Autonomous Vehicle Light Ring for Road User Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
As autonomous vehicles operate without human intervention, they face challenges in effectively communicating safety-relevant information to road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists who may not actively engage with traffic, due to the reliance on technical sensors rather than human perception.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally circumferential adaptive lighting system around the vehicle, comprising multiple LED lighting devices connected by a continuous cable duct, controlled by a sensor system that uses image sensors, infrared, or ultrasonic sensors to detect road users and modulate light intensity and color to convey traffic situation assessments, forming a continuous optically illuminated light ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles use sensor-based detection instead of human perception, then automation level increases, but communication effectiveness with road users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptive lighting system as an intermediary communication channel between the autonomous vehicle's sensor system and road users. The control device translates sensor-detected traffic situations into intuitive light signal messages that road users can easily understand, bridging the gap between machine perception and human communication needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system uses different light colors (e.g., red, yellow, green) to convey different traffic situation assessments and safety information to road users. This visual color-coding system provides immediate, intuitive communication that complements the automated sensor-based detection system.
2Ease of operation
If conventional lighting functions are used, then device complexity remains low, but communication effectiveness with non-engaged road users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adapts its signal patterns, intensity, and color based on real-time traffic situations detected by sensors. The control device continuously adjusts the lighting output to match the current hazard level and contextual information, making the communication adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates vehicle presence, communicates detected hazards, provides situational awareness information, and alerts non-engaged road users. This multi-functional approach maximizes communication effectiveness while integrating with existing vehicle lighting infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If lighting signals are directed at specific road users, then communication precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system divides the vehicle's lighting devices into multiple independently controllable segments. Each lighting device can be individually addressed and controlled based on the direction and position of detected road users, enabling targeted communication without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lighting devices or segments are assigned different signal characteristics (color, intensity, pattern) based on the specific road user's position, type, and the detected traffic situation. This localized adaptation of light signal properties enables precise communication tailored to each road user's context.
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
Enhances communication with road users by providing a continuous and dynamic lighting system that effectively conveys safety information, reducing the risk of accidents by alerting non-engaged road users to potential dangers through recognized traffic signals and intensity modulation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (110), in particular in the form of an LED
Implementation Method 2
one or more diffusing optics (120), by which light emittable by the light source (110) is scattered
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4E
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10), which can be operated in a self-driving state, wherein the motor vehicle comprises an illumination system (50) for generating light signal messages to individual road users, the illumination system comprising a lighting device (100) and a control device, wherein the lighting device (100) comprises: at least one light source (110); diffuser optics (120) which are designed to diffuse the light emitted by the light source (110) using refraction, in order to allow a diffuse lighting effect of the diffuser optics (120); a support element (130) on which the light source (110) is arranged, wherein the support element (130) comprises a cable duct (140) for guiding an electrical line and a first securing means (150) for securing the support element (130) on the motor vehicle; a cover (160) which can be secured to the support element (130) by means of a second securing means (170), wherein, in combination with the support element (130), the cover (160) is designed to retain the diffuser optics (120); and wherein the lighting device (100) is arranged peripherally around the motor vehicle in such a way that, when the lighting device (100) is switched on, the diffuser optics (120) can be perceived as a visually continuously luminous light ring.