Adaptive Control Element Illumination Based on Driver Visual Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting the illumination of operational controls in vehicles are either manual or limited in their ability to automatically account for the driver's visual perception capability, particularly in situations affected by external factors like glare or the use of sunglasses, which can impair visibility.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a passenger-compartment camera to assess the driver's visual perception capability and adjust the illumination of operational controls automatically, taking into account ambient conditions and the driver's state, including glare and the use of sunglasses, to optimize recognizability and readability of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of operational control illumination is used, then the driver can adjust according to personal preference, but the system cannot automatically adapt to external factors like glare or sunglasses
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to automatically detect the driver's visual conditions (glare, sunglasses) and autonomously adjusts the operational control illumination without requiring manual driver intervention. The system serves itself by using environmental data to make illumination adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the driver's visual perception capability through camera-based detection and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the illumination levels. The detection results directly influence the illumination control, creating a closed-loop adaptive system.
2Illumination intensity
If illumination is increased to improve visibility, then recognizability of controls improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination intensity is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adjusts the illumination levels based on real-time detection of the driver's visual conditions, increasing brightness only when necessary (e.g., when glare or sunglasses are detected) and reducing it when conditions improve, thereby optimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameter (brightness level) based on detected visual conditions. Instead of maintaining constant high illumination, the system modulates the illumination parameter dynamically according to the driver's actual visual perception capability, reducing energy waste during normal conditions.
3Extent of automation
If a camera system is added to detect visual perception capability, then automatic adaptation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects not only glare conditions but also identifies when the driver is wearing sunglasses, and potentially other visual obstruction conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive visual condition monitoring through a single device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling illumination of operational controls in a motor vehicle, using a passenger-compartment camera for photographing a driver, in which a visual perception capability of the driver is determined with the aid of the passenger-compartment camera, and in which the illumination of an operational control is adjusted as a function of the visual perception capability of the driver.