Virtual Display Surfaces for Vehicle Augmented Reality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality systems in vehicles can distract drivers if graphical elements are too vibrant or inadequately presented, potentially leading to accidents and unsafe driving.
Innovation Solution
A virtual model is constructed using visual features from images captured by a vehicle's camera to determine the road's position and configure graphical elements on a display device, such as a heads-up display, to create a seamless and non-distracting visual experience by making elements appear fixed to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If graphical elements are made vibrant and prominent to improve information visibility, then driver attention is captured, but driver distraction increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making graphical elements adapt their visual properties based on their location and context. Elements are rendered with varying intensity, opacity, and animation characteristics depending on their position in the driver's field of view, the surrounding environment, and the urgency of the information being conveyed. This allows critical information to be prominent while less critical elements remain subtle, resolving the contradiction between visibility and distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making graphical elements adaptive and responsive rather than static. Elements dynamically adjust their appearance based on driver behavior, vehicle context, and environmental conditions. The system continuously monitors driver attention and modifies graphical element properties in real-time, transforming the display from a fixed information source to a flexible communication interface that prioritizes safety.
2Loss of information
If multiple information sources are added to improve comprehensiveness, then more driving information is provided, but visual complexity increases and driver focus is fragmented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing information into distinct hierarchical levels and categories. Critical safety information is separated from secondary information, with each type rendered using appropriate visual characteristics. The system segments the display into zones of varying importance and uses spatial arrangement, size, and visual weight to help drivers quickly identify and process essential information without being overwhelmed by the total information volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between raw data and visual presentation. The system acts as a mediator that filters, prioritizes, and transforms multiple information sources into a coherent visual narrative. This intermediary layer synthesizes data from sensors, navigation, and vehicle systems into unified graphical elements that convey multiple pieces of information through single integrated displays, reducing overall visual complexity while maintaining information completeness.
3Loss of information
If graphical elements are animated to improve information delivery, then driver understanding is enhanced, but animation can cause distraction and unsafe driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using controlled animation cycles and rhythmic visual patterns. Rather than continuous or random animation, the system employs deliberate periodic movements that follow natural human attention rhythms. Animations are timed and paced to match driver processing capabilities, with pauses and transitions that allow cognitive absorption of information without creating visual chaos or competing for attention in an unpredictable manner.
Data Source
AI summary
Generating a virtual model of environment in front of a vehicle based on images captured using an image capturing. The Images captured on an image capturing device of a vehicle are processed to extract features of interest. Based on the extracted features, a virtual model of the environment is constructed. The virtual model includes one or more surfaces. Each of the surfaces may be used as a reference surface to attach and move graphical elements generated to implement augmented reality (AR). As the vehicle moves, the graphical elements move as if the graphical elements are affixed to the one of the surfaces. By presenting the graphical elements to move together with real objects in front of the vehicle, a driver perceives the graphical elements as being part of the actual environment and reduces distraction or confusion associated with the graphical elements.