Vehicle Mirror Communication Module for Occupant Count Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems for vehicles lack an efficient method to accurately determine and communicate the number of occupants to toll readers, which affects toll calculations and carpool lane access.
Innovation Solution
A communication module integrated with a vehicle's mirror assembly, featuring a user interface and status indicators, that activates a wireless communication circuit to transmit the occupant number to a toll reader, allowing for real-time updates and visual indications of occupant count through a controller and memory-based system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless communication system is implemented in vehicles, then toll calculations and carpool lane access can be automated, but the system lacks an efficient method to accurately determine and communicate occupant numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vehicle components (mirror assembly, display, buttons) to perform occupant detection and communication functions, rather than adding separate dedicated sensors and communication devices. The mirror assembly serves multiple functions including display, user input reception, and status indication, eliminating the need for separate occupant detection hardware.
2Measurement precision
If manual occupant input is required, then the system can obtain accurate occupant numbers, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires user attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-activates the communication module and retrieves stored occupant information before the vehicle reaches the toll reader, so that when communication is needed, the data is already prepared and ready for immediate transmission, eliminating delays during the critical communication window.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the mirror display showing the current occupant number and allowing user confirmation or correction. This feedback loop ensures accuracy while minimizing the time users need to interact with the system, as they can quickly verify or adjust the displayed number.
3Speed
If the communication module is always active, then occupant numbers can be communicated immediately, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module dynamically changes its operational state based on vehicle conditions and proximity to toll readers. It activates for communication when needed and enters low-power mode when not required, optimizing the balance between response time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares communication data and maintains readiness in advance when approaching toll zones, allowing quick activation without continuous operation. This preliminary preparation reduces the duration the communication module needs to be fully active, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining fast response capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for selecting a number of occupants for a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an input to a user input of a mirror assembly of a vehicle. In response to the input, the method continues by activating a communication module to an active state and activating a status indicator indicating the active state. The method further comprises determining a stored occupant number from a memory and activating an occupancy indicator to illuminate at a first predetermined frequency for a first number of illuminations. The first number of illuminations of the occupancy indicator is equal to the occupant number. The method further comprises monitoring for the user input for an input time period. In response to receiving the input to the user input during the input time period, the method continues by incrementing the occupant number to an updated occupant number.