Pedal Feedback Cue Generator for Driver Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geriatric drivers face challenges such as stiff joints, vision and hearing difficulties, slower reaction times, and medication effects that complicate safe driving, particularly in determining which pedal is engaged while keeping their eyes on the road.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cue generator that projects distinct visual and auditory cues based on pedal engagement signals, positioning them within the driver's peripheral field of view, allowing for confirmation of pedal engagement without diverting attention from the road, using a light projector and aspheric lens to redirect cues onto the windshield or hood, and optionally a dash-mounted display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the driver looks at the pedals to confirm engagement, then the driver can determine which pedal is engaged, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual feedback system that mediates between the pedal engagement action and the driver's perception. Instead of directly observing the pedals, the driver receives indirect visual cues projected onto the windshield or dashboard that indicate pedal engagement status, thus confirming engagement without diverting attention from the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical observation method (directly looking at pedals) with an optical information system. Visual feedback is projected through optical elements onto surfaces within the driver's field of view, substituting the need for mechanical observation with an optical information delivery mechanism.
2Reliability
If visual cues are projected onto the windshield or hood, then the driver can see pedal engagement status without diverting attention, but the cue must be positioned within the peripheral field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning visual cues in specific locations within the driver's peripheral field of view rather than uniformly across the entire field. The cues are projected onto specific areas of the windshield or hood that correspond to the peripheral vision zones, optimizing both visibility and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the visual cue delivery from a direct line-of-sight dimension to a peripheral field of view dimension. By projecting cues onto the windshield or hood at positions that fall within the driver's peripheral vision, the system utilizes a different spatial dimension for information delivery that does not require central attention.
3Loss of information
If distinct visual cues are provided for gas and brake pedals, then the driver can easily distinguish between pedal engagement, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes as a simple yet effective method to distinguish between different pedal engagement types. Different colors are assigned to represent different pedals (e.g., green for gas, red for brake), providing clear differentiation without requiring complex visual patterns or multiple indicator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the visual feedback system into distinct cues for different pedals. Each pedal engagement type receives its own separate visual indicator with unique characteristics (color, position, or pattern), allowing the driver to easily identify which specific pedal is engaged without confusion.
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 safe driving by providing visual assistance to drivers with proprioceptive limitations, ensuring correct pedal engagement and reducing the risk of accidents by providing immediate feedback on pedal engagement without obstructing the driver's view of the road.
Implementation Method 1
the light may be projected through the windshield and onto a part of the hood of the vehicle that is within a driver's peripheral field of view
Implementation Method 2
the light may be projected onto the windshield in the driver's field of view
Implementation Method 3
The cue may be redirected to the part of the hood of the vehicle within the driver's field of view (e.g., peripheral field of view) by an aspheric lens
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a cue generator for a vehicle. Like many vehicles, the vehicle has a windshield and a hood, a gas pedal and a brake pedal. The cue generator includes a light projector configured to project a distinct visual cue based on a type of engagement signal received. The cue generator is configured to receive a gas pedal engagement signal when the gas pedal is engaged, and a brake pedal engagement signal when the brake pedal is engaged. The device is configured to project the visual cue within a portion of the driver's peripheral field of view that corresponds to the hood of the car.