Window-Projected Side Mirror Imaging for Low-Drag Rear Visibility
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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 due to obstructed views.
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 providing enhanced rear visibility by displaying captured images from side and rear cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If 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 what the physical mirror would show. This eliminates the need for protruding physical mirrors while maintaining the side view visibility function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical side-view mirror system with an electronic system consisting of cameras, processors, and display elements that project virtual images. This substitution eliminates the mechanical protruding structure while achieving the same visual function.
2Ease of operation
If 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 system creates virtual images of the side view through the windshield using camera feeds, eliminating the need for physical mirrors that create wind-drag. This copying approach maintains visibility while reducing aerodynamic resistance and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mirror system is replaced with an electronic imaging system that requires no external protruding structures, thereby eliminating the wind-drag associated with physical mirrors and improving fuel economy.
3Ease of operation
If physical side-view mirrors are used, then the driver can see the side view, but the mirrors obstruct the view when backing out of parking spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it provides side view visibility like traditional mirrors, and additionally captures rearward views for backing out of parking spaces. The same camera and display system adapts to show different perspectives based on driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal and functional dimension by capturing images from multiple angles and displaying them as virtual images that can represent different viewpoints (side view, rear view) depending on the driving situation, enhancing adaptability beyond the fixed perspective of physical mirrors.
4Ease of operation
If virtual images are projected onto the windshield, then the driver can see the image, but the image appears to come from a virtual image in front of the driver which requires precise mirror positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical mirror positioning system is replaced with an electronic system where cameras capture images and display elements project virtual images at predetermined locations on the windshield. This eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment while maintaining the optical function.
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 and wind-drag while enhancing driver visibility by projecting virtual images of the vehicle's surroundings, allowing the driver to see approaching traffic when reversing, even if obstructed by other vehicles.
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.
Implementation Method 2
A left optics module receives the left video signal from the electronic processor and produces a left light field such that the left light field is reflected off of a left side window of the motor vehicle and is then visible to a driver of the motor vehicle as a first virtual image.
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.