Virtual Rearview Mirror Using Wide-Angle Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles lack an effective solution for providing a rearview mirror view that is both aerodynamically efficient and enhances driving safety, as exterior mirrors increase aerodynamic resistance and create blind spots.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing wide-angle cameras with fisheye lenses to capture and stitch images, generating a virtual rearview mirror view that can be adjusted based on vehicle status parameters or user input, eliminating blind spots and providing a flexible, safety-enhanced field of view, displayed on a head-up display or monitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exterior mirrors are installed on the vehicle, then the driver can see the rear surroundings, but the aerodynamic resistance increases by 2 to 7%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical exterior mirror system with an optical-electronic system consisting of wide-angle cameras and image processing units. The cameras capture rear surroundings and the processed images are displayed on interior screens, eliminating the need for physical mirrors and their associated aerodynamic drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the rear view scene by capturing it with cameras and displaying it on interior screens. This virtual rear view mirror provides the same functional information as physical mirrors without the aerodynamic penalty.
2Loss of energy
If exterior mirrors are removed to improve aerodynamics, then energy efficiency increases, but blind spots are created that reduce driving safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rear view system that can adjust the field of view and camera angles based on driving conditions. The system processes images in real-time and can shift the virtual mirror view to cover blind spots that static mirrors cannot address.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the two-dimensional view provided by traditional mirrors to a multi-dimensional virtual reality display that can show rear surroundings from multiple angles simultaneously, eliminating blind spots while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rearview mirrors are used, then the field of view is limited to about 17 degrees, but the system is simple and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal rear view system that can serve multiple functions: providing rear view mirror images, displaying 360-degree surround views, showing blind spot monitoring, and offering adjustable field of view configurations, all through a single integrated camera and processing system.
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
This solution enhances driving safety by expanding the field of view beyond conventional rearview mirrors, allowing optimal adaptation to driving situations and meeting road safety requirements without the need for exterior mirrors, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing aerodynamic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
A first image of at least a part of the vehicle surroundings is captured by means of at least one wide-angle camera, in particular a camera with a fisheye lens
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for providing a rear-view-mirror view of the surroundings of a vehicle (1). Said method comprises: detecting at least part of the vehicle surroundings in a first image (10) by means of at least one wide-angle camera (3, 4, 5, 6) mounted on the vehicle (1); computing a second image (20) on the basis of the first image (10), wherein the second image (20) corresponds to a mapped field of vision of a first virtual camera which is located at a first position in the vehicle surroundings and depicts a region lying behind the vehicle (1) in the vehicle surroundings; and preparing the second image (20) for a display of a rearview-mirror view.