Vehicle Maneuvering Light Projection for Obstacle-Aware Ground Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle maneuvering aiding systems, which rely on cameras and displays to provide virtual information, often lack driver confidence due to the reliance on virtual data that may not accurately represent the real-world environment, especially when obstacles or holes on the ground surface interfere with light projection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the projection of a light pattern onto specific virtual rectangles on the ground surface, defined by the vehicle's wheel contact points, which includes the use of visible or infrared light, and an image sensor to detect deformations caused by obstacles, providing real-time feedback to the driver through modified light patterns or images, and potentially triggering warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If virtual information is provided through cameras and displays to aid vehicle maneuvering, then the driver receives comprehensive information about the environment, but the driver does not gain confidence in the accuracy of the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a light pattern that creates a visual copy or representation of the vehicle's position and boundaries on the ground surface. This projected pattern serves as a tangible reference that the driver can see in the real world, confirming the accuracy of virtual information displayed in the cockpit. The light pattern essentially creates a physical manifestation of the vehicle's spatial relationship with obstacles, bridging the gap between virtual data and real-world perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The light projection system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the environment, providing a visual mediator that connects the driver's perception with the actual spatial relationships. The projected light pattern serves as a mediator that translates complex sensor data into an intuitive visual representation that the driver can immediately understand and trust, enhancing confidence in the maneuvering information.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ground surface contains obstacles or holes, then light projection is blocked or distorted, but this creates opportunities to detect such obstacles through light pattern deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light blockage by obstacles into a beneficial detection mechanism. When obstacles or holes in the ground surface block or distort the projected light pattern, the system detects these deformations through image sensors and uses them to identify the presence and location of obstacles. The disruption of light projection, which would normally be considered a failure condition, becomes the basis for enhanced obstacle detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the projected light pattern serves as both the illumination source and the detection target. Image sensors capture the reflected or scattered light pattern, and any deviations from the expected pattern are fed back to the system for obstacle identification. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor the ground surface conditions and detect obstacles based on light pattern deformations.
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
Enhances driver confidence by providing real-time, accurate information about obstacles or holes in the vehicle's trajectory, improving maneuvering safety through enhanced visibility and feedback mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
projecting at least a portion of a light pattern towards a projection zone of the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
acquiring an image of the automotive vehicle and the light pattern from an image sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a method for aiding the manoeuvring of an automotive vehicle (10). The method comprises the steps of projecting a light pattern (2) towards a projection zone of the ground surface, acquiring an image of the automotive vehicle (10) and the light pattern (2) from an image sensor (3) and providing the acquired image to a user of the automotive vehicle (10). The projection zone comprises at least one of a first virtual rectangle (4), a second virtual rectangle (5) and/or a third virtual rectangle (6), defined with respect to a rear point (15) of the carbody (13), a front point (16) of the carbody and the contact points (7) between the wheels (11, 12) and the ground surface (1). The invention also provides an automotive lighting device (10) for performing the steps of such a method.