Autonomous Vehicle Mode Alert System for Pedestrians
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pedestrians are often unaware of the operational mode of nearby vehicles, which can pose safety risks due to differences in driving patterns between autonomous and manual vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that detect the operational mode of nearby vehicles and alert pedestrians using electronic devices associated with the vehicles or carried by pedestrians, providing audible or visible notifications when the pedestrian is within a certain proximity to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicle operation is implemented, then vehicle automation level is improved, but pedestrian awareness of vehicle operational mode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual signaling through different colored lights (e.g., green for autonomous mode, red for manual mode) to communicate the vehicle's operational state to pedestrians. This allows pedestrians to quickly identify the vehicle's mode without complex information processing, resolving the information asymmetry created by autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alert system that translates the vehicle's internal operational state into external visible signals. This intermediary layer (visual alerts) bridges the gap between the autonomous vehicle system and pedestrian understanding, making the operational mode information accessible without requiring direct communication between the vehicle's control system and pedestrians.
2Loss of information
If visual alerts are activated, then pedestrian awareness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional activation of visual alerts rather than continuous operation. The alerts are triggered based on detected pedestrian presence and proximity, activating only when needed to convey operational mode information. This periodic action maintains pedestrian awareness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous alert operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An alert may be triggered to notify a pedestrian of the current operational mode of a nearby vehicle. For instance, a vehicle may operate in an autonomous or manual mode, and may occasionally switch from one mode to the other. A pedestrian who may be unaware of the current operational mode of a nearby vehicle may notice the alert and proceed accordingly. In one embodiment, an indication of the current operational mode of the nearby vehicle may be transmitted to an electronic device associated with the pedestrian. The device may generate a notification to the pedestrian based on the current operational mode. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the alert may be transmitted by the vehicle externally to be visible or audible to the pedestrian. In some embodiments, the alert may be triggered only for particular operational modes (e.g., only for autonomous or only for manual).