Light Car - Open Source

When car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication is mentioned it is most often radio-based, and technologies for receiving and interpreting the signals are required in order for warnings and recommendations to be passed on to the driver. However if we move up on the electromagnetic frequency scale we eventually reach visible light. Using visible light as a means of inter-vehicle communication is not new, but what will the next generation of brake-lights and turn indicators look like?

At the International Motor Show in Geneva the EDAG Group showed the "Light Car - Open Source" concept vehicle which utilizes Organic LED (OLED) embedded in the body of the car to provide a customizable "skin" and also the possibility of displaying messages.

From the press release:

"With the aid of state-of-the-art (O)LED technology, EDAG uses the transparent tailgate as a projection screen, making car-to-car communication visible and usable to all motorists. For instance, the braking force can be communicated to the next vehicle by means of an illuminated scale on the back of the car. Other information, such as a distance reading or if there is the tail end of a traffic jam ahead, can be clearly displayed on the back of the car, even if the vehicle behind does not have a car-to-car communication system of its own. Further, the driver of the car behind can see the information straight away, without needing to take his eyes off the road!"

I think that inter-vehicle communication using also the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum is a clear complement to traditional radio spectrum communication. Although limited by line-of-sight conditions the ability to transfer information directly to other road users provides an interface between radio-equipped and non-radio-equipped vehicles. Besides, being able to change the look of your car on the fly would be really cool!