Reflective Head-Up Display Alerts for Non-Line-of-Sight Crashes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle sensor systems are ineffective in detecting and alerting drivers about non-line-of-sight collisions, such as sideswipe and angle collisions, which account for a significant percentage of annual vehicle collisions, and existing visual alerts can distract drivers from the roadway.
Innovation Solution
A system using reflective head-up displays that project augmented reality and virtual images on a vehicle's windshield to alert drivers to imminent collisions outside their line of sight, utilizing sensors like cameras, RADAR, and LIDAR to calculate trajectories and generate graphical alerts based on time to collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual alerts are provided to warn drivers of non-line-of-sight collisions, then driver safety is improved, but driver distraction from the roadway may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system projects safety alerts onto the windshield surface, utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions of the windshield plane to position alerts in the driver's peripheral vision rather than requiring direct line-of-sight attention. This spatial dimensionality change allows safety information to be conveyed without blocking the driver's forward view of the roadway.
Solution Approach 2:
The alert system uses localized regions of the windshield (specific zones away from the center forward view) to display collision warnings. By placing alerts in specific local areas of the windshield that correspond to peripheral vision zones, the system provides safety information without compromising the driver's central focus on the road.
2Reliability
If current sensor systems are used for collision detection, then line-of-sight collisions can be detected, but non-line-of-sight collisions (sideswipe and angle) cannot be effectively detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously - detecting objects in the driver's line of sight as well as objects in non-line-of-sight zones (sideswipe and angle collision risks). The system processes sensor data to identify collision risks across all directional zones around the vehicle, making the detection system universal for all collision types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends detection coverage from the traditional forward line-of-sight dimension to include lateral and rearward dimensions by processing sensor data from multiple angles and positions. This multi-dimensional detection approach enables identification of objects that would be invisible to the driver in sideswipe and angle collision scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If head-up displays are used to show alerts on the windshield, then alerts are integrated with the driver's view of the roadway, but the display system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alert system merges the safety warning function with the existing windshield structure by projecting alerts directly onto the glass surface. This integration combines the display function with the windshield's existing role as a transparent barrier, eliminating the need for separate display mounts or complex optical assemblies while maintaining seamless integration with the driver's view.
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
Provides advance notice of non-line-of-sight collisions, allowing drivers to take corrective action without diverting attention from the road, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of such collisions.
Implementation Method 1
reflective head-up displays that project augmented reality and virtual images on a vehicle's windshield
Implementation Method 2
sensors like cameras, RADAR, and LIDAR to calculate trajectories
Implementation Method 3
sensors like cameras, RADAR, and LIDAR to calculate trajectories
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of non-line-of-sight imminent crash warning using reflective head-up displays includes receiving sensor data detected by a sensor system of a vehicle and indicating an object moving toward the vehicle, and determining, based on the sensor data, that the object is located outside of a line of sight of a driver of the vehicle. The system and method also include determining that a trajectory of the object and a trajectory of the vehicle will cross, and displaying, via head-up displays, a graphical alert alerting the driver of the vehicle to the object that is located outside of the line of sight of the driver.