Dynamic Vehicle Path Line Overlay for Accurate Distance Perception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle backup systems, using either distance sensors or image sensors, face challenges in accurately conveying the distance between a vehicle and an object to the driver, with audible cues being difficult to translate and image systems suffering from distortion issues that confuse perceived depth.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic range display system incorporating a camera, distance sensor, and controller to overlay a dynamic vehicle path line on the camera image, providing a visual indication of the distance between the vehicle and objects, calibrated to accurately represent the distance without overlaying on the object image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If image sensing technologies are used to display the rear view, then the driver can see the visual image of objects, but the distortion from camera lenses causes inaccurate perception of distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance information accuracyVSAvoidperceived distance accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the dynamic vehicle path line - that mediates between the distorted camera image and the driver's distance perception. This line is generated based on actual distance sensor data and overlaid on the camera image, serving as a translation layer that converts distorted visual information into accurate distance representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter representation of distance information by transforming it from a visual parameter (image position) to a geometric parameter (line length). The dynamic vehicle path line's length is directly proportional to the measured distance, creating a new parameter system that accurately reflects real distance regardless of camera distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If distance sensors are used to provide audible cues or LED displays, then the driver receives distance alerts, but the cues are difficult to translate into accurate distance judgment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance alert reliabilityVSAvoiddistance judgment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a visual copy of the distance information in the form of the dynamic vehicle path line, which is displayed on the camera image. This line copies the distance data from the distance sensor and presents it in a visually intuitive format that is easy to interpret, combining the reliability of sensor data with the ease of visual interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If the dynamic vehicle path line is extended to show full distance range, then it provides complete distance information, but it may overlay on the object image causing confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance information completenessVSAvoidimage overlay interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic vehicle path line is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it automatically adjusts its length and position based on the real-time distance to the object. When the object is close, the line is shorter and positioned to avoid overlaying the object image. When the object is far, the line extends to show the full distance range. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to choose between completeness and clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different visual properties to different parts of the display. The dynamic vehicle path line is rendered with specific characteristics (such as semi-transparency or positioning) in regions where it might otherwise overlay the object image, while maintaining full visibility in clear regions. This local quality adjustment ensures both completeness of information and clarity of object identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances the driver's perception of distance by providing a clear and accurate visual representation of the vehicle's proximity to objects, reducing confusion caused by distortion and improving the reliability of distance judgment.

Implementation Method 1

The camera is configured to capture an image and generate a first signal representative of the image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The distance sensor is configured to detect an object of interest within a path of the vehicle and generate a second signal identifying a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS8396653B2Dynamic range display for automotive rear-view and parking systems
Publication Date: 2013.03.12 ROBERT BOSCH CORP
  • US8396653B2 patent drawing
  • US8396653B2 patent drawing
  • US8396653B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dynamic range display system for a vehicle. The system includes a camera, a distance sensor, a display, and a controller. The camera is configured to capture an image and to generate a signal representative of the image. The distance sensor is configured to detect an object of interest within a path of the vehicle and to generate a signal that identifies a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest. The display is configured to provide a visual image, and the controller is configured to receive the signal from the camera and the signal from the distance sensor. The controller generates an image on the display representing the image detected by the camera and a dynamic vehicle path line overlaid over the camera image. The dynamic vehicle path line provides an indication of a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest.