Vehicle Communication via External Graphic Message Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles' alarm systems and GPS can be overridden during theft, making it difficult to determine if a vehicle has been stolen and its location, and witnesses often struggle to remember quantitative information like registration numbers, hindering problem-solving in extraordinary events.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect predetermined events in vehicles, displaying graphic messages visible from outside with quantitative information, using two-dimensional codes and pulsed light, allowing passers-by or infrastructure to take action without alerting the thief, and enabling automated connection to assistance services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional alarm systems and GPS are used, then vehicle location can be transmitted, but the system can be overridden by thieves making it ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that projects visual messages onto external surfaces (walls, ground, windows) as a mediator between the vehicle's alarm system and potential witnesses. This intermediary layer allows the system to communicate theft status without requiring direct electronic communication that could be intercepted or overridden by thieves, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electronic alarm systems and GPS communication (which can be overridden) with a visual projection system that displays coded messages on external surfaces. This substitution transforms the communication mechanism from electronic signals vulnerable to hacking into visual displays that are difficult to override, improving reliability while maintaining system functionality.
2Loss of information
If quantitative information like registration numbers is provided to witnesses, then accurate identification is possible, but witnesses struggle to remember such information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of quantitative information (registration numbers, vehicle identifiers) by projecting them as graphical messages onto external surfaces. Instead of relying on witnesses to remember and manually record this information, the system projects visual copies that can be easily observed and photographed, dramatically reducing information loss and making it much easier for witnesses to retain and transmit accurate data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms quantitative information from an abstract memorization task into a visual spatial representation. By projecting registration numbers and vehicle identifiers as graphical messages on external surfaces, the system moves information from the cognitive domain (memory) to the visual-spatial domain, where it can be easily perceived, captured with mobile devices, and retained without effort.
3Ease of operation
If loud alarm systems are used to alert passers-by, then attention is attracted, but it creates disturbance and high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic alarm systems (loud noises requiring high energy) with optical projection systems that display visual messages on external surfaces. This substitution replaces mechanical acoustic energy consumption with optical energy, which can be displayed at lower power levels while still effectively attracting attention through visual rather than auditory channels, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining alertness effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a method for communication of a vehicle (1) with its surroundings, comprising the following method steps: detection of a predeterminate event by means of the vehicle, wherein the event is an unauthorised use of the vehicle or the point in time of an accident; detection of the start of the unauthorised use of the vehicle or of the point in time of the accident; determining the sequence of a predefined time or a predefined route following on from the start of the unauthorised use or the point in time of the accident; in response to determination of the sequence: displaying a graphic message (2) by means of the vehicle, wherein the graphic message is visible from outside the vehicle, and at least one, more particularly a quantitative, piece of information about the predeterminate event.