Rotating Sensor-Housing LED Messaging for Targeted Vehicle Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack effective means for targeted visual communication with nearby recipients, leading to confusion and potential safety issues, as conventional external displays cannot provide specific information to intended targets without additional hardware and may interfere with sensor operations.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting diode (LED) messaging system integrated into or mounted on sensor housings, which rotates with the sensors, allowing selective activation and deactivation of LEDs to provide targeted messages to intended recipients, using lenses to redirect light for precise direction and height adjustment, thereby avoiding interference with sensor operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional external displays are used for visual communication, then communication coverage is improved, but device complexity increases and sensor operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visual communication function with the existing sensor housing structure. The LED display is integrated into or mounted on the sensor housing, which already exists as part of the autonomous vehicle's sensor system. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate additional display hardware while enabling targeted visual communication with nearby recipients.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing serves dual purposes: it houses the sensor for environmental perception and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the visual communication display. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to fulfill both sensing and communication roles, reducing overall system complexity.
2Loss of information
If conventional external displays are used for visual communication, then communication coverage is improved, but interference with sensor operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the display into the sensor housing, the patent ensures that the display and sensor share the same structural platform. This allows for coordinated positioning and operation, where the display can be oriented and activated in a manner that communicates with recipients without blocking or interfering with the sensor's field of view and operational function.
3Measurement precision
If additional hardware is added for targeted communication, then communication precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs lenses positioned in front of the LED display to redirect light in specific directions. These lenses create localized directional control of the displayed information, allowing targeted communication with specific recipients in specific directions. The lighting assembly includes lenses that redirect light emitted by LEDs, enabling precise directional control without requiring complex additional hardware systems.
4Device complexity
If LED display is integrated into sensor housing, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the LED display into the sensor housing requires precise alignment and mounting procedures. The patent addresses this by providing detailed specifications for mounting the display within the housing structure, ensuring that the display elements are properly positioned relative to the sensor components and lenses to maintain both communication effectiveness and sensor operation.
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
Enables targeted visual communication with nearby recipients, reducing confusion and enhancing safety by providing specific messages to intended targets without requiring additional hardware, while maintaining sensor functionality and reducing interference.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting diode (LED) messaging system integrated into or mounted on sensor housings
Implementation Method 2
using lenses to redirect light for precise direction and height adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
This technology relates to a display mounted messaging system. The display mounted messaging system may include a light emitting diode (LED) display attached to a housing of a sensor. The housing of the sensor may rotate. The display mounted messaging system may also include an LED controller which is configured to selectively activate and deactivate at least one LED in the LED display, to provide a message in the direction of an intended recipient.