Vehicle Camera Activation via Occupant Exit Action Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display apparatuses in vehicles do not allow occupants to view images of the vehicle's surroundings when the ignition is turned off, making it difficult to check the lateral and rear sides of the vehicle upon exiting.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus with cameras and displays that are activated by detecting preliminary actions taken by the occupant, such as opening the door or unlocking the seatbelt, allowing the display of images taken by the cameras before the occupant exits the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera and display are activated only when the ignition switch is in the ON state, then energy consumption is reduced when the vehicle is stopped, but the occupant cannot view the image representing the lateral sides and rear side of the vehicle when getting out of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting door opening or seatbelt unlocking before the occupant actually exits the vehicle. When these preliminary actions are detected, the camera and display are activated to show the surrounding view, allowing the occupant to check for obstacles before fully exiting. This resolves the contradiction by enabling timely viewing without requiring the ignition to remain ON, thus managing energy consumption while improving ease of operation.
2Loss of energy
If the camera and display remain inactive after the ignition switch is turned OFF, then power consumption is minimized, but the occupant loses the ability to check the lateral sides and rear side of the vehicle upon exiting
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects preliminary actions (door opening, seatbelt unlocking) that indicate the occupant's intention to exit, and activates the camera and display before the ignition is fully turned OFF. This timing strategy provides the necessary visual information about vehicle surroundings while minimizing power consumption by keeping the system inactive during the parked state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors detecting door opening or seatbelt unlocking states to determine when to activate the camera and display. This feedback mechanism ensures the system provides visual information precisely when the occupant needs it (during exit preparation) while remaining inactive otherwise, thus balancing information provision with energy conservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus includes: cameras each configured to take an image representing a view outside a vehicle; displays each configured to display the image taken by a corresponding one of the cameras; and a controller configured to control the cameras and the displays. The controller detects a first action that is a preliminary action taken by an occupant of the vehicle to get out of the vehicle in a state in which the cameras and the displays are not activated. When the first action is detected, the controller activates at least one of the cameras and at least one of the displays and control the at least one of the displays to display an image taken by the at least one of the cameras.