SURROUNDING IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD

Organization Name

Inventor(s)

Yuki Yamamoto of Toyota-shi Aichi-ken (JP)

SURROUNDING IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18367732 titled 'SURROUNDING IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD

Simplified Explanation

The surrounding image display apparatus described in the patent application is a system that uses an imaging device to capture images of the vehicle's surroundings, a display device to show these images, and an electronic control unit to manage the display. The electronic control unit is programmed to start displaying the surrounding image when it detects that the driver is about to change lanes, and to stop displaying the image once the driver has made a steering maneuver without visually checking for blind spots.

Imaging device captures images of the vehicle's surroundings
Display device shows the captured images
Electronic control unit manages the display
Display of surrounding image starts when driver intends to change lanes
Display ends when driver performs a steering maneuver without checking blind spots

Potential Applications

This technology could be used in:

Advanced driver assistance systems
Vehicle safety systems
Autonomous vehicles

Problems Solved

Improves driver awareness of blind spots
Helps prevent accidents during lane changes

Benefits

Increased safety for drivers and passengers
Enhanced visibility of surrounding areas
Potential reduction in accidents and collisions

Potential Commercial Applications

Automotive industry for new vehicle models
Aftermarket installation for existing vehicles
Fleet management companies for improved safety measures

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be existing lane departure warning systems that alert drivers when they are about to change lanes without signaling.

Unanswered Questions

How does the system differentiate between intentional lane changes and unintentional drifts?

The patent application does not provide details on how the system determines the driver's intent to change lanes.

What is the accuracy rate of the system in detecting blind spots?

The patent application does not mention the accuracy or reliability of the system in detecting blind spots.

Original Abstract Submitted

A surrounding image display apparatus that comprises an imaging device that captures an image of a surrounding of a vehicle, a display device that displays a surrounding image captured by the imaging device, and an electronic control unit that controls the display device, the electronic control unit being configured to start displaying the surrounding image when it is determined that a driver intends to make a lane departure, and end the displaying of the surrounding image when it is determined that the driver has performed a steering operation without visually confirming a situation of a blind spot on the side of the lane departure.