On-Ramp Merging Image Display System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems fail to automatically display image data when merging onto a freeway without requiring the activation of a turn signal, which can hinder the merging maneuver by lacking real-time visual cues of the vehicle's surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising processors, left and right side cameras, and a display that determines the vehicle's location on an on-ramp and direction of merging using location sensors, automatically displaying image data from the corresponding camera to aid the operator in merging safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the vehicle displays images on vehicle displays only when turn signal is activated, then the system complexity is reduced, but the situational awareness during merging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines whether the vehicle is on an on-ramp using location sensors before the merging maneuver begins, and proactively displays image data from the appropriate camera without waiting for turn signal activation. This preliminary detection and display action ensures situational awareness is available exactly when needed during the merging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically selects and displays image data from the left or right camera based on the determined merging direction, without requiring manual intervention or turn signal activation. The system serves itself by autonomously providing the necessary visual information based on location and merging direction data.
2Reliability
If the system automatically displays image data based on location and merging direction, then the merging safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate location sensors to determine on-ramp status and separate cameras (left and right) to capture image data from different sides. The processor segments the decision-making process by first determining location, then determining merging direction, and finally selecting the appropriate camera feed, creating a modular and manageable system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system serves multiple functions: it can display image data from either the left or right camera depending on merging direction, and can remain inactive during normal driving. This multi-functionality allows a single display system to handle both regular driving and merging scenarios, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
3Ease of operation
If the system requires turn signal activation to display images, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the merging maneuver is hindered due to lack of real-time visual cues
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors location sensor data to determine when the vehicle is on an on-ramp and automatically provides visual feedback through the display showing real-time image data from the appropriate camera. This automatic feedback loop ensures the driver receives necessary visual information without the need for additional manual actions like activating turn signals.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for automatically displaying image data when a vehicle 100 is located on an on-ramp 200 to a roadway 99 includes one or more processors, left and right vehicle side cameras 118A, 118B, a display, and one or more memory modules. The one or more memory modules store logic that cause the system to: determine, based on the location signal output by the one or more vehicle location sensors, whether a vehicle 100 is on the on-ramp 200 to merge on to the roadway 99; determine a direction of merging, and display image data on the display. Image data from the left vehicle side camera 118A is displayed when it is determined that the direction of merging is to a left side of the vehicle 100. Image data from the right vehicle side camera 118B is displayed when it is determined that the direction of merging is to a right side of the vehicle 100.