Virtual Boundary Objects for Driver Spatial Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for representing the surroundings of a motor vehicle to drivers, such as superimposing graphical elements like warning lines or predicted vehicle positions, are difficult for unfamiliar drivers to interpret, as they lack clear spatial cues, leading to increased interpretative effort and potential confusion.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring graphical elements in a three-dimensional scene image to represent virtual boundary objects with a clear spatial shape, delimiting free space from obstacle space, using reference surfaces that are intuitively recognizable, and are preferably semi-transparent and perspectively scaled to enhance visibility and realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If graphical elements like warning lines or predicted vehicle positions are superimposed on a scene image, then spatial information is provided to assist the driver, but the interpretation becomes difficult for drivers unfamiliar with such representation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of real-world objects (boundary objects) that are superimposed on the scene image. These virtual boundary objects replicate the spatial structure and appearance of actual physical boundaries, allowing drivers to interpret the graphical representation intuitively without requiring specialized knowledge of abstract warning lines or predicted position graphics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color coding to differentiate between free space and obstacle space, with boundary objects displayed in distinct colors that are intuitively recognizable. This color differentiation enhances the visual distinction between safe and dangerous zones, reducing interpretation effort while maintaining accurate spatial information transmission.
2Loss of information
If abstract graphical elements are used to represent spatial boundaries, then space can be delimited, but the representation lacks intuitive spatial cues for unfamiliar drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates virtual copies of real boundary objects (fences, walls, curbs, trees) and superimposes them on the scene image at their actual spatial locations. These virtual boundary objects maintain the visual characteristics and spatial relationships of the real objects, providing intuitive spatial cues that are immediately recognizable to drivers without requiring interpretation of abstract graphical symbols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the parameters of virtual boundary objects including their position, size, orientation, and transparency based on the vehicle's movement and the detected real-world boundaries. This ensures the virtual objects remain accurately aligned with physical boundaries throughout the driving sequence, maintaining spatial accuracy while enhancing driver recognition.
3Ease of operation
If virtual boundary objects with three-dimensional spatial shape are used, then spatial interpretation is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual three-dimensional boundary objects that are computational copies of detected real-world boundaries. By replicating the spatial structure and visual appearance of physical boundaries in the virtual scene, the system simplifies driver interpretation while the complexity is contained within the image processing algorithm that generates these virtual copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances two-dimensional scene images by adding a virtual three-dimensional dimension through superimposed boundary objects with height and depth characteristics. This dimensional enhancement provides intuitive spatial cues to drivers while the computational complexity is managed through efficient image processing techniques that render these additional dimensional features.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for graphically representing the surroundings of a motor vehicle, whereby graphical elements, which serve to assist the driver in interpreting the spatial information, contained in the scene image, are superimposed on a scene image, which represents a three dimensional surrounding scene of the surroundings of the motor vehicle and which is out two dimensionally or three dimensionally to the driver of the motor vehicle, the graphical elements are at least partially configured and arranged in the scene image such that they embody in the surrounding scene at least one virtual boundary object, which has a three dimensional spatial shape and which exhibits at least one reference surface that delimits a free space, which can be attained by the motor vehicle without the risk of a collision, from an obstacle space, which can be attained only with the risk of a collision.