Abstract:
A light warning system (20) and method (60) are provided for warning a driver (18) of a vehicle (10) of a sensed condition. The warning system (20) includes a lighting device (22) having first and second colored LEDs (26, 28) for generating a light beam (50) viewable on a windshield (14) in front of the driver (12) of the vehicle (10). The system (20) also includes a detection device (40) for detecting a condition desirable of a warning and generating a warning signal. The system (20) further includes a controller (30) processing the warning signal and determining whether to present a light beam warning displayed to the driver on the windshield. The controller (30) controls the lighting device (22) to generate a flashing light beam (50), wherein the light beam (50) flashes on and off for a time period less than one-half second.
Abstract:
A turning maneuver assist system (20) and method (100) are provided for assisting the driver of a vehicle (10) with a visual image while turning the vehicle (10). The system (20) includes first and second cameras (22A and 22B) positioned to generate video images on respective first and second sides of the vehicle (10). The system (20) also includes a drop-down display (50) located onboard the vehicle (10) for displaying images generated by the first and second video cameras (22A and 22B). The system (20) further includes a controller (30) for controlling activation of the first and second cameras (22A and 22B) and the presentation of images on the display (50). The controller (30) activates one of the first and second cameras (22A and 22B) and controls the display (50) to output images captured by the activated camera (22A) when the vehicle (10) is determined to be turning. The display (50) is mounted forward and above the driver and moves between a stowed position and a viewable position.
Abstract:
An object awareness determination system and method of determining awareness of a driver (34) of a vehicle (10) to an object (16) is provided. The system includes an object monitor (18) including an object detection sensor (12A) for sensing an object (16) in a field of view and determining a position of the object (16). The system also includes an eye gaze monitor (38) including an imaging camera (30) oriented to capture images of the vehicle driver (34) including an eye (36) of the driver (34). The gaze monitor (38) determines an eye gaze vector (g). The system further has a controller (60) for determining driver awareness of the object (16) based on the detected object position and the eye gaze vector (g).
Abstract:
An awareness detection system (10) and method (100) that includes an imaging device (16) positioned to obtain a plurality of images of at least a portion of a subject's (18) head, and an awareness processor (28) in communication with the imaging device (16), wherein the awareness processor (28) receives the plurality of images from the imaging device (16). The awareness processor (28) performs the steps including classifying at least one image (106) of the plurality of images based upon at least a portion of the subject's (18) head, monitoring movement of at least one eye (112) of the subject (18) if the at least one image is classified as a predetermined classification, and determining an awareness state (114) of the subject (18) based upon the monitored movement of the at least one eye.
Abstract:
A technique for combining a back-up aid function with a park assist function in a motor vehicle initially includes determining a distance from a motor vehicle to an object (204). Next, a velocity of the motor vehicle (206) is determined. Then, a scaled version of the velocity and a minimum distance threshold are subtracted from the distance to provide a first multiplicand (208). Finally, a driver stimulus is provided as a function of the first multiplicand (210).
Abstract:
An adaptive driver warning methodology takes into account the driver gaze during a steady-state interval following a precipitating event that will potentially lead to the issuance of a driver warning. The elapsed steady-state time following the precipitating event is compared with the duration of continuous non-forward driver gaze following the precipitating event (38). If the duration of continuous non-forward driver gaze is less than the elapsed steady-state time, the warning parameters are established in a manner to de-sensitize or de-emphasize the driver warning (42). As a result, the driver warning is de-sensitized or deemphasized even though the driver temporarily glances away from the forward direction during the steady-state interval following the precipitating event.
Abstract:
A display system and method for presenting scrolling text (24) on a display (22) is provided in a manner that generally minimizes driver distraction. The system includes a display (22) for displaying scrolling text (24). The system also includes a gaze monitor (40) having an imaging camera (30) oriented to capture images of a person (32), such as a vehicle driver, including at least portions of the driver's head (34), and determining a gaze vector g ‾ or head orientation vector. The system further includes a controller (50) for determining whether the driver (32) is expected to be viewing the display (22) based on the gaze vector g ‾ The controller (50) pauses the scrolling text (24) presented on the display (22) when the driver (32) is not viewing the display (22).