Vehicle Imaging System Blind Spot Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles lack rear and lateral windows, resulting in increased blind spots for drivers, which existing vehicle imaging systems do not adequately address without introducing distortion or misinterpretation of vehicle speed.
Innovation Solution
A camera system is mounted in the proximity of a lateral rear viewing device, providing an expanded view of the rear end of the commercial vehicle by extending its field of view to complement conventional rear-view mirrors, with adjustable parameters for activation based on vehicle movement and speed, and an optional warning system for potential hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a high field of view camera is used to capture blind spot areas, then the coverage area is improved, but image distortion increases causing misinterpretation of vehicle speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and adjusting the camera's field of view angle and optical characteristics to achieve an optimal balance between coverage area and image distortion. The system modifies optical parameters to reduce distortion in critical measurement zones while maintaining adequate blind spot coverage.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional rear-view mirror is used, then the image distortion is minimized, but the blind spot coverage area remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conventional rear-view mirror system with an additional camera system positioned to capture blind spot areas. The mirror provides accurate reference images while the supplementary camera expands coverage, and both systems are integrated into a single viewing interface that combines their fields of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rear viewing function into multiple independent camera units, each responsible for a specific angular zone. This segmentation allows each camera to optimize its field of view for its specific zone while collectively providing comprehensive blind spot coverage without excessive distortion in any single zone.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera field of view is extended to cover blind spots, then the blind spot reduction is improved, but the field of view overlap with driver's direct view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different field of view characteristics to different spatial zones. The camera system is configured to provide enhanced coverage in blind spot zones while maintaining appropriate view angles in areas already visible to the driver, optimizing information distribution across the viewing field.
Data Source
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AI summary
Vehicle imaging system, the vehicle (1) comprising a rear viewing device (2) configured to be located in a lateral side (3) of the vehicle (1), the vehicle imaging system comprising: - an image capturing unit (4) for taking images of the surroundings of the vehicle (1), the image capturing unit (4) having an optical axis (5) and a field of view (6), and - a display unit (9) configured for being located in the interior of the vehicle (1) and connectable to the image capturing unit (4) for displaying a captured image. The image capturing unit (4) is located in the proximity of the rear viewing device (2) and configured for taking images of the surroundings of the lateral rear side of the vehicle (1), being configured such that its field of view (6) extends until the limit of the field of view (7) of the rear viewing device (2).