Vehicle Communication Device Using Liquid Crystal Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving scenarios, vehicles face challenges in communicating information to other vehicles and pedestrians, as traditional signaling methods rely on human intervention, which is not applicable when the vehicle is operating autonomously.
Innovation Solution
A communication device for vehicles featuring a housing with an external lens structure, an internal liquid crystal section that changes transparency based on power application, and a light source to provide visual information, allowing the device to convey messages such as engine status, pedestrian guidance, and emergency alerts to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional signaling methods (turn signal light, brake light, hand signal) are used, then information can be provided to other vehicles and pedestrians, but these methods become ineffective in autonomous driving scenarios where no driver is present to operate them
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device enables the vehicle to communicate autonomously without human intervention. The control unit automatically controls the liquid crystal section to change transparency and the light source to emit light based on vehicle state data, allowing the vehicle to self-communicate its status, intentions, and warnings to other road users in autonomous driving mode
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal section changes its transparency state (from transparent to opaque) to convey different communication messages. By controlling the transparency of the lens structure, the device creates visible visual cues that communicate vehicle status and intentions to pedestrians and other drivers without requiring human action
2Loss of information
If a liquid crystal section is used to change transparency for communication, then visual information can be conveyed, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lens structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the communication display element (liquid crystal section) and the optical component for light emission. The housing integrates the light source, liquid crystal section, and lens structure into a single unified device, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light source, liquid crystal section, and lens structure into an integrated communication device. The control unit consolidates the control logic for transparency changes and light emission, merging multiple functions into a single device that communicates vehicle status through coordinated optical and transparency changes
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective communication of vehicle states and intentions to other road users through dynamic visual cues, enhancing safety in autonomous driving environments by providing clear and understandable signals without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal section mounted on the internal lens structure, configured to become transparent or opaque based on whether or not power is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a communication device and method for a vehicle, the device including a housing, an external lens structure covering an open front region of the housing, an internal lens structure mounted in the housing and covered by the external lens structure, a liquid crystal section mounted on the internal lens structure, configured to become transparent or opaque based on whether or not power is applied thereto, and a bezel disposed behind the liquid crystal section, such that the bezel becomes visible from an exterior of the communication device upon the liquid crystal section being controlled to be transparent.