Adaptive Vehicle State Indication System Using Segmented Light Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle state indication systems lack the ability to transparently and predictably communicate the state of a vehicle to all interacting agents, particularly in scenarios involving autonomous vehicles, and do not adapt flexibly based on vehicle perception, interaction history, and communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle state indication system comprising a light indicator with multiple modes and a controller that determines the vehicle's state and activates corresponding light and display modes to indicate its intent to external observers, using sensors and a vehicle location determination system to dynamically adjust indications based on detected objects and their positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional brake lights and turn signal indicators are used to indicate vehicle state, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks the ability to transparently and predictably communicate the full state of the vehicle to all interacting agents
Solution Approach 1:
The indication system is segmented into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations on the vehicle (front, rear, sides). Each light source can be independently controlled to indicate different aspects of vehicle state, allowing comprehensive information communication while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual component
Solution Approach 2:
The light indicator system serves multiple functions: indicating braking status, turning intent, stationary state, and pedestrian detection. By making the indication system multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate specialized indicators for each function, reducing overall system complexity while improving information completeness
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional indication systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the system does not adapt flexibly based on vehicle perception, interaction history, and communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The indication system incorporates feedback from vehicle perception systems, interaction history, and communication systems. The controller continuously receives input data about the vehicle's environment and state, processes this information, and dynamically adjusts the indication signals accordingly, enabling adaptive behavior while using standard feedback control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The indication system transitions from static, pre-programmed signals to dynamic, real-time adaptive signals. The light indicators can change their behavior based on current vehicle state, detected objects, and interaction context, making the system flexible and responsive without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration
3Reliability
If multiple light modes and adaptive control are implemented, then the system achieves high transparency and predictability, but the system requires complex sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing vehicle systems (perception sensors, communication systems, control systems) into an integrated indication system. By merging these already-present systems rather than adding entirely new components, the patent achieves high reliability through comprehensive data integration while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle state indication system includes a light indicator and a controller. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and is disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle at least in a forward direction of the vehicle. The controller is programmed to determine whether the vehicle intends to enter the first state or the second state, and to activate the first on mode while the vehicle intends to enter the first state and the second on mode while vehicle intends to enter the second state.