Vehicle See-Through Display for Pillar Blind Spot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle structures such as pillars obstruct the driver's view, creating blind spots that can lead to reduced visibility and safety while driving.
Innovation Solution
A see-through system is implemented using video cameras positioned outside the vehicle to capture blocked views and a display inside the vehicle to render a see-through effect, with a processor determining the distance to objects and adjusting the video images to align with the driver's perspective, ensuring proper alignment and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If vehicle structural components (pillars) are used to support the roof, then structural strength is improved, but driver visibility is worsened due to created blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
A see-through display is introduced as an intermediary between the driver and the obstructing pillar. The display shows video feed from cameras positioned on the outside of the vehicle, allowing the driver to see around the pillar while maintaining the pillar's structural function. This mediator compensates for the visibility loss without requiring removal of the structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the scene outside the vehicle by capturing images with cameras and displaying them on the see-through display. This copy allows the driver to perceive objects that are physically blocked by the pillar, effectively replicating the view that would be available without the obstruction.
2Loss of information
If video cameras and see-through displays are added to eliminate blind spots, then driver visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The see-through display system is integrated with the vehicle's existing display architecture, allowing the same display hardware to serve both traditional information functions and the see-through application. The camera system can also serve multiple purposes including backup cameras and parking assistance, reducing the need for dedicated components solely for this function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes video feeds and adjusts display parameters without requiring manual configuration. The processor automatically identifies the closest object, determines distance, and adjusts the video processing accordingly, making the system self-regulating and reducing the complexity of user interaction.
3Measurement precision
If the processor processes captured video based on distance to determine portion to display, then alignment accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores transformation parameters for different distance ranges. When an object is detected, the system quickly retrieves the appropriate pre-computed parameters rather than performing full real-time calculations, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the viewing field into different depth zones and applies different processing parameters to each zone. By changing processing parameters based on distance thresholds rather than performing continuous complex calculations, the system achieves accurate alignment while maintaining efficient processing speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure relate to example systems and methods for operating a see-through display for a vehicle. An example system includes a video camera positioned to capture video related to a vehicle structure that blocks a view of the driver. The system also includes a see-through display disposed inside the vehicle between the vehicle structure and the driver. The system also includes a processor configured to identify a closest object within a field of view of the video camera, determine a distance to the closest object, and process the captured video based, at least in part, on the distance to determine a portion of the captured video to be displayed on the see-through display. The processor renders the portion of the captured video to create a see-through effect relative to the vehicle structure.