Virtual Side View Mirror Using Head-Up Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up displays in vehicles require physical side-view mirrors, which protrude and cause damage, increase wind-drag, and limit visibility when backing out of parking spaces.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile rearward-looking camera system that projects virtual images onto the vehicle's windows using a head-up display, eliminating the need for physical mirrors and enhancing rearward visibility by displaying captured images from side and rear cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional physical side-view mirrors are used, then the driver can see the side view, but the mirrors protrude and cause damage and increase wind-drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras to capture images of the side view and projects these images as virtual images through the windshield, creating a digital copy of the physical mirror's function without the physical protrusion. This eliminates the harmful protruding mirrors while preserving the side view visibility function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror system with an optical-electronic system consisting of cameras, processors, and display elements that project virtual images. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mirror structures that cause damage and wind-drag while maintaining the viewing function.
2Ease of operation
If traditional physical side-view mirrors are used, then the driver can see the side view, but the mirrors increase wind-drag and reduce fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the side view using cameras and displays, eliminating the need for physical mirror surfaces that create wind-drag. This reduces aerodynamic resistance and improves fuel economy while maintaining side view visibility through the projected virtual images.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mirror system is replaced with an electronic imaging system that requires no physical protruding surfaces. This eliminates the wind-drag caused by traditional mirrors and the associated energy loss, while the side view function is maintained through virtual image projection.
3Ease of operation
If traditional physical side-view mirrors are used, then the driver can see approaching traffic, but the mirrors are limited when backing out of parking spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple cameras positioned at different locations (side view cameras and rear view cameras) that can capture different fields of view. The system can switch between and combine images from different cameras to provide comprehensive visibility for various maneuvers including normal driving, backing out of parking spaces, and monitoring approaching traffic from all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic imaging system where the displayed virtual images can be switched between different camera sources based on the vehicle's operational state. When backing out of parking spaces, the system can dynamically display images from rear cameras showing blind spots that would be invisible to traditional fixed-position mirrors, providing adaptability to different driving scenarios.
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
Reduces vehicle profile, minimizes wind-drag, and provides enhanced visibility of approaching traffic when reversing by projecting virtual images onto the windshield or side windows, replacing traditional side-view mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
A head up display emits light that reflects from the front windshield to be seen by the driver. The light appears to come from a virtual image in front of the driver and in front of the windshield.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes a left side view camera attached to the left lateral side of the body and having a field of view in a rearward direction. A right side view camera is attached to the right lateral side of the body and has a field of view in a rearward direction. There is a right back up camera and a left back up camera. An optics module receives resulting video signals and produces light fields such that the light fields are reflected off of windows of the motor vehicle and are then visible to a driver of the motor vehicle as virtual images.