E-Mirror Lane Overlay for Clear Traffic Lane Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in accurately identifying their vehicle's lane in modern vehicles equipped with screens and cameras, especially in inclement weather or when the vehicle is new, tired, or in heavy traffic, leading to confusion and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A traffic lane identification system that includes a camera, display, and electronic control unit (ECU) to generate and overlay a lane identifier on the vehicle's display, highlighting the current lane and automatically updating as the vehicle changes lanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple screens and cameras are used to aid vehicle maneuvers, then the driver can view live video of the surrounding area, but the driver becomes confused or overwhelmed when trying to judge which portion of the image is the vehicle's own lane or an adjacent lane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple distinct zones, each representing a different traffic lane. The ECU generates lane identifiers that segment the visual information into manageable portions, allowing the driver to easily identify which zone corresponds to the vehicle's current lane without being overwhelmed by the complete undivided image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lane identifiers as intermediary visual elements that mediate between the raw camera footage and the driver's understanding. These identifiers (such as graphical overlays, color coding, or highlighted markers) serve as a bridge that translates complex multi-camera video data into intuitive lane position information.
2Reliability
If the driver needs to quickly judge the current lane position, then safety is improved, but inclement weather conditions and driver fatigue contribute to the difficulty in judging or seeing lanes correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes and visual differentiation techniques to enhance lane identification. Different traffic lanes are displayed with distinct colors, brightness levels, or visual characteristics, making it easier for drivers to distinguish their current lane from adjacent lanes even under challenging conditions such as rain, snow, or fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of video data to pre-identify and mark lane boundaries and positions before presenting information to the driver. The ECU continuously analyzes the video feed, pre-processes lane detection algorithms, and prepares highlighted lane identifiers in advance, so that when the driver glances at the display, the lane information is already prepared and immediately recognizable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is not mounted exactly in the vehicle center or the screen image does not contain vehicle body parts, then installation flexibility is improved, but the driver's ability to judge lanes correctly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the ECU continuously monitors and adjusts the displayed lane identifiers based on the actual camera position and vehicle movement. The system provides real-time feedback by comparing detected lane markings with the vehicle's expected position, automatically compensating for off-center camera mounting or missing vehicle body reference points through dynamic adjustment of the lane identification overlays.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for assisting a driver of a vehicle. A traffic lane identification system may include one or more displays located on or within the vehicle. The system may further include an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the one or more displays. The ECU may transmit a real-time video data to a display so as to display the field of view of the surrounding area of the vehicle. The ECU may further generate a lane identifier indicating a current traffic lane of the vehicle. The ECU may further transmit the lane identifier to the display so as to display the lane identifier overlaid within the field of view of the surrounding area of the vehicle.