Vehicle Periscope Camera Telescopic Rod Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automotive devices, such as rear view mirrors and cameras, do not provide sufficient visibility for drivers to see beyond vehicles or obstacles immediately in front of their vehicle, limiting response time and safety during driving.

Innovation Solution

A periscope system for vehicles equipped with a video camera mounted on a telescopic rod that can be raised to a height above the vehicle roof, providing a wide-angle view of the front environment, with image display and transmission means for the driver to see obstacles or traffic conditions ahead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a video camera is mounted on a telescopic rod raised above the vehicle roof to detect images beyond obstacles, then driving visibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of space beyond obstaclesVSAvoidperiscope structure with telescopic rod and camera
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The video camera is integrated into the telescopic rod assembly, with the camera positioned at the distal end of the rod. When the rod is retracted, the camera nests close to the vehicle roof; when extended, the camera reaches elevated positions to capture images beyond obstacles, reducing overall spatial footprint while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The periscope system adds a vertical dimension to visibility by extending the camera above the vehicle roof height, allowing the camera to detect images from elevated positions that are not blocked by obstacles at ground level, thereby capturing information from a different spatial dimension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a periscope with camera and display means is installed to provide wide-angle view beyond obstacles, then driving safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual setup requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving safetyVSAvoidmanual installation and setup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The periscope system is divided into separate functional modules: a telescopic rod assembly, a video camera unit, image transmission components, and an in-vehicle display device. This segmentation allows flexible installation positions and enables independent optimization of each component, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining safety functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The periscope system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be adapted to different vehicle types and roof configurations. The telescopic rod and camera assembly can be installed at various positions on the vehicle roof, and the system provides multiple functions including obstacle detection, wide-angle viewing, and real-time image transmission to the driver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If the camera is positioned at height greater than or equal to 30 cm above the roof to detect images beyond obstacles, then visibility improvement is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperception of traffic situations aheadVSAvoidmanufacturing and installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic rod provides dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the camera to be positioned at varying heights above the vehicle roof. The rod can be extended to achieve the required 30 cm or greater elevation for optimal obstacle-clearing visibility, or retracted when not needed, providing manufacturing flexibility and installation adaptability across different vehicle platforms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3934937B1Periscope for vehicles, in particular for cars
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 DALLOGLIO GIAMPIERO
  • EP3934937B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3934937B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3934937B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a periscope (10) for vehicles, in particular for cars, comprising a video camera (2) associated with a first end (5) of a rod (1), a second end (5') of said rod (1), opposite to said first end (5), being configured to be associated with a roof (T) of a vehicle (V), in at least one configuration of use of said periscope (10). The camera (2) is positioned at a height greater than or equal to 30 cm with respect to said roof (T) of said vehicle (V) and is suitable for detecting a plurality of images of the space in front of said vehicle (V) in the direction of travel of said vehicle (V). The periscope (10) further comprises means for displaying (8) said plurality of images detectable by said camera (2), and means for transmitting (7) said plurality of images from said camera (2) to said displaying means (8), said displaying means (8) being located inside a passenger compartment (A) of said vehicle (V) to be viewed by a driver of said vehicle (V).