CAN-Based U-Turn Signal Control With Distinct Lighting Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive turn signal designs do not differentiate between standard left or right turns and U-turns, potentially causing accidents due to unexpected U-turns at intersections.
Innovation Solution
A U-turn signal indication system with a controller connected to a vehicle's communication plug and user input device, which alters the turn signal lighting pattern to indicate a U-turn, using a specific visual pattern recognized by other drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard turn signal lighting pattern is used, then the system is simple and universally compatible, but it cannot differentiate between left turns and U-turns causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the turn signal system adaptable and configurable. The controller can be programmed with different lighting patterns (e.g., continuous illumination vs. pulsing pattern) to differentiate between U-turns and standard turns. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical hardware to convey different meanings based on the maneuver type, resolving the contradiction between maintaining system simplicity and improving safety through differentiation.
2Loss of information
If turn signal lights are modified to indicate U-turns, then driver awareness is improved, but the modification increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temporal and intensity parameters of the turn signal lighting pattern. For U-turn indication, the system can use continuous illumination or a distinct pulsing pattern compared to the standard alternating pattern. These parameter modifications enable clear communication of U-turn intent to other drivers without requiring additional hardware components, thus improving information transmission while minimizing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A U-Turn signal indicating system includes a controller that connected to a vehicle by a communication plug and is selectively operated by a vehicle component alone or in conjunction with a user input device. The controller is nested within a main body housing and includes a processor, a memory, and power unit. The vehicle communication plug includes a CAN transceiver for communicating with the CAN bus of a motor vehicle. The plug allows the controller to send and receive information with the vehicle's onboard computers that operate the turn signal indicator lights. The controller detects vehicle settings or actions performed by the driver alone or in combination with the actuation of the user input device and instructs the vehicle computer to operate the turn signal lights in a specific pattern that is provided to the vehicle by the controller.