Vehicle Motion Sickness Reduction via Projected Visual References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles often exacerbate motion sickness due to a disconnect between the passenger's sensory experience and visual cues, as they lack visible steering controls and provide little to no warning for maneuvers, leading to increased nausea in passengers.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sensors to project the outside view onto the interior of the vehicle or provide virtual visual cues matching the vehicle's motion, such as a constant compass reference, to help passengers anticipate and process the vehicle's movements, thereby reducing or eliminating motion sickness symptoms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles operate without visible steering controls and with remote controls, then vehicle automation and safety are improved, but motion sickness in passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual reference elements (such as virtual horizons, compass references, or simulated outdoor scenes) displayed on interior surfaces as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle system and the passenger's sensory system. These visual references provide the brain with expected motion cues that match the actual vehicle movement, resolving the sensory conflict that causes motion sickness while maintaining full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to passengers by displaying dynamic visual references that respond to and reflect the vehicle's actual motion. This feedback loop allows passengers to visually anticipate and process vehicle maneuvers, reducing the disconnect between sensory input and visual information that occurs in autonomous vehicles without traditional controls.
2Reliability
If rapid movements or changes in direction are implemented for collision avoidance, then safety and responsiveness are improved, but motion sickness is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The visual reference system provides preliminary visual cues about upcoming maneuvers by displaying anticipated motion patterns before the actual vehicle movement occurs. This allows passengers' brains to prepare for and anticipate rapid changes in direction or speed, reducing the sensory shock and motion sickness associated with collision avoidance maneuvers.
3Productivity
If traditional steering wheels and controls are removed, then vehicle efficiency and automation are improved, but visual cues for anticipating maneuvers are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies or representations of outdoor scenes, horizons, and reference frames and displays them on interior surfaces. These copied visual elements provide the same motion and orientation information that would normally be available through traditional controls or direct outdoor viewing, maintaining visual cue availability while enabling full automation and improved efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to provide visual references to passengers in vehicles to prevent motion sickness. The system can include a controller and one or more projectors and/or displays. The controller can detect movement of a vehicle and project images within the vehicle that comport with the detected movement. The system can include a projector to project images on the interior of the vehicle. The system can include one or more displays to display images inside the vehicle. The controller can receive data from one or more cameras, accelerometers, navigation units, magnetometers, and other components to detect the motion of the vehicle. The system can display visual references on the dashboard, door panels, and other interior surfaces to complete the view of passengers, or provide other visual reference, to prevent motion sickness.