Vehicle Speed Limit Display Control with Dynamic Conspicuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drive support systems face issues with the visibility of speed limit information displayed to vehicle occupants, as the switch between speed limits can be either unnoticed when necessary or visually distracting when not needed.

Innovation Solution

A display control device that senses changes in speed limits and adjusts the conspicuity of notification based on vehicle information, using different switching methods to enhance the visibility of speed limit information on a display medium, ensuring that the driver is adequately informed without unnecessary visual hindrance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the speed limit information is displayed with high visibility, then the driver can be adequately informed of speed limit changes, but it may cause visual distraction and hinderance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation notification reliabilityVSAvoidvisual distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the display characteristics changeable based on driving conditions. The system dynamically adjusts between two switching methods: the first method provides high visibility through immediate display switching when speed limit changes are critical, while the second method provides gradual transition to reduce visual distraction when changes are less critical. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing visibility versus distraction based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the notification approach based on the specific driving context. Instead of using a uniform display method for all speed limit changes, the system selectively applies different switching methods based on vehicle information such as current speed, acceleration, and distance to the speed limit change location. This localized customization ensures high reliability when needed while minimizing visual distraction in other scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If the display switching is immediate and conspicuous, then the driver notices the speed limit change, but it creates visual hindrance during normal driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed limit information awarenessVSAvoiddriving operation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between immediate switching (first switching method) and gradual switching (second switching method) based on real-time vehicle information. When the vehicle is approaching the speed limit change location or the change is critical, immediate switching ensures information awareness. When the vehicle is far from the change location or conditions are stable, gradual switching maintains driving smoothness. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction between information awareness and operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the display transition characteristics based on vehicle state parameters. The system evaluates parameters such as vehicle speed, acceleration, and distance to the speed limit change point to determine the appropriate switching method. By changing the display transition parameter (immediate vs. gradual) based on these input parameters, the system optimizes both information delivery and driving comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the system uses a single display switching method, then the control logic is simple, but it cannot adapt to different driving conditions and situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol logic complexityVSAvoidadaptation to driving conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the display switching function into two distinct methods: the first switching method for high-priority notifications and the second switching method for low-priority notifications. The control logic is segmented into multiple determination units that evaluate different aspects of vehicle information (speed, acceleration, distance) to select the appropriate method. This segmentation increases adaptability while keeping each individual control module relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves multi-functionality by creating a universal control framework that can handle both immediate and gradual switching scenarios within a single device. The display control device universally evaluates vehicle information and automatically selects the most appropriate switching method based on current driving conditions. This universal approach enhances adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the same hardware performs multiple functions through software-based method selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9969266B2Display control device, projection device, and non-transitory storage medium for vehicle speed limit notifications
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYST CO LTD
  • US9969266B2 patent drawing
  • US9969266B2 patent drawing
  • US9969266B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a display control device, in accordance with speed limit information input from an input unit, a control unit senses change in a speed limit of a road where a vehicle travels and after that, in accordance with vehicle information input from the input unit, determines whether or not whether necessity to increase conspicuity of notification of the change in the speed limit. When it is determined that the necessity is high, a display unit is caused to switch display on a display medium from a first presentation image to a second presentation image that indicates a second speed limit by a first switching method. When it is determined that the necessity is not high, the display of the first presentation image is switched to the display of the second presentation image by a second switching method different from the first switching method.