SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING A COLORBLINDFOLDED USER IN A VEHICLE AND A METHOD FOR THIS

Abstract

A system (100) for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle is disclosed. The system (100) comprises one or more display modules (102) configured within the vehicle, which includes one or more display screens (104) capable of displaying visual elements. A data processing module (106) is configured to receive input commands from one or more users via at least one input mode in order to create one or more user profiles relating to the users. The created user profiles include at least one type of colorblindness from which the respective user suffers.Furthermore, the visual elements of the display screens (104) are dynamically adjusted when a user selects one of the user profiles by changing the colors of the visual elements based on the type of color blindness in the selected user profile, thus improving the visibility of the visual elements for the color-blind user.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of visual assistance systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system and a method for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle, which improves the visibility of visual elements on display screens inside the vehicle based on the type of colorblindness. BACKGROUND

[0002] The background description contains information that may be useful for understanding the present invention. It does not constitute an admission that the information contained herein forms part of the prior art or is relevant to the present invention, or that any publication to which express or implicit reference is made forms part of the prior art.

[0003] Color blindness is a visual impairment that affects a person's ability to perceive or distinguish between certain colors. The condition can range from mild to severe and often involves difficulty differentiating between specific color pairs, such as red and green or blue and yellow. The main types of color blindness include protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia, and achromatopsia, each of which presents a particular challenge for those affected.

[0004] In modern vehicles, display screens play a crucial role in providing drivers and passengers with essential information, ranging from navigation to vehicle status indicators. However, individuals with color blindness may struggle to accurately perceive and interpret the information displayed on these screens because they cannot distinguish certain colors. This visual impairment can lead to confusion, misinterpretation of critical data, and an overall diminished experience with in-vehicle displays, negatively impacting driving safety and comfort. Given the increasing reliance on vehicle displays and the growing awareness of accessibility, there is a recognized need for a solution that addresses the specific visual challenges faced by color-blind users.Therefore, it would be advantageous to develop a system that adjusts the colors of the display screen to help colorblind people better distinguish between different colors.

[0005] Patent specification US10726759B2 discloses a system and method for color modification of vehicle displays. The system comprises a display module with a display element capable of showing color images, an image processing system, and a user identification system that communicates with the image processing system. The image processing system is capable of selectively modifying the colors of the images. The image processing system is connected to the display module. The user identification system is capable of providing input to the image processing system. Furthermore, the image processing system can selectively change the colors of the color images based on the input received from the user identification system.

[0006] While the cited reference reveals a system for color-adjusting displays in the vehicle, there is the possibility of an improved and reliable solution for adjusting the colors of the display screen to assist color-blind individuals in better distinguishing between different colors.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved, reliable and efficient system and procedure to support a colorblind user in a vehicle, which improves the visibility of visual elements on display screens inside the vehicle based on the type of colorblindness. OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0008] A general objective of this disclosure is to improve the visual experience of colorblind people when interacting with in-car display screens.

[0009] One objective of this disclosure is to provide a system and a procedure that assists colorblind individuals in vehicles by dynamically adjusting the colors of the visual elements of the vehicle's display screens based on the individual's type of colorblindness.

[0010] One purpose of the present disclosure is to adapt the colors displayed on screens in vehicles so that people with different types of color blindness—such as protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia, and achromatopsia—can more easily distinguish between different colors.

[0011] One purpose of the present disclosure is to improve the ability of colorblind users to correctly interpret and respond to the information displayed on car displays, thereby promoting safer and more effective vehicle operation.

[0012] One purpose of the present disclosure is to create a more inclusive and accessible driving environment by taking into account the needs of colorblind persons and to contribute to an improved overall driving experience for colorblind users by addressing their particular visual challenges. SUMMARY

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system and a method for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle, which improves the visibility of visual elements on display screens inside the vehicle based on the type of colorblindness.

[0014] According to one aspect, the proposed system for supporting a colorblind user in a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises one or more display modules configured within the vehicle. The one or more display modules include one or more display screens capable of displaying visual elements. Furthermore, the system includes a data processing module that is communicatively coupled to the one or more display modules. The data processing module is configured to receive input commands from one or more users via at least one input mode in order to create one or more user profiles related to the one or more users. The created user profile(s) include at least one type of colorblindness from which the respective user suffers.The at least one input mode includes either touch interaction mode or speech support mode. Furthermore, the data processing module is configured to dynamically adjust the visual elements of one or more display screens when a user selects one or more user profiles. This adjustment is achieved by changing the colors of the visual elements based on the at least one type of color blindness present in the selected user profile, thereby improving the visibility of the visual elements for the colorblind user.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, one or more display screens can be selected from a group consisting of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), and an organic LED display (OLED).

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the visual elements can include any combination of icons, buttons, applications, and home screens.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the data processing module may include a display modification engine that can be configured to apply color transformations to the visual elements in order to improve the visibility of the visual elements taking into account the type of color blindness of the selected user profile.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the system may include a profile-switching interface coupled with the data processing module. This profile-switching interface allows users to activate and deactivate a user profile from among one or more user profiles.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the system may include a feedback module configured to inform users about the activation and deactivation of the selected user profile.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the at least one type of color blindness can be selected from protanopia color blindness, deuteranopia color blindness, tritanopia color blindness, and achromatopsia color blindness.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the system can include a user identification module that communicates with the data processing module and one or more display modules. The user identification module can be configured to transmit input commands to the data processing module, and upon receiving the input commands, the data processing module can change the color of the visual elements based on the selected user profile.

[0022] According to another aspect, a method for supporting a colorblind user in a vehicle is proposed. The method comprises the steps of receiving input commands from one or more users via at least one input mode to create one or more user profiles belonging to those users. The created one or more user profiles contain at least one type of colorblindness from which the respective user suffers. The at least one input mode includes either touch interaction or speech support.Furthermore, the method includes the dynamic adjustment of the visual elements of one or more display screens when a user selects one or more user profiles, by changing the colors of the visual elements based on the at least one type of color blindness in the selected user profile, so that the visibility of the visual elements is improved for the color-blind user.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the method may include the steps of activating a user profile from one or more user profiles by means of a profile switching module and deactivating the selected profile.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter according to the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which the same numbers represent the same components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The attached drawings serve to further understand the present disclosure and are an integral part of this description. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of the proposed system for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary representation of one or more display screens with options for selecting at least one type of color blindness for a user profile according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary flowchart illustrating the steps of the system for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows an exemplary flowchart for the proposed method for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the necessary level of detail is not intended to limit foreseeable variations of embodiments; on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0027] The embodiments described here relate to the field of visual assistance systems. In particular, the embodiments relate to a system and a method for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle, which improves the visibility of visual elements on display screens inside the vehicle based on the type of colorblindness.

[0028] In one aspect, the proposed system could enable color filter options on a vehicle's display screens, allowing users to adjust the display colors and thus assist colorblind users or those with color vision deficiency (CVD) in better distinguishing between different colors on the screens. Furthermore, the proposed system could allow users to select color filter modes, contributing to a better viewing experience on the display screens.

[0029] With reference to Fig. In this document, the proposed System 100 for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle is disclosed. The System 100 comprises one or more display modules 102 (hereinafter collectively referred to as display modules 100) arranged in the vehicle. The display modules 102 may include one or more display screens 104 (hereinafter collectively referred to as display screens 104) on which visual elements may be displayed. In one exemplary embodiment, the display screens 104 may be selected from, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, and an organic LED (OLED) display. Furthermore, the visual elements may include any, but not limited to, one or a combination of icons, buttons, applications, and home screens.

[0030] Furthermore, the System 100 can include a data processing module 106, which is communicatively coupled to the display modules 102. The data processing module 106 can be configured to receive input commands from one or more users via at least one input mode in order to create user profiles belonging to the respective users. The created user profiles can include at least one type of color blindness suffered by the respective user. Additionally, the input mode can include a touch interaction mode or a speech-assisted mode.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 2. A selection can be made between normal vision 206, protanopia 208 (color blindness), deuteranopia 210 (color blindness), tritanopia 212 (color blindness), and achromatopsia 214 (color blindness), but not limited to such cases. A message 202, such as "Select your visibility criteria," may flash on the display screen, and normal vision or a type of color blindness can be selected. Furthermore, the data processing module 106 can be configured to dynamically adjust the visual elements of the display screens when a user selects one of the user profiles. Accordingly, the data processing module 106 can change the colors of the visual elements based on the type of color blindness in the selected user profile, thus improving the visibility of the visual elements for the corresponding color-blind user.

[0032] In one embodiment, the data processing module 106 can include a display modification engine 108. The display modification engine 108 can be configured to apply color transformations to the visual elements in order to improve the visibility of the visual elements, taking into account the type of color blindness of the selected user profile, using color correction algorithms.

[0033] Furthermore, the system 100 can include a user identification module 110, which communicates with the data processing module 106 and the display modules 102. The user identification module 110 can be configured to provide input commands to the data processing module. Upon receiving these input commands, the data processing module 106 can then change the color of the visual elements based on the selected user profile.

[0034] In one embodiment, the data processing module 106 can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, edge or fog microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuits, and / or any device for processing data based on operating instructions. Among other capabilities, the processors can be configured to retrieve and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory of the system 100. The memory can be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines on a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium that can be retrieved and executed to change the colors of the visual elements based on the type of color blindness in the selected user profile. The memory can comprise any non-volatile device, e.g.,volatile memory such as Random Access Memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Flash memory, and the like.

[0035] System 100 may also include one or more interfaces. The interface(s) may include a variety of interfaces, such as interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I / O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) may enable communication between System 100 and various components coupled to System 100. Examples of such components include the processing machine(s) and the database. The database may contain data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by one of the processing machine components.

[0036] The one or more interfaces may include a profile switching interface (112) that is communicatively linked to the data processing module. The profile switching interface (112) allows users to activate and deactivate a user profile from among the one or more user profiles. Furthermore, the system (100) may include a feedback module (114) configured to inform users about the activation and deactivation of the selected user profile.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example flowchart 300 illustrating the steps for supporting a colorblind user in a vehicle. In step 302, the user profile can be created. The user profile can be created either in comfort mode (step 304A) or in voice support mode (step 304B) using the vehicle's infotainment system and / or mobile devices connected to the user. In step 304, the user profile can be selected and configured based on the chosen degree of colorblindness.

[0038] Furthermore, in step 306, the visual elements can be dynamically adjusted according to the selected color blindness. In one embodiment, in step 306, the user can switch between the "color blindness" options for a single "user profile" with "touch and voice support" using the display modules 102, the vehicle's infotainment system, and / or mobile devices connected to the user.

[0039] With reference to Fig.Section 4 discloses the proposed method 400 for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle. In block 402, the method 400 may include receiving input commands from one or more users via at least one input mode to create one or more user profiles belonging to the one or more users. In one embodiment, the created user profiles may include at least one type of colorblindness from which the corresponding user suffers. Furthermore, the input mode may include a touch interaction mode or a speech-assisted mode. Additionally, in block 404, the method 400 may include the steps of dynamically adjusting the visual elements of the display screens when the user selects one of the user profiles.Accordingly, the procedure can include the steps of changing the colors of the visual elements based on the type of color blindness in the selected user profile, so that the visibility of the visual elements can be improved for the color-blind user.

[0040] In one embodiment, to assist people with protanopia (red-blindness) when viewing the display screen 104, special digital filters, similar to those used in EnChroma glasses, color-blindness correction glasses, and digital apps, can be applied by the data processing module 106. These digital filters alter color perception, enhance the contrast between red and green hues, and make it easier for people with protanopia to distinguish between the colors on the display screen.

[0041] To assist people with deuteranopia (green blindness) when viewing the display screen 104, special digital filters can be used to improve color perception. These digital filters, similar to those in EnChroma glasses, color blindness correction glasses, and digital apps, can be applied by the data processing module 106 to adjust the color balance and improve the contrast between green and other colors.

[0042] In one embodiment, to assist people with tritanopia (blue blindness) when viewing the display screen 104, special digital filters can be applied to improve color perception. These digital filters, similar to those used in EnChroma glasses, color blindness correction glasses, and digital apps, can be applied by the data processing module 106 to adjust the color balance and improve the contrast between blue and other colors.

[0043] To assist individuals with achromatopsia (total color blindness) when viewing the display screen 104, special digital filters and technologies can be applied by the data processing module 106 to enhance visual contrast and detail. Unlike filters for color blindness, solutions for achromatopsia focus on adjusting brightness and contrast, rather than color.

[0044] The proposed solution can improve the experience of colorblind users when using display screens by providing a System 100 and a Procedure 400 that offers color filter options on the vehicle's display screens 104. This allows the colors on the display screens to be adjusted based on the type of colorblindness in the selected user profile, thereby helping colorblind users or those with color vision deficiency (CVD) to better distinguish between different colors on the display screens. Furthermore, the proposed System 100 can also allow the user to select color filter modes from the display screen themes 104 to provide an enhanced viewing experience.

[0045] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviating from the fundamental scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variants, or examples, provided that they are included to enable a person with ordinary technical knowledge to manufacture and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to such a person. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The present invention improves the visual experience of colorblind people when interacting with display screens in cars.

[0047] The present invention provides a system and a method that assists colorblind persons in vehicles by dynamically adjusting the colors of the visual elements of the display screens in the vehicle based on the type of colorblindness of the colorblind person.

[0048] The present invention adapts the colors displayed on the display screens in the car so that people with different types of color blindness - such as protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia and achromatopsia - can more easily distinguish between different colors.

[0049] The present invention improves the ability of colorblind users to correctly interpret and react to the information displayed on vehicle displays, thereby promoting safer and more effective vehicle operation.

[0050] The present invention creates a more inclusive and accessible driving environment by taking into account the needs of colorblind people and contributing to an improved overall driving experience for colorblind users by addressing their particular visual challenges. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10726759B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] System (100) for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle, wherein the system (100) comprises: one or more display modules (102) configured within the vehicle, wherein the one or more display modules (102) comprise one or more display screens (104) capable of displaying visual elements; a data processing module (106) that is communicatively coupled to the one or more display modules (102), wherein the data processing module (106) comprises one or more processors coupled to a memory that stores instructions that can be executed by the processors and is configured to: Receiving input commands from one or more users via at least one input mode to create one or more user profiles belonging to the one or more users, wherein the created one or more user profiles include at least one type of color blindness suffered by the corresponding user, and wherein the at least one input mode includes a touch interaction mode or a speech support mode; and to dynamically adjust the visual elements of one or more display screens when a user selects one or more user profiles, by changing the colors of the visual elements based on the at least one type of color blindness in the selected user profile, so that the visibility of the visual elements is improved for the color-blind user. [2] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more display screens (104) are selected from a group consisting of: a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED) and an organic LED display (OLED). [3] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the visual elements comprise any combination of icons, buttons, applications and start screens. [4] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the data processing module (106) comprises a display modification machine (108) configured to apply color transformations to the visual elements to improve the visibility of the visual elements, taking into account the at least one type of color blindness in the selected user profile. [5] System (100) according to claim 1, comprising a profile switching interface (112) that is communicatively coupled to the data processing module (106), wherein the profile switching interface (112) enables users to activate a user profile from one or more user profiles and to deactivate the selected profile. [6] System (100) according to claim 5, comprising a feedback module (114) configured to inform users about the activation and deactivation of the selected user profile. [7] System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one type of color blindness is selected from protanopia (208) color blindness, deuteranopia (210) color blindness, tritanopia (212) color blindness and achromatopsia (214) color blindness. [8] System (100) according to claim 1, comprising a user identification module (110) that communicates with the data processing module (106) and the one or more display modules (102), wherein the user identification module (110) is configured to provide input commands to the data processing module (106), and the data processing module (106) changes the color of the visual elements based on the selected user profile upon receiving the input commands. [9] Method (400) for assisting a colorblind user in a vehicle, wherein the method (400) comprises: Receiving (402) input commands from one or more users via at least one input mode to create one or more user profiles belonging to the one or more users, wherein the created one or more user profiles include at least one type of color blindness from which the corresponding user suffers, wherein the at least one input mode includes a touch interaction mode or a speech support mode; and Dynamically adapting (404) the visual elements of one or more display screens when a user selects one or more user profiles by changing the colors of the visual elements based on the one or more types of color blindness in the selected user profile, so that the visibility of the visual elements is improved for the color-blind user. [10] Method (400) according to claim 9, comprising: activating a user profile from the one or more user profiles by means of a profile switching interface (112), and deactivating the selected profile.

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