Virtual Rearview Mirror Display With Orientation-Based Video Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle mirrors have limitations in providing comprehensive rear visibility and lack advanced safety and connectivity features, while rearview cameras only partially address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A smart mirror system that integrates wireless connectivity and imaging devices to simulate a mirror, offering real-time video display, advanced safety features, and connectivity options like 5G, Bluetooth, and AI for enhanced vehicle operation and environment monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mirrors are used for rear visibility, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the visibility coverage is limited and lacks advanced safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the mirror function using a display device that shows video feeds from rearward-facing cameras. This virtual mirror replicates the visual information normally provided by physical mirrors, allowing the system to overcome the limitations of conventional mirrors while maintaining the essential function of rear visibility. The display device presents a virtual representation of the rearward view, effectively copying the mirror's purpose without its physical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror system with an electronic display and camera system. Instead of using physical reflective surfaces that require manual adjustment and have fixed viewing angles, the system uses cameras to capture images and a display device to present them. This substitution enables dynamic adjustment of viewing angles, enhanced safety features, and integration with vehicle systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rearview cameras are used to augment mirror functionality, then rear visibility is improved, but the system only partially addresses the limitations of conventional mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera system and display device into an integrated virtual mirror system that fully replaces conventional mirrors. Rather than merely augmenting existing mirrors with camera feeds, the system combines multiple cameras, processing units, and display elements into a unified virtual mirror interface. This integration allows the system to provide complete rear visibility coverage with enhanced features while managing system complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal virtual mirror system that performs multiple functions: providing rear visibility, detecting hazards, monitoring blind spots, and integrating with vehicle safety systems. The display device serves as both a traditional mirror replacement and a platform for advanced safety features, making the system universally applicable to various driving conditions and vehicle types while addressing the partial functionality limitation of camera-only solutions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a display device simulates a mirror with wireless connectivity, then advanced safety and connectivity features are added, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal display device that serves multiple functions: virtual mirror display, hazard detection, wireless communication, and vehicle system integration. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit, adding safety and connectivity features while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary that manages the complex interactions between cameras, display device, wireless communication modules, and vehicle systems. This intermediary component coordinates data flow, processes images, manages connectivity protocols, and integrates with vehicle networks, thereby enabling advanced features while containing system complexity within a dedicated management layer rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a display device that simulates a rear-facing mirror (e.g., rearview mirror). The display device displays a first video captured by a first camera to simulate the rear-facing mirror. The system detects a change in an orientation of the display device from a first orientation to a second orientation and, in response, causes the display device to display a second video captured by a second camera to maintain the simulation of the rearview mirror but from the second orientation. Alternatively, the system causes a corresponding change in the perspective of the first video being displayed on the display device thereby maintaining the effect of the rearview mirror.