AR Parking Distance Display in the Driver’s Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing park assistance systems require drivers to divert their gaze from the road to interpret distance information displayed on infotainment systems, leading to safety risks due to potential misestimations.
Innovation Solution
A park assistance system utilizing an augmented reality system that superimposes graphic elements onto the driver's field of view, with the extension of these elements along a vertical axis depending on the lateral distance to an object, allowing for intuitive distance estimation without gaze diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If distance information is displayed on an infotainment system, then the driver can obtain spacing information, but the driver must divert gaze from the road leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects distance information from a traditional 2D infotainment display into the driver's forward field of view using augmented reality technology. The graphic element is superimposed onto the real-world view through the windshield, allowing the driver to perceive distance information in the same spatial dimension as the actual environment, eliminating the need to shift gaze between separate display and road.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality system acts as an intermediary between the distance sensor system and the driver. Instead of directly displaying data on a separate screen, the system uses the windshield as a projection medium to overlay graphical representations of distance information onto the driver's natural field of view, creating a seamless integration of digital information and physical environment.
2Loss of information
If complex camera images are displayed, then detailed environment information is provided, but the driver must interpret the images which may lead to misestimations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms complex visual image data into simplified graphical parameters that directly represent distance information. Instead of displaying raw camera images that require interpretation, the system generates graphic elements with specific visual properties (size, position, orientation) that directly encode distance measurements, making the information immediately understandable without cognitive interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphic elements use visual properties such as color, size, and orientation to encode distance information in an intuitively understandable manner. The visual representation changes based on the measured distance, allowing the driver to quickly assess spacing without needing to interpret complex image data or numerical values.
3Loss of information
If traditional display systems are used, then distance information is presented, but the driver cannot perceive the information within the natural field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display system with the windshield, transforming the windshield from a simple transparent barrier into an active display medium. The augmented reality system projects graphic elements onto the windshield surface, combining the protective function of the glass with the information display function, allowing distance information to be presented within the driver's natural field of view without adding separate display devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A park assistance system for a motor vehicle is presented that has a distance sensor system for generating a sensor signal depending on a lateral distance to an object. A computing unit of the park assistance system generates graphics data based on the sensor signal, and contains an augmented reality system for superimposing a graphic element onto a field of view of a driver. An extension of the graphic element along a vertical axis depends on a value of the distance.