Vehicle Windshield Light Accessory for Operating Mode Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle indicator systems fail to effectively communicate the operating mode and compliance with roadway restrictions to external observers, such as enforcement officials and pedestrians, particularly in scenarios involving autonomous vehicle operations and varying occupancy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle accessory with a light source and image sensor system that selectively activates to emit visual indicators through the windscreen, based on vehicle operating conditions, including occupancy and propulsion modes, to convey compliance with roadway restrictions and operating requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light source system is added to the vehicle to indicate operating mode, then external observers can identify vehicle operation compliance, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the light source assembly is integrated with the vehicle's existing structure (mounted on the windshield or dashboard), and the controller merges image processing, operating mode detection, and light control functions into one unit. This reduces overall system complexity while achieving effective communication of operating mode to external observers.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system is designed to communicate multiple types of information through a single light source assembly. The system can indicate different operating modes (autonomous, manual, restricted), compliance status, and potentially other vehicle states using the same hardware components, making the system versatile and reducing the need for multiple separate indicator devices.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the light source is selectively activated based on operating conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system requires more complex control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions (through integration with the vehicle's existing control systems) and uses this feedback to selectively activate the light source. When the vehicle is in autonomous mode or has restricted operating conditions, the system activates appropriate indicators. This feedback mechanism enables energy-efficient operation while maintaining relatively simple control logic that leverages existing vehicle data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing operating data and control systems to automatically determine when activation is needed, without requiring separate sensors or manual input. The controller leverages already-available information about vehicle mode, restrictions, and operating conditions to make activation decisions, reducing both energy consumption and control complexity.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source emits compliance indications through the windscreen, then visibility to external observers is improved, but the structural integrity of the windscreen may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light transmissive panel or film mounted on or near the windshield that allows light to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity of the glass. This panel can be a thin, flexible or rigid transparent material that serves as the light emission surface without requiring modifications to the windshield itself, thus preserving its strength while achieving high visibility of compliance indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmissive panel acts as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. It allows the light to be emitted effectively for high visibility while the panel itself (rather than the windshield) handles the light emission function. This mediator approach protects the windshield from direct modification while still achieving the desired illumination and visibility effects.
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
Enhances visibility of vehicle operating modes and compliance with traffic regulations, facilitating enforcement and awareness among external observers, thereby improving safety and operational efficiency on roadways.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is disposed in the housing proximate the light transmissive panel and is configured to emit light through the at least partially light transmissive panel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides for an accessory for a vehicle. The accessory comprises a housing forming a front surface configured to display a rearward directed field of view from the vehicle and a rear surface directed in a forward operating direction of the vehicle. An at least partially light transmissive panel is directed toward a front windscreen of the vehicle and is in connection with the rear surface. A light source is disposed in the housing proximate the light transmissive panel and is configured to emit light through the at least partially light transmissive panel. A controller is in communication with the light source. The controller is configured to receive an indication of an operating condition of the vehicle and selectively activate the light source in response to the operating condition of the vehicle.