Vehicle Side Mirror Rotation for Camera Imaging Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle driving recorder systems with side cameras angled outward from the vertical direction face a reduced imaging range when the side mirrors are in the closed position, leading to image capture deficiencies and increased energy consumption due to frequent mirror rotations.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle driving recorder system that includes side cameras mounted at side mirrors with angled optical axes, a front camera, a rear camera, a detector for object detection, and a controller that rotates the side mirrors from the closed to the open position only when a nearby object is determined to be entering the image capture deficiency range, based on imaging and detection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the optical axis of the side camera is angled outward from the vehicle relative to the vertical direction, then the imaging range includes objects with tallness, but the imaging range is reduced when the side mirror is in the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror is made rotatable between open and closed positions, allowing the camera's imaging angle to dynamically adjust. When an object is detected in the image capture deficiency range, the mirror rotates to the open position to include the object in the imaging range, thus adapting the imaging capability to different operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector continuously monitors the surroundings to detect objects in the image capture deficiency range before they leave the potential imaging area. This preliminary detection allows the controller to rotate the mirror to the open position in advance, ensuring continuous imaging capability without waiting for the object to completely exit the field of view.
2Reliability
If the side mirror is rotated frequently to maintain imaging of nearby objects, then continuous imaging is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector provides continuous feedback about objects in the image capture deficiency range to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and only triggers mirror rotation when necessary, i.e., when an object is detected that would otherwise be missed. This feedback-based control prevents unnecessary mirror rotations and reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliable imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detector's monitoring capability to self-regulate mirror rotation decisions. Rather than continuous rotation or rotation based on simple timing, the system autonomously determines when rotation is needed based on actual detection data, optimizing the balance between imaging reliability and energy efficiency.
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
Ensures continuous imaging of nearby objects even when side mirrors are closed, reducing the number of mirror rotations and energy consumption by determining the need for rotation based on specific detection conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a detector that transmits a probing wave, receives a reception wave including a reflection of the probing wave, and detects an object located in surroundings of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
In a state in which a side mirror of a vehicle is disposed at a closed position, an image capture deficiency range of the periphery of the vehicle cannot be imaged. The side mirror is rotated from the closed position to an open position when, in the state in which the side mirror is disposed at the closed position, a controller determines that a nearby object that is proximate to the vehicle is entering the image capture deficiency range. The controller makes this determination when the nearby object is not located in an imaging range according to the imaging section but is located in a detection range according to a clearance sonar.