Vehicle Safety Device with Panoramic Rear View Camera System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems, particularly for velocipedes, motorcycles, and larger vehicles, suffer from inadequate rear vision, leading to blind spots and incorrect distance assessments, which compromise active safety. Existing rear-view mirrors provide incomplete and partial views, and video camera systems are limited to reverse gear operation only.
Innovation Solution
A safety device integrating a video camera, processing unit, and display system that allows drivers to have a clear, panoramic rear view without diverting attention from the forward direction, using cameras installed on the vehicle's exterior and a display integrated into the instrument panel or replacing rear-view mirrors, with a control to activate the rear view function as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rear-view mirrors are used, then rear vision is provided, but the view is incomplete and creates blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The rear view is divided into multiple segments captured by separate cameras (central rear camera and two lateral rear cameras), each covering a specific zone. These segmented views are then combined to form a complete panoramic image, eliminating blind spots while maintaining comprehensive rear vision coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from 2D mirror reflection to 3D spatial coverage by positioning cameras at different locations (central and lateral positions) and combining their views. This multi-dimensional approach ensures complete coverage of the rear environment without leaving any blind spots.
2Reliability
If multiple mirrors are used to achieve complete rear view, then coverage is improved, but distance assessment becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical reflection mechanism of mirrors with electronic image capture and processing. Cameras directly capture light rays without reflection, and the processing unit combines images from multiple cameras to create an accurate panoramic view, eliminating the distance distortion inherent in mirror reflections.
3Reliability
If driver looks at mirrors for complete rear view, then rear vision is achieved, but attention from forward direction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit acts as an intermediary that automatically combines images from multiple cameras into a single panoramic view displayed on the dashboard. This eliminates the need for the driver to manually scan multiple mirrors, as the system continuously synthesizes the complete rear view and presents it in one location, minimizing attention diversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a synthetic panoramic copy of the rear environment by combining images from multiple camera sources. This copied panoramic view is displayed on the dashboard, allowing the driver to obtain complete rear information in a single glance without needing to look at multiple separate mirrors.
4Reliability
If video camera is used for rear view, then complete panoramic view is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit performs multiple functions: it processes images from multiple cameras, combines them into a panoramic view, and displays the result on the dashboard. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, reducing overall system complexity while achieving complete rear view coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved safety device for vehicles, including at least one video camera, with possible zoom and tilt function that can be installed in one or more portions of the external surface of a vehicle, oriented so that its lens is facing in the opposite direction to that of the vehicle, or in the same direction in case of reverse, during which the possible tilt and zoom function is activated; at least one processing unit, to which the camera is operatively connected, which sends images selectively and at the request of the driver to a display of the vehicle, operationally connected to the processing unit by means of wiring or wireless connections; a control, operationally connected to the processing unit, operable by the driver and able to selectively activate the camera, and therefore the rear view function on the display.