Drive Assist Projection for Road Gradient Illusion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers may experience gradient illusion, leading to inappropriate driving adjustments due to misperception of road gradients, which the existing vehicle illumination systems fail to address.
Innovation Solution
A drive assist apparatus that projects gradient recognition patterns on a target object in front of the vehicle using an illumination apparatus, based on acquired road gradient information, to visually notify the driver of the actual road gradient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If gradient recognition patterns are projected on the road surface, then driver awareness of actual gradient is improved, but visibility in dark environments is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system projects gradient recognition patterns in advance on the road surface before the vehicle reaches the gradient section, allowing the driver to perceive the actual gradient ahead of time and adjust driving operations proactively
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination apparatus acts as an intermediary between the gradient information acquisition unit and the driver, projecting visual patterns that mediate the transmission of gradient information to the driver's perception
2Loss of information
If gradient recognition patterns are projected on the road surface, then gradient information is provided to the driver, but the apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can project gradient recognition patterns when needed while also serving as a standard road illumination source, eliminating the need for separate dedicated gradient indication hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the illumination apparatus by changing its projection parameters (position, shape, intensity) based on acquired gradient information, allowing a single device to convey multiple types of road condition information through parameter modulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus helps drivers recognize the actual road gradient, enabling appropriate accelerator and brake operations by correcting the gradient illusion through visual cues.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation apparatus provided to the vehicle projects, by an illumination apparatus, a gradient recognition pattern on a target object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a drive assist apparatus visually notifying a driver of information regarding a gradient of a road. A drive assist apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is to acquire gradient information of a road in which gradient illusion is estimated to occur in a driver of a vehicle. The processing circuitry is to perform control on an irradiation apparatus provided to the vehicle so that the irradiation apparatus projects a gradient recognition pattern on a target object or on a projection surface provided in front of a driver seat of the vehicle to display the gradient recognition pattern in overlapped fashion with the target object. The target object is located in front of the vehicle and extends along the road. The gradient recognition pattern includes at least one graphic based on the gradient information of the road and disposed along the extension direction of the target object.