Vehicle Illumination Object Tracking via Dynamic LED Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems inadequately convey information about external objects to occupants other than the driver, particularly in scenarios involving autonomous or shared control vehicles, where a more comprehensive and intuitive method is needed to indicate detected objects and their dynamics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an illumination-based object tracking system using LED lights or other light sources positioned within the vehicle cabin, which correlate with detected objects' positions, types, distances, and movements, allowing for dynamic changes in light patterns, colors, and intensities to convey information about external objects, potentially combined with audible and tactile cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional audible warnings are used to convey information about external objects, then the driver receives basic collision avoidance information, but other vehicle occupants cannot be effectively informed and the information conveyance capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional audible warnings to a two-dimensional visual display system using LED lights arranged in patterns on the windshield and dashboard. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous conveyance of multiple parameters (object location, type, distance, speed) across different spatial dimensions, enabling comprehensive information delivery to all occupants without increasing system complexity significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent LED light elements that can be individually controlled to represent different object parameters. Each light segment corresponds to specific information (e.g., different zones for different directions, different colors for different object types), allowing parallel information conveyance to multiple occupants simultaneously, thereby resolving the limitation of traditional single-channel audible warnings
2Measurement precision
If the number of lights is increased to improve directional granularity, then more precise object location information is provided, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a partial action approach by dividing the display area into a limited number of strategic zones (e.g., 4-6 directional sectors) rather than providing continuous 360-degree coverage. Each zone uses a small array of LEDs to indicate objects within that sector, achieving sufficient directional precision for safety applications without the complexity of a fully continuous display system. This selective segmentation provides adequate measurement precision while controlling device complexity
3Loss of information
If multiple parameters (distance, type, speed, direction) are conveyed simultaneously, then comprehensive object information is provided to occupants, but the illumination system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different visual characteristics to different spatial locations and object parameters. Specific zones display information about objects in corresponding directions, different colors represent different object types or distances, and varying intensities indicate speed or threat level. This localized encoding allows multiple parameters to be conveyed simultaneously through spatial and chromatic differentiation rather than requiring separate display systems for each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color variations to encode multiple object parameters efficiently. Different colors or color intensities represent different object types (vehicle, pedestrian, animal), distances (near, far), or speeds (slow, fast). This chromatic encoding allows the same physical light source to convey multiple pieces of information simultaneously, reducing the need for additional display elements and maintaining system simplicity while maximizing information density
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
This system effectively communicates the location, direction, and classification of external objects to all vehicle occupants, enhancing situational awareness and safety by providing a visual representation of detected objects' dynamics, especially in autonomous or shared control driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The display may include a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing illumination-based object tracking information within a host vehicle. In some embodiments, the system may comprise a remote object detection module and an illumination display pattern within the vehicle comprising one or more light sources defining a pattern. The illumination display pattern may be configured to dynamically change in accordance with one or more objects being detected and/or tracked by the remote object detection module to convey visible information to vehicle occupants regarding such object(s).