Blind Spot Indicator with Proximity-Based Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in detecting and avoiding vehicles in blind spots while changing lanes, as existing blind spot detection technologies only alert the presence of other vehicles without indicating proximity, increasing the risk of collisions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a side mirror featuring multiple indicators that differentially turn on based on the proximity of vehicles in the blind spot, using a rear lateral side detection unit to determine the number and direction of indicator activation, providing a visual warning of approaching vehicles through color-coded lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single warning light is used to indicate the presence of another vehicle in a blind spot, then the device complexity is reduced, but the driver cannot recognize the degree of proximity of the other vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The single warning light is segmented into multiple indicators (first indicator, second indicator with plurality of indicators, third indicator with plurality of indicators, fourth indicator with plurality of indicators). Each segment provides different proximity information, allowing the driver to recognize the degree of proximity of other vehicles in the blind spot while maintaining a manageable device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to the warning system by arranging multiple indicators in different positions (upper portion, lower lateral side, lower portion of the side mirror) and using different colors. This spatial and chromatic dimensionality allows the driver to intuitively understand proximity degree without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Loss of information
If multiple indicators are added to show proximity degree, then the information provided to the driver is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the side mirror are assigned different functions: the first indicator indicates blind spot presence, the second indicator (upper portion) indicates proximity of vehicles in the blind spot, the third indicator (lower lateral side) indicates time to collision for vehicles changing lanes, and the fourth indicator (lower portion) indicates time to collision for vehicles approaching from the next lane. This local differentiation provides comprehensive information while organizing complexity into manageable functional zones.
3Ease of operation
If color-coded lights are used to indicate different proximity levels, then the ease of operation for the driver is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded indicators where different colors represent different proximity levels and risk degrees. The controller determines which indicators to activate based on the detected proximity and time to collision, providing intuitive visual feedback to the driver. This color-coding system enhances driver recognition and response while the standardized color assignments help manage manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided and configured to allow a driver to recognize a degree of proximity of another vehicle by turning on a warning light differentially based on a degree of proximity of the other vehicle driving in a blind spot. The vehicle includes a rear lateral side detection unit that is configured to detect a rear lateral side including a blind spot and a side mirror including a mirror. A first indicator is disposed in the mirror and is configured to be turned on when a blind spot detection function is activated and a second indicator includes a plurality of indicators and is configured such that the number of a turned-on indicator is increased in a predetermined direction as a distance between the other vehicle, which is approaching in a blind spot, and a subject vehicle decreases, according to a detection result of the rear lateral side detection unit.