Dynamic eHMI Display Positioning for Occluded Urban Environments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicle intent notifications (eHMI) may not be viewable to road users due to occlusions, particularly in urban environments, where obstacles obstruct the standard display locations, posing a risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize sensors like cameras, LiDAR, and radar to track the gaze direction and body posture of road users, dynamically adjusting the display position of eHMI notifications on autonomous vehicles to ensure they are within the unoccluded field of view, using multiple external displays and projection capabilities to convey intent information effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If eHMI notifications are displayed at standard regulated positions (above headlights, on roof, in headlight, within grill), then the display location complies with regulations and maintains consistent placement, but the notifications may not be viewable to road users due to occlusions from obstacles in urban environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the eHMI notification display position based on real-time detection of occlusions and road user gaze direction. Multiple displays at different external positions on the vehicle are selectively activated to ensure notifications are visible despite obstacles in the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system is divided into multiple independent display units positioned at different external locations on the vehicle (front, rear, sides). Each display can be independently activated based on the specific viewing conditions and occlusions detected, allowing the system to segment the notification delivery across multiple locations
2Reliability
If multiple external displays are used to ensure visibility, then eHMI notification visibility to road users is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple external displays positioned at different locations on the vehicle serve as universal notification outlets that can display the same eHMI notifications. This multi-functional approach allows any of the displays to fulfill the notification purpose depending on which one is most visible to the road user, reducing the need for specialized display solutions for each location
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium which monitor a road user in order to move the external position of the vehicle intent notification (eHMI) to another external position that can be seen by the road user based on the gaze direction of the road user. In some aspects, the eHMI notification displays the vehicle intent for a single autonomous vehicle. In another aspect, a group eHMI notification displays the trajectories for a plurality of autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles. Based on the gaze direction of the road user, the eHMI notification can be displayed on a single external position or on multiple external positions. Different eHMI notifications can be displayed at different external positions on the autonomous vehicle to provide information to more than one road user.