Windshield Periphery Alerts for Faster Critical Object Notice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers often fail to notice critical objects while driving due to the numerous distractions on the road, leading to potential severe consequences.
Innovation Solution
A driving aid system comprising sensors, a controller, and a light assembly that monitors the exterior and interior of the vehicle, identifies objects requiring attention, and selectively illuminates the windshield periphery to draw the driver's attention, with adjustable intensity and color based on ambient conditions and object categorization, and optionally emits audible sounds if the driver has not acknowledged the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the driver monitors multiple objects outside the vehicle, then the driver's attention is divided among many targets, but the driver may miss critical objects requiring immediate attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising sensors, controllers, and light assemblies that mediate between the complex external environment and the driver. The system detects objects using sensors, processes their significance through controllers, and communicates critical information through strategically placed light assemblies on the windshield, thereby filtering and prioritizing information without requiring the driver to directly monitor all objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of direct visual monitoring with an optical-electronic information transmission system. Instead of relying on the driver's physical ability to scan and detect objects, the system uses sensors to detect objects, converts this information into optical signals through light assemblies, and transmits it to the driver's field of view, substituting human visual search with automated optical signaling
2Ease of operation
If the light assembly is positioned to be directly visible to the driver, then the driver can easily see alerts, but it may distract other road users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning light assemblies at specific peripheral locations on the windshield (such as corners or edges) rather than in central positions. This localized placement ensures the lights are visible to the driver in their peripheral vision while remaining less conspicuous to other road users who view the vehicle from the front, thus differentiating the function and visibility characteristics for different observers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the light assembly placement from a frontal dimension (visible to oncoming traffic) to a lateral/driver-side dimension (visible primarily to the driver through the windshield). By changing the spatial dimension of light placement from front-facing to side-facing relative to the vehicle's forward direction, the system achieves driver visibility while minimizing impact on other road users
3Loss of time
If the system illuminates the windshield to draw driver attention, then the driver notices critical objects faster, but the driver's view of the road may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by illuminating only specific peripheral portions of the windshield rather than the entire surface. The light assemblies are positioned to illuminate localized areas corresponding to the detected object's location, providing targeted attention without creating widespread glare or obscuring other important visual information on the windshield
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by activating light assemblies selectively based on the detected object's characteristics, location, and urgency. Not all light assemblies are activated simultaneously; instead, only those corresponding to critical objects are illuminated, providing sufficient stimulus to capture driver attention without excessive illumination that would cause discomfort or obscuration
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
The system effectively reduces the likelihood of missing critical objects by focusing the driver's attention on them, reducing reaction time and ensuring timely notice of objects, while being discreet to avoid distractions for other road users.
Implementation Method 1
a light assembly that selectively illuminates the windshield periphery to draw the driver's attention
Implementation Method 2
the light assembly may comprise a light diffuser operable to increase the homogenization of light transmitted therethrough and onto the first peripheral portion
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed that may selectively illuminate a first peripheral portion of a vehicle windshield from a plurality of peripheral portions. The first peripheral portion may correspond to part of a periphery of a first area portion of the windshield. The first area portion may be one of a plurality of area portions of the windshield. Further, the first area portion may be determined based on a substantial alignment with a driver's view of an object. Accordingly, a periphery portion of the windshield may be illuminated to draw the driver's attention to the object.