Claims:
1. An obstacle detection system for a vehicle (90), the vehicle (90) comprising of a pair of rear view mirror (50) including a left side-rear view mirror and a right-side rear view mirror embedded within a protective casing (70) and connected to the body of the vehicle (90) by an arm, the protective casing (70) having a heating element configured therein for defogging purpose, the obstacle detection system comprising:

• proximity sensors configured within a sensor casing (10) disposed at periphery of the rear view mirror (50) for directing a detecting beam to detect presence of an obstacle (100) falling within a detection zone of the proximity sensors and generate a reflected signal, the proximity sensors including a front proximity sensor (5a) for detecting presence of the obstacle (100) present at rearward position of the vehicle (90) and a rear proximity sensor (5b) for detecting presence of the obstacle (100) present at forward position of the vehicle (90);
• a processing module configured within an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (90) and adapted for processing the reflected signal received from the proximity sensors;
• warning means disposed in operable connection with the processing module and adapted for indicating unsafe presence of the obstacle (100) in path of the vehicle (90), the warning means including a LED ring (20) disposed at the periphery of the rear view mirror (50) within a line of sight of a vehicle operator for transmitting light emitted from the LED ring (20) to the vehicle operator during operation of the vehicle (90) in response to the reflected signal;
• cleaning means disposed at top of the rear view mirror (50) and adapted for washing and cleaning thereof; the cleaning means including a washer nozzle (30) capable of being operated manually by the vehicle operator from inside of the vehicle (90); and
• a concave rear view mirror (40) additionally disposed at an inner side wall of the rear view mirror (50);
wherein following the detection of the obstacle (100) around the vehicle (90) by the proximity sensors and upon receiving the reflected signal therefrom, the ECU activates automatic closing movement of the rear view mirror (50) relative to the reflected signal thereby preventing damage to the rear view mirror (50) caused by the obstacle (100).

2. The obstacle detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the warning means additionally includes a voice speaker that generates a voice alert in addition to illumination of the LED ring (20) upon detection of nearby and remote obstacle (100).

3. The obstacle detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear proximity sensor (5b) determines relative position of the obstacle (100) ahead the vehicle (90) by directing a detecting beam in a forward direction, whereas the front proximity sensor (5a) determines relative position of the obstacle (100) behind the vehicle (90) by directing the detecting beam in a rearward direction of the vehicle (90).

4. The obstacle detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximity sensors include photosensitive detectors.

5. The obstacle detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear view mirror (50) is further connected mechanically to steering system of the vehicle (90) such that the rear view mirror (50) automatically close relative to movement of a steering wheel of the steering system.

6. The obstacle detection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concave rear view mirror (40) is adapted to additionally provide rear view to the vehicle operator when the rear view mirror (50) is in closed condition in response to the instruction received from the ECU to avoid damage.

7. An obstacle detection method for a vehicle (90), the vehicle (90) comprising of a pair of rear view mirror (50) including a left side-rear view mirror and a right-side rear view mirror embedded within a protective casing (70) and connected to the body of the vehicle (90) by an arm, the protective casing (70) having a heating element configured therein for defogging purpose, the obstacle detection method comprising the steps of:

• detecting presence of an obstacle (100) around the vehicle (90) by proximity sensors disposed within a sensor casing (10) placed at the periphery of the rear view mirror (50), and generating a reflected signal in response to the obstacle (100) present within a deflected zone of the proximity sensors, the proximity sensors including a front proximity sensor (5a) for detecting presence of the obstacle (100) present at rearward position of the vehicle (90) and a rear proximity sensor (5b) for detecting presence of the obstacle (100) present at forward position of the vehicle (90);
• receiving and processing the reflected signal from the proximity sensors by the processing module configured within electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (90);
• generating a warning signal by warning means to alert the vehicle operator of the existence of potential collision danger, the warning signal includes emitting light from a LED ring (20) disposed at periphery of the rear view mirror (50) along with generating voice alerts for the vehicle operator; and
• causing automatic closure of the rear view mirror (50) by the ECU in response to the reflected signal thereby preventing damage to the rear view mirror (50) due to the obstacle (100) ,

wherein a concave rear view mirror (40) disposed at an inner side wall of the rear view mirror (50) provides a rear view to the vehicle operator in event of closing of the rear view mirror (50) to avoid damage thereof.

8. The obstacle detection method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rear view mirror (50) automatically closes relative to movement of a steering wheel of a steering system of the vehicle (90).
, Description:
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of automobiles and more particularly the present invention relates to the field of rear view mirror in vehicles.

Background of the invention
Externally mounted objects of an automotive vehicle such as mirrors or antennas roof structures, represent the most vulnerable parts of the vehicle. These parts protrude outwards from the outermost edge of the vehicle thereby making them most vulnerable to possible collisions with objects and/or vehicles.
Various collision prevention systems have been employed in the past and are intended for preventing and safe-guarding ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror) from damage on co-driver and driver side in heavy traffic, collisions, and accidents and during parking or unparking. However, the existing collision prevention systems are prohibitively expensive in terms of manufacturing costs to render them suitable for use on a widespread basis. Further, existing systems fail to recognize any extended body part of any rear passenger coming out of rear window thereby leading to accidents.
Therefore, there exists a need to provide a device or a system for protecting external mirrors of the vehicle from collision with obstacles from the side. Further, there exists a need for a device that will intimate the driver of the vehicle in case of any protrusion from window such as passengers hand.

Objects of the invention
The primary object of present invention is to detect and prevent collision of the vehicle with obstacles and/or hazards in all directions around individual vehicles including hazards and/or objects that may become hazards in the front, to the rear and to both sides of individual vehicles.

Another object of the present invention is to detect and warn drivers of potential obstacles and/or hazards surrounding vehicle thereby preventing occurrence of impending dangerous situations due to vehicle collisions.

Yet another object of the present invention is to prevent damage to externally disposed vehicle parts by warning the driver about possibility of potential collisions with the obstacle and/or hazards in the front, to the rear and to both sides of individual vehicles.

Summary of the invention
The present invention, in one aspect, provides an obstacle detection system for a vehicle. The vehicle comprises of a pair of rear view mirror including a left side-rear view mirror and a right-side rear view mirror embedded within a protective casing that is connected to the body of the vehicle by an arm. The protective casing is provided with a heating element embedded therein for defogging purpose to prevent water droplets from settling on the rear view mirror. The obstacle detection system comprises of proximity sensors, a processing module, warning means, cleaning means and a concave rear view mirror.
The proximity sensors are provided at periphery of the rear view mirror and include a front proximity sensor and a rear proximity sensor. The proximity sensors detects an obstacle such as vehicle, a human body on a motorbike and the like which is approaching from the right or left side of the vehicle or from behind or front of the vehicle when the obstacle enters within a detection zone of the proximity sensors. The front proximity sensors detects the obstacle present rearward whereas the rear proximity sensor detects the obstacle present forward of the vehicle thereby generating a reflected signal in response to the obstacle.
The processing module configured within an electronic control unit (ECU) processes the reflected signal received from the proximity sensors to generate warning signal for a vehicle operator.
Warning means is disposed in operable connection with the processing module and is adapted for indicating or warning presence of the obstacle to the vehicle operator in response to the reflected signal and instructions received from the ECU. Warning means includes an LED ring disposed at periphery of the rear view mirror and within a line of sight of the vehicle operator. In response to the signals received from the ECU, the LED rings flashes light to inform the vehicle operator about the obstacle to avoid possibility of collision. The warning means additionally also includes a voice alert for the vehicle operator to avoid collisions with the obstacle.
Cleaning means is additionally disposed at top of the rear view mirror and is provided for washing and cleaning thereof. Particularly, a washer nozzle is provided at top of the rear view mirror for directing the water jet () to the surface of the rear view mirror to remove dirt, salt, etc. therefrom.
The concave rear view mirror is disposed at an inner side wall of the rear view mirrors to provide a rear view to the vehicle operator when the rear view mirrors closes in response to the signal received from the ECU to prevent damage.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an obstacle detection method for a vehicle. The method includes detecting the presence of the obstacle, in particular the position of the obstacle around the vehicle by the proximity sensors disposed at the periphery of the rear view mirror followed by transmitting the reflected signal to the ECU for further processing by the processing module configured therein. Particularly, the proximity sensor detects presence of the obstacle around the vehicle and generates a reflected signal in response to the presence of the obstacle within the deflected zone of the proximity sensors. The method further includes the ECU signaling the warning means to generate a warning signal by emitting lights from the LED rings and generating a voice alert in response to the reflected signal thereby alerting the vehicle operator about existence of a potential collision danger. The method further includes the ECU activating automatic closure of the rear view mirror relative to the reflected signal thereby preventing damage to the rear view mirror caused by the obstacle.

Brief description of the drawings
The objectives and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein;
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rear view mirror of a vehicle embodying an obstacle detection system of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows blind spots in rear sides or rear-corner zones of the vehicle in existing systems.
Figure 3 shows detection zone of proximity sensors in form of radar cones present at forward and rearward position of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4 shows illumination of light from LED ring when any obstacle enters within the radar cone of the front proximity sensor, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 shows activation of motor for automatic closing of rear view mirror to prevent damage when any obstacle enters within a threshold area of the radar cone of the front proximity sensor, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 6 shows illumination of light from LED ring when any obstacle enters within the radar cone of the rear proximity sensor, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7 shows activation of motor for automatic closing of rear view mirror to prevent damage when any obstacle enters within a threshold area of the radar cone of the rear proximity sensor, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 8 shows generation of warning signal by illuminating LED ring in event of any protrusion from passenger window, in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 9 shows protective casing cutout and the proximity sensors radar cone co-relation, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention
The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.
The present invention provides an obstacle detection system for a vehicle and method thereof. The obstacle detection system helps in detection of a human body on a motorbike, a vehicle or the like obstacle which is approaching from sides of the vehicle or from behind or front of the vehicle, when the obstacle enters within a detection zone thereby alerting the vehicle operator about possibility of a collision. The system is also adapted to automatically close the rear view mirrors thus preventing any damage caused due to collision with the obstacles. The system can notify and warn the vehicle operator of the presence of the obstacle that comes inside a blind spot of the vehicle, thereby assuring the safety of the vehicle.
Referring to figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of a rear view mirror (50) of a vehicle (90) embodying an obstacle detection system of the present invention. The present invention, in one aspect, provides an obstacle detection system, (hereinafter referred to as “the system”) for a vehicle (90). The vehicle (90) comprises of a pair of rear view mirror (50) including a left side-rear view mirror and a right-side rear view mirror embedded within a protective casing (70) that is connected to the body of the vehicle (90) by an arm. The protective casing (70) is provided with a heating element embedded therein for defogging purpose to prevent water droplets from settling on surface of the rear view mirror (50). The system comprises of proximity sensors, a processing module, warning means, cleaning means and a concave rear view mirror (40).
The proximity sensors are disposed at periphery of the rear view mirror (50) and are configured within a sensor casing (10) (casing with sensor cut-out) disposed therein. Particularly, the sensor casing (10) is mounted on a rear view mirror mounting plate (60) which is used to mount the rear view mirror (50) to the vehicle (90). The proximity sensor includes a front proximity sensor (5a) and a rear proximity sensor (5b). In an embodiment, the proximity sensors include photosensitive detectors that have a specific 3D radar area of operation i.e. the proximity sensors work in the boundaries of rectangular pyramid geometry. The proximity sensors detects an obstacle (100) such as vehicle, a human body on a motorbike and the like which is approaching from the right or left side of the vehicle (90) or from behind or front of the vehicle (90) when the obstacle (100) enters within a detection zone of the proximity sensors in the form of a radar cone. In an embodiment, the front proximity sensor (5a) is positioned such that it detects the obstacle (100) present rearward whereas the rear proximity sensor (5b) is positioned such that it detects the obstacle (100) present forward of the vehicle (90) thereby generating a reflected signal in response to the obstacle (100).
The processing module is configured within an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (90) and processes the reflected signal received from the proximity sensors to generate warning signal for a vehicle operator.
Warning means is disposed in operable connection with the processing module of the ECU and is adapted for indicating or warning about the presence of the obstacle (100) to the vehicle operator in response to the reflected signal and instructions received from the ECU. In an embodiment, the warning means includes an LED ring (20) disposed at periphery of the rear view mirror (50) and within a line of sight of the vehicle operator. In response to the signals received from the ECU, the LED ring (20) flashes light to inform the vehicle operator about the obstacle to avoid possibility of collision. In another embodiment, the warning means additionally includes a voice speaker that generates a voice alert to warn the vehicle operator upon detection of nearby obstacles (100) to avoid collisions with the obstacle (100). However, it is evident to those skilled in the art that any other warning means to warn or alert the vehicle operator about possibility of collision can be used.
Cleaning means is additionally disposed at top of the rear view mirror (50) and is provided for washing and cleaning thereof. In an embodiment, a washer nozzle (30) is provided at top of the rear view mirror (50) for directing the water jet (25) to the surface of the rear view mirror (50) to remove dirt, salt, etc. therefrom. In another embodiment, the washer nozzle (30) is operated from cabin of the vehicle operator and is provided to wash out any mud accumulated during off- roading or driving the vehicle (90) in muddy terrain.
The concave rear view mirror (40) is disposed at an inner side wall of the rear view mirror (50) to provide a rear view to the vehicle operator in event of closure of the rear view mirror (50) in response to the instruction received from the ECU to avoid damage.
Figure 2 shows traditionally formed blind spots in left and right sides of the vehicle. The obstacle (100) existing in the blind spots around the rear side of the vehicle (90) gets unnoticed by conventional rear view mirrors thereby leading to accidents and collisions.
As shown in figure 3, the system helps in monitoring the blind spots of the vehicle operator and alerting the vehicle operator in event of the obstacle in the blind spot thereby preventing collisions. Particularly, the proximity sensors monitor the blind spots and alert the vehicle operator using the warning means. More particularly, the proximity sensors have detection zone in form of radar cones at front and rear side of the vehicle (90). The vehicle operator will hear the voice assist (alert) and see the illuminating LED ring (20) on the periphery of the rear view mirror (50) when the proximity sensors detects the obstacle (100) that is too close to the vehicle (90). In an embodiment, the projection angle of the proximity sensors in excess of regular outside rear view mirror i.e. ORVM (50) viewing angle can be adjusted manually for side pillar blind spots i.e. (FR sensor) and rear pillar blind spots (RR sensor).
In another aspect, the present invention provides an obstacle detection method, (hereinafter referred to as “the method”), for the vehicle (90). The method is described in conjunction with the system. The method involves detecting the presence of the obstacle (100), particularly position of the obstacle (100) around the vehicle (90) by the proximity sensors disposed at periphery of the rear view mirror (50). The proximity sensors sends a detection beam which gets reflected back when the obstacle (100) is present in the deflected zone in form of radar cone of the proximity sensors. In an embodiment, the deflected zone for front proximity sensor (5a) which is positioned such that it detects the obstacle (100) present at rearward position of the vehicle (90) is 3m. For example, if the obstacle (100) comes at a distance less than 3m at rear side from the vehicle (90), then the obstacle (100) gets detected by the front proximity sensor (5a). In another embodiment, the deflected zone for rear proximity sensor (5b) which is positioned such that it detects the obstacle (100) present at forward position of the vehicle (90) is 1.5m. For example, if the obstacle (100) comes at a distance less than 1.5m at front side from the vehicle (90), then the obstacle (100) gets detected by the rear proximity sensor (5b). Particularly, the proximity sensor detects presence of the obstacle (100) around the vehicle (90) and generates a reflected signal in response to the presence of the obstacle (100) within the deflected zone of the proximity sensors.
The method further includes the processing module configured within the ECU of the vehicle (90) receiving and processing the reflected signal thereby generating the warning signal using the warning means for alerting the vehicle operator of the existence of potential collision danger. Particularly, the vehicle operator is alerted about the presence of the obstacle (100) by glowing and illuminating light from the LED ring (20) disposed at periphery of the rear view mirror (50) along with generating voice alerts for the vehicle operator.
The method further involves the ECU activating automatic closure of the rear view mirror (50) relative to the reflected signal thereby preventing damage to the rear view mirror (50) caused by the obstacle (100). In an embodiment, the rear view mirror (50) automatic closing and opening is through an auto closing and opening motorized mechanism (80). The ECU activates the motor (80) of the rear view mirror (50) for automatic closing the rear view mirror (50) to avoid damage. In an embodiment, the concave rear view mirror (40) disposed at an inner side wall of the rear view mirror (50) provides a rear view to the vehicle operator in event of closing of the rear view mirror (50) to avoid damage thereof.

Example Embodiments
The inputs considered for evaluating the dynamic response of the system are listed as follows-
I. Relative distance between the ORVM and approaching Vehicle (x) in meters
II. Relative Velocity of the approaching vehicle (dx/dt) – (U) in m/s
III. Speed of the subject vehicle (V) in m/s
IV. Battery Charge (q)
V. Vehicle Ignition Key Input ( k)
VI. Relative acceleration of the approaching vehicle (a) in m/s^2
VII. Sensor Radar Cone Xmax , Hmax and Wmax
VIII. Rear proximity Sensor : Threshold distance Xb (Front).
IX. Front proximity Sensor : Threshold distance Xmin (Rear)
Example 1: Position of the front proximity sensor (5a) is such that it detects the vehicle/obstacle (100) approaching or overtaking from rear side of subject vehicle (90) s
Case 1 –Vehicle is overtaking the subject vehicle in dynamic condition (where V>15m/s)
Referring to figure 4 & 5, if the vehicle comes in radar of sensor at a distance less than 3m, (LED ring glows at distance = sensor range Xm where Xm < 3m) with approaching relative velocity greater than zero and relative acceleration equal or greater than zero (provided battery charge and ignition input found OK)
If x = Xmin, the ECU will instruct the motor (80) of the rear view mirror to rotate anti-clockwise and close the rear view mirror.
If the vehicle comes in radar of sensor at distance less than 3m, (LED ring glows at distance = sensor range Xm where Xm < 3m) with approaching relative velocity greater than zero and relative deceleration less than zero (provided battery charge and ignition input found OK), then
The ECU will instruct the motor (80) of the rear view mirror to rotate anti-clockwise if U2/ 6a >0 and close the rear view mirror, else the ECU will check – ensure regular position of the rear view mirror.

If the vehicle stays out of radar zone of the front proximity sensor (5a) at distance greater than 3m, then ECU will check – ensure regular position of the rear view mirror.
Case 2 –Vehicle is overtaking the subject vehicle in low speed or traffic condition or parking (where V< 15m/s)
If the vehicle comes in radar of the front proximity sensor (5a) at distance equals sensor range Xm, with approaching relative velocity greater than zero and relative acceleration equal or greater than zero (provided battery charge and ignition input found OK)
Then the ECU will instruct and glow warning LED ring
If x = Xmin, then the ECU will instruct the motor (80) of the rear view mirror to rotate anti-clockwise.
If the vehicle comes in radar of the front proximity sensor (5a) at distance equals sensor range Xm with approaching relative velocity greater than zero and relative deceleration less than zero (provided battery charge and ignition input found OK)
x = .40m
The ECU will instruct the motor (80) of the rear view mirror to rotate anti-clockwise.
If the vehicle comes in radar of the front proximity sensor (5a) at distance equals sensor range Xm with approaching relative velocity less than zero – No change
If the vehicle stays out of radar of the front proximity sensor (5a) at distance greater sensor range Xm, then ECU will check – ensure ORVM regular position.

Example 2: Position of the rear proximity sensor (5b) is such that it detects the vehicle/ obstacle (100) approaching from front side of the subject vehicle (90)
Vehicle is approaching the subject vehicle in dynamic or static condition from front.
Referring to figures 6 & 7, if the vehicle comes in radar of the rear proximity sensor (5b) at distance less than 1.5 m, the ECU will instruct and glow warning LED ring.
In case of distance less than 1m, the ECU will instruct the motor (80) of the rear view mirror to rotate clockwise.
If the vehicle stays out of radar of the rear proximity sensor (5b) at distance greater than 1m, then the ECU will check – ensure ORVM regular position.
Now, referring to figure 8, it has been noted that the passenger sitting (100) in 2nd Row especially small kids accidently or intentionally keep their hands lying outside the window which may cause injury. Hence, to eliminate this and alert the vehicle operator or driver about such protrusion from passenger window the system is helpful. The system will make the LED ring (20) fitted on the periphery of the rear view mirror (50) to glow and draw driver attention.
The system is additionally fitted with a washer nozzle (30) which will be operated manually by an electrical switch placed in the driver cabin along with the conventional rear view mirror (50) heater switch. The number of the washer nozzle (30) depends upon the size and area of the rear view mirror (50). The system is introduced considering the case when the vehicle (90) is driven in muddy terrains or during off-roading, wherein in such cases the rear view mirror (50) gets covered by a layer of mud and requires human physical cleaning to tackle the same. The heater plate which comes pre-assembled in advanced protective casing of the rear view mirror (50) will work based on its conventional logic and help the system and not allow the water droplets to stay on the flat surface of the rear view mirror (50).
Further, both the left and right rear view mirror can automatically bend inside the protective casing (70) of the rear view mirror (50) during cornering based on steering input of the driver (similar to head lamps with static bending lights). The actuation is electronically controlled as already existing in Rexton ORVM based on controller algorithm. Further, in case of any conflict (Sensors malfunction), the system goes on mechanical MODE and glow the indicator provided on cluster. If user wants to by-pass the system intentionally, the user can press RESET button which will automatically void the proximity sensor input values.
As shown in figure 9, the proximity sensors have a specific 3D radar area of operation and works in the boundaries of rectangular pyramid geometry. The design of the sensor casing (10) is done considering the radar in which motion of nearby obstacle/object has to be captured. The longitudinal distance is defined by the Xmax. i.e. maximum range of sensor, Transverse distance is defined by the Wmax i.e. average radius of arc of the front door of the vehicle from door hinge, the vertical distance is defined by the Hmax i.e. height of the topmost point of the vehicle from the center line of the proximity sensor.
Thus, the system automatically senses the approaching causality/danger and automatically responds based on the motor actuation which will safeguard the ORVM completely.

Advantages of the present invention
1. Reduction in failure rate due to collision.
2. Ease of operation in heavy traffic conditions & congested parking areas.
3. Enhances safe driving conditions with lesser occurrence of accidents.
4. Life of operation of ORVM increases thus reducing the cost of repair and replacement if hit.
5. It also warns the driver for any extended body part of rear passenger coming out of rear window in the radar of vehicle.
The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter. The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.