In-Cabin Lane Change Request Display for Driver Forward Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind spot warning devices on exterior mirrors may not be in the driver's field of vision and only alert the driver who wants to change lanes, potentially leading to difficult maneuvers and dangerous situations, especially in heavy traffic or due to inattention.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a recognition device in the vehicle to detect a lane change request from another vehicle and displays this information optically, via a light strip or display in the driver's field of vision within the vehicle interior, ensuring the driver is alerted in a safe and non-intrusive manner, particularly using a light strip that mimics a turn signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blind spot warning systems are mounted on exterior mirrors, then drivers are warned of lane-changing collision risks, but the warning devices may not be in the driver's field of vision and only alert the driver attempting to change lanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the warning display from the exterior mirror dimension to the interior dashboard dimension, specifically projecting warnings onto the lower portion of the windshield or dashboard area where the driver's field of vision is naturally focused. This spatial relocation ensures warnings are always visible regardless of mirror positioning or driver head position.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior display system serves multiple functions: it warns the driver attempting to change lanes (original function) and simultaneously alerts drivers in adjacent lanes about the lane change request (new function). This multi-functional approach addresses both safety concerns in a single system.
2Reliability
If exterior mirror warning systems are used, then lane change collision risks are identified, but the system only warns the driver attempting to change lanes and not drivers in other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication technology as an intermediary between vehicles. The system detects lane change requests from nearby vehicles, transmits this information wirelessly to other vehicles in the vicinity, and displays it in their interior spaces. This intermediary communication layer enables mutual awareness between drivers of different vehicles.
3Loss of information
If acoustic signals are used to alert drivers, then lane change requests are communicated clearly, but the driver may feel harassed or attacked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual light signals with different colors to convey warning information. The system uses subtle visual cues such as colored lights or graphical displays on the dashboard/windshield area, which provide clear information transmission without the aggressive nature of acoustic alarms. This visual approach maintains information clarity while reducing driver stress.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for alerting the driver of a vehicle (101) in a first lane to a lane change request by at least one other vehicle into the first lane. The method comprises, as a step, the detection (320) of the lane change request by the first vehicle (101) of at least one other vehicle. Furthermore, the method comprises, as a step, the display (340) of the lane change request of the second vehicle to the driver of the first vehicle (101) within the driver's field of vision in the front area of the interior of the first vehicle (101), in order to alert the driver of the first vehicle (101) to the lane change request of the second vehicle.