Side Mirror Folding Control Based on Driver Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automatic unfolding of side mirrors by a welcome system can cause interference and discomfort when a driver approaches the vehicle, especially in tight parking scenarios where the mirrors obstruct the driver's passage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that uses a communicator with multiple antennas to detect the location of the driver or passenger through response signals and a surround view camera to analyze image data, controlling the folding/unfolding of side mirrors based on their positions to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the side mirrors are automatically unfolded by the welcome system when the driver approaches, then the user convenience is improved, but the side mirrors may obstruct the driver's passage and cause discomfort in tight parking scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines the driver's location in advance using signal intensity and image analysis before executing the mirror unfolding action. By performing preliminary location assessment, the system avoids unfolding mirrors when the driver is in positions where it would cause obstruction, thus preventing discomfort before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver location through multiple antennas and surround view cameras, providing real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust mirror unfolding decisions dynamically based on the driver's current position, ensuring convenience when appropriate and avoiding obstruction when the driver is in critical zones
2Reliability
If the side mirrors are unfolded to provide better visibility, then the driving function is improved, but they may interfere with the driver's access to the vehicle in narrow parking spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary assessment of driver location and vehicle environment before unfolding mirrors. By analyzing signal intensity from antennas and image data from surround view cameras in advance, the system determines whether unfolding mirrors will help visibility or hinder access, making the right decision before the action occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror unfolding function is made dynamic and conditional rather than automatic. The system adapts mirror control based on real-time driver location and parking environment, unfolding mirrors only when they provide visibility benefit without causing access interference, and keeping them folded when obstruction risk exists
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
Prevents interference between unfolded side mirrors and the driver or passengers by accurately determining their locations and adjusting the mirror states accordingly, enhancing user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a communicator including a plurality of antennas including a first antenna mounted on a driver seat side, and configured to transmit a search signal to a remote controller through the plurality of antennas and to receive a response signal transmitted from the remote controller as a response to the search signal
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment vehicle includes a side mirror, a communicator, and a controller. The communicator may be configured to transmit a search signal to a remote controller through the plurality of antennas and to receive a response signal transmitted from the remote controller as a response to the search signal. The controller may be electrically coupled to the side mirror, configured to determine whether a driver is present within a search area of the first antenna according to the driver carrying the remote controller and approaching the parked vehicle being detected, determine a location of the driver based on an intensity of the response signal received from the remote controller as a response to the search signal transmitted from the first antenna, and signal the side mirror whether to convert into a folded state or an unfolded state based on the determined location of the driver.