Dynamic Pedestrian Crossing Marking Device with Adaptive Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for visually alerting pedestrians and drivers to pedestrian crossings on a road are inefficient, as they either fail to effectively communicate the crossing points or lead to traffic congestion due to unclear markings.
Innovation Solution
A marking device that uses pedestrian and vehicle light sources, controlled by a detection and communication system, to dynamically mark and unmark pedestrian crossings based on detected pedestrian movements, ensuring clear visibility for both pedestrians and drivers while preventing simultaneous multiple crossings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static pedestrian crossing markings are used, then the markings are always visible, but they cause traffic congestion by not adapting to pedestrian presence
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestrian crossing markings are made dynamic through the use of light sources that can be turned on and off based on pedestrian detection. The marking device includes a control unit that activates light sources at the crossing when a pedestrian is detected, and deactivates them when the pedestrian clears the crossing area, allowing the marking to adapt its visibility state in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using a detection unit to monitor pedestrian presence and feeding this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the visibility of the crossing marking accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the marking is visible when needed and invisible when not needed, optimizing traffic flow
2Reliability
If dynamic lighting markings are added to existing crossings, then pedestrian recognition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources serve multiple functions: they act as both the visual marking for pedestrian crossing and as signaling devices for drivers. The same light sources that mark the crossing for pedestrians also provide visibility warnings to drivers approaching the crossing, reducing the need for separate signaling components
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives input from the detection unit and processes it to control the light sources appropriately. This intermediary component coordinates the complex interactions between detection, control, and visual signaling functions in a unified manner
3Reliability
If the marking remains visible throughout the crossing event, then pedestrian visibility is maintained, but driver awareness is reduced due to continuous lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources operate periodically rather than continuously - they are activated during the critical pedestrian crossing period and deactivated afterward. This periodic operation ensures maximum visibility during the hazard period while allowing the system to return to a normal state, preventing driver distraction from persistent lighting
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method executed by a marking device that marks a first pedestrian crossing to be visually recognized by a pedestrian who is going to cross a roadway and a second pedestrian crossing to be visually recognized by a driver of a vehicle on the roadway. The method includes: marking the first pedestrian crossing and the second pedestrian crossing when one or more conditions including at least a condition that a first pedestrian who is going to cross the roadway from a first side to a second side is detected are satisfied; starting to unmark the first pedestrian crossing from the first side to the second side while the first pedestrian is crossing the roadway; and unmarking the second pedestrian crossing when the first pedestrian has finished crossing the roadway.