Vehicle Ground Surface Visibility System with Real-Time Obstacle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle exterior lighting systems fail to effectively enhance the visibility of ground surfaces adjacent to land vehicles, particularly for pedestrians approaching with authorized hand-held devices, due to latency and increased costs associated with wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile communication device on the vehicle, a hand-held communication device, control logic, an imaging assembly, and a display device that processes images of the ground surface to detect obstacles or display a welcome mat in real-time, enhancing visibility for authorized pedestrians using a light-field or holographic display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If wireless communication systems are used to detect pedestrians and provide exterior lighting, then convenience and automation are improved, but latency and communication costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the pedestrian's approach and preparing the lighting system in advance. The mobile device detects the pedestrian carrying an authorized hand-held device and triggers the imaging assembly and display device before the pedestrian reaches the vehicle, ensuring immediate visibility enhancement without latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual display system that bridges the gap between wireless detection and physical lighting. The display device projects images onto the ground surface adjacent to the vehicle, serving as an intermediary that enhances pedestrian visibility without requiring traditional exterior lighting systems to activate immediately.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional exterior lighting systems are used to illuminate ground surfaces, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional exterior lighting systems that consume significant energy, the patent creates a visual copy or representation of the ground surface on the vehicle's display device. The display device projects images onto the ground surface, providing visibility enhancement without the energy-intensive illumination of conventional lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical lighting system with a display-based system. The mobile device and display device work together to project visual information onto the ground surface, substituting the physical illumination mechanism with a digital display mechanism that consumes less energy and has reduced environmental impact.
3Reliability
If complex communication protocols are implemented for authorized device recognition, then security is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal communication protocol that allows the mobile device to recognize multiple types of authorized hand-held devices (smartphones, key fobs, wearables) through a single interface. The system is designed to work with various communication technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC) without requiring separate complex protocols for each device type, thereby maintaining security while reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enhancing the visibility of a ground surface adjacent to a land vehicle is provided. The system includes a mobile communication device, a hand-held communication device and control logic coupled to the mobile device and operative to determine if the hand-held device is an authorized device. An imaging assembly is supported on the vehicle to obtain an image of the ground surface. An image processor processes the image to detect an obstacle located on the ground surface. The control logic is operative to generate a display command signal. A display device is responsive to the signal to display in real time the detected obstacle or a welcome mat onto or adjacent the vehicle for enhanced viewing by an approaching pedestrian when the pedestrian carrying the authorized device is located within a predetermined range of the mobile device.