Augmented Reality Display for Vehicle Social Networking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle displays do not provide social networking information to users, limiting their ability to connect with others having similar interests while driving.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a multi-focal plane augmented reality display to present interest-based social networking information to vehicle users by receiving social networking data, matching user interests, and displaying virtual images and contact information of relevant individuals on the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle displays present social networking information to users, then users can connect with others having similar interests, but user distraction and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by projecting social networking information specifically in the user's peripheral vision area rather than central vision. The display system determines the user's eye location and head position to calculate a projection location that falls within the peripheral visual field, allowing social information to be displayed without competing for the user's primary attention on the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D flat display surfaces to a 3D spatial projection on the windshield. By using augmented reality technology to project virtual images at specific depths and locations in the user's visual field, the system adds a dimensional aspect that separates social information from the primary driving interface, reducing cognitive conflict.
2Loss of information
If social networking information is displayed on traditional vehicle displays, then information accessibility is improved, but driver attention is diverted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the windshield as an intermediary surface between the driver and the external environment. Instead of placing displays directly in the driver's line of sight or requiring gaze shifts to secondary screens, the system uses the existing windshield as a transparent medium to overlay social networking information, allowing drivers to maintain their primary focus on the road while accessing social information peripherally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical display systems (screens, buttons, physical interfaces) with optical projection technology. By using augmented reality projection onto the windshield, the system eliminates the need for physical display devices that occupy space and require direct visual engagement, substituting a light-based information delivery mechanism that integrates seamlessly with the driver's natural visual field.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for social networking using a multi-focal plane augmented reality display of a host vehicle includes receiving social-networking data from a remote device. The social-networking data includes information about at least one social interest of a remote user of the remote device. The remote device is located within a viewable area of a vehicle user of the host vehicle. The method further includes determining whether at least one social interest of the remote user matches a vehicle-user social interest of the vehicle user of the host vehicle using the social-networking data. The method further includes transmitting a command signal to the multi-focal plane augmented reality display of the host vehicle to display a virtual image on the multi-focal plane augmented reality display. The virtual image is indicative of the vehicle.