Vehicle Access Point Visual Notification via Lamp Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

When a vehicle is used as an access point, it is difficult for users of terminal devices to recognize whether surrounding vehicles are functioning as access points.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle equipped with an access point functional unit, including an antenna, and a notifier system that uses lamps to visually indicate when the vehicle is functioning as an access point, adjusting light patterns based on illuminance, battery charge level, communication quality, and antenna directivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vehicle is used as an access point, then wireless communication function is provided, but it is difficult for users to recognize whether surrounding vehicles are functioning as access points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication functionVSAvoidrecognizability of access point function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual notification through lamp bodies that change lighting states (on/off, blinking patterns) to indicate access point functionality. This allows users to easily recognize vehicles functioning as access points through visible light signals, resolving the contradiction between providing wireless communication function and making it detectable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Device complexity

If existing vehicle equipment is utilized for notification, then device complexity is reduced, but the notification function must be distinguished from normal vehicle operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification system complexityVSAvoidconfusion with normal operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic blinking patterns of lamp bodies to indicate access point functionality, distinct from continuous lighting used in normal vehicle operations. This periodic action creates a recognizable pattern that differentiates the notification function from常规 vehicle lamp usage, reducing confusion while utilizing existing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The notification system dynamically adjusts lamp body states based on access point operational status, transitioning between different lighting modes (off, constant on, blinking) to convey different states. This dynamic behavior allows the same physical lamps to serve multiple functions without permanent modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If lamp bodies are disposed in multiple places on the vehicle, then notification coverage is improved, but the system must account for antenna directivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification coverage areaVSAvoidcoordination of multiple lamps

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different lighting states to lamp bodies based on their spatial relationship with the antenna's directivity pattern. Lamps positioned in directions with higher antenna gain are activated or blinked more prominently, creating a directional notification pattern that guides users toward optimal connection positions while utilizing the spatial distribution of multiple lamps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250042333A1vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A movable vehicle includes an access point functional unit that includes an antenna and functions as an access point by wirelessly communicating with a terminal device around the vehicle, and a notifier that notifies the surroundings that the vehicle is functioning as an access point.