Vehicular Illumination Device for Automatic Driving Mode Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic driving vehicle systems do not effectively prevent surprise events for passengers, fail to provide timely notification of mode switches to drivers and passengers, and lack clear indication of the driving mode to passengers.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular illumination device that displays advance-notice information for automatic traveling controls, such as brake, accelerator, and steering controls, and switches illumination states to inform passengers of mode changes between automatic and manual driving modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If automatic traveling control is implemented without advance notice, then the vehicle can respond quickly to driving situations, but passengers experience surprise events and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveResponse speed of automatic traveling controlVSAvoidSurprise events and passenger discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device displays advance-notice information before automatic traveling control is executed, allowing passengers to anticipate upcoming actions. This preliminary notification reduces surprise events and passenger discomfort while maintaining the system's quick response capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If driving mode information is only presented to the driver, then the driver can maintain focus on driving, but other passengers cannot understand the current driving mode

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDriver's ability to focus on drivingVSAvoidPassengers' awareness of driving mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device is positioned to provide different information to different segments of passengers. The driver receives comprehensive driving mode information through the instrument panel, while other passengers receive mode information through the illumination device displayed on the windshield or dashboard, allowing each group to receive appropriate information without interfering with driving operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the vehicle system automatically switches driving modes without notification, then the system can adapt to changing conditions efficiently, but drivers and passengers are not aware of mode changes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEfficiency of automatic mode switchingVSAvoidAwareness of mode changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device provides visual feedback to drivers and passengers whenever the driving mode is automatically switched. The device displays information about the current driving mode and mode change timing, ensuring awareness while maintaining the system's ability to switch modes efficiently in response to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3369617B1Vehicular illumination device, vehicle system, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.08.25 KOITO MFG CO LTD

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AI summary

An illumination device (4) that comprises: an illumination unit (42) that is provided to a vehicle (1) that can travel in an automatic drive mode, and that is configured to display advance-notice information that gives advance notice of automatic travel control of the vehicle (1) in a manner that is visible to a passenger of the vehicle (1); and an illumination control part (43) that is configured to control the illumination unit (42) such that the advance-notice information is visible to the passenger of the vehicle (1) before automatic travel control of the vehicle (1) is executed.