Vehicle Turn Signal Phase Synchronization Across Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing direction indicators of multiple vehicles fail to establish a fixed phase reference due to individual actuation times and varying frequencies, leading to inconsistent flashing patterns that hinder perceptibility and cohesion in road traffic.
Innovation Solution
Adjust the phase angles of direction indicator light signals by lengthening or shortening on-phases and off-phases to match a predefined target phase angle relative to a reference signal, using time signals or environment information to synchronize flashing across vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direction indicators of multiple vehicles flash at separate clock pulses determined by individual actuation times, then each vehicle can operate independently, but a fixed phase reference between vehicles cannot be established leading to inconsistent flashing patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization mechanism that uses environment information (such as detected light signals from other vehicles) as a mediator to establish a common phase reference. Each vehicle detects the light signals of other vehicles and adjusts its own flashing phase based on this detected information, creating a shared temporal reference frame without requiring direct communication or centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the phase relationship between own vehicle's direction indicator and detected signals from other vehicles. When a phase deviation is detected, the control unit adjusts the flashing phase of the direction indicator to reduce this deviation, creating a self-correcting synchronization mechanism that maintains consistent flashing patterns across multiple vehicles.
2Device complexity
If direction indicators flash at individual clock pulses without synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but perceptibility and cohesion in road traffic deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system operates in a self-service manner by using the light signals emitted by other vehicles as the reference for synchronization. Each vehicle independently detects and utilizes the flashing signals from surrounding vehicles to adjust its own phase, eliminating the need for external synchronization infrastructure or complex communication protocols while achieving coherent flashing patterns.
3Ease of operation
If the phase angle of light signal deviates from target phase angle, then individual vehicle operation is maintained, but synchronized flashing across vehicles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the phase angle of the direction indicator based on real-time detection of other vehicles' signals. The control unit continuously monitors the phase relationship and modifies the flashing phase accordingly, transitioning from a static individual operation mode to a dynamic synchronized mode while maintaining operational simplicity for the driver who experiences no change in control interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating at least one direction indicator of a motor vehicle, wherein, as of an actuation time, the direction indicator outputs a light signal comprising a periodic repetition of alternately successive on-phases and off-phases. A discrepancy of a starting phase angle of the light signal with respect to a predefined reference signal is determined at the actuation time and is compared with a predefined target phase angle assigned to the direction indicator. When there is a phase offset between the starting phase angle and the target phase angle—at least two of the on-phases and/or the off-phases of the light signal are extended or shortened by a different time difference value in each case after the actuation time such that the phase angle of the light signal with respect to the reference signal then corresponds to the predefined target phase angle, and/or—the light signal is started with a first off-phase (11) at the actuation time. The duration of the first off-phase corresponds to a time offset corresponding to the phase offset between the starting phase angle and the predefined target phase angle, with the result that an on-phase of the light signal following the first off-phase is at the target phase angle with respect to the reference signal.