Headlight Loudspeaker Sequencing for Acoustic Turn Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
As motor vehicles become quieter, pedestrians and cyclists find it increasingly difficult to recognize them in traffic, and existing optical indicators are not effective for blind individuals, posing a danger, especially during turns.
Innovation Solution
The integration of loudspeaker units with piezo elements, ribbon loudspeakers, or magnet and coil designs in vehicle headlights, which produce directional acoustic signals at specific frequencies, allowing the control device to adjust volume levels to indicate the vehicle's intended direction of turn, enhancing visibility for all, including the visually impaired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If motor vehicles are designed to be quieter, then energy consumption and environmental impact are reduced, but pedestrians and cyclists find it increasingly difficult to detect such vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic indication system is segmented into multiple loudspeaker units distributed at different locations on the vehicle (front, rear, left, right). Each loudspeaker unit can be independently controlled to emit acoustic signals, allowing the system to provide directional acoustic cues that indicate the vehicle's presence and intended direction of travel, thereby resolving the detectability issue while maintaining quiet operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium between the quiet vehicle and pedestrians/cyclists. Instead of relying on mechanical noise from the vehicle itself, the system uses electronically generated acoustic signals emitted by loudspeaker units to communicate vehicle presence and intent, bridging the detection gap created by reduced vehicle noise
2Ease of manufacture
If optical indicators are used to indicate direction, then the indication is visible to most people, but blind people cannot perceive these indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic indication system serves multiple functions: it provides directional information to all road users including blind people, complements the optical indicator system, and communicates vehicle intent. By using acoustic signals in addition to optical indicators, the system becomes universally accessible to all pedestrians regardless of visual or auditory capabilities, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of implementation through integration with existing indicator systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes optical indicators with acoustic indicators for the specific function of communicating direction to blind pedestrians. Acoustic signals can be localized by blind people through binaural hearing, allowing them to determine the vehicle's intended direction of travel. This substitution maintains the indicator function while making it accessible to a broader range of users
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic signals are emitted at high volume, then the signals are easily detectable, but the signals may cause discomfort or distraction to passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic signals are directed locally toward pedestrians and cyclists in the vehicle's vicinity rather than being emitted uniformly in all directions. The loudspeaker units are positioned at specific locations on the vehicle and emit signals targeted at external road users, creating local acoustic zones of communication without overwhelming the vehicle interior, thus achieving detectability for pedestrians while minimizing passenger discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the volume and timing of acoustic signals based on the vehicle's operational state and surrounding environment. Acoustic signals are emitted only when needed (e.g., during turns or when pedestrians are detected), and the volume is modulated to be sufficient for external detection while avoiding excessive levels that would discomfort passengers. The control system adapts signal parameters in real-time to balance detectability and comfort
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
The system effectively communicates the vehicle's directional intent through localized, adjustable acoustic signals, improving recognition and safety by providing a sensory cue that is easier for humans to localize, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
A loudspeaker unit includes, for example, loudspeakers equipped with piezo elements
Implementation Method 2
loudspeakers with magnets and coils
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
Motor vehicle (10) for acoustic direction indication, which motor vehicle comprises the following: - a first and a second headlight (100, 200) with a first and a second loudspeaker unit (110, 210), - a control device in which an acoustic signal and sequences for outputting the signal are stored, wherein the control device is configured to receive control data and to control the loudspeaker units (110, 210) with one of the sequences depending on the control data, wherein a first sequence (410) and a second sequence (420) are stored in the control device, wherein the control device controls the loudspeaker units (110, 210) at the sequencing of the first sequence (410) such that, for the output of the acoustic signal, the first loudspeaker unit (110) reduces the volume from a first starting volume (ST1) to a first final volume (E1),wherein the second loudspeaker unit (210) increases the volume from a second starting volume (ST2) to a second final volume (E2), wherein the first and second durations overlap during the execution of the first sequence, and wherein the control device controls the loudspeaker units (110, 210) in reverse order to the first sequence (410) during the execution of the second sequence (420).