Vehicle Wading HMI Depth Display Gradient Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for aiding driver control during wading events in vehicles face challenges in accurately and effectively conveying water depth information, particularly in low visibility conditions and uneven terrain, due to the complexity of processing data from multiple sensors and displaying it in a clear and understandable manner.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a display depth and longitudinal gradient of a vehicle, using sensors and a processor to select appropriate display positions for a vehicle elevation on an HMI apparatus, and superimpose a display water level, while managing data processing to avoid overwhelming the driver with rapid changes or inaccuracies, using thresholds and algorithms to categorize and stabilize the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data from multiple sensors is processed and displayed in detail, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water depth information into multiple discrete levels (e.g., 5-10 distinct depth indicators) rather than displaying continuous data. This segmentation simplifies the processing requirements while maintaining adequate measurement precision for wading conditions, resolving the contradiction between accurate measurement and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms raw sensor data into standardized visual parameters (colored bars representing different depth levels). This parameter transformation simplifies the data structure and reduces processing complexity while preserving the essential measurement information needed for safe wading.
2Loss of information
If real-time water level data is displayed continuously, then information availability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The display updates water level information at controlled intervals rather than continuously, providing periodic refreshes that keep the driver informed without creating constant visual distractions. This periodic update approach balances information availability with driver safety and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color-coded depth indicators (e.g., green for safe, yellow for caution, red for dangerous depths) that convey critical information at a glance. This visual encoding reduces the cognitive load on the driver while maintaining full information availability about water depth conditions.
3Loss of information
If multiple display parameters are shown simultaneously, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pieces of wading information (water depth, vehicle orientation, terrain gradient) into a single integrated graphical display showing a side elevation of the vehicle with overlaid depth indicators. This merging approach provides complete information while simplifying the display system architecture compared to multiple separate displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system represents water depth information in a spatial dimension along the vehicle's side elevation rather than using separate numerical displays. This dimensional transformation consolidates multiple parameters into a single visual framework, reducing display complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of controlling an HMI-apparatus for providing information to a driver of a vehicle for aiding driver control of a vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water. The method includes determining a measured depth of water about the actual vehicle and determining a display depth, dependent upon said measured depth of water. The method also includes measuring a lateral and/or longitudinal gradient of the actual vehicle and selecting a display vehicle position from a limited number of available options of display vehicle positions based upon the measured lateral and/ or longitudinal gradient of the actual vehicle. In this way the HMI- apparatus can output a simplified picture of the actual vehicle scenario which may be easier for the driver to assimilate.