FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle configured for automatic adjustments of rear view mirrors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an automated system for automatically adjusting the rearview mirrors of a vehicle in response to changes in vehicle loading.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Rearview mirrors are an important safety feature of an operator conducted vehicle, and when properly adjusted, can enable a wide field-of-view of the surroundings of the vehicle to a substantially forward facing driver.

[0003] Rearview mirror positioning can be a common annoyance for operators of a vehicle. Depending on a size of the operator, the type of vehicle in which the operator is driving, seat position in the vehicle, etc., the rearview mirrors, e.g., rearview mirrors installed in front and to the sides of the operator, may need to be adjusted in order to properly and safely provide the operator with a desired view to the rear and sides of the vehicle.

[0004] In addition to vehicle characteristics, surroundings can also play a role in the adjustment of the rearview mirrors. For example, during night driving, headlights shining into the rearview mirror can cause vision problems for a driver, particularly when the rearview mirror is not properly adjusted. This can cause fatigue as well as safety issues for the operator.

[0005] Certain other vehicle characteristics such as weight distribution can also affect an attitude of the vehicle (e.g., pitch and roll). When the attitude of the vehicle changes, it may become necessary for an operator to adjust the rearview mirrors to compensate for the change.

[0006] US 5859593 discloses a method and apparatus for controlling positions of members provided on a car.

[0007] US 6023229 discloses a rearview mirror with internally mounted compass assembly.

[0008] US 4684216 discloses an automotive outside rearview mirror. [0009] US 4580875 discloses electronic control systems for automatic rearview mirrors for automotive vehicles.

[0010] US 4443057 discloses an automatic rearview mirror for automotive vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] The inventors have recognized that, to improve safety and

convenience, there is a need for an improved automated system for mirror adjustment based on changes in posture of the vehicle (e.g., pitch attitude, roll attitude, etc.), due to, for example, loading of the vehicle.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an automated rearview mirror compensation system for a vehicle. The system includes one or more level sensing means configured to measure a deviation angle of a vehicle axis relative to a predetermined level plane, and provide an output

corresponding to the deviation angle; an adjustable rearview mirror comprising adjustment means enabling pivoting of the rearview mirror about one or more mirror axes; and a controller configure to receive the output of the one or more level sensing means, and to determine a correction angle to compensate for the deviation angle based on a first position of the adjustable rearview mirror at a deviation angle of zero, and cause the adjustment means to pivot the rearview mirror about the one or more mirror axes based on the correction angle.

[0013] Such a configuration enables an operator of a vehicle to ensure the rearview mirrors of the vehicle are correctly adjusted following a change in posture of the vehicle, for example, due to loading, without intervention of the operator. Further, safety can be improved because the operator need not adjust the mirror and can maintain a similar view of the vehicle surroundings as prior to the change in vehicle posture.

[0014] At least one of the one or more level sensing means may be positioned at a rear axle of the vehicle.

[0015] The first position of the adjustable rearview mirror may be a driver adjusted position.

[0016] The adjustment means may include one or more electric servo motors operably connected to the adjustable rearview mirror. [0017] The rearview mirror may be mounted to an exterior portion of the vehicle.

[0018] The rearview mirror may be mounted on an interior portion of the vehicle.

[0019] According to further embodiments of the disclosure, a method for automatically adjusting a rearview mirror of a vehicle to compensate for changes in vehicle posture is provided. The method includes receiving first position data corresponding to an adjustment position of the rearview mirror when a deviation angle is zero, the deviation angle corresponding to a deviation of one or more vehicle axes from a predetermined level plane; determining a deviation of a vehicle axis relative to a predetermined level plane calculating a correction angle based on the deviation angle and the first position data;

actuating one or more adjustment means to cause rotation of the rearview mirror about one or more mirror axes based on the correction angle,

[0020] The method may include receiving the first position data based on preference of an operator of the vehicle.

[0021] The rearview mirror may be mounted to an exterior portion of the vehicle.

[0022] The rearview mirror may be mounted to an interior portion of the vehicle.

[0023] The adjustment means may include one or more electric servo motors operably connected to the rearview mirror.

[0024] Such a method enables an operator of a vehicle to ensure the rearview mirrors of the vehicle are correctly adjusted following a change in posture of the vehicle, for example, due to loading, without intervention of the operator. Further, safety can be improved because the operator need not adjust the mirror and can maintain a similar view of the vehicle surroundings as prior to the change in vehicle posture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention may be better understood and its numerous other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the following figures and in which : Fig. 1A shows an exemplary vehicle at a first, unloaded position;

Fig. IB shows the exemplary vehicle in a second, loaded position, such that at least one axis of the vehicle deviates from the level, unloaded position;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary system

configuration according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 3 shows a flowchart highlighting an exemplary method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Embodiments the present disclosure may enable automatic adjustment/compensation of vehicle rearview mirrors based on posture changes of the vehicle, due to, for example, loading changes.

[0027] Fig. 1A shows an exemplary vehicle 1 in a first, normal position, i.e., having a predetermined posture that is defined as "level" for purposes of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary system configuration installed on a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] The vehicle may include one or more adjustable rearview mirror assemblies 20, two or more axle assemblies 30, a front portion 2, a rear portion 3, and an ECU 10, among others.

[0029] Vehicle 1 presents a front portion 2 and a rear portion 3 which are located along the longitudinal axis X of vehicle 1. Typically vehicle 1 comprises at least one driving means (e.g. motor, an engine, etc.) located at either rear portion 3 or front portion 2 of vehicle 1. For purposes of the present disclosure is to be understood that rear portion 3 generally comprises a cargo area configured to be loaded with one or more items of cargo, while front portion 2 comprises the driving means for vehicle 1. This is, however, not to be considered limiting, and one of skill in the art will understand that posture changes of vehicle 1 may also occur where the inverse is the case (i.e., driving means that rear portion 3, and cargo at front portion 2).

[0030] One or more rearview mirror assembly 20 may be positioned on an exterior portion and/or internal portion of vehicle 1. For example, a first rearview mirror assembly 20 may be positioned on a driver's side door exterior, a second rearview mirror assembly 20 on passenger side door exterior, and a third rear view mirror assembly on a windshield of vehicle 1. One of skill will recognize that other configurations may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] Rearview mirror assembly 20 may include, among others, a housing, a mirror 22, and one or more motors 21 configured to modify a position of mirror 22 within the housing, or to pivot/modify the housing to adjust an angle of mirror 22. Configurations of such adjustable rearview mirror assemblies are generally known in the art.

[0032] Each mirror 22 of a vehicle mirror assembly is generally adjusted within the housing (or the housing itself adjusted) according to a preference of a vehicle operator, to provide a view of the surroundings of vehicle 1 to the operator during operation (i.e., while operator is generally facing forward.) According to some embodiments, the position preferences of one or more operators may be saved by ECU 10 in a storage area associated with ECU 10. Such storage may enable automated adjustment of rearview mirror assemblies 20 according to a particular operator currently operating the vehicle.

[0033] Two or more axle assemblies 30 may be provided with vehicle 1 for purposes of contributing to support of the vehicle 1 and imparting motive force to the drive wheels associated therewith, among others. One of skill will recognize that when discussing the axles 30 it is intended to refer to the assembly associated with the axles 30, and not merely the drive axle itself providing power transfer between the engine and drive wheels. For example, each axle assembly 30 may comprise a drive wheel, a drive axle, one or more springs, one or more dampers, and connecting members configured to transfer the weight of the vehicle and its contents to the ground via the wheels. Certain components of the axle assembly 30 are not shown in the present figures (e.g., dampers, springs, etc.), and will not be discussed in detail.

[0034] One or more of the two or more axle assemblies 30 may include level sensing means 40 (e.g., a level sensor) configured to measure a deviation of a posture of vehicle 1 from a level, factory- norma I configuration. For example, a level sensor available in the market includes a height control sensor manufactured by Aisin Group.

[0035] Level sensor 40 may comprise a device having a first portion mounted to the frame and another portion mounted to axle assembly of vehicle 1, and configured to measure the displacement of the frame relative to the axle, thus corresponding to a deviation angle Q of the vehicle 1 from the level, factory-normal position.

[0036] Vehicle 1 may present a level, unloaded posture as shown in figure 1A, wherein a cargo area and passenger area of vehicle 1 may be substantially void of contents other than those affixed to the vehicle. In other words, the factory-normal configuration of the vehicle and the factory posture are assumed to be the level position for purposes of the present disclosure.

[0037] In a factory-normal level condition, a longitudinal axis of vehicle 1 may be assumed as level (i.e., parallel) along the X axis, and a radial axis of the vehicle may further be assumed as level (i.e., parallel) along the Y axis, which extends perpendicularly into the drawing sheet in Fig. 1A.

[0038] Fig. IB shows the exemplary vehicle in a second, loaded position, such that at least one axis of the vehicle deviates from the factory-normal, level, unloaded position of vehicle 1. As seen at Fig. IB, based on, for example, a loading configuration of vehicle 1 (e.g., loaded at a rear cargo area at rear portion of vehicle 3), a posture of vehicle 1 may deviate from the X and/or Y axes.

[0039] For example, where cargo is placed at a rear portion 3 of vehicle 1, rear portion 3 of vehicle 1 may move nearer the ground due to the weight of the cargo, depending on, for example, components of axle assembly 30 (e.g., suspension equipment) mounted on vehicle 1, among others. This deviation may be measured by level sensor 40, with level sensor 40 providing an output indicative of the deviation.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the deviation may be measured as deviation angle Q relative to the factory-level X axis. Level sensor 40 may thus be configured to output a signal indicative of this angle.

[0041] According to some embodiments the deviation may be measured as a distance D relative to the factory-level X axis. An output of level sensor 40 may thus correspond to such a distance.

[0042] One of skill will recognize that both angle and distance

measurements may also be used, with level sensor 40 being configured to output an indication/identifier for each of the deviations output to ECU 10.

[0043] Likewise, depending on the placement of the cargo within the rear portion 3 of vehicle 1 (e.g., to the right or left of center as taken from the Y axis), a posture of vehicle 1 may vary with respect to the Y axis (i.e., the vehicle width direction.) According to some embodiments, a plurality of level sensors 40 may be provided for purposes of determining a deviation along both the X and Y axes of vehicle 1. Alternatively, a single level sensor 40 may be configured to provide such indications.

[0044] ECU 10 may be configured to receive level and deviation information from one or more level sensors 40, and calculate, based on such information, a corrective command to be issued to motor 21 to cause adjustment of the mirror 22 (and/or the housing) to compensate for the deviation.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart highlighting an exemplary method according to embodiments of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, an operator of the vehicle may set/adjust the rearview mirrors of the vehicle according to a preferred view surrounding the vehicle (step 205). Position preference information for each rearview mirror assembly may be stored at memory 41 associated with ECU 10.

[0046] Level sensor 40 may be configured to output a signal indicating a deviation from factory-normal level condition, for example, when a load is placed in rear portion of vehicle 3. Such a signal may be continuously or periodically monitored by ECU 10 to determine whether vehicle 1 has

undergone a posture change resulting in a detectable deviation angle Q and/or deviation distance D from a predetermined level plane (i.e., the X or Y axes of the vehicle at factory-normal level conditions) (step 210). Where no such deviation is found (step 210: no) ECU 10 may take no action and may continue monitoring output from level sensor 40.

[0047] Where a deviation angle Q or distance D is detected (step 210: yes), ECU 10 may use the deviation information provided by level sensor 40 to calculate a correction angle and/or distance for adjusting mirror 22 to compensate for the deviation (step 215).

[0048] Once the correction information has been determined by ECU 10,

ECU 10 may then formulate a correction command and issue the correction command to an actuator configured to adjust rearview mirror assembly 20 such that the view preferences of the operator are maintained (i.e., that the deviation is compensated for) (step 220). For example, _. ECU 10 may issue a command to motor 21 to cause mirror 22 to pivot 3 degrees about its pivot access to compensate for the deviation angle determined above. [0049] One of skill will understand that such a correction may depend on the type of vehicle (e.g., a pickup truck may have less deviation than a station wagon), wheelbase, seating position, cargo location, suspension configuration, etc.

[0050] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these

embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

[0051] For example, while one or more level sensors are disclosed for measuring a deviation from a factory-normal level condition of vehicle 1 at axle 30, one of skill will understand that other measurements could be used. For example, a spring/damper assembly associated with axle assembly 30 could be used to measure, for example, compression of the spring and/or travel of a damper rod associated with the damper. Using such measurements, deviation of a posture of vehicle 1 from factory-normal level at each axle assembly 30 may be determined. This may allow for each rearview mirror to be adjusted to compensate for the posture change according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0052] Where any standards of national, international, or other standards body are referenced (e.g., ISO, SAE, etc.), such references are intended to refer to the standard as defined by the national or international standards body as of the priority date of the present specification. Any subsequent substantive changes to such standards are not intended to modify the scope and/or definitions of the present disclosure and/or claims.

[0053] Throughout the description, including the claims, the term

"comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.

[0054] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.