Head-Mounted Display Gaze Control for Driver Distraction Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable computing systems, particularly head-worn computing systems, face challenges in providing safe and efficient operation while driving, as they often distract the user with displayed content when looking through vehicle windshields or side windows.
Innovation Solution
A method for head-worn computing systems that determines the user's gaze direction and motion to differentiate between looking through a windshield and other vehicle interior portions, adjusting the display content accordingly to prevent distraction and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If displayed content is provided within the display field of view of the head-mounted display, then the user can access navigational and operating information, but the user becomes distracted when looking through the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the display field of view based on the detected orientation of the vehicle's front. The display area moves relative to the head-mounted display's field of view to ensure that when the vehicle faces a particular direction, the displayed content appears in the peripheral vision rather than directly in the driver's line of sight through the windshield. This dynamic repositioning allows information access without distraction
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates different display zones within the field of view: a restricted zone directly in front of the windshield where content is suppressed to prevent distraction, and peripheral zones where content can be displayed for information access. The display quality and visibility are locally optimized based on the spatial relationship between the vehicle front orientation and the driver's view
2Reliability
If the display field of view is restricted to prevent distraction, then safety is improved, but the user cannot access relevant information when looking at the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically modifies the display field of view based on head movement detection. When the driver's head orientation indicates they are looking at the vehicle interior (away from the windshield), the system expands or shifts the display area to make content accessible in the peripheral or side fields of view. This allows information access during interior glances without compromising safety when the driver is focused on the road
3Loss of information
If displayed content is provided continuously, then information availability is maximized, but driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic assessment of display conditions by continuously monitoring vehicle orientation and driver head position. The display content is periodically adjusted or repositioned based on these assessments, ensuring that information remains accessible while minimizing distraction. The display may be activated, deactivated, or repositioned in periodic cycles based on detected safety conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism (the dynamically adjustable display field of view controlled by vehicle orientation detection) to mediate between the need for information display and the need to prevent distraction. Rather than directly displaying content in fixed positions, the intermediary control system adjusts display parameters based on real-time conditions, acting as a buffer between the information source and the driver's attention
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing assisted safety to an operator of a vehicle using a head-mounted display that provides displayed content and a see-through view of a surrounding environment, includes determining whether the operator is looking through the windshield of the vehicle or is not looking through the windshield, if the user is looking through the windshield, preventing displayed content from being provided within a display field of view of the head-mounted display, thereby providing an unencumbered see-through view of the surrounding environment, if the user is not looking through the windshield, providing displayed content for viewing by the user within the display field of view, and if important information relating to the safety of the vehicle is detected by a system associated with the vehicle while the user is looking not looking through the windshield, interrupting the displayed content and providing an alert to the operator.