Autonomous Vehicle Lighting Control Using Cyan Amber Red LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
LED-based lighting systems for vehicles and displays face challenges in generating white light with consistent color temperature due to limited emission bands, leading to undesirable color deviations and a restricted color space, which limits natural and realistic presentations. Additionally, there is a need to indicate autonomous driving modes to pedestrians and authorities effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system using a combination of cyan, amber, and red LEDs, controlled by a micro-LED array system, which provides a visible cyan indication around the vehicle when in autonomous mode, while allowing for normal indicator functions, and adjusts lighting based on drive mode signals to ensure visibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LEDs of different colors are mixed to generate white light, then energy efficiency and long lifetime are achieved, but color temperature consistency deteriorates due to narrow emission bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the emission intensity ratios of different colored LEDs (cyan, amber, red) based on the driving mode. By changing the operational parameters (intensity, timing) of each LED type, the system achieves both energy efficiency and appropriate color indication for different modes without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances on the LEDs themselves.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If LEDs of different colors are mixed to generate white light, then long lifetime is achieved, but color space limitation deteriorates natural and realistic presentations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the lighting system adaptable to different driving modes through dynamic control of LED emission patterns. The system transitions between static white light indication and dynamic colored LED patterns (cyan for autonomous, amber for manual) based on operational mode, thereby expanding the effective color space and communicative versatility while maintaining the long lifetime benefit of LED technology.
3Illumination intensity
If cyan LEDs are activated to indicate autonomous mode, then visibility of autonomous mode is improved, but obscuration of normal vehicle indicators deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using flashing or blinking patterns for the cyan autonomous mode indication rather than continuous illumination. This periodic activation allows the autonomous mode indicator to be visible and attention-grabbing while leaving intervals where normal vehicle indicators can function without obscuration, thereby resolving the conflict between visibility and information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by activating only specific cyan LEDs corresponding to the autonomous mode indication rather than all cyan LEDs continuously. This selective and intermittent activation provides sufficient visibility for mode indication while minimizing interference with normal vehicle indicators, achieving the desired balance between the two competing requirements.
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 enhances the color space for more natural and realistic lighting while providing a clear visual indication of autonomous driving mode, improving safety and communication with other road users.
Implementation Method 1
A lighting system using a combination of cyan, amber, and red LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive lighting control system is provided. A light-emitting diode (LED) system of an at least partially autonomous vehicle can include a first group of LEDs including cyan and amber LEDs, a second group of LEDs including cyan and at least one of red or amber LEDs, a third group of LEDs including cyan LEDs, and a controller configured to receive a first control signal indicating whether the at least partially autonomous vehicle is in autonomous drive mode or manual drive mode and cause the cyan LEDs of the first, second, and third groups LEDs to provide perceived cyan light when and only when the autonomous vehicle is in the autonomous drive mode.