Emergency Lighting Intensity Ramping for Driver Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency lighting systems can be disorienting for drivers due to their bright and asynchronous flash patterns, which can lead to distracted driving and impaired visibility for first responders.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system and method that dynamically vary the intensity of light emitted by a light source, using a controller to generate a driving control signal that ramps up and down the light intensity repeatedly, reducing the disorienting effect and improving driver visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If bright flashing lights are used to increase visibility of emergency vehicles, then visibility is improved, but driver distraction and disorientation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously varying the light intensity in a ramp pattern rather than using fixed on/off flashing. The controller dynamically adjusts the light output to create a smooth ramp-up and ramp-down effect, making the lights adaptive to driver perception and reducing the harmful disorienting effect while maintaining visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the intensity parameter of the light output by implementing a ramp pattern where the light intensity gradually increases from minimum to maximum and then decreases back to minimum. This parameter change approach transforms the harsh binary on/off state into a continuous intensity variation that is less distracting to drivers.
2Illumination intensity
If high intensity light is used to ensure visibility at night, then visibility is improved, but the disorienting effect on drivers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the continuous cycling of the ramp pattern, where light intensity repeatedly ramps up and down in a controlled period. This periodic variation at appropriate frequencies provides sufficient visibility for nighttime conditions while avoiding the disorienting effect of abrupt or asynchronous high-frequency flashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity in a controlled manner through the ramp pattern, making transitions smooth rather than abrupt. This dynamic approach ensures visibility at night while reducing the harmful disorienting effect by avoiding sudden intensity changes.
3Illumination intensity
If asynchronous high frequency flash patterns are used among emergency vehicles, then visibility is improved, but driver disorientation and impaired judgment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of light emission by implementing a structured ramp pattern with controlled rise and fall times. This parameter modification creates a predictable and less chaotic visual pattern that maintains visibility while preserving driver judgment and reducing disorientation compared to asynchronous high-frequency flashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic intensity modulation through the ramp pattern to achieve visibility without compromising driver reliability. The controlled dynamic behavior of the light intensity helps maintain consistent driver judgment by avoiding the confusion caused by asynchronous and unpredictable flash patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, method and storage medium for providing an emergency lighting includes generating, by a controller, a driving control signal; receiving, by a light source, the driving control signal; and emitting, by the light source, light based on the driving control signal. Intensity of the light emitted from the light source repeatedly ramps up and ramps down with a first period based on the driving control signal.