Adaptive Digital Cluster Layout for Steering Wheel Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems often fail to provide optimal viewing for users due to obstruction by the steering wheel, which can block the view of important display parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensors, including cameras and steering wheel position sensors, determines obstruction and adjusts display images using a machine learning model to shift, re-scale, or hide content to ensure clear visibility for the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display is positioned in a fixed location on the dashboard, then the display structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the driver's view may be obstructed by the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adjusts its content positioning based on real-time detection of steering wheel position and driver eye position. The processor receives sensor data about steering wheel angle and location, then automatically repositions display elements to ensure they remain visible to the driver regardless of steering wheel orientation, transforming a static display into an adaptive one without mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical display adjustment mechanisms with a software-based solution. Instead of physically moving or rotating the display, the system uses image processing and coordinate transformation to reposition display content virtually, substituting mechanical complexity with computational algorithms that analyze camera images and sensor data to determine optimal display positioning
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel position is fixed, then the steering system is simple, but it may block the driver's view of important display parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor steering wheel position and driver eye position, the processor analyzes this data to detect potential obstructions, and the display automatically adjusts its content positioning in response. This closed-loop feedback system ensures display visibility is maintained through continuous monitoring and automatic adaptation to changing steering wheel positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of cameras and sensors that monitor the spatial relationship between the steering wheel, driver eyes, and display. This intermediary system provides data about potential obstructions without requiring direct mechanical interaction between the steering wheel and display, allowing the system to detect and respond to visibility issues through optical and sensor-based measurement
3Loss of information
If display content is always shown at full size, then information is complete and comprehensive, but it may be obstructed by the steering wheel when the wheel is turned
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses coordinate transformation and three-dimensional spatial analysis to solve the obstruction problem. By modeling the display, steering wheel, and driver eye positions in 3D space, the processor can calculate optimal positioning that maintains information completeness while avoiding physical obstructions. This dimensional approach allows the system to virtually reposition display content in ways that prevent overlap with the steering wheel without losing any information
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided that include obtaining, via one or more sensors of a vehicle, sensor data pertaining to a steering wheel of the vehicle; determining, via a processor of the vehicle using the sensor data, whether a view of a display of the vehicle by a user of the vehicle is obstructed by the steering wheel; and adjusting, via instructions provided by the processor, one or more display images presented on the display, when it is determined that the view of the display by the user of the vehicle is obstructed by the steering wheel.