Vehicle Display Level Correction via Inertial Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems fail to effectively correct image data for tilts and angular offsets, leading to an unlevel appearance of the rearward view on the display, which can be distracting and inconvenient for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A display system equipped with an imager and an inertial sensor, such as a 3-axis accelerometer, that captures and processes image data to adjust the view orientation, ensuring the horizon remains level by aligning the gravitational force vector with the reference direction detected in the image, using techniques like adaptive edge detection and horizon boundary contrast algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display device is mounted at an angular offset relative to the imager, then the installation flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the horizon line becomes unlevel and the rearward view appears tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an inertial sensor to detect the actual orientation of the display device and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller then applies a corrective rotational transformation to the image data based on the detected angular offset, creating a closed-loop system that maintains horizon levelness despite varying installation angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the orientation parameters of the displayed image data based on the detected angular offset. By applying rotational transformations with specific angles derived from inertial sensor measurements, the system adjusts the display orientation to compensate for installation variations and maintain a level horizon.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display device orientation varies during vehicle operation, then the system adapts to different driving conditions, but the horizon line becomes unstable and fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial sensor continuously monitors the display device orientation during vehicle operation and provides real-time feedback to the controller. This enables dynamic adjustment of the image rotation angle to compensate for orientation changes while maintaining a stable, level horizon line throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration during installation to establish baseline orientation parameters. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly adapt to different driving conditions by building upon the pre-established reference frame, reducing the time needed to achieve stable horizon display.
3Device complexity
If no angular offset correction is applied, then the system complexity is reduced, but the rearward view appears tilted and causes driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using mechanical adjustment mechanisms to physically reorient the display device, the system substitutes a software-based image rotation approach. The controller applies rotational transformations to the image data, achieving the same effect as mechanical adjustment without adding physical complexity to the hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediate processing step where the controller acts as a mediator between the imager and display device. The controller receives image data, applies angular offset corrections through rotational transformations, and then outputs the corrected data to the display, effectively decoupling the physical orientations of the imager and display device.
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
The system provides a stable and level representation of the rearward view, improving driver comfort and safety by maintaining a consistent horizon line despite vehicle tilts or angular rotations, and accounting for road surface variations.
Implementation Method 1
detect a gravitational force vector and an angular offset of the display device
Implementation Method 2
orient the image data such that the reference direction is aligned with the gravitational force vector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A display system for a vehicle comprises a display device including a screen disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The display device is configured to tilt relative to the vehicle and comprises an inertial sensor configured to output an acceleration signal. A controller is in communication with the display device and an imager configured to capture image data in a field of view rearward relative to the vehicle. The controller is operable to receive the acceleration signal and identify a direction of gravity from the acceleration signal. The controller is further configured to identify a reference direction from the image data and generate adjusted image data corrected for an angular offset of the display device between the direction of gravity and a vertical axis of the display device.