Automatic Turn Signal Control for Lane Changes and Turns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack efficient automation for managing turning signal indicators, often requiring manual operation and being limited in scenarios such as lane changes, merges, and turns, which can lead to inefficient use of turn signals and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a combination of inputs from vision sensors, navigation systems, and positioning systems to automatically activate and cancel turning signal indicators based on identified turning events and thresholds, ensuring timely and appropriate signal usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of turning signal indicators is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically detecting turning events through vision sensors and navigation systems, then autonomously activating and canceling turn signals without requiring manual driver intervention. The processor independently manages the entire signaling process based on detected vehicle movements and road geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-activating turning signal indicators before the actual turning maneuver begins. The processor detects upcoming turns through navigation data and vision sensor analysis, then activates the appropriate turn signal in advance to alert other road users before the vehicle actually changes direction.
2Reliability
If manual operation of turning signal indicators is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle position, navigation data, and road geometry through vision sensors. The processor receives real-time feedback about the vehicle's actual movement and road conditions, then adjusts turn signal activation and cancellation timing accordingly to ensure reliable operation matching the actual driving context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/manual operation of turn signals with an automated electronic control system. The processor substitutes manual driver actions with algorithmic decision-making based on sensor data and navigation information, eliminating human error while managing the increased electronic system complexity.
3Productivity
If automated management of turning signals is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by integrating multiple functions into a single automated turn signal management system. The processor handles turn detection, signal activation timing, signal cancellation, and adaptation to different road geometries using the same integrated system, improving overall productivity while consolidating rather than multiplying separate components.
4Measurement precision
If automated detection of turning events is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple detection capabilities into a unified turning event detection system. The processor combines data from vision sensors, navigation systems, and vehicle movement sensors to accurately detect turning events, improving measurement precision by cross-validating multiple data sources while managing complexity through integrated processing rather than separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the configuration and management of actions associated with the automation of one or more turning indicators associated with the operation of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a signal control component (110) to process a set of inputs associated with the operation of a vehicle to determine whether to automatically instantiate one or more turning indicators on the vehicle based on the determination or characterization of turning events. The signal control component also processes a set of inputs associated with the operation of a vehicle to determine whether to automatically cancel one or more activated turning indicators on the vehicle based on the determination or characterization of events.