Vehicle Eye Tracking Light Feedback for Steering Wheel Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing advanced driver-assistance systems face disturbances in determining the eye positions and viewing direction of vehicle users due to obstructions, such as the steering-wheel rim, which hinders continuous and disturbance-free detection by cameras.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a camera, image data evaluating unit, and control equipment that activates a light source to inform the user when eye positions are not detectable, providing optical and acoustic cues to adjust the seat and steering wheel for unobstructed view, ensuring reliable detection of eye positions and viewing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is positioned to detect eye positions and viewing direction, then driver assistance functions can be controlled based on gaze direction, but the detection is disturbed when the steering-wheel rim obstructs the view of the eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through a light source that illuminates the driver's face and eyes. When the steering-wheel rim obstructs the camera's view, the light source activates to illuminate the eyes, making them visible to the camera despite the obstruction. This feedback mechanism allows continuous detection while maintaining awareness of the obstruction condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the obstruction and the detection system. By illuminating the eyes, the light source creates a visible signal that the camera can detect, effectively mediating the obstruction problem and enabling continuous eye position tracking regardless of steering-wheel position.
2Productivity
If the camera continuously monitors eye positions, then real-time control of driver assistance systems is enabled, but detection accuracy decreases when eyes are hidden by the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The light source provides continuous illumination feedback that maintains eye visibility to the camera. When the driver's hands are on the steering wheel, the light source activates to illuminate the eyes, ensuring the camera continues to capture accurate eye position data without interruption or loss of precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is activated in advance or simultaneously with the obstruction condition to ensure eyes are always visible to the camera. This preliminary illumination action prevents detection failures before they occur, maintaining continuous and accurate monitoring throughout the driving period.
3Device complexity
If no light source is provided, then the device remains simple, but the user cannot be informed when eye positions are not detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The light source serves as a visual feedback indicator that communicates the detection status to the driver. When eyes are detectable, the light is off; when obstruction occurs, the light activates. This simple feedback mechanism provides continuous information about detection status without adding complex interfaces or displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source utilizes optical changes (on/off states) to convey information about detection status. This binary optical signaling provides clear, intuitive feedback to the driver about whether the camera is successfully detecting eye positions, eliminating information loss without requiring complex visual displays.
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 solution enables reliable determination of eye positions and viewing direction by guiding the user to adjust their position for optimal detection, thereby enhancing the functionality and reliability of vehicle assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
activates a light source (104)
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a camera that detects image data of the head and eyes of the vehicle user. An image data evaluating unit determines, using the detected image data, positions of the eyes or the current viewing direction of the vehicle user. Control equipment generates a signal that activates a light source when the current positions of the eyes or the viewing direction is not determinable. The light source has one or more individual light sources arranged so that the one or more individual light sources can only be discerned by the vehicle user or discerned simultaneously if the user's eyes, a vehicle user's eye positions and/or a current viewing direction of the vehicle user are clearly detectable.