Active Body Panels

[SnakeFarm]

I have three or four compleatly unrealistic ideas every day. Here's one of them now...

I want live LCD body panels with a control inside that lets me select various colors or graphics to show on the surface of the panels.

Chrome
Stainless
Diamond Steel (like truck bumpers)
Brick
Stone
Log
Bamboo Mat
Rabbit Fur
Sheep’s Wool
Bear Skin (head on?)
Fish Scales
Dragon Scales
Bio/Muscles
Denim
Leather
Alligator
Rattlesnake
Wood grain
<TV>
<VIDEO INPUT>
<SLIDE SHOW>
<COLOR STROBE>

While we're at it, I also want an alarm system that incorporates the launching of multiple aerial pyrotechnical devices to alert the authorities and the detonation of paint-bombs for easy perpetrator identification.

[jwight]

Remember, you have to take the meds every day.

Somewhat seriously, and not being a technical geek, how hard would it be to take the material used for laptop screens and graft that on to the panels? At that point you'd need a small computer to drive the screens and a program to provide the graphics. Would be too cool if somebody could do it.

[nscaler]

How about this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYNZkJWEd9g

[jwight]

That's the general idea, except have the graphics cover the entire panel. Seems possible from the video.

[MicroNut]

OK. So now combine foregoing with some kind of video camera system, to project view of scene behind car onto car's bodywork.

Voila! Instant, low-cost version of Romulan Cloaking Device...

Notes to self:

• Investigate potential safety issues
• Reserve booth at next Trekkie Convention
• Take more meds

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by SnakeFarm

I have three or four compleatly unrealistic ideas every day. Here's one of them now...

I want live LCD body panels with a control inside that lets me select various colors or graphics to show on the surface of the panels.

Chrome
Stainless
Diamond Steel (like truck bumpers)
Brick
Stone
Log
Bamboo Mat
Rabbit Fur
Sheep’s Wool
Bear Skin (head on?)
Fish Scales
Dragon Scales
Bio/Muscles
Denim
Leather
Alligator
Rattlesnake
Wood grain
<TV>
<VIDEO INPUT>
<SLIDE SHOW>
<COLOR STROBE>

While we're at it, I also want an alarm system that incorporates the launching of multiple aerial pyrotechnical devices to alert the authorities and the detonation of paint-bombs for easy perpetrator identification.

I like the paint bombs idea....but like the die they use on bundles of currency that bursts when stolen from a bank. Great Idea, snakefarm! How about a swivel mounted minigun option for the cabriolet to use in the inner cities against the bad guys? That would keep them under control.....

[sisyphus]

Cool ideas! But it should only work when the smart car is turned off and parked. We'll get enough people gawking at us as it is! Can you imagine driving your smartie in "Live Body Panel Mode" while the drivers of every car around you dial their cell phones to tell a friend about your car?
BOOM! CRASH! BANG! CRUNCH! Your smartie would be the last car standing! At least parked it would be so surrounded by pedestrians no one in a car could see it.

[idahosmart]

There may also be local laws preventing having such an active display on a vehicle. Think of the distraction it can cause with drivers watching your car! Locally, I have seen the city ban several of the active displays on businesses at some locations due to them distracting drivers too much instead of keeping their eyes on the road. They have to keep the signs activity low (no rapid flashing of color changes, etc).

Tom

[DaveInTexas]

Well, until they come out with the active LED pannels, you could always go for the wheels.

Linkie:

[TheMadWrapper]

Originally Posted by SnakeFarm

I have three or four compleatly unrealistic ideas every day. Here's one of them now...

I want live LCD body panels with a control inside that lets me select various colors or graphics to show on the surface of the panels.

Chrome
Stainless
Diamond Steel (like truck bumpers)
Brick
Stone
Log
Bamboo Mat
Rabbit Fur
Sheep’s Wool
Bear Skin (head on?)
Fish Scales
Dragon Scales
Bio/Muscles
Denim
Leather
Alligator
Rattlesnake
Wood grain
<TV>
<VIDEO INPUT>
<SLIDE SHOW>
<COLOR STROBE>

While we're at it, I also want an alarm system that incorporates the launching of multiple aerial pyrotechnical devices to alert the authorities and the detonation of paint-bombs for easy perpetrator identification.

We'll as far as laws about graphics on cars or trucks there are none at this time. I saw a Box truck in Orlando that had full side LCD panels. Boy was it bright. You could see it a mile away but was hard to read.

The military is developing camo based on LCD technology and cameras. Looks promising making a vehicle invisible.

As far as graphics go for you smart, there here now. Check them out at SmartCarSkinz.com Snake, Animal hides, Monster Scales, Wood Grain, Stone, Metal and more.

DaveB