Blinkers ++ Team 5

What is Blinkers++? Next generation communication system for vehicles Simple, real-time visual communication Multi-touch input Driver’s gestures produce an output on LEDs around the perimeter of a car Color-coded messages Tri-color LEDs produce blue, green, yellow, orange, and red outputs

What to Expect in the next 5 minutes Environmental Impact Limiting Lead Power Supply Ethical and Social Impact Direct User Harm Indirect User Harm Social Impact

Environmental Impact Limiting Lead Manufacturing Considerations Use Lead-free Solder Use RoHS-compliant parts Disposal Consideration Simply dispose of host automobile correctly Proper infrastructure already in place

Environmental Impact cont’d Power Supply Uses the automobile’s lead-acid battery. Blinkers++ adds no additional batteries to the market. No net environmental impact Disposal method is recycling, infrastructure is well developed Consumers are already aware of the process.

Ethical and Social Impact: Direct User Safety Low voltage operation limits potential of shock or fire. No moving parts to cause physical harm Smooth LED pulsing routine limits risk of epileptic seizure. The same cannot be said of most traffic signalling.

Ethical and Social Impact: Indirect User Safety Erroneous output may lead to a collision E.g. Accidentally communicating right-of-way green may lead to a dangerous situation The system is mounted on the steering wheel In the event of a collision, it will be blown to the side along with the usual steering wheel cap when the airbag is deployed. Possible subsequent shattering, Blinkers++ 2.0 may use a more flexible material for multi-touch.

Ethical and Social Impact: Social and Cultural Considerations Blinkers++ represents a new form of human communication. Similar to cell phone text messaging Ubiquitous Simple Has the potential to effect a cultural change

Ethical and Social Impact: Social and Cultural Considerations cont’d Increased understanding begets increased cooperation Less “road rage” Pavlovian factors lead to better driving technique Granting right of way Alerting other drivers to danger Headlight issues (not on when necessary, highbeams) Inconsistent direction signalling

Ethical and Social Impact: Social and Cultural Considerations cont’d Less “road rage” Pavlovian factors lead to better driving technique Positive reinforcement of good technique Granting right of way Alerting other drivers to danger Negative reinforcement of bad technique Headlight issues (not on when necessary, highbeams) Inconsistent direction signalling

Ethical and Social Impact: Social and Cultural Considerations cont’d Powerful forces of social norming Developers will specify the general meaning and “mood” of colors However, we cannot predict everything Society will evolve its own set of appropriate situations and colors MUCH LIKE CAPS-LOCK == SHOUTING ON THE INTERNET

Questions?