Vehicle Cabin Light Regions for Intuitive Information Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting devices struggle to effectively convey information to vehicle occupants through light emission states, particularly in a manner that is easily recognizable and does not obstruct driving.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device with multiple aligned light emission regions, controlled by a unit that adjusts light intensity and color based on vehicle operation and output unit information, such as navigation data and audio signals, to provide intuitive visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light emission intensity is increased to improve information visibility, then information conveyance effectiveness is improved, but driver distraction and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing light emission specifically to the glove compartment area rather than illuminating the entire cabin. The light emitting device is positioned to project light locally onto the glove compartment surface, providing targeted illumination that conveys information without creating widespread glare or distraction to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional dashboard-mounted light emission to a three-dimensional projection onto the glove compartment surface. By utilizing the vertical and depth dimensions of the glove compartment area, the system creates a spatially separated information display that does not compete with the driver's forward view on the two-dimensional dashboard plane.
2Loss of information
If multiple light emission regions are added to convey different information types, then information differentiation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light emission function into multiple independent light emission regions (first, second, and third light emission regions) that can be individually controlled. Each region corresponds to different information types (e.g., warning, notification, confirmation), allowing differentiated information conveyance through spatial segmentation rather than requiring complex temporal or color-coded systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a single light emitting device structure that can perform multiple information conveyance functions through different light emission patterns. The same hardware platform supports various information types by controlling which light emission regions are activated, eliminating the need for separate devices for each information category.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If light emission is made more prominent to ensure information recognition, then information recognition speed is improved, but obstruction to driving view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the information display function from the traditional dashboard area and relocates it to the glove compartment surface. By taking out the light emission function from the driver's direct line of sight and projecting it onto a separate surface, the system maintains prominent information recognition while eliminating view obstruction that would occur with dashboard-mounted displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove compartment surface serves as an intermediary medium between the light emitting device and the driver's field of view. The light is projected onto this intermediate surface, which then reflects or diffuses the light to convey information indirectly, preventing direct line-of-sight obstruction while maintaining information visibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the visibility and recognition of information within the vehicle compartment without obstructing driving, allowing occupants to easily distinguish different types of information through varied light patterns and intensities.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit 120 having a plurality of light emission regions 122
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting device is located inside a vehicle and emits light toward an occupant compartment where an occupant is seated. The light emitting device comprises a light emitting unit and a control unit. The light emitting unit has a plurality of light emission regions. The plurality of light emission regions are arranged along one direction. The control unit controls the light emission region using at least one of first information related to an operation of the vehicle in which the light emitting device is mounted and second information related to an operation of an output unit that performs output toward the occupant compartment of the vehicle.