Vehicle Screen Mirror Image Activation via Face Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicle drivers lack a convenient and easily usable mirror for tasks like shaving while on the road, as conventional mirrors are difficult to position and require adjustment, and existing solutions do not effectively integrate with vehicle displays.

Innovation Solution

A device with a screen and face detection system that displays a mirror image of the driver's face when predetermined criteria are met, such as facing the screen for a defined period and being in close range, ensuring the mirror image function is activated only when the vehicle is stationary, thereby enhancing the utility of the screen as a mirror without distracting the driver during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate hand mirror is carried for shaving, then the driver can perform grooming tasks, but the mirror is difficult to position and requires holding with one hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use of mirrorVSAvoidneed for separate mirror
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mirror function with the existing vehicle display screen by detecting the driver's face and displaying a mirror image on the screen. This eliminates the need for a separate hand mirror and integrates the grooming function into the vehicle's existing display system, making it easier to use while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen is given multiple functions: it serves as both the original information display device and as a mirror when the driver's face is detected. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated mirror devices and maximizes the utility of existing components.

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

2Ease of operation

If the exterior mirror is used for shaving, then a mirror function is available, but the mirror must be regularly adjusted and the window opened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use of mirrorVSAvoidtime for adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror function is merged with the interior display screen, eliminating the need to use exterior mirrors and adjust windows. The driver can perform grooming tasks using the interior screen without any adjustment requirements, saving time and improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the mirror image function is always active on the screen, then the driver can use it conveniently, but the driver's attention may be distracted during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of mirror functionVSAvoiddriver safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror image function dynamically adjusts its availability based on vehicle motion state. The system detects whether the vehicle is stationary or moving and enables or disables the mirror function accordingly, ensuring safety during movement while maintaining convenience when parked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion detection to control the mirror image function. When motion is detected, the system provides feedback to disable the mirror function; when stationary, it enables the function. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while maintaining usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If a face detection device is added to enable automatic mirror image display, then the mirror function becomes more convenient, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic mirror activationVSAvoidaddition of detection device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The face detection device is integrated into the existing display system, and the same system components are used for multiple purposes: face detection for mirror activation, motion detection for safety control, and information display. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate systems and minimizes overall device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2848471B1Method and device for displaying visual information in a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2848471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2848471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2848471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for displaying information in a vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, comprising a screen (4) arranged in the vehicle (1), particularly in the driver's cab (3) of a commercial vehicle, by means of which information can be displayed visually. According to the invention, the screen (4) is associated with a device by means of which a face of a viewer looking at the screen (4), captured by at least one camera, can be displayed on the screen (4) in the manner of a mirror image. Particularly preferably, the screen (4) is associated with a face detection device (5) which is configured such that, when defined predefined criteria are met, it displays the face captured by at least one camera of the face detection device (5) on the screen (4) in the manner of a mirror image.