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Blog: Gadgets Driving LED Emoticon
Stephen Kamizuru (Blog) - July 26, 2007 2:05 PM

9 comment(s) - last by SilthDraeth.. on Jul 31 at 9:18 AM

The Driving LED Emoticon

Remote Control Unit

Better communication through technology

This gadget has been an idea in my head for years. Thanks to the people at ThinkGeek, it is now a reality. When driving, the one finger salute is unoriginal and probably not that effective any more, and the horn is more of a road rage tool than anything. We all need a better communication tool and now we have it. The Driving LED Emoticon!

This device is a battery powered wirelessly controlled communication device that attaches to the rear window of your vehicle. The remote control unit can be attached to the front window or the dashboard, allowing you to control the messages the unit displays. The device can display one of five different messages - smiling face, frowning face, "Thanks", "Back Off" and "Idiot". Limited yes, but better than nothing.

Displays 5 different messages
Mounts on the inside of the rear car window
Choose different messages using the wireless remote
Main unit is powered by 4 AA batteries
Dimensions: 6" dia x 1.25" thick (approximate)
Has a power save mode

Right before leaving for Japan I was in a car accident, where my vehicle was rear ended. Although the device is kind of tongue in cheek, maybe the “Back Off” message might have actually prevented the crash.

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Good start.

By peritusONE on 7/26/2007 3:33:44 PM , Rating: 1

Sadly, I've dreamed up something of this nature in the past myself, except in my head, it was more of a scrolling marquee type deal with text, attached to a window or bumper. Communication is definitely important while driving, the only problem is that there isn't a good method to communicate besides hand signals, of which there isn't an unwritten standard for.

RE: Good start.

By therealnickdanger on 7/26/2007 4:07:56 PM , Rating: 2

I've wanted to do the same scrolling LED marquee, just never got around to it. For me, I use the wave, thumbs up, thumbs down, or the bird. All four seem to be very effective. I expect this to become a popular gadget... at gag gift stores.

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RE: Good start.

By Dactyl on 7/30/2007 4:17:57 AM , Rating: 2

I wouldn't put a bumper sticker on my belt buckle and I wouldn't put my scrolling LED belt buckle on my car.

It's just not logical.

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RE: Good start.

By SilthDraeth on 7/31/2007 9:18:47 AM , Rating: 2

Why do you have a scrolling LED belt buckle?

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Probably illegal

By ElFenix on 7/26/2007 11:50:24 PM , Rating: 3

state law usually provides for certain kinds of lights that may be installed on cars. i'm guessing this isn't one of them.

RE: Probably illegal

By Chris Peredun on 7/27/2007 8:35:33 AM , Rating: 2

This might pass, since it's only projecting a red light specifically rearward. Vehicles with daytime running lights do that.

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RE: Probably illegal

By christojojo on 7/28/2007 10:23:45 PM , Rating: 2

NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law article 375 Sections 2, 34, 40 , & 41 cover this.

Basically, NYS V&T law states that the back window can be obstructed as long as there is a side view mirror on both right and left sides.

Extra lights must not point to the left, nor be higher than 32 candle power.

I have a feeling the DMV will not like the lights if they flash too much like a emergency vehicle either.

Also, the lights are supposed to be approved by the commissioner of DMV before made legal.

(IMHO it is too large and dry to post here nut if you're interested here's a link)

http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/equi-vt.htm (Note: This is close to up to date and not legally quotable because it is not "officially" recognized. The wording does coincide with my official V&T book though.

P.s. you're on your own for the rest of the states, providences, and commonwealths.

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This stuff is already out

By AntDX316 on 7/27/2007 12:22:01 AM , Rating: 2

people already made displays on their huge rims people made ground effects and etc to make their car bling but obviously why theres none in the market is because its illegal and distracting this stuff will never pass US legislation

RE: This stuff is already out

By HaZaRd2K6 on 7/28/2007 7:39:31 PM , Rating: 2

It's a gag gift. It's not designed to "make their car bling". It's designed to be funny.

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“Then they pop up and say ‘Hello, surprise! Give us your money or we will shut you down!' Screw them. Seriously, screw them. You can quote me on that.” -- Newegg Chief Legal Officer Lee Cheng referencing patent trolls