Virtual Mirror Activation by Turn-Signal Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual mirror systems in vehicles only provide an extended field of view when the turn signal is activated, leading to potential dangers due to invisible or poorly visible other vehicles in the conventional field of view.
Innovation Solution
A virtual mirror system that integrates a sensor unit into the turn signal element to detect the driver's intention to change lanes, activating an enhanced field of view independently of the turn signal activation, using camera and sensor data to display an improved environmental view on a display unit before the turn signal is activated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the extended field of view is activated only when the turn signal is activated, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the safety and visibility of other vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit detects driver intention (hand movement toward turn signal) and activates the enhanced field of view before the turn signal is actually engaged, providing preliminary action to improve safety without complicating operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to detect when the driver intends to activate the turn signal, automatically switching to enhanced field of view mode, thereby improving safety while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control
2Reliability
If the enhanced field of view is activated independently of turn signal, then the safety and visibility of other vehicles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit integrated into the turn signal element serves dual purposes: detecting driver intention for turn signal activation and triggering the enhanced field of view, thereby improving safety without significantly increasing device complexity through multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the turn signal element with the field of view activation control, combining functions that were previously separate (turn signal activation and enhanced view activation) into a unified system that improves safety without adding complex separate control mechanisms
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
Ensures the driver has an optimal view of the surroundings, including detecting potential obstacles, before initiating a lane change, thereby enhancing safety by providing an enhanced field of view without relying on turn signal activation.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one sensor unit is configured to identify/detect a movement, an approach and/or a contact of a driver of the vehicle with respect to the turn signal element
Implementation Method 2
at least one camera means configured to provide video data for an enhanced field of view or video data for a mirror field of view
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A virtual mirror system for a vehicle, comprising: at least one camera means (21) configured to provide video data for an enhanced field of view or video data for a mirror field of view; at least one display unit (10) configured to display the video data of the at least one camera means (21); and at least one sensor unit (16) integrated into a turn signal element (14) of the vehicle (20), whereby the at least one sensor unit (16) is configured to identify/detect a movement of a driver of the vehicle (20) with respect to the turn signal element (14); whereby the video data referring to the enhanced field of view is displayed in the at least one display unit (10), if the at least one sensor unit (16) identifies/detects a movement of the driver with respect to the turn signal element (14).