first camera, and the driver-side display device displays driver-side A-pillar blind spot video images derived from image data captured by the second camera. The displayed rearview video images may be at least partially surrounded by the displayed driver-side A-pillar blind spot video images.