US 10,896,335 B2 · Adaptive transparency of virtual vehicle in simulated imaging system

Abstract

A visual scene around a vehicle is displayed to an occupant of the vehicle on a display panel as a virtual three-dimensional image from an adjustable point of view outside the vehicle. A simulated image is assembled corresponding to a selected vantage point on an imaginary parabolic surface outside the vehicle from exterior image data and a virtual vehicle image superimposed on a part of the image data. Objects are detected at respective locations around the vehicle subject to potential impact. An obstruction ratio is quantified for a detected object having corresponding image data in the simulated image obscured by the vehicle image. When the detected object has an obstruction ratio above an obstruction threshold, a corresponding bounding zone of the vehicle image is rendered at least partially transparent in the simulated image to unobscure the corresponding image data.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of displaying a visual scene around a vehicle to an occupant of the vehicle, comprising:

assembling a simulated image corresponding to a selected vantage point on an imaginary parabolic surface outside the vehicle from exterior image data and a virtual vehicle image superimposed on and obscuring a corresponding part of the image data;
detecting objects of interest at respective locations around the vehicle subject to potential impact;
for a detected object having image data obscured by the virtual vehicle image, quantifying an obstruction ratio according to a proportion of an area of the detected object which is obscured compared to a full area of the detected object;
when the detected object has an obstruction ratio above an obstruction threshold, rendering a corresponding bounding zone of the virtual vehicle image at least partially transparent in the simulated image to unobscure the corresponding image data.

1 more element

Vehicle apparatus comprising:

an array of cameras mounted to a vehicle providing exterior image data surrounding the vehicle;
a display panel for displaying a visual scene around a vehicle to an occupant of the vehicle;
and
a controller adapted to:
assemble a simulated image corresponding to a selected vantage point on an imaginary parabolic surface outside the vehicle from the exterior image data and a virtual vehicle image superimposed on and obscuring a corresponding part of the image data;
detect objects at respective locations around the vehicle;
for a detected object having image data obscured by the virtual vehicle image, quantify an obstruction ratio according to a proportion of an area of the detected object which is obscured compared to a full area of the detected object;
and
render a corresponding bounding zone of the vehicle image at least partially transparent in the simulated image to unobscure the corresponding image data when the detected object has an obstruction ratio above an obstruction threshold.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Adaptive transparency of virtual vehicle in simulated imaging system

Life of this patent

Adaptive transparency of virtual vehicle in simulated imaging system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20