Kia has been granted a patent for a driver assistance system that includes speakers on a vehicle to output omnidirectional and directional sounds while reversing. The system helps identify obstacles at the rear of the vehicle. GlobalData’s report on Kia gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Kia, Battery management systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Kia's grant share as of May 2024 was 45%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Driver assistance system for outputting sound while reversing

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Kia Corp

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US12012038B2) discloses a driver assistance system designed to enhance safety during vehicle reversing maneuvers. The system includes a first speaker for emitting omnidirectional sound and a second speaker for directional sound output. A controller, connected to both speakers, activates the first speaker during reversing and directs the second speaker towards obstacles detected at the rear of the vehicle. The system utilizes image data from a rear-facing camera to identify obstacles, classify them, and adjust the directional sound frequency accordingly. Additionally, ultrasonic sensors can be employed to determine obstacle distance, with the system adjusting sound output and even initiating braking if necessary based on proximity to the obstacle.

Furthermore, the patent details a control method for the driver assistance system, outlining the steps involved in identifying obstacles during vehicle reversing. By processing image data or ultrasonic data, the system can accurately pinpoint obstacles, classify them, and adjust sound output and vehicle actions accordingly. The method also includes provisions for adjusting sound volume based on ambient light conditions, with lower volumes emitted at night. The patent also extends to a vehicle equipped with this driver assistance system, highlighting the integration of speakers, controller, and obstacle detection mechanisms to enhance safety during reversing maneuvers.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.