Automotive Brake Light Variable Indication via Segmented Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive brake lighting systems lack the ability to provide a variable visual indication of braking rate, which can lead to confusion for other drivers regarding the vehicle's braking intentions, especially in situations with varying braking rates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing first and second light sources in a brake light, monitored by a sensor and controlled by a processor, to generate a variable visual indication based on the braking rate, allowing for different lighting patterns to correspond to different braking rates by selectively powering the light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional brake lighting systems are used, then the system is simple and reliable, but the system cannot provide variable visual indication of braking rate
Solution Approach 1:
The brake light assembly is divided into multiple separate light sources (first light source and second light source) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different portions of the brake light to be activated based on braking rate, enabling variable visual indication while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from a static on/off state to a dynamic multi-state system where light sources are selectively activated based on real-time braking rate detection. The controller dynamically adjusts which light sources are illuminated according to the detected braking conditions, providing adaptive visual feedback.
2Loss of information
If multiple light sources are used to indicate different braking rates, then variable visual indication is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors braking conditions and provides real-time data to the controller. The controller then adjusts the light source activation pattern based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that accurately translates braking rate into corresponding visual indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary component that bridges the sensor detection function and the light source indication function. It processes sensor signals and translates them into appropriate light activation patterns, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the control logic in a dedicated intermediary component.
3Illumination intensity
If brake light intensity is increased for better visibility, then nighttime conspicuity is improved, but the ability to differentiate braking rates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different light sources within the brake light assembly are activated selectively based on braking rate, creating local variations in illumination patterns rather than uniformly increasing overall intensity. This allows the system to maintain appropriate brightness levels while encoding braking rate information through spatial distribution and activation patterns of individual light sources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus are provided for controllably illuminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controller configured to monitor information provided by the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operating condition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitored information to generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate of the motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two different braking rates.