Vehicle Rear View Assemblies with Camera Display Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rearview systems in vehicles face challenges in providing an optimal field of view due to obstructions like A-pillars and other objects, and they often result in oversized exterior mirrors that increase air resistance, noise, and weight, while lacking a reliable backup solution in case of system failure.
Innovation Solution
A set of exterior rear view assemblies with a vision system on the passenger side that uses a camera and display to provide a legally required field of view, allowing for smaller mirror elements and reduced size of rear view assemblies, which improves aerodynamics and weight while maintaining a backup solution for observing traffic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If exterior mirrors are made larger to provide sufficient field of view, then the field of view is improved, but air resistance, noise, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical mirror system with an optical system consisting of cameras and display devices. Cameras mounted on the vehicle capture images of areas behind and to the sides of the vehicle, and these images are displayed on screens positioned where mirrors would traditionally be located. This substitution eliminates the need for large exterior mirrors while maintaining adequate field of view, thereby reducing air resistance, noise, and weight.
2Area of stationary object
If exterior mirrors are made larger to provide sufficient field of view, then the field of view is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical mirror assemblies with lighter camera and display components. The camera systems capture images using optical sensors, and the display devices present these images on screens. This substitution dramatically reduces the weight of rear view assemblies while maintaining or improving field of view quality, as electronic displays can provide adjustable and enhanced visual information compared to passive mirror surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If camera and display system is used to reduce mirror size, then air resistance is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the camera and display system. The same camera system that provides rear view imagery can also detect objects, monitor blind spots, and provide navigation assistance. The display device serves both as a rear view mirror replacement and as an information display for various vehicle systems. This multi-functionality justifies the increased system complexity by providing additional benefits beyond simple rear viewing.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If mirror elements are reduced in size to improve aerodynamics, then air resistance is reduced, but field of view coverage may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional mirror surface to a multi-dimensional imaging system. Cameras capture three-dimensional spatial information and convert it to two-dimensional images that can be displayed on flat screens. The system uses multiple cameras positioned at different locations to capture images of various areas behind and to the sides of the vehicle, effectively expanding the field of view beyond what a single flat mirror surface could provide. This dimensional transformation allows compact display elements to present comprehensive rear view information.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of rear view assemblies for a vehicle includes at least one first rear view assembly mounted to a driver side of the vehicle to observe traffic conditions behind the driver side, at least one second rear view assembly mounted on a passenger side of the vehicle to observe traffic conditions behind the passenger side, and a vision system. A vehicle including such a system is also described.