Vehicle Pillar Warning System for Obstructed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of vehicles face difficulties in detecting objects or obstacles that are visually obstructed by non-transparent components, such as pillars, which can lead to accidents due to lack of visual cues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect objects or obstacles obstructed by non-transparent vehicle components and display graphical indicators with depth, location, and trajectory cues on a visually obstructed area, such as vehicle pillars, to alert the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-transparent components (pillars) are used in vehicle structure, then structural strength and stability are improved, but visual obstruction of objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, radar, or camera-based) as intermediary devices that detect objects obscured by pillars and transfer this information to the driver through display units. The sensors act as mediators between the obscured objects and the driver's perception, allowing the driver to see through pillars virtually without compromising the structural integrity of the non-transparent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies or representations of obscured objects and displays them on display units positioned on or near the pillars. These graphical indicators replicate the presence, position, and movement of actual objects, allowing drivers to perceive obscured areas without removing the physical pillars that provide structural support.
2Loss of information
If graphical indicators are displayed on vehicle pillars, then driver awareness of obscured objects is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional components where sensors serve both as detection devices and as triggers for graphical display, and where display units are integrated into existing vehicle structures (pillars, mirrors, windows). The controller coordinates multiple functions (detection, processing, display) through a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity despite the added capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts display parameters (brightness, color, size, position of graphical indicators) based on detected object parameters such as distance, speed, and type. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide relevant information without requiring constant manual adjustment, simplifying operation while maintaining high driver awareness.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection conditions are applied, then accuracy of object warning is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-sets detection thresholds, warning zones, and display parameters before operation. Detection conditions such as distance thresholds, object types requiring warning, and display activation criteria are established in advance, allowing the system to quickly evaluate sensor data against pre-defined criteria without complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining both accuracy and rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection sensitivity and warning thresholds based on operating conditions such as vehicle speed, ambient light levels, and traffic density. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high accuracy across varying conditions while optimizing response time by adjusting the stringency of detection criteria based on contextual factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for warning of occluded or obstructed objects are provided. The method includes: detecting a presence of at least one object in a predetermined area, the predetermined area being visually obstructed from an operator of a machine; determining whether at least one condition for displaying the detected at least one object is met; and in response to determining that the at least one condition is met, displaying a graphical indicator corresponding to the detected at least one object. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of object on obstructing portions of the vehicle.