Connected Car Ground Projection for Safe Connection Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to effectively inform drivers of connected cars about the status of their connection, leading to unsafe driving behaviors as drivers attempt to maintain proximity and avoid interruptions, which can result in increased accident probabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an input device for establishing a connection between cars, a projecting device to indicate the connection on the ground using light patterns, and an output device for notifications, which also includes image capturing and processing to adapt light patterns based on driving conditions and detect interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drivers maintain critically short distance to preserve connection between cars, then the connection between cars is maintained, but road safety deteriorates and accident probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidaccident probability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces light projection as an intermediary communication medium between connected vehicles. The projecting device projects light patterns on the ground to indicate connection status, serving as a mediator that conveys information without requiring drivers to reduce following distance, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining connection and ensuring safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical proximity-based connection indication with an optical communication system. Instead of relying on drivers to maintain short distances for connection preservation, the system uses light projection to communicate connection status, eliminating the need for unsafe close following

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If drivers avoid interruptions by maintaining close proximity, then connection is preserved, but driving behavior becomes hectic and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection continuityVSAvoiddriving behavior safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light projection system acts as an intermediary that provides continuous connection status feedback without requiring drivers to alter their normal following distance. This eliminates hectic driving behavior while maintaining connection continuity through visual cues rather than physical proximity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by projecting light patterns that continuously indicate connection status to drivers. This feedback mechanism allows drivers to maintain safe following distances while staying informed about connection status, eliminating the need for hectic driving behavior to preserve connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the connection status is not communicated to drivers, then the system remains simple, but drivers cannot adapt their driving behavior appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidconnection status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses different light colors or patterns to indicate different connection statuses, providing clear visual information to drivers. This simple optical communication method conveys connection status information without adding significant system complexity, as it utilizes existing projector capabilities with different projection patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic notification systems with a simple light projection mechanism. The projecting device uses optical patterns to communicate connection status, providing drivers with necessary information while maintaining system simplicity through the use of existing projection technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4383226B1System for indicating a connection between at least two cars
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4383226B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4383226B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (100) for indicating a connection between at least two cars (200, 300). The system (100) comprises an input device (10) configured to receive an input for triggering an establishment of a connection between the at least two cars (200, 300), a projecting device (20) configured to project a light indicating the connection between the at least two cars by projecting a specific form (400) on the underlying ground between the at least two cars when the connection between the at least two cars (200, 300) is established, and an output device (50) configured to output a notification when the connection between the at least two cars (200, 300) is established.