Vehicle Linear Lighting Control for Dynamic Status Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle lighting systems lack the flexibility to communicate complex status information or alerts intuitively, are not well-suited for providing ambient information without distracting from driving, and do not fully utilize modern LED technology for variable brightness and pattern capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lighting system that integrates linear lighting devices with sensor data and a computing device to dynamically control lighting patterns based on vehicle conditions, allowing for intuitive communication of vehicle status and operational information through customizable lighting patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional dashboard indicator lights and basic exterior lighting patterns are used, then the lighting system is simple and reliable, but the ability to communicate complex status information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, discrete indicator lights to dynamic, programmable lighting patterns. The lighting system can now vary intensity, color, and temporal patterns continuously to encode multiple pieces of information simultaneously, allowing complex vehicle status communication without adding physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by modifying lighting characteristics (brightness, color temperature, pulse frequency, duration) to convey different information states. This allows a single lighting element to communicate multiple parameters about vehicle status, navigation, and environmental conditions without requiring additional indicators.
2Loss of information
If multiple discrete dashboard indicator lights are used to convey different information, then the lighting system remains simple, but information overload occurs for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by making each lighting element multi-functional. Instead of dedicating separate indicators to different functions (turn signals, warnings, navigation), each lighting component can dynamically assume different roles based on the information being communicated, reducing the total number of elements needed while increasing information capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds temporal and spectral dimensions to lighting communication. By varying intensity over time, using different colors, and creating patterns, the system encodes multiple information channels within the same physical space, allowing comprehensive status communication without increasing spatial complexity of the lighting array.
3Reliability
If standard vehicle lighting is used for ambient information, then the lighting system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide subtle cues in peripheral vision without distracting from driving
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle status, environmental conditions, and driver behavior through sensors, then automatically adjusting lighting patterns accordingly. This closed-loop control enables subtle, context-appropriate cues in peripheral vision that enhance situational awareness without requiring manual intervention or distracting the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system performs self-service by autonomously determining when and how to provide ambient information based on sensor data and pre-programmed logic. It automatically adjusts to provide subtle peripheral cues for navigation, warnings, or environmental information without requiring driver input, maintaining simplicity of operation while achieving reliable situational awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described that are configured for producing one or more lighting patterns via one or more linear lighting devices of a vehicle. A vehicle may include one or more linear lighting devices at one or more locations of the vehicle. Status information may be determined for the vehicle. One or more conditions associated with the vehicle may be determined based on the status information. Based on the one or more conditions, one or more lighting patterns may be output via the one or more linear lighting devices.