Sensor Pod User Interface for Remote Vehicle Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective two-way communication between a local user and a remote user in scenarios where an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is involved, such as when a technician or law enforcement officer needs to interact with someone remotely, especially when the vehicle is stalled and no driver is present.
Innovation Solution
A sensor pod equipped with a user interface, including a mirror, microphone, speaker, and camera, is used to facilitate two-way communication by sensing the presence of a local user and initiating a communication session, allowing for video or audio interaction between the local and remote users, leveraging existing sensor pod technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor pod with user interface is used for two-way communication, then communication capability between local and remote users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pod, originally designed for autonomous vehicle sensing, is enhanced to perform multiple functions including two-way communication between local and remote users. By integrating camera, microphone, speaker, and display components into the existing sensor pod structure, the system enables communication capabilities without requiring a completely separate communication device, thus improving versatility while managing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If communication components (camera, microphone, speaker, display) are integrated into the sensor pod, then user interface functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication components (camera, microphone, speaker, display) into the existing sensor pod housing. Rather than manufacturing separate communication devices and integrating them, the solution merges these components into the already-manufactured sensor pod structure, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while improving user interface functionality.
3Reliability
If two-way communication is enabled on autonomous vehicles, then operational reliability is improved, but loss of time for system setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication components (camera, microphone, speaker, display) are pre-integrated into the sensor pod during manufacturing, rather than being installed or configured at the time of need. This preliminary integration ensures that when two-way communication is needed, the system is immediately operational without requiring additional setup time, thus improving operational reliability while minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for two-way communication includes providing a vehicle with a sensor pod. The method includes initiating two-way communication between a local user and a remote user via the sensor pod.