Side Mirror Control for Blind Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-view mirrors on vehicles have limited viewing angles due to size and curvature constraints, leading to blind spots and difficulties in recognizing adjacent vehicles during lane changes, especially on rotary roads, which can result in accidents.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that adjusts side-view mirrors based on lane changes and road features using a camera, turn signal switch, and processor to calculate and adjust the viewing angle, incorporating a driving module to adjust the mirror positions, and a sensor to account for vehicle speed, ensuring a wider field of view and reducing blind spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the side-view mirror size is increased to widen the viewing angle, then the viewing angle is improved, but the aerodynamic performance and wind noise level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The side-view mirror is designed with an adjustable viewing angle mechanism that allows the mirror to dynamically change its orientation based on driving conditions. The mirror angle can be adjusted between a first angle (when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly) and a second angle (when the vehicle is moving at high speed), thereby adapting the mirror area exposure to wind flow without permanently increasing mirror size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mirror's operational parameters by adjusting the viewing angle according to vehicle speed. At different speed ranges, the mirror adopts different angular positions, effectively changing the projected area exposed to aerodynamic forces while maintaining the same physical mirror dimensions
2Area of stationary object
If a convex mirror with increased curvature is used to widen the viewing range, then the viewing angle is improved, but the image distortion increases making it difficult to discriminate objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the mirror curvature or angle based on detected driving conditions such as lane changes or rotary road features. During normal driving, a standard curvature is maintained for accurate distance judgment. When lane changes are detected via camera or turn signal switch input, the mirror adjusts to provide a wider viewing angle while maintaining acceptable image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the viewing requirement into different segments: normal viewing conditions use a standard mirror configuration for accurate object discrimination, while lane-change conditions trigger an adjusted configuration for wider coverage. The system segments the operational requirements and applies different mirror settings accordingly
3Ease of operation
If the side-view mirror viewing angle is limited to a lower side to control the mirror, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to detect vehicles during lane changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate detection devices (cameras, turn signal switches, or rotary detection units) that act as mediators between the driver's intent and the mirror adjustment. These intermediaries detect lane change intentions or rotary road features and automatically trigger mirror angle adjustments, eliminating the need for manual mirror control while ensuring proper viewing angles are maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror control system operates autonomously by detecting driving conditions through cameras or sensors and automatically adjusting the mirror angle without requiring driver intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational context and making appropriate adjustments to maintain optimal viewing angles
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling side-view mirrors, adjusting the side-view mirrors on the basis of a lane while a driving direction is changed, and provide a driver with changed viewing angles. Thereby, there are effects capable of securing a field of view of a driver for a lane for movement, improving a blind spot, providing the same viewing angle of the side-view mirrors as a straight driving situation, and an effect of enabling other vehicles with ease to prevent occurrence of an accident and to improve safety of the vehicle.