Vehicle Side Mirror Control via Simulated Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle side mirror systems often result in blind spots due to imprecise positioning, and the use of electro-mechanical devices increases vehicle costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing a touch display to display a simulated driver field of view, allowing drivers to adjust side mirrors via touch or voice inputs, with automatic adjustment options to eliminate blind spots based on current mirror and seat positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electro-mechanical devices (switches and wiring) are used to control side mirrors, then the side mirrors can be positioned, but blind spots remain due to imprecise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays a simulated driver field of view that provides real-time feedback on blind spots. The simulated view shows what the driver can and cannot see through the current mirror positions, allowing the driver to adjust mirrors to eliminate blind spots. This visual feedback loop enables precise positioning by showing the actual effect of mirror angles on the driver's field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the driver's field of view through graphical simulation. Instead of directly controlling mirror positions with imprecise electro-mechanical switches, the system generates a simulated view that replicates what the driver sees, allowing for precise visual assessment and adjustment of blind spots before actual mirror positioning is finalized.
2Ease of operation
If traditional electro-mechanical control systems are used, then side mirror control is achieved, but vehicle costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing touch display (infotainment system) for multiple purposes: displaying navigation, media information, and now side mirror control interface. By making the touch display multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated control hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining ease of operation through the familiar touch interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the side mirror control function with the existing infotainment touch display. Instead of having separate switches and wiring dedicated solely to mirror control, the patent combines mirror control capabilities with the already-present multimedia and navigation display system, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Measurement precision
If the simulated field of view is displayed in real-time, then blind spots can be identified, but processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a visual dimension to mirror control by displaying a simulated field of view on the touch display. Instead of relying solely on physical mirror adjustment, the patent creates a two-dimensional graphical representation of the three-dimensional visual field, showing blind spots as distinct areas. This dimensional transformation allows complex spatial relationships to be visualized and understood more easily on a flat display surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system and method for controlling side mirrors of a vehicle involve controlling, by a controller, a touch display to display a user interface comprising (i) control elements that enable a driver of the vehicle to control positions of the side mirrors, (ii) a simulated field of view of the driver generated based on current positions of the side mirrors, and (iii) an indication of any portion of the simulated field of view of the driver that corresponds to a blind spot of the driver, receiving, by the controller via the control elements displayed on the touch display, touch input from the driver indicative of desired positions of the side mirrors, and commanding, by the controller, an actuator system to position the side mirrors based on the desired positions indicated by the touch input.