Notification Device Synchronized Light and Sound for Mobile Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional notification systems for mobile units, such as motorized wheelchairs, often stop both sound and light simultaneously, making it difficult for people to identify the source of the sound, especially in noisy environments, and do not effectively convey changes in the level of risk associated with the unit's operation.
Innovation Solution
A notification device that includes a sound output control unit and a light source drive control unit, which generate second sound data by processing first sound data to maintain light output even when sound is stopped, and adjust light intensity and chroma in sync with sound changes, allowing pedestrians to intuitively recognize the source and intensity of the sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light output is stopped simultaneously with sound output, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to identify the sound source and convey risk level changes is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The light output is extended beyond the sound output duration, providing a preliminary visual cue that persists after the sound stops. This allows pedestrians to identify the sound source location even after the sound ceases, resolving the contradiction between energy savings and information retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The light serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between sound output and pedestrian perception. By maintaining light output after sound stops, the system provides a visual mediator that confirms the sound source location and operational status, preventing information loss.
2Loss of information
If light output is maintained after sound stops, then sound source identification is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light output operates in periodic phases: synchronized with sound during active operation, then extended at a reduced intensity after sound cessation. This periodic modulation pattern provides necessary visual information while managing energy consumption through intensity reduction rather than complete maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The light output intensity and duration are dynamically adjusted based on the operational phase. During sound output, light intensity matches sound intensity; after sound stops, light transitions to a lower intensity extension phase. This dynamic adaptation resolves the energy-information contradiction.
3Reliability
If sound and light are output simultaneously without synchronization, then notification coverage is improved, but confusion about risk level occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Different qualities of light output are assigned to different operational phases: high-intensity synchronized light during sound output indicates active operation, while extended lower-intensity light after sound cessation indicates operation termination. This local quality differentiation prevents confusion about risk levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs chroma changes in the light output to convey different operational states. During sound output, the light emits with a first chroma; after sound stops, the light transitions to a second chroma. This color/chroma change provides intuitive risk level information while maintaining notification coverage.
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 safety by enabling intuitive recognition of the sound source and changes in risk level through synchronized light and sound cues, even when the sound is intermittent or hard to catch, improving awareness of the mobile unit's presence and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source drive control unit that causes a light source unit provided on the mobile unit to emit light in accordance with an intensity of a sound expressed by the second sound data
Data Source
AI summary
A notification device for a mobile unit according to an embodiment includes, for example: a storage unit that stores therein first sound data; a sound output control unit that outputs a notification sound based on the first sound data, from a sound output unit provided on the mobile unit; a generation unit that generates second sound data by performing predetermined processing on a location of sound falling, while causing the first sound data to follow a cycle of the notification sound, the predetermined processing being different from processing on a location of sound rising; and a light source drive control unit that causes a light source unit provided on the mobile unit to emit light in accordance with the intensity of a sound expressed by the second sound data.