Three-dimensional dynamic shape display for providing vehicle information

Abstract

A three-dimensional dynamic shape display for providing vehicle information. A three-dimensional dynamic shape display for a vehicle includes one or more pixels for communicating information related to operation of the vehicle. The one or more pixels each include a plurality of movable members each having an actuation element for translating the movable member. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display further includes one or more controllers providing instructions to move the actuation elements. The one or more controllers execute the instructions to receive data indicative of an event related to operation of the vehicle and, in response to receiving the data indicative of the event, instruct the actuation elements to translate the movable members in a direction indicative of the event related to operation of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a three-dimensional dynamic shape display including one or more pixels for conveying information related to vehicle operation, the one or more pixels including a plurality of movable members. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a three-dimensional dynamic shape display wherein each movable member includes an actuation element for translating a corresponding pixel and a light distribution element for delivering visible light. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles may include various devices for conveying information to their respective occupants. For example, a head-up display is a technology that projects images onto a windshield or panel, directly below eye level. In another example, a display unit including a screen may be used instead to convey information to the vehicle's occupants, wherein the screen is used to display images and text conveying information related to items such as, for example, navigation, vehicle operation, and entertainment information.

[0003] In the case of autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, providing occupants with situational awareness of the vehicle's navigation intentions can be beneficial. For example, occupants might want to know if the vehicle's autonomous driving system is aware of an upcoming sharp bend or turn on a highway, and if the autonomous driving system plans to maneuver the vehicle to complete the upcoming curve or turn.

[0004] Therefore, while current vehicles achieve their intended purposes, there is a need in the art for a method to communicate information related to vehicle operation. Specifically, there is a need for a method to inform the occupants of an autonomous vehicle of its situational awareness regarding the vehicle's navigation intentions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to several aspects, a three-dimensional dynamic shape display for a vehicle is disclosed. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display includes one or more pixels for conveying information related to vehicle operation. Each of the one or more pixels includes a plurality of movable members, each of the plurality of movable members having an actuating element for translating the movable member. One or more controllers provide instructions to move the actuating element, wherein the one or more controllers execute the instructions to receive data indicating an event related to vehicle operation; and in response to receiving the data indicating the event, instruct the actuating element to translate the movable member along the direction indicating the event related to vehicle operation.

[0006] In one aspect, the movable component also includes a light distribution element for transmitting visible light.

[0007] In another aspect, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display also includes an illumination source that is in electronic communication with the one or more controllers, wherein the illumination source is optically connected to an illumination distribution element.

[0008] In another aspect, in response to receiving data indicating an event, the one or more controllers instruct the lighting source to generate visible light based on an operation-related event.

[0009] In one aspect, the lighting source emits visible light in more than one color.

[0010] In another aspect, the light source is either one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or fiber optic elements.

[0011] In another aspect, the light distribution element is a light tube that transmits visible light.

[0012] In one aspect, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display also includes an air source in electronic communication with the one or more controllers, wherein the actuating element is an inflatable airbag in fluid communication with the air source.

[0013] In another aspect, the inflatable airbag can be inflated from the fully deflated position to the fully inflated position.

[0014] In another aspect, when the inflatable airbag is in the fully deflated position, the movable component rests flat against the mounting surface.

[0015] In one aspect, when the inflatable airbag is in the fully inflated position, the movable component is orthogonal to the mounting surface.

[0016] In another aspect, the one or more pixels include up to six movable components.

[0017] In another aspect, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display also includes an array of pixels arranged along the mounting surface of the vehicle.

[0018] In one aspect, a portion of the pixel array includes movable members of a different size compared to the rest of the pixel array.

[0019] In another aspect, the array of pixels 14 comprises a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including movable members of the same size.

[0020] In another aspect, the pixel array is arranged symmetrically along mutually orthogonal directions.

[0021] In one aspect, the pixel array generates visible light and a wave of pixel movement that propagates along the pixel array to indicate upcoming maneuvers performed by the vehicle during autonomous driving.

[0022] In another aspect, the impending maneuver is the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

[0023] In one aspect, a three-dimensional dynamic shape display for a vehicle is disclosed. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display includes one or more pixels for conveying information related to vehicle operation, each of the one or more pixels including a plurality of movable members, each of the movable members having an inflatable airbag for translating the movable member and a light distribution element for delivering visible light. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display also includes an illumination source in optical communication with the illumination distribution element. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display also includes an air source in fluid communication with the inflatable airbag. Finally, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display includes one or more controllers in electronic communication with the illumination source and the air source. The one or more controllers execute instructions to receive data indicating an event related to vehicle operation. In response to receiving the data indicating the event, the one or more controllers instruct the air source to inflate or deflate the inflatable airbag based on the event related to vehicle operation. In response to receiving the data indicating the event, the one or more controllers instruct the illumination source to generate visible light based on the event related to vehicle operation.

[0024] In another aspect, when the inflatable airbag is in the fully deflated position, the movable component rests flat against the mounting surface.

[0025] The present invention includes the following technical solutions: Solution 1. A three-dimensional dynamic shape display for a vehicle, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display comprising:

[0026] One or more pixels for conveying information related to the operation of the vehicle, wherein each of the one or more pixels includes a plurality of movable members, each of the plurality of movable members having an actuating element for translating the movable member; and

[0027] One or more controllers provide instructions to move the actuating element, wherein the one or more controllers execute the instructions to:

[0028] Receive data indicating events related to the operation of the vehicle; and

[0029] In response to receiving data indicating the event, the actuating element is instructed to translate the movable member in the direction indicating the event related to the operation of the vehicle.

[0030] Option 2. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 1, wherein the movable component further includes a light distribution element for transmitting visible light.

[0031] Option 3. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 2 further includes an illumination source in electronic communication with the one or more controllers, wherein the illumination source is optically connected to an illumination distribution element.

[0032] Option 4. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 3, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0033] In response to receiving data indicating an event, the illumination source is instructed to produce visible light based on an operation-related event.

[0034] Option 5. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 3, wherein the illumination source emits visible light in one or more colors.

[0035] Option 6. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 3, wherein the illumination source is any one of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or fiber optic elements.

[0036] Option 7. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 3, wherein the light distribution element is a light tube that transmits visible light.

[0037] Option 8. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 1 further includes an air source in electronic communication with the one or more controllers, wherein the actuating element is an inflatable airbag in fluid communication with the air source.

[0038] Option 9. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 8, wherein the inflatable airbag is inflatable from a fully deflated position to a fully inflated position.

[0039] Option 10. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 9, wherein when the inflatable airbag is in the fully deflated position, the movable component rests flat against the mounting surface.

[0040] Option 11. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 10, wherein when the inflatable water bladder is in the fully inflated position, the movable member is orthogonal to the mounting surface.

[0041] Option 12. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 1, wherein the one or more pixels include up to six movable components.

[0042] Option 13. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 1 further includes an array of pixels arranged along the mounting surface of the vehicle.

[0043] Option 14. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 13, wherein a portion of the array of pixels includes a movable member of a different size compared to the rest of the array of pixels.

[0044] Option 15. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 13, wherein the array of pixels 14 comprises a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels comprising movable members of the same size.

[0045] Option 16. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 13, wherein the array of pixels is arranged in a symmetrical pattern along mutually orthogonal directions.

[0046] Option 17. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 13, wherein the array of pixels generates visible light and waves of pixel movement that propagate along the array of pixels to indicate an upcoming maneuver to be performed by the vehicle during autonomous driving.

[0047] Option 18. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 17, wherein the upcoming maneuver is the acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

[0048] Option 19. A three-dimensional dynamic shape display for a vehicle, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display comprising:

[0049] One or more pixels are used to convey information related to the operation of the vehicle, wherein each of the one or more pixels includes a plurality of movable members, each of the plurality of movable members having an inflatable airbag for translating the movable member and a light distribution element for transmitting visible light;

[0050] The lighting source is optically connected to the lighting distribution element;

[0051] An air source, which is in fluid communication with the inflatable airbag; and

[0052] One or more controllers that communicate electronically with the lighting source and the air source, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to:

[0053] Receive data indicating events related to the operation of the vehicle;

[0054] In response to receiving data indicating the event, the air source is instructed to inflate or deflate the inflatable airbag based on an event related to the operation of the vehicle; and

[0055] In response to receiving data indicating the event, the illumination source is instructed to generate the visible light based on the event relating to the operation of the vehicle.

[0056] Option 20. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to Option 19, wherein when the inflatable airbag is in the fully deflated position, the movable component rests flat against the mounting surface.

[0057] Further applicable areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle including the disclosed three-dimensional dynamic shape display according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0060] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of an embodiment of pixels for conveying information related to the operation of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment, the pixels having four movable members;

[0061] Figure 2B This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pixel having two movable members according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0062] Figure 2C This is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a pixel having six movable members according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0063] Figure 2D It is a perspective view of a plurality of pixels according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the plurality of pixels are of different sizes;

[0064] Figure 3 This is a side view of a single movable component according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0065] Figure 4A This is a side view of the movable member when the inflatable airbag is fully deflated, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] Figure 4B This is a side view of a movable member when the inflatable airbag is partially inflated, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] Figure 4C This is a side view of a movable member when the inflatable airbag is fully inflated, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] Figure 5A This is an illustration of a pixel array according to an exemplary embodiment, which indicates impending acceleration when the vehicle is operated autonomously; and

[0069] Figure 5B This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5A The illustration shows a pixel array that indicates an impending deceleration. Detailed Implementation

[0070] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, application, or use.

[0071] refer to Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle 10 including a three-dimensional dynamic shape display 12 is shown. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display 12 includes one or more pixels 14 for conveying information related to the operation of the vehicle 10, the one or more pixels having a plurality of movable members 20. The vehicle 10 can be any type of vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a van, truck, SUV, minivan, or motorhome. In the embodiments, the vehicle 10 is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle; however, it will be understood that a vehicle manually driven by an individual may also be used. The movable members 20 are disposed along one or more mounting surfaces 18 of the vehicle 10. Each movable member 20 includes an actuation element 30 for translating the corresponding movable member 20 and a light distribution element 32 for delivering visible light. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display 12 also includes one or more controllers 36 for each movable member 20 to move the actuation element 30 and illuminate the light distribution element 32.

[0072] As explained below, the one or more controllers 36 receive data indicating events related to the operation of the vehicle 10. The one or more controllers 36 instruct the actuator 30 to translate the movable member 20 in the direction indicating the event related to the operation of the vehicle 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2A As seen, the movable element 20 of each pixel 14 is an individually actuated fin that can move relative to the mounting surface 18 to convey event-related information. In an embodiment, the one or more controllers 36 also instruct the light distribution element 32 to illuminate based on events related to the operation of the vehicle 10. In this way, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display 12 displays background driving information to an individual. For example, as explained below, when the vehicle 10 is operated autonomously, the individual pixels 14 of the three-dimensional dynamic shape display 12 can be actuated and illuminated to inform the occupant of upcoming maneuvers.

[0073] The one or more controllers 36 receive inputs from various sources relating to the environment surrounding the vehicle 10 and vehicle operating parameters. In an embodiment, the one or more controllers 36 receive information relating to one or more in-vehicle inputs 44, one or more non-in-vehicle inputs 46, and user behavior 48. The one or more in-vehicle inputs 44 include, but are not limited to, braking status, vehicle charging status information, vehicle speed, vehicle driving angle, external camera and sensor outputs, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) information, automated driving system information, and driver monitoring system (DMS) camera outputs. The one or more non-in-vehicle inputs 46 include, but are not limited to, Global Positioning System (GPS) information, navigation information, traffic information, information received by satellites, information received by vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, road database information, weather information, and information received via cellular networks. User behavior 48 includes, but is not limited to, driver status, driver behavior, and control usage.

[0074] In such Figure 1 In the embodiments shown, the movable member 20 is disposed along the mounting surface 18 of the dashboard 22; however, it will be understood that these figures are merely exemplary in nature, and the movable member 20 may be disposed in various locations within the interior compartment 26 or on the exterior 28 of the vehicle 10. For example, the movable member 20 may be disposed along a door panel located within the interior compartment 26 or on a hood located on the exterior 28 of the vehicle 10. In the embodiments shown in these figures, a plurality of movable members 20 of the one or more pixels 14 are arranged in a symmetrical manner, wherein each movable member 20 radiates or extends radially outward from the center C of each pixel 14. Figure 1 and Figure 2A In the example shown, pixel 14 comprises four separate movable components 20; however, it will be understood that... Figure 1 and Figure 2A This is merely illustrative in nature, and pixel 14 may include at least two movable members 20 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2B (middle) or up to six movable components 20 ( Figure 2C ).

[0075] In the examples shown in these figures, the movable components 20 are equidistant from each other. Figure 2A As shown, the movable components 20 are positioned approximately ninety degrees apart. In such a case... Figure 2B In the example shown, the two movable components 20 are spaced approximately 180 degrees apart. In such... Figure 2C In the example shown, the movable components 20 are spaced approximately sixty degrees apart. In such... Figure 2AIn the embodiment shown, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display 12 includes an array of pixels 14 arranged along the mounting surface 18 of the vehicle 10. The array of pixels 14 is arranged symmetrically in directions orthogonal to each other. However, it will be understood that, as Figure 2A The embodiments shown are merely exemplary in nature, and in another embodiment, pixels 14 may also be offset or arranged asymmetrically relative to each other.

[0076] In such Figure 2A In the example shown, each pixel 14, as part of the array, includes a movable member 20 of the same size. However, as... Figure 2D As seen in another embodiment, some pixels 14 include movable members 20 that are different in size compared to the rest of the pixels 14. It will be understood that the size of the pixels 14, the size variation among the movable members 20 of the pixels 14, and the specific arrangement of the pixels 14 may depend on the specific application and requirements.

[0077] Figure 3 This is a side view of a single movable member 20 positioned along the mounting surface 18. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 3 Both, the actuating element 30 is an inflatable airbag 50, which is in fluid communication with the air source 52 via a conduit 54. For example... Figure 1 As seen, the air source 52 is in electronic communication with one or more controllers 36. The one or more controllers 36 instruct the air source 52 to either inflate or deflate the inflatable airbag 50, which... Figures 4A-4C The following is illustrated and described in more detail. Specifically, the one or more controllers 36 instruct the air source 52 to inflate the inflatable airbag 50, wherein inflating the inflatable airbag 50 causes the movable member 20 to translate in an upward direction away from the mounting surface 18. Similarly, the one or more controllers 36 execute instructions to deflate the inflatable airbag 50, wherein deflation of the inflatable airbag 50 causes the movable member 20 to translate in a downward direction toward the mounting surface 18.

[0078] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The light distribution element 32 is configured to deliver visible light. Specifically, in an embodiment, the light distribution element 32 is a light pipe 56 to distribute visible light along the outer perimeter 60 of the movable member 20. The light pipe 56 may be constructed of a translucent or transparent material that delivers visible light generated by the light source 58, wherein the light source 58 is in optical communication with the light pipe 56. In the examples shown in these figures, the light source 58 is one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs); however, it will be understood that these figures are merely exemplary in nature. For example, in another embodiment, the light source 58 is an optical fiber element. Figure 1As seen, one or more controllers 36 are in electronic communication with the light source 58.

[0079] In an embodiment, the illumination source 58 emits visible light in more than one color. For example, the illumination source 58 may be a red, green, and blue (RGB) LED. In an embodiment, the illumination source 58 produces any number or variety of different colors, such as purple, yellow-green, etc. The color of the visible light delivered by the light distribution element 32 can be used to convey information related to an event relating to the operation of the vehicle 10. Specifically, in response to receiving data indicating the event, one or more controllers 36 instruct the light source 58 to produce visible light based on the event. For example, if the vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle, in one embodiment, the event is an upcoming maneuver, such as an upcoming acceleration or deceleration. If the event is an upcoming acceleration, the visible light delivered by the light distribution element 32 is green, and if the event is an upcoming deceleration, the visible light delivered by the light distribution element is red. In addition to the color of the visible light, the one or more controllers 36 may also be able to control the intensity and duration of the visible light emitted by the light source 58. For example, as explained below, and as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, visible light can be modulated to form a wave of visible light and pixel movement that propagates along the array of pixels 14 to indicate the upcoming maneuver of vehicle 10.

[0080] In such Figure 3 In the example shown, the outer perimeter 60 of the light distribution element 32 of the movable member 20 is shaped as an irregular hexagon, wherein the two upper sides 62 of the hexagon are longer than the two lower sides 64. However, it will be understood that these figures are merely exemplary in nature, and the movable member 20 may include any number of shapes and profiles. In the example shown in these figures, the light distribution element 32 surrounds the actuation element 30 (i.e., the inflatable airbag 50), wherein the light distribution element 32 acts as a structural member to provide stiffness and rigidity to the movable member 20.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figures 4A-4C 50 inflatable airbags Figure 4A Gradually inflate the air to the fully deflated position until it reaches the position of complete deflation. Figure 4C The fully inflated position is shown in the fully deflated position, in which the movable member 20 lies flat against the surface 18, and in this fully inflated position, the movable member 20 is orthogonal to the surface 18. Although Figures 4A-4C The illustration shows three different positions, but it will be understood that the inflatable airbag 50 can be positioned relative to the mounting surface 18 in an unlimited number of angular positions. Specifically, Figure 4A This is a diagram showing the inflatable airbag 50 in the fully deflated position. Figure 4BThis is an illustration of the inflatable airbag 50 in a partially inflated position. Figure 4C This is a diagram showing the inflatable airbag 50 in the fully inflated position. (See diagram below.) Figure 4A As seen, when the inflatable airbag 50 is fully deflated, the movable component 20 lies flat against the mounting surface 18. However, reference Figure 4B When the inflatable airbag 50 is inflated and filled with air, the movable member 20 moves along the hinge 76 (see Figure 3 The movable component 20 is lifted off the mounting surface 18, wherein the hinge 76 connects the movable component 20 to the mounting surface 18.

[0082] In such Figure 4B In the embodiment shown, the inflatable airbag 50 is partially inflated, and the movable member 20 is positioned relative to the mounting surface 18 at an acute angle A. In such... Figure 4B In the example shown, acute angle A is approximately 45 degrees; however, it will be understood that... Figure 4B This is merely illustrative in nature, and the movable member 20 can be positioned at an infinite number of angles relative to the mounting surface 18 based on the degree of inflation of the inflatable airbag 50. Figure 4B As seen, the inflatable airbag 50 defines opposing sidewalls 70A and 70B, wherein one of these sidewalls 70A is more rigid than the other sidewalls 70B of the inflatable airbag 50. Therefore, when the inflatable airbag 50 inflates, sidewall 70A creates a boss 72 that supports the movable member 20 and causes the movable member 20 to form an acute angle A relative to the mounting surface 18. Figure 4C As seen, when the inflatable airbag 50 is in the fully inflated position, the movable member 20 is orthogonal to the mounting surface 18, and both sidewalls 70A and 70B abut against the mounting surface 18.

[0083] Refer to Figure 2 and Figures 4A-4C It will be understood that the movable component 20 of each pixel 14 is individually actuated and illuminated. In such a way... Figure 2A In the example shown, each pixel 14 causes each movable member 20 to be lifted from the mounting surface 18. However, in another embodiment, instead, only one or only a portion of the movable members 20 may be lifted. For example, in... Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, only the left movable member 20 of each pixel 14 can be raised to indicate an upcoming maneuver (such as a left turn). Similarly, only the right movable member 20 of each pixel 14 can be raised to indicate an upcoming right turn. Although Figure 2A The illustration shows each movable member 20 being raised approximately the same distance from the mounting surface 18, but in another embodiment, the movable member 20 of each pixel 14 may be raised a different distance from the mounting surface 18.

[0084] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An array of exemplary pixels 14 disposed along the mounting surface 18 is illustrated. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example shown, mounting surface 18 is vehicle 10 ( Figure 1 The dashboard 22 shows a steering wheel 78 to indicate the driver's position. In this example, the vehicle 10 operates autonomously; however, as mentioned above, the vehicle 10 can also be driven manually. An array of pixels 14 generates visible light and waves of pixel movement that propagate along the array of pixels to indicate upcoming maneuvers to be performed by the vehicle 10 during autonomous driving.

[0085] In such Figure 5A In the example shown, the front row 80A pixels, positioned furthest from the driver as part of an array of pixels 14, are selected to be actuated first, with the front movable members 20A of each pixel 14 in the front row 80A being raised and illuminated first. After the front movable members 20A are raised and illuminated, the two side movable members 20B are then raised and illuminated. Next, the rear movable members 20 of each pixel 14 in the front row 80A are raised and illuminated. Then, the front movable members 20A of a row 80B of pixels 14 immediately adjacent to the front row 80A are raised and illuminated. This continues until the last row of pixels 80H is raised. Raising and illuminating pixels 14 from the front row 80A to the rear row 80H creates a waveform of physical movement and visible light to inform the driver of the upcoming maneuver. For example, in... Figure 5A In the embodiment shown, the manipulation is the acceleration of vehicle 10. In one embodiment, green can be used to gradually illuminate the movable component 20 to indicate acceleration.

[0086] In such Figure 5B In the embodiment shown, the upcoming maneuver is the deceleration of vehicle 10. Therefore, instead, the rear movable member 20C of each pixel 14 in the rear row 80H of the array is first raised to generate physical light and a flowing waveform of movement. Since the upcoming maneuver is deceleration, the movable member 20 is illuminated in red. While acceleration and deceleration are described, it will be understood that this disclosure describes only one example for simplicity and brevity, and other types of maneuvers may also be used. Some examples of other events related to vehicle operation that may be conveyed using pixel 14 include, but are not limited to, completing a left or right turn, object detection display, control transition display (where control transitions from user to vehicle and from vehicle to user), or battery charging status.

[0087] Referring generally to these figures, the disclosed three-dimensional dynamic shape display includes pixels with multiple movable components that provide visual information related to vehicle operation. In embodiments, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display can be used to communicate upcoming driving maneuvers to the occupants of the vehicle during autonomous driving, which in turn can improve or enhance an individual's confidence and trust when using an autonomous driving system.

[0088] A controller may refer to or a subset of the following: electronic circuitry, combinational logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that execute code, or combinations thereof, such as in a system-on-a-chip. Furthermore, the controller may be microprocessor-based, such as a computer having at least one processor, memory (RAM and / or ROM), and associated input and output buses. The processor may operate under the control of an operating system residing in memory. The operating system manages computer resources such that computer program code implemented as one or more computer software applications (such as applications residing in memory) may have instructions that are executed by the processor. In alternative embodiments, the processor may directly execute the application, in which case the operating system may be omitted.

[0089] The description in this disclosure is exemplary in nature only, and variations thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to remain within its scope. Such variations shall not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional dynamic shape display for a vehicle, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display comprising: an array of pixels for communicating information related to operation of the vehicle, wherein each pixel of the array of pixels includes a plurality of movable members grouped together in a symmetrical pattern, wherein each movable member extends from a center of the respective pixel in a radially outward direction, and wherein each movable member is individually actuated and has an actuation element for rotating the respective movable member, and wherein a single movable member located at a selected position relative to the remaining members of each pixel is rotated to indicate an event related to operation of the vehicle; and one or more controllers providing instructions to move the actuation elements for each movable member, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: receive data indicating an event related to operation of the vehicle; and in response to receiving data indicating the event, instruct a selected one of the actuation elements to rotate the respective movable member in a direction indicating the event related to operation of the vehicle; wherein the movable members further include a light distribution element that transports visible light; the three-dimensional dynamic shape display further includes a lighting source in electronic communication with the one or more controllers, wherein the lighting source is in optical communication with the light distribution element; the three-dimensional dynamic shape display further includes an air source in electronic communication with the one or more controllers, wherein the actuation elements are inflatable bladders in fluid communication with the air source, and wherein inflation of the inflatable bladders causes the movable members to rotate in an upward direction and away from a mounting surface.

2. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 1, wherein, the one or more controllers execute instructions to: in response to receiving data indicating the event, instruct the lighting source to produce visible light based on the event related to operation.

3. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 1, wherein, the lighting source emits visible light in more than one color.

4. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 1, wherein, the lighting source is any one of one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or fiber optic elements.

5. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 1, wherein, the light distribution element is a light pipe that transports visible light.

6. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 1, wherein, the inflatable bladders are inflatable from a fully deflated position to a fully inflated position.

7. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 6, wherein, when the inflatable bladders are in the fully deflated position, the movable members lay flat against a mounting surface.

8. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 7, wherein, when the inflatable bladders are in the fully inflated position, the movable members are orthogonal relative to the mounting surface.

9. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 1, wherein, the pixels include up to six movable members.

10. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 1, wherein the array of pixels is disposed along a mounting surface of the vehicle.

11. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 10, wherein, a portion of the array of pixels includes movable members having different sizes when compared to a remainder of the array of pixels.

12. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 10, wherein, the array of pixels 14 includes a plurality of pixels that include movable members of the same size.

13. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 10, wherein, the array of pixels is disposed in a symmetrical pattern in directions orthogonal to each other.

14. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 10, wherein, the array of pixels produces waves of visible light and pixel movement that propagate along the array of pixels to indicate an upcoming maneuver completed by the vehicle during autonomous driving.

15. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 14, wherein, the upcoming maneuver is an acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

16. A three-dimensional dynamic shape display for a vehicle, the three-dimensional dynamic shape display comprising: an array of pixels for conveying information related to operation of the vehicle, wherein each pixel of the array of pixels includes a plurality of movable members grouped together in a symmetrical pattern, wherein each movable member extends from a center of the respective pixel in a radially outward direction, and wherein each movable member is individually actuated and has an inflatable bladder for rotating the respective movable member and a light distribution element that transports visible light, and wherein a single movable member that is in a selected position relative to the remaining members of each pixel is rotated to indicate an event related to operation of the vehicle; a source of illumination in optical communication with the light distribution element; a source of air in fluid communication with the inflatable bladders; and one or more controllers in electronic communication with the source of illumination and the source of air for each movable member, wherein the one or more controllers execute instructions to: receive data indicative of an event related to operation of the vehicle; in response to receiving data indicative of the event, instruct the source of air to inflate or deflate, as appropriate, the selected inflatable bladder based on the event related to operation of the vehicle; and in response to receiving data indicative of the event, instruct the source of illumination to generate the visible light based on the event related to operation of the vehicle.

17. The three-dimensional dynamic shape display of claim 16, wherein, when the inflatable bladder is in a fully deflated position, the movable members lay flat against a mounting surface.

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