GB2577255A

GB2577255A - Apparatus and method for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror

Info

Publication number: GB2577255A
Application number: GB1815171.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Singh Harpreet; Gnanasundarapaulraj Jerciline; Thomas Philip
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-18
Filing date: 2018-09-18
Publication date: 2020-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-18
Also published as: GB2577255B; GB201815171D0

Abstract

An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror 410. A mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror is generated in dependence on a signal indicative of the eye position of a user, such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion 420 of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle. A control system may identify the user, and select one of a plurality of user-defined proportions of the field of view based on the identity. The mirror may be located outside or inside the vehicle, thus allowing for a proportion of the exterior or interior of the vehicle to be displayed. The mirror may be adjusted about a vertical and/or horizontal axis. If the eye position of the user may have changed, for example if a new user is present, a request signal to request authorisation for a mirror adjustment may be sent.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A POSITION OF A VEHICLE MIRROR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a controller and control method for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to controlling a position of a vehicle mirror to show a reflection of the vehicle exterior in a predetermined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror. Aspects of the invention relate to a controller, to a system, to a vehicle, to a method, and to a computer readable medium.

BACKGROUND

Various systems are known for adjusting the mirrors of a vehicle. In some systems, the mirrors may be automatically adjusted to an optimum position for revealing objects behind the vehicle based on tracking the gaze of a user. However, such known systems focus purely on optimal coverage of objects behind the vehicle and take no account of the fact that different users may require or prefer different fields of view to be reflected in the vehicle mirrors. That is, two different users with the same gaze direction or eye position might choose to adjust the vehicle mirrors to give different fields of view. Vehicle mirrors may include exterior mirrors, such as left and right wing mirrors, and interior mirrors, such as a rear-view mirror. Similar concerns regarding user requirements for fields of view apply to both exterior and interior mirrors.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a controller, a system, a vehicle, a method, and a computer readable medium as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror, the control system comprising one or more controllers. The control system is configured to: receive a signal indicative of the eye position of a user; and generate a mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle. One advantage of this is that the field of view of the vehicle mirror can be automatically adjusted according to user requirements.

The one or more controllers may collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving the signal indicative of the eye position of a user; and at least one electronic memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions stored therein so as to cause the generation of the mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user, a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle. The at least one electronic processor may communicate the mirror control signal to a vehicle mirror actuator.

The user defined proportion of the field of view may be non-zero. One advantage of this is that users are not limited to fields of view that do not show a reflection of the vehicle.

The controller may be configured to: identify the user; and select one of a plurality of user-defined proportions of the field of view based on the identified user. One advantage of this is that the mirrors may be automatically be adjusted for each user of the vehicle according to their individual requirements.

The controller may be configured to: receive a user input to adjust the proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror that shows a reflection of the vehicle; and store the adjusted proportion as the user-defined proportion for the identified user. One advantage of this is that the user-defined proportion may be adjusted when required.

The mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of an external vehicle mirror about a vertical axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle exterior. One advantage of this is that an external mirror position can be automatically adjusted based on user requirements.

The mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of an internal mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the internal mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle interior. One advantage of this is that an internal mirror position can be automatically adjusted based on user requirements.

The mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of the vehicle mirror about a horizontal axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows objects below a horizontal plane extending through the mirror. One advantage of this is that a vehicle mirror position can be automatically adjusted about a horizontal axis based on user requirements.

The controller may be configured to: receive a user-situation signal indicative of the presence of, movement of, or a change of, a user of the vehicle; generate a request signal to request authorisation for mirror adjustment if the user-situation signal satisfies a predetermined request condition; and generate the mirror control signal if authorisation is received. The predetermined request condition may be a condition that, if satisfied, implies that the eye position of the user may have changed. The predetermined request condition may be at least one of: a change in weight or weight distribution of a user beyond a predetermined threshold value; a change of identity of a user; or a movement of a user or vehicle part beyond a predetermined threshold value. One advantage of this is that a vehicle mirror position may be automatically adjusted according to user requirements when the situation of the user changes.

The controller may be configured to generate a mirror control signal only if the vehicle is stationary. One advantage of this is that the vehicle mirror positions may not be automatically adjusted when the vehicle is in motion.

At least one vehicle mirror may be a convex mirror. One advantage of this is that the field of view of the convex vehicle mirror can be automatically adjusted according to user requirements.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror, the system comprising: a user position sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an eye position of a user; a controller as described above; and an actuator configured to adjust the position of the vehicle mirror in dependence on the mirror control signal.

The system may comprise a user identity sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the identity of the user. The system may comprise a user situation sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the presence of, movement of, or a change of a user of the vehicle. The system may comprise user input device configured to receive a user input. The system may comprise output device configured to provide an output to a user. The controller may be configured to communicate with the other components of the system.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the controller described above and/or the system described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror, the method comprising: generating a signal indicative of an eye position of a user; and adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle.

The user defined proportion of the field of view may be non-zero, although it is contemplated that in some embodiments a user may configure the user defined proportion to be substantially zero.

The method may comprise: identifying the user; and selecting one of a plurality of user-defined proportions of the field of view based on the identified user.

The method may comprise: receiving a user input to adjust the proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror that shows a reflection of the vehicle; and storing the adjusted proportion as the user-defined proportion for the identified user.

The mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of an external vehicle mirror about a vertical axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle exterior.

The mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of an internal mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the internal mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle interior.

The mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of the vehicle mirror about a horizontal axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows objects below a horizontal plane extending through the mirror.

The method may comprise: receiving a user-situation signal indicative of the presence of, movement of, or a change of, a user of the vehicle; generating a request signal to request authorisation for mirror adjustment if the user-situation signal satisfies a predetermined request condition; and generating the mirror control signal if authorisation is received. The predetermined request condition may be a condition that, if satisfied, implies that the eye position of the user may have changed. The predetermined request condition may be at least one of: a change in weight or weight distribution of a user beyond a predetermined threshold value; a change of identity of a user; or a movement of a user or vehicle part beyond a predetermined threshold value.

The method may comprise generating a mirror control signal only if the vehicle is stationary.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform the method described above.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause performance of the method described above.

Any controller or controllers described herein may suitably comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. Thus, the system may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. As used herein the term "controller" or "control unit" will be understood to include both a single control unit or controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide any stated control functionality. To configure a controller, a suitable set of instructions may be provided which, when executed, cause said control unit or computational device to implement the control techniques specified herein. The set of instructions may suitably be embedded in said one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the set of instructions may be provided as software saved on one or more memory associated with said controller to be executed on said computational device. A first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more processors. One or more other controllers may be implemented in software run on one or more processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. Other suitable arrangements may also be used.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an example schematic of the view of the driver when inside a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows an example control means according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a and 3b show an example input means according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 4a and 4b show an example external vehicle mirror according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 5a and 5b show an example external vehicle mirror according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 6a and 6b show an example internal vehicle mirror according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows an example of a display of a request signal according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows an example of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows an example method according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows an example method according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 11 shows an example schematic for a mirror adjustment algorithm according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in Figure 1, there is provided a schematic of the view of the driver when inside a typical vehicle, the vehicle being further represented in Figure 8. The view of Figure 1 is restricted to those parts of a vehicle necessary to illustrate the spatial arrangement of vehicle mirrors and so the majority of the components of a vehicle are not included.

The schematic in Figure 1 shows part of the field of view of a driver in a typical vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle may comprise a steering means in the form of a steering wheel 102, a protective means in the form of a windshield 104, and a structural support means in the form of a dashboard 110. The vehicle may also comprise centre console 115, an instrument cluster 112, and a centre console cluster 114. The vehicle may also comprise control means, input means, and output means, not shown in Figure 1.

The vehicle may also comprise one or more vehicle mirrors. The vehicle mirrors may comprise an internal mirror 120, such as a rear-view mirror, a first external mirror 130 such as a right wing mirror, and a second external mirror 140 such as a left wing mirror. The internal mirror 120, the first external mirror 130 and the second external mirror 140, may each comprise an actuating means configured to move or adjust the mirror. In an embodiment, the actuating means may be configured to pivot the mirror in at least one direction. In an embodiment, each mirror may be configured to pivot about an attachment to the vehicle. In an embodiment, there may be provided a plurality of actuating means, and each actuating means may comprise an actuator in the form of a motor. The vehicle may comprise a controller (not shown in Figure 1) configured to generate control signals to control the actuators in response to a user input to manually adjust the mirror positions. According to aspects of the invention, as described in more detail below, the controller may be configured to generate a control signal to adjust a mirror position according to a user's eye position and pre-set parameters.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a control means in the form of a control system 205 for controlling the position of a mirror 120, 130, 140 of a vehicle, the control system 205 comprising at least one controller 200.

In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to carry out one or more of the following steps: * receive a signal indicative of the eye position of a user; and * generate a mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle.

The controller 200 may comprise a processing means in the form of a processor 201 configured for processing data, and a storage means in the form of a memory 202 configured for storage of data. The memory 202 may comprise a computer readable medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), flash drive, solid state drive, or any other form of general-purpose data storage, upon which various software, instructions, and data are arranged.

In an embodiment, the computer readable medium comprises instructions that, when executed by a processor 201, cause the processor 201 to perform one or more of the above defined steps.

In an embodiment, the control means may be configured to communicate with actuating means, which may comprise one or more actuators 241. Each actuator 241 may be configured to move or adjust a vehicle mirror in dependence on a mirror control signal provided by the controller 200. For example, there may be a single actuator 241 to adjust a single mirror position, an actuator 241 for each wing mirror, and/or an actuator 241 for a rear-view mirror.

In one embodiment, there may be three actuators 241: one for each of the left and right wing mirrors 140, 130, and one for a rear-view mirror 120.

In an embodiment, the control means may be configured to communicate with input means 220, which may comprise one or more of: user input device 221, an input port configured to receive data from user input device 221, a receiver configured to receive data from user input device 221. In an embodiment, user input device 221 may be one or more of: a touch-screen display, a button, a receiver in the form of a microphone configured to generate a signal in response to voice activated commands. User input device 221 may be provided, for example, in one or more of: the vehicle dashboard 110, the instrument cluster 112, the centre console 115, the centre console cluster 114, the head up display, and the steering wheel 102, or in any other suitable location. In an embodiment, the input means 220 may include an input interface which may be a graphical user interface (GUI) or may be any other suitable user interface.

In an embodiment, the input means 220 may comprise one or more of: a user position sensor 222, an input port configured to receive data from the user position sensor 222, and a receiver configured to receive data from the user position sensor 222. The user position sensor 222 may be configured to detect a head position of a user of the vehicle, or to collect other data indicative of an eye position of a user. In an embodiment, a signal indicative of the eye position of the user may be generated by user position sensor 222 and communicated to the controller 200. The signal indicative of the eye position of the user may comprise measurements of the eye position of the user, the head position of the user, the position of any other part of the user, the posture of the user, the position of the user's seat, and/or any other measurements from which the eye position of the user can be detected, calculated, and/or assumed. The user position sensor 222 may comprise one or more sensors suitable for obtaining such measurements, such as cameras, proximity sensors, pressure sensors or any other suitable sensors. In an embodiment, the user position sensor 222 may be configured to detect the mid-point between the eyes (MPBE) of a user of the vehicle. In an embodiment, user position sensor 222 may be an image capture device, including for example a digital camera, video camera or any other device capable of capturing an image. In an embodiment, user position sensor 222 may be configured to collect data indicative of a user's eye position for a predetermined time period to produce a mean average or a weighted mean average.

In an embodiment, the input means 220 may comprise one or more of: a user situation sensor 223, an input port configured to receive data from user situation sensor 223, and a receiver configured to receive data from user situation sensor 223. The user situation sensor 223 may be configured to generate a user situation signal and to communicate the user situation signal to the controller 200. User situation sensor 223 may be configured to directly or indirectly detect a user characteristic, and/or a detect an adjustment to the vehicle carried out by a user. User situation sensor 223 may comprise one or more of: a proximity sensor; a temperature sensor; a light sensor; a camera; a pressure sensor, or any other suitable sensor. The direct detection of a user characteristic may comprise one or more of: detecting a weight or weight distribution of a user; detecting an identity of a user; visually or physically detecting a movement of a user; and detecting movement of the head of a user. The detection of adjustment to the vehicle carried out by a user may comprise one or more of: detecting movement of a seat position; detecting opening and/or closing of a vehicle door; and detecting an adjustment of the steering column. In an embodiment, user situation sensor 223 may comprise a plurality of detection components. Each detection component may be configured to detect one or more of the above-mentioned user characteristics.

In an embodiment, the input means 220 may comprise one or more of: a user identity sensor 224, an input port configured to receive data from user identity sensor 224, and a receiver configured to receive data from user identity sensor 224. The user identity sensor 224 may be configured to generate a user identity signal and to communicate the user identity signal to the controller 200. The user identity signal may be indicative of the identity of a user. The user identity sensor 224 may be any suitable sensor for detecting an identity of a user. For example, the user identity sensor 224 may comprise a facial recognition sensor, fingerprint sensor, iris or retinal sensor, voice recognition sensor, weight or pressure sensor, or any other suitable biometric sensor. Alternatively, or additionally, the user identity sensor 224 may be a sensor capable of detecting a radio frequency tag, a smartphone, a key fob, or any other identifying item carried by the user.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the user position sensor 222, the user situation sensor 223, and the user identity sensor 224 may utilise the same sensors or sensor components.

For example, a camera could function as an eye position sensor, user presence sensor, and facial recognition sensor. As another example, a weight or pressure sensor could output signals indicative of a user eye position, user situation, and user identity.

In an embodiment, the control means may be configured to communicate with output means in the form of output device 231. The output device 231 may comprise displays, speakers, lights, haptic devices, or any other suitable hardware for providing an output to a user. Output device 231 may be provided, for example, in one or more of: the vehicle dashboard 110, the instrument cluster 112, the centre console 115, the centre console cluster 114, the head up display, and the steering wheel 102, or in any other suitable location. Output device 231 may be combined with user input device 221 in the form of touch screens or any other suitable input/output device.

In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to identify the user and select one of a plurality of user-defined proportions of the field of view based on the identified user. The user may be identified by any suitable method and/or technology. For example, the user may be identified using facial recognition, fingerprint detection, iris or retinal scanning, voice recognition, or any other suitable biometric techniques. Alternatively, or additionally, the user may be identified by detecting a radio frequency tag, a smartphone, a key fob, or any other item carried by the user. In some embodiments, the user may be identified by inputting a PIN or password. The user may be identified based on signals indicative of an identity of the user provided by a user identity sensor 224, as described above. It will be appreciated that these are merely examples and that any suitable method and/or technology may be used to identify the user.

User-defined proportions of the field of view may be stored for each user and retrieved when the user is identified. The mirror control signal may be generated based on the indicated eye position of the user and the user defined proportions. For example, if the user-defined proportion for user A is that x% of the field of view of a vehicle mirror should show a reflection of the vehicle, the mirror control signal may be generated to adjust the vehicle mirror based on the indicated eye position of the user such that x% of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle when the user is identified as user A. On the other hand, if the user-defined proportion for user B is y%, the mirror control signal may be generated to adjust the vehicle mirror such that y% of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle when the user is identified as user B. It will be appreciated that user-defined proportions for any number of different users could be stored. Furthermore, user-defined proportions may be stored for each vehicle mirror according to each user's preferences and the user-defined proportions need not be the same for each vehicle mirror. In an embodiment, the user-defined proportion may be a non-zero proportion. That is, the mirror control signal may be for adjusting a vehicle mirror position such that the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of part of the vehicle when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user.

In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to receive a user input to adjust the proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror that shows a reflection of the vehicle; and store the adjusted proportion as the user-defined proportion for the identified user. The user input may be provided through the input means 220. The user input may be provided through the user input device 221. For example, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the current proportion may be displayed to the user on a touch screen 310 and the user may perform a user input to adjust the current proportion by touching the controls 320 and 330. In response to the user input, the controller 200 may generate a mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user the adjusted proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle. The user may accept the adjusted proportion by a further user input, for example by touching the 'OK' button 340. The adjusted proportion may then be stored as the user-defined proportion. In some embodiments, the user may indicate that the adjusted proportion is a temporary proportion and should not be stored as the user-defined proportion. In this case, the controller 200 may use the adjusted proportion for the current journey and revert to the user defined proportion in subsequent journeys. It will be appreciated that the above are merely examples, and any suitable means for communicating the current proportion to the user and receiving user inputs for adjusting the current proportion could be used. For example, the current proportion could alternatively or additionally be provided to a user as audio and/or the user inputs could take the form of voice commands.

In an embodiment, the vehicle mirror position may be directly adjusted by the user. For example, the user may manually adjust the mirror position by physically interacting with the vehicle mirror itself, by physically interacting with a mechanical control for manually adjusting the mirror position, or by interacting with a touch screen control or dashboard switch for driving the mirror position. The controller 200 may detect the adjusted position, calculate the proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror that shows a reflection of the vehicle from the indicated eye position of the user, and store the adjusted proportion as the user defined proportion.

In an embodiment, the mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of an external vehicle mirror about a vertical axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle exterior. When the exterior mirror is a wing mirror 130, 140, the user-defined proportion of the field of view may show a reflection of the side of the vehicle, with the remainder of the field of view showing a reflection of the view generally behind and to that side of the vehicle. For example, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the external vehicle mirror may be a wing mirror 410, and the mirror control signal may adjust the position of the wing mirror 410 about a vertical axis to show a reflection of the side of the vehicle in a user defined proportion 420 of the wing mirror 410. In the example of Figure 4a, the user-defined proportion 420 is approximately 10%. In the example of Figure 4b, the user-defined proportion 420 is approximately 20%. It will be appreciated that these are merely examples and that any proportion could be used in principle from 0% to 100%.

In an embodiment, the mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of a vehicle mirror about a horizontal axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows objects below a horizontal plane extending through the mirror. For example, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the vehicle mirror may be a wing mirror 510, and the mirror control signal may adjust the position of the wing mirror 510 about a horizontal axis to show a reflection of objects below a horizontal plane extending through the mirror in a user defined proportion 520 of the wing mirror. In the example of Figure 5a, the user-defined proportion 520 is 40%. In the example of Figure 5b, the user-defined proportion 520 is 60%. It will be appreciated that these are merely examples and that any proportion could be used in principle. The embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be applied in combination. That is, the user defined proportion may comprise proportions for adjustment of the mirrors about both the horizontal and vertical axes, and mirror control signals may be generated for adjustment of the mirrors about both the horizontal and vertical axes.

In an embodiment, the mirror control signal may be configured to adjust a position of an internal mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the internal mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle interior. For example, the internal mirror may be a rear-view mirror 120 and the mirror control signal may adjust the position of the rear-view mirror 120 to show a reflection of the vehicle interior in a user-defined proportion of the rear-view mirror 120. The internal mirror could be adjusted about a horizontal axis or vertical axis. For example, as shown in Figure 6a, for adjustment about a horizontal axis the user-defined proportion may be defined in relation to the top of the internal mirror. That is, the user-defined proportion may define that, for example, 10% of the top 620 of the field of view of the rear-view mirror 610 should show the vehicle interior. The term 'vehicle interior' should be understood not to include vehicle windows. For example, in the example of Figure 6a, vehicle interior shown in the 10% of the top 620 of the field of view of the rear-view mirror 610 is the vehicle interior (shown in black) surrounding the rear window 640 (shown in white). As shown in the example of Figure 6b, for adjustment about a vertical axis the user-defined proportion may be defined in relation to the left side of the internal mirror, for example. That is, the user-defined proportion may define that, for example, approximately 15% of the left side 630 of the field of view of the rear-view mirror 610 should show the vehicle interior (i.e. the vehicle interior surrounding the rear window 640). It will be appreciated that these are merely examples, and that the user-defined proportions could be defined in relation to the bottom or right side of the internal mirror field of view.

In some embodiments, the user-defined proportion may be limited to a certain range. For example, a user-defined proportion for showing a reflection of the vehicle exterior in an external mirror may be limited to the range 0%-40%. In some embodiments it may be required that at least part of the vehicle is reflected: that is, the range may have a lower limit of >0%. In some embodiments, an error message may be displayed if the user attempts to adjust the user-defined proportion or current proportion beyond this range as well as or instead of prohibiting adjustment beyond that range. In some embodiments, a recommended range of proportions may be stored, for example 0%-25% and a warning message may be displayed if the user attempts to adjust the user-defined proportion or current proportion beyond this range. In some embodiments, the limited range and recommended range may be different for different mirrors, for instance differing between a driver side wing mirror and a passenger side wing mirror. It will be appreciated that these ranges are purely exemplary and indeed the present invention is not restricted to any range at all.

In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to receive a user-situation signal, generate a request signal to request authorisation for mirror adjustment if the user-situation signal satisfies a predetermined request condition, and generate the mirror control signal if authorisation is received. The user situation signal may be indicative of the presence of, movement of, or a change of a user of the vehicle. The user situation signal may comprise data representative of a direct detection of a user characteristic, and/or a detection of an adjustment to the vehicle carried out by a user. The direct detection of a user characteristic may comprise one or more of: detecting a weight or weight distribution of a user; detecting an identity of a user; visually or physically detecting a movement of a user; and detecting movement of the head of a user. The detection of adjustment to the vehicle carried out by a user may comprise one or more of: detecting movement of a seat position; detecting opening and/or closing of a vehicle door; and detecting an adjustment of the steering column.

Optionally, the controller 200 is configured to substantially continuously or periodically monitor the input for satisfaction of a predetermined request condition, and to generate a request signal to request driver authorisation for mirror adjustment only if satisfaction of the request condition is detected. The predetermined request condition may be a condition that, if satisfied, would imply that the eye position of the user might have changed. For example, satisfaction of the predetermined request condition may imply that the user has changed their position, or that the user is a different person. For example, when the user situation signal is a weight or weight distribution of a user, which may be measured using one or more pressure sensors in a user's seat for example, the predetermined request condition may be a change in the weight or weight distribution of the user beyond a predetermined threshold value, since this may indicate that the user is a different person or that the user has shifted position in the seat. When the user situation signal is an identity of the user, which may be detected as described above for example, the predetermined request condition may be that the identity of the user has changed. When the user situation signal is a movement of the user or a part of the user such as the user's head, or movement or adjustment of a vehicle part, such as a seat, steering column or vehicle door, the predetermined request condition may be movement beyond a certain threshold value.

Figure 7 shows an example of a request signal for mirror adjustment displayed on a touch 3o screen 710. The request signal may present an indication 720 to a user that mirror adjustment approval is required. The controller 200 may be configured to not output a signal to the mirror for adjustment if it receives a negative response (i.e. that approval is not given), or if it receives no response within a predetermined time period. A negative response may, for example, comprise the user selecting a NO button 730, issuing a negative voice command, and/or comprise detection of an alternative operation by a user. For example, if a user begins driving or activates further driving functions of the vehicle instead of responding to the authorisation request, a negative response may be determined to have been given. Upon receiving a positive response (i.e. that approval is given) the controller 200 is configured to output a signal for mirror adjustment based on the determined optimal mirror position. A positive response may, for example, comprise the user selecting a YES button 740, or issuing a positive voice command.

In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to not present the indication to a user that mirror adjustment approval is required if the head or eye position or presence of a user cannot be detected. In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to present a message that head or eye position cannot be determined if the head or eye position of a user cannot be detected.

In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to receive an input indicative of the driver performing a manoeuvre such as reversing. Upon receipt of the input indicative of the driver performing a manoeuvre such as reversing, the controller 200 may be configured to request driver approval for mirror adjustment, and upon receipt of approval, move the mirrors to a pre-determined position optimised for the detected driving manoeuvre.

In an embodiment, the controller 200 may be configured to generate a mirror control signal only if the vehicle is stationary.

Figure 8 shows an example of a vehicle 800 according to an embodiment. In the example of Figure 8 a user's head 810 is inside the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a controller 820 which corresponds to controller 200 of Figure 2, an output device 830 which corresponds to the output device 231 of Figure 2 and input means 840 corresponding to input means 220 of Figure 2. The controller 820 may be configured to communicate with the output device 830 and the input means 840 and to generate a mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user (provided by the input means 840) a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle. The output device may be a touch screen 830 configured to provide outputs such as current mirror positions and requests for authorisation for mirror adjustment, for example. The input means 840 may be in the form of a user position sensor 222 configured to detect a position of a user, a user situation sensor 223 configured to detect a situation of a user, and/or a user identity sensor 224 configured to detect an identity of a user, all as described above in connection with Figure 2. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the user position sensor 222, user situation sensor 223, and user identity sensor 224 may be combined in the form of a camera 840 configured to detect the presence and position of the user's head 810, and the identity of the user via facial recognition. Furthermore, the touch screen 830 may comprise a user input device 221 according to Figure 2 in order to receive user inputs as well as to output information to the user. Alternatively, there may be a separate user input device (not shown in Figure 8) for instance, one or more dashboard mounted switches or other input devices.

In an example, the camera 840 may detect that the user situation has changed when it detects the presence of the user's head 810. The touch screen 830 may display a request for authorisation for mirror adjustment, and detect a user input indicating that authorisation is given. The camera 840 may then identify the user through facial recognition and detect the position of the user's eyes. The controller 820 may then generate a mirror control signal for adjusting the position of one or more vehicle mirrors based on the detected eye position and a user defined proportion previously stored for the identified user. It will be appreciated that this is merely an example, and that the locations, quantities and other characteristics of the components shown in Figure 8 are merely examples.

Figure 9 shows an example method according to an embodiment. In step 901 a signal indicative of an eye position of a user is generated. In step 902 a position of a vehicle mirror is adjusted such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle.

Figure 10 shows an example method according to an embodiment. In step 1001 an image of a user's face is received. For example, a user position sensor 222 in the form of a camera may capture an image of a user's face and communicate the image to the controller 200. In step 1002, the eye position of the user is determined based on the received image. For example, the controller 200 may identify the position of the user's eyes in the image and then calculate the position of the user's eyes in the vehicle. In step 1003 a user-defined proportion of a field of view of a vehicle mirror is obtained. For example, the controller 200 may retrieve a user-defined proportion stored in memory 202. In step 1004, a mirror control signal is generated based on the determined eye position of the user and the user-defined proportion of the field of view of the mirror. For example, the controller 200 may generate a mirror control signal to be control an actuator 241 to adjust the position of a mirror such that a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the mirror, when viewed from the determined eye position of the user, shows a reflection of the vehicle. In step 1005, the mirror is adjusted based on the mirror control signal. For example, the controller 200 may communicate the mirror control signal to the actuator 241 and the actuator 241 may adjust the position of the mirror according to the mirror control signal.

An example of a mirror adjustment algorithm for rotating the left-hand side wing mirror 140 of a vehicle about a vertical axis such that a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the wing mirror 140 shows a reflection of the vehicle is described below with reference to Figure 10. It will be appreciated that this is merely an example, and that any suitable algorithm could be used. The skilled person will also appreciate how the presented algorithm may be suitably adjusted for a right-hand side wing mirror 130, an internal rear view mirror 120 or for adjustment of a mirror position about a horizontal axis.

Figure 11 shows the mirror-to-mirror line MML which is the line passing through the centre of the left-wing mirror ML and the centre of the right wing mirror MR. Point E is the indicated eye position of the user, that is, the location of the driver's eyes or the centre point thereof, detected as described above. The driver centre line DCL is the line that passes through point E perpendicular to the mirror-to-mirror line MML and parallel to a longitudinal, front to back, axis of the vehicle. The eye-to-mirror line EML is the line extending from point E to the centre of the left-wing mirror ML. The left mirror plane LMP is the line passing through the centre of the left-wing mirror ML parallel to the plane of the mirror (for a flat mirror). The left mirror perpendicular axis LMA is the line passing through the centre of the left-wing mirror ML perpendicular to the left mirror plane LMP. The object-to-mirror line OML is the line extending from a left target object OL to the centre of the left-wing mirror ML. The line Loy is parallel to the DCL and is the total longitudinal distance from centre of the left-wing mirror ML to a target object OL on the left-hand side. The line Lox is parallel to the mirror-to-mirror line MML and is the total perpendicular distance from the centre of the left wing mirror ML to the target object OL.

ACM is the object angle from left mirror, i.e. the angle between line Loy and the object-to-mirror line OML, and is given by equation 1: ACM = tan-'(Lox/Loy) (1) AEMP is the eyeline mirror plane angle, i.e. the angle between the driver centre line DCL and the eye-to-mirror line EML. AEMP is given by equation 2: AEMP = tan' ((Y/XL) (2) where Y is the longitudinal distance between the indicated eye position E and the mirror-to-mirror line MML and XL is the perpendicular distance from the driver centre line to the centre of the left wing mirror ML. It will be understood that in certain embodiments the distance from the indicated eye position E to the mirror-to-mirror line MML may be computed to take account of the vertical offset between E and MML. As a further alternative, the indicated eye position E may be computed relative to the position of the vehicle camera which detects the eye position, the position of the camera relative to MML being separately known. At its most general, the skilled person would understand that all that is required is that the eye position may be measured or inferred relative a known fixed point and used as an input to determine a vehicle mirror position for a desired proportion of vehicle body in the mirror view.

AM2OH is the mirror-to-object angle, i.e. the angle between the object-to-mirror line OML and the left mirror perpendicular axis LMA, and is given by equation 3: AM2OH = (AEMP AOM)/2 (3) AE2D is the eye-to-dash angle, i.e. the angle between the mirror-to-mirror line MML and the eye-to-mirror line EML. AE2D (in degrees) is given by equation 4: AE2D = 90 -AEMP (4) AL is the angle of the left mirror with respect to the mirror-to-mirror line MML, i.e., the angle between the mirror-to-mirror line MML and the left mirror plane LMP. The left mirror angle AL (in degrees) is given by equation 5, which can be derived from Figure 11 by observing that object-to-mirror line OML and the eye-to-mirror line EML define the light path between the object and the user's eye via reflection in the mirror and so the mirror to object angle AM2OH must be equal to the angle between the left mirror axis LMA and the eye-to-mirror line EML by the law of reflection (angle of incidence equals angle of reflection): AL = 90 -AM2OH AE2D (5) The user defined proportion of the field of view of the wing mirror to show a reflection of the vehicle is converted to an angle Auo. Based on this angle, a new Lox is calculated to replace Lox in equation 1. This calculation is performed according to equation 6: Lox = Lox -A (6) where A is defined by equation 7: A = LOY * tan(AuD) (7) It will be appreciated from equations 1-7 that the left mirror angle is a function of Auo, Y, XL, Lox and Loy. Auo is calculated from the user-defined proportion as explained above, and Y may be calculated based on the indicated eye position of the user E, which may be measured or calculated as described above. XL is a known quantity of the vehicle that may be determined and set by the manufacturer. Lox and Loy may be determined or calibrated by the manufacturer and/or the user. In an embodiment, values for Lox and Loy may be predetermined for set values of the user-defined proportion and may be stored in and retrieved from the memory 202 using a look-up table or any other suitable method.

The skilled person will appreciate that the same algorithm could be used to calculate the angle of the right mirror AR by replacing the left side terms Loy, Lox, Lox, ML, and OL with the corresponding right side terms Roy, Rox, R'ox, MR, and OR.

In an embodiment, the wing mirror may be a convex mirror. In the case that the left-hand wing mirror is a convex mirror equation 6 should be replaced by equation 8: LOX = (Lox * LGE) -(A * LE) (8) where LoF is a left convex mirror coefficient given by first order polynomial equation 9: 1-CF = (yi DHH) + (xi.DHD) (9) where ci, xi are constants, DHH is driver head height from the mirror and DHD is driver head depth from the mirror.

In the case that the right-hand wing mirror is a convex mirror equation 6 should be replaced by equation 10: R'ox = (Rox LoF) -(A RoF) (10) where RoF is a right convex mirror coefficient given by first order polynomial equation 11: ROE = Cr + (yr ' DHH) (xr DHD) where cr, yr, and xr are constants.

The procedure to calculate the left convex mirror coefficient LCF is as follows: 1. Place the left target object OL in location that it can be seen on the left wing mirror.

2. Measure the distance from the car body (Actual Lox) 3. Ask an observer (in the driver's seat) to change the mirror position to see the target object in the mirror and note the observer's head height and depth using a sensor.

4. Calculate Loy based on the above algorithm (Calculated Lox).

5. Repeat this with multiple head points and also the degree of the vehicle to be shown on the mirror 6. The calculated LcF = Calculated LX0 / Actual Lox This can be plotted against the driver's head and depth in a 3D plot (Driver's head Height (X) Driver's head Depth (Y) Ler (Z)) and the leaner fit of this gives the coefficient that can be used in the algorithm. The process can be repeated for the right-hand wing mirror to calculate RcF.

It will be understood that while an algorithmic approach to determining mirror angle is presented above, the present invention is not limited to this. As an example it may be that a fixed driver eye position is assumed and suitable mirror angles pre-set for different input proportions of reflected vehicle body. Such mirror angles may be precomputed, for instance by modelling the vehicle for different mirror positions, or determined empirically. As an extension to this, mirror angles may be precomputed or determined empirically for a number of different driver eye positions and a look up table used taking as its input the closest stored driver eye position. Further alternative approaches will be readily apparent to the suitably skilled person.

It will be appreciated that the user of a vehicle may be a driver of the vehicle. However, in some embodiments the user may not be the driver or may not be the only driver and it may be desirable to adjust one or more mirrors for the use of users other than the driver or main driver.

It will be appreciated that the word proportion as used above refers to a proportion between 0% and 100%.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine-readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control system for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror, the control system comprising one or more controllers, the control system configured to: receive a signal indicative of an eye position of a user; and generate a mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle.
2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers collectively comprise: at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving the signal indicative of an eye position of a user; and at least one electronic memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon so as to cause the generation of the mirror control signal for adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle.
3. The control system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control system is configured to: identify the user; and select one of a plurality of user-defined proportions of the field of view based on the identified user.
4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the control system is configured to: receive a user input to adjust the proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror that shows a reflection of the vehicle; and store the adjusted proportion as the user-defined proportion for the identified user.
5. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the mirror control signal is configured to adjust a position of an external vehicle mirror about a vertical axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle exterior.
6. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the mirror control signal is configured to adjust a position of an internal mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the internal mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle interior.
7. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the mirror control signal is configured to adjust a position of the vehicle mirror about a horizontal axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the mirror shows objects below a horizontal plane extending through the mirror.
8. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to: receive a user-situation signal indicative of the presence of, movement of, or a change of, a user of the vehicle; generate a request signal to request authorisation for mirror adjustment if the user-situation signal satisfies a predetermined request condition; and generate the mirror control signal if authorisation is received.
9. The control system of claim 8, wherein the predetermined request condition is a condition that, if satisfied, implies that the eye position of the user may have changed.
10. The control system of claim 9, wherein the predetermined request condition is at least one of: a change in weight or weight distribution of a user beyond a predetermined threshold value; a change of identity of a user; or a movement of a user or vehicle part beyond a predetermined threshold value.
11. A system for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror, the system comprising: a user position sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an eye position of a user; the control system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10; and an actuator configured to adjust the position of the vehicle mirror in dependence on the mirror control signal.
12. A vehicle comprising the control system of any of claims 1 to 10 or the system of claim 11.
13. A method for controlling a position of a vehicle mirror, the method comprising: generating a signal indicative of an eye position of a user; and adjusting a position of a vehicle mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle.
14. The method of claim 13, the method comprising: identifying the user; and selecting one of a plurality of user-defined proportions of the field of view based on the identified user.
15. The method of claim 14, the method comprising: receiving a user input to adjust the proportion of the field of view of the vehicle mirror that shows a reflection of the vehicle; and storing the adjusted proportion as the user-defined proportion for the identified user.
16. The method of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the mirror control signal is configured to adjust a position of an external vehicle mirror about a vertical axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the external mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle exterior.
17. The method of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the mirror control signal is configured to adjust a position of an internal mirror such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the internal mirror shows a reflection of the vehicle interior.
18. The method of any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the mirror control signal is configured to adjust a position of the vehicle mirror about a horizontal axis such that when viewed from the indicated eye position of the user a user-defined proportion of the field of view of the mirror shows objects below a horizontal plane extending through the mirror.
19. The method of any of claims 13 to 18, the method comprising: receiving a user-situation signal indicative of the presence of, movement of, or a change of, a user of the vehicle; generating a request signal to request authorisation for mirror adjustment if the user-situation signal satisfies a predetermined request condition; and generating the mirror control signal if authorisation is received.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the predetermined request condition is a condition that, if satisfied, implies that the eye position of the user may have changed. 5
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the predetermined request condition is at least one of: a change in weight or weight distribution of a user beyond a predetermined threshold value; a change of identity of a user; or a movement of a user or vehicle part beyond a predetermined threshold value.
22. Computer software that, when executed, is arranged to perform a method according to any of claims 13 to 21.
23. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to carry out the method of any of claims 13 to 21.