Configurable Window Virtual Driver Display for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in communicating their intentions to other road users, such as pedestrians, due to the lack of human-driven signals, leading to safety concerns and uncertainty in interactions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a configurable window with adjustable light transmittance and an image output device to display a virtual driver's gestures, determined by sensors, to signal the vehicle's actions to external users, ensuring intuitive communication and improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the window light transmittance is increased to allow the driver to see through the window, then the driver's visibility is improved, but the ability to display visible images to external road users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic adjustment of window light transmittance based on the vehicle's operational mode. The controller automatically adjusts the electrochromic window transmittance: higher transmittance when a human driver is present for visibility, and lower transmittance when autonomous mode is active to enable visible image display to external road users. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the window properties changeable according to operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of light transmittance of the window to resolve the contradiction. By controlling the electrochromic material's transmittance parameter electrically, the system can switch between transparent state (for driver visibility) and opaque state (for external image display), thereby accommodating both opposing requirements at different times.
2Extent of automation
If the vehicle operates in autonomous mode without a human driver, then automation level is improved, but the ability to provide intuitive signals to road users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image output devices to project images that copy or simulate human driver signals (hand gestures, head movements, facial expressions) onto the window surface. These projected images serve as visual copies of human communication behaviors, allowing autonomous vehicles to convey intentions to road users in a familiar and intuitive manner, thus compensating for the absence of actual human drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of image output devices and controllable windows that mediate between the autonomous vehicle's control system and external road users. This intermediary translates internal vehicle state and intentions into external visual signals that road users can understand, bridging the communication gap created by autonomous operation.
3Loss of information
If the window transmittance is reduced to display images externally, then signal visibility to road users is improved, but the driver's ability to see through the window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts window transmittance based on operational mode, switching between high transmittance for driver visibility and low transmittance for external image display. The controller monitors vehicle mode and automatically adjusts the electrochromic window properties, ensuring that the window state is optimized for the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light transmittance parameter of the window electrically using electrochromic material. This allows rapid switching between transparent and opaque states without mechanical moving parts, enabling the window to adapt its optical properties to meet different visibility requirements for both driver and external observers.
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 road safety by providing clear and understandable signals to other road users about the autonomous vehicle's actions, improving operational flexibility and user experience across various levels of automation.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of a window of the vehicle having a configurable light transmittance
Implementation Method 2
control the image output device to display an image on the portion of the window while the transmittance of the portion of the window is at the second value, wherein the image is visible from outside the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a vehicle are provided. In one example, an apparatus comprises a portion of a window of the vehicle having a configurable light transmittance, an image output device, and a controller configured to operate in a first mode when the vehicle is partially or fully controlled by a driver inside the vehicle and to operate in a second mode when the vehicle is not controlled by a driver inside the vehicle. In the first mode, the controller can adjust a light transmittance of the portion of the window to a first value to enable the driver inside the vehicle to see through the window. In the second mode, the controller can adjust the light transmittance of the portion of the window to a second value lower than the first value, and control the image output device to display an image on the portion of the window.