Vehicle Rear View Vision System Using Windshield Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear-view vision systems in vehicles face challenges such as limited field of view, blind spots, and image distortion due to the use of convex mirrors and multiple camera lenses with disparate viewpoints, which hinder the vehicle operator's ability to accurately assess the rear environment.
Innovation Solution
A rear-view vision system that includes a reflection device mounted adjacent the front windshield to redirect the rear view and an image capturing device positioned to capture this reflection, providing a broad field of view with minimal distortion by using a single camera or stereoscopic imaging device oriented in a common direction, and a method to generate a template of physical points of reference within the vehicle to overlay on stitched image data for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If convex mirrors are used to increase field of view, then the field of view is expanded, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of convex mirrors with an electronic imaging system consisting of a camera, processor, and display. This substitution eliminates the inherent image distortion of convex mirrors while maintaining the ability to provide a wide field of view through digital image processing and stitching multiple camera views together.
2Area of moving object
If multiple camera lenses with disparate viewpoints are used, then the field of view is expanded, but image distortion and difficulty in assessment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives images from multiple cameras and stitches them together to create a composite rear view image. This intermediary processing step harmonizes the disparate viewpoints into a unified, undistorted image that maintains accurate spatial relationships and object sizes.
3Reliability
If conventional rear-view systems are used, then the basic rear view function is provided, but blind spots and limited field of view persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rear view capture function into multiple camera units positioned at different locations (front windshield, rear windshield, side mirrors). Each camera captures a specific segment of the rear environment, and the processor stitches these segments together to form a complete, comprehensive view that eliminates blind spots and expands the overall field of view.
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
This solution enhances the vehicle operator's awareness of the rear environment by providing a wider, undistorted field of view, reducing blind spots, and allowing accurate assessment of object sizes and movements, thereby improving safety during maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection device mounted adjacent a front windshield surface to redirect a reflection of a rear view of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A rear-view vision system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a reflection device mounted adjacent a front windshield surface to redirect a reflection of a rear view of the vehicle. The system includes an image capturing device having a field of view facing the reflection device to capture a rear-view image of the reflection. The system may also include a display unit in communication with the image capturing device for displaying the captured rear-view image to a vehicle operator.