Toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha (20240187545). VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM simplified abstract

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM

Organization Name

toyota jidosha kabushiki kaisha

Inventor(s)

Masashi Nose of Nagoya-shi (JP)

Tomoaki Miyazawa of Nagoya-shi (JP)

Kazuya Kumazawa of Nagoya-shi (JP)

Miki Tsujino of Nagakute-shi (JP)

Tsukasa Kitazawa of Toyota-shi (JP)

VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240187545 titled 'VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY STORAGE MEDIUM

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a vehicle control device that generates a virtual viewpoint image to assist with lane-changing maneuvers. The device uses image data from cameras mounted on the vehicle to create a virtual viewpoint positioned further to one side of the vehicle than the center, displaying this image on a display device for the driver.

• The processor in the vehicle control device generates a virtual viewpoint image based on image data from cameras mounted on the vehicle.
• The virtual viewpoint image represents an area positioned further in front of and to the other side of the vehicle than the occupant, aiding in lane-changing maneuvers.
• The virtual viewpoint is positioned further to one side of the vehicle than the center, helping the driver navigate safely.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in advanced driver assistance systems to enhance lane-changing maneuvers and improve overall driving safety.

Problems Solved

This technology helps drivers execute lane changes more effectively by providing a virtual viewpoint image that assists in assessing the surrounding environment.

Benefits

The use of virtual viewpoint images can enhance driver awareness, reduce blind spots, and improve overall driving performance and safety.

Potential Commercial Applications

This technology could be integrated into vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems, offering a unique selling point for manufacturers looking to enhance the safety features of their vehicles.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of cameras and display devices in vehicles for various driver assistance functions, although the specific application of generating virtual viewpoint images for lane-changing maneuvers may be novel.

How does the virtual viewpoint image change based on different driving scenarios?

The article does not provide details on how the virtual viewpoint image adapts to different driving situations, such as highway driving versus city driving.

What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of relying on virtual viewpoint images for lane changes?

The article does not address any potential limitations or drawbacks of using virtual viewpoint images for lane-changing maneuvers, such as reliance on technology or driver distraction.

Original Abstract Submitted

a vehicle control device including a processor. when a vehicle is executing driving assistance control to change lanes toward one side of either the left or the right, the processor generates a virtual viewpoint image representing an area positioned further in front of and at the other side than an occupant of the vehicle based on image data acquired by cameras mounted to the vehicle and based on a virtual viewpoint positioned further to another side of either the left or the right than a vehicle width direction center of the vehicle, and causes display of the virtual viewpoint image on a display device provided to the vehicle.