Windshield Virtual Image Spot for Automotive Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive display systems fail to effectively convey the degree of collision danger and are uncomfortable for drivers due to vibration-induced instability of virtual images on windshields, making it difficult for drivers to quickly recognize high-risk obstacles without diverting their attention.
Innovation Solution
A display device that uses a camera, obstacle-detecting circuit, setting circuit, and liquid crystal display panel to project a virtual image spot encircling obstacles on the windshield, with adjustable color, brightness, size, and movement speed based on collision danger, and hides the spot during extreme danger to avoid distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual image square is displayed on the windshield to surround the front obstacle, then the driver can recognize the obstacle without moving eyes from the front view, but the virtual image vibrates according to vehicle vibration making it unstable and uncomfortable to watch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the virtual image spot rotate around the obstacle rather than remaining static. The spot moves along a circular path centered on the obstacle, creating a dynamic display that naturally draws driver attention while compensating for vibration-induced position changes. This rotational movement transforms the static, vibration-sensitive square into a dynamic spot that maintains visibility despite vehicle motion.
2Ease of operation
If the same virtual image square is displayed regardless of collision danger level, then the display system is simple to operate, but the driver cannot quickly notice obstacles with high collision danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the rotation speed of the virtual image spot according to the calculated collision danger level. When collision danger is high (shorter reaching time), the spot rotates faster to immediately capture the driver's attention. When danger is low, the rotation speed decreases. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the simple spot display to convey critical safety information effectively.
3Reliability
If the virtual image spot is displayed for all obstacles regardless of danger level, then all obstacles are visible to the driver, but unnecessary distraction occurs when danger is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying the virtual image spot display based on the specific danger level of each detected obstacle. Rather than uniformly displaying spots for all obstacles, the system calculates the reaching time for each obstacle and determines collision danger level individually. Only obstacles with moderate to high danger levels (reaching time within threshold) receive the spot display, while low-danger obstacles do not trigger the display, thus avoiding unnecessary distraction while maintaining reliability for critical hazards.
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
Enhances driver awareness of high collision danger by dynamically adjusting the virtual image's appearance and visibility, reducing discomfort from vehicle vibrations and minimizing unnecessary distraction by only displaying the image when danger is moderate or low.
Implementation Method 1
The image on the liquid crystal display panel is reflected on the windshield, showing a virtual image to a driver
Data Source
AI summary
A display device of the present invention is mounted on an automotive vehicle. An obstacle located in front of the vehicle is detected by a camera, and its features including speed, distance, size, etc. are analyzed by electronic circuits. An image showing the features of the front object is outputted from a liquid crystal panel. The outputted image is reflected on the windshield, displaying a virtual image to a driver. The virtual image is displayed in a form of a spot encircling the front obstacle seen through the windshield. The ways of displaying the encircling spot are variously changed according to a degree of collision danger that is determined according to a period in which the vehicle reaches the obstacle. For example, if the degree of collision danger is high, the spot is shown in red-orange color and/or with a high brightness. Thus, the driver easily recognizes the front obstacle in a high degree of collision danger.