Adaptive Road Lighting for Pedestrian Spot Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers, both human and automated, face difficulties in identifying pedestrians in various road and lighting conditions, especially in the absence of designated crosswalks or adequate illumination, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A road lighting system comprising one or more light sources, detectors, and processors that provide spot illumination and projection capabilities to enhance pedestrian visibility, using LED or laser technology to ensure adequate vertical illuminance and contrast, even in areas without built-in signaling, and can be stationary or portable for use by pedestrians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional road lighting is used, then general illumination is provided, but pedestrian visibility and contrast are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced vertical illuminance specifically to pedestrians rather than uniform illumination of the entire road. The system selectively illuminates pedestrians with high-intensity light sources directed at detected pedestrian positions, creating localized areas of high illumination that improve visibility without requiring comprehensive road lighting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic illumination by continuously adjusting the position and intensity of light sources based on real-time pedestrian detection. The lighting system transitions from static conventional road lighting to dynamic adaptive illumination that follows pedestrian movement, maintaining optimal vertical illuminance on pedestrians as they move across the roadway.
2Reliability
If spot illumination follows moving objects, then pedestrian visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection and illumination functions into an integrated system where detectors and light sources work in unison. The detection system identifies pedestrians and the illumination system responds by directing spot illumination to the detected positions, creating a unified safety system that improves reliability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the detectors and light sources, processing detection data and coordinating the illumination response. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by abstracting the control logic, allowing the system to achieve reliable pedestrian identification and response without requiring direct complex coupling between detection and illumination components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stationary lighting is used, then infrastructure is simplified, but adaptability to moving pedestrians is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing a portable lighting unit that can function in multiple deployment scenarios. The same device can be used at different locations, with different detection ranges, and for various road conditions, providing adaptability to moving pedestrians while maintaining ease of operation through standardized portable design that simplifies installation and deployment.
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
The system significantly improves pedestrian visibility by providing sufficient vertical illuminance and contrast, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing safety for both motor vehicles and non-motorized transport users, regardless of the presence of designated crosswalks or sidewalks.
Implementation Method 1
using LED or laser technology to ensure adequate vertical illuminance and contrast
Implementation Method 2
using LED or laser technology to ensure adequate vertical illuminance and contrast
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed in which one or more light sources, a detector, a processor and a controller are configured such that light from the one or more light sources improves the ability of a human or automated motor vehicle driver to identify and avoid pedestrians. The one or more light sources may provide spot illumination to moving objects or pedestrians on a road surface, with the spot illumination following the moving object or pedestrians along the portion of the road surface. The one or more light sources may project images on the ground or on other surfaces. The light source may be carried by a pedestrian or on personal transport used by a pedestrian. The light sources may be stationary and provide lighting for a pedestrian street crossing.