Virtual Mirror Auto-Zoom for Vehicle Blind Spot Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blind spot detection systems in vehicles, including both driver-controlled and autonomous vehicles, face challenges in providing full 360-degree visibility due to environmental factors and mechanical limitations, leading to increased risks of collisions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera system with an adjustable field of view that automatically zooms based on detected nearby vehicles, providing a wider field of view when a vehicle is nearby and narrowing the view when it is not, to enhance driver visibility and reaction time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed field of view camera is used for blind spot detection, then the system structure is simple, but the visibility coverage is insufficient and blind spots remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic field of view adjustment mechanism where the camera automatically changes its viewing angle based on detected vehicle presence. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot region, the camera adjusts to a first field of view optimized for detecting nearby vehicles. When no vehicle is present, it switches to a second field of view for monitoring distant areas, thereby adapting the visibility coverage to actual traffic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the camera's field of view parameter dynamically based on environmental conditions (presence of nearby vehicles). The control unit receives detection signals and adjusts the camera's viewing parameters accordingly, switching between predefined field of view settings to optimize detection capability for different traffic scenarios.
2Reliability
If radar or lidar sensors are used for blind spot detection, then detection range is extended, but the system becomes vulnerable to environmental factors and false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active sensing systems (radar, lidar) with a passive optical camera-based detection system. This substitution eliminates the harmful electromagnetic radiation and reduces susceptibility to environmental interference while maintaining detection capability through image processing and pattern recognition algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual copying of the physical environment through camera imaging to detect vehicles. Instead of using active electromagnetic waves that can be affected by weather, the system captures optical information that is less susceptible to environmental degradation, processing these visual copies to identify and track nearby vehicles.
3Area of stationary object
If the camera field of view is constantly adjusted to track nearby vehicles, then blind spot coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs periodic scanning at predetermined time intervals rather than continuous tracking. The control unit checks for the presence of nearby vehicles at regular intervals and only adjusts the field of view when necessary. This periodic operation mode significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous adjustment while maintaining effective blind spot coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs event-driven operation where the camera automatically activates field of view adjustment only when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot region. When no vehicle is present, the camera maintains a default field of view without continuous adjustment, allowing the system to conserve energy by performing actions only when needed rather than operating continuously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including: displaying, to a user of a first vehicle, image data obtained using a first field of view of a camera of the first vehicle, where the camera collects the image data for objects located outside of the first vehicle; detecting, by at least one processing device of the first vehicle, a second vehicle; determining, by the one processing device, whether the second vehicle is within a predetermined region relative to the first vehicle; and in response to determining that the second vehicle is within the predetermined region, displaying image data obtained using a second field of view of the camera.