Vehicle Object Notification via Targeted Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Occupants often forget objects in vehicles or spaces upon departure, leading to inconvenient retrieval, especially in shared or unfamiliar environments, as existing technologies lack effective reminders for such situations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect the presence of an occupant and associated objects using sensors, and illuminate the object's location to provide a visual reminder, utilizing a controller, sensors, and illuminators to direct light to the object's position based on the occupant's movement and destination status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If occupants leave vehicles or spaces without reminders, then they can depart quickly, but they forget objects leading to inconvenient retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects and occupant presence before departure, then activates illumination to remind occupants of forgotten items. This allows occupants to leave quickly while still receiving timely reminders about objects they may have forgotten.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system acts as an intermediary between the detected objects and the occupant, providing visual cues that bridge the gap between leaving the space and recalling forgotten items. The light highlights the location of objects without requiring direct interaction.
2Loss of information
If the entire space is illuminated to remind occupants of objects, then all objects become visible, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of illuminating the entire space, the system activates only specific illumination sources located at or near where objects are detected. This localized approach ensures that forgotten items are visible while minimizing overall energy consumption by leaving the rest of the space dark.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial illumination only to the extent necessary to highlight object locations rather than providing complete space illumination. This sufficient-but-not-excessive lighting achieves the reminder function while conserving energy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect objects and occupants, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors that serve multiple functions: detecting both occupant presence and object locations using the same sensor array. This multi-functional approach improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the sensors perform dual roles rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
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
Effectively reminds occupants of their objects through targeted lighting, reducing the likelihood of forgotten items and simplifying retrieval by providing a visual cue when exiting or arriving at a destination.
Implementation Method 1
The illuminating the area may include activating a spotlight and controlling the spotlight to direct light at the position of the object.
Implementation Method 2
The illuminating the area may include activating a light disposed at the area corresponding to the position of the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for notifying of objects are provided. The method includes detecting a presence of an occupant, detecting a position of an object associated with the occupant, and illuminating an area corresponding to the position of the object. The method may be used to notify occupants of a vehicle of an object placed in the vehicle by the occupant.