Direction Indicator Ground Projection for Low-Light Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating the light function of a direction indicator in motor vehicles do not adequately improve visibility, especially in low ambient brightness conditions, and lack flexibility in adjusting light projections to enhance road safety.
Innovation Solution
A method that activates a ground light projection in conjunction with the direction indicator light function, using a motor vehicle's actuating element, which generates a defined graphic pattern only when ambient brightness falls below a certain limit, and dynamically adjusts the brightness of the cornering light to enhance visibility and distinguishability from the surrounding environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a ground light projection is generated in addition to the direction indicator light function, then visibility and recognition of directional changes is improved, but the complexity of the lighting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting device is designed to perform multiple functions: generating both the direction indicator light function and the ground light projection using the same actuating element and control unit. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to improve visibility through ground projection without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the existing actuating element and control infrastructure are utilized for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground light projection is generated in advance or simultaneously with the direction indicator light function activation. By preparing and projecting the ground pattern before or during the direction indicator operation, the system ensures enhanced visibility is already in place when needed, rather than adding complex real-time generation mechanisms.
2Illumination intensity
If the ground light projection is generated only when ambient brightness falls below a certain limit, then visibility in low light conditions is improved, but the adaptability to different ambient conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameter (ambient brightness threshold) to control when the ground light projection is generated. By setting a specific brightness limit threshold, the system optimizes visibility in low light conditions while managing energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary projection in bright conditions. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt to different ambient conditions through threshold adjustment rather than complete lack of adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on ambient brightness conditions. The control unit continuously monitors ambient light levels and automatically activates or deactivates the ground light projection function accordingly. This dynamic response allows the system to maintain optimal visibility performance across varying environmental conditions.
3Illumination intensity
If the cornering light brightness is dynamically adjusted to enhance ground light projection visibility, then recognition of directional changes is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different brightness levels to different functional areas: the cornering light brightness is dynamically adjusted specifically in the regions where ground light projection is generated, while other areas maintain their standard brightness. This localized quality adjustment enhances recognition of directional changes where needed without unnecessarily increasing energy consumption across the entire lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cornering light brightness adjustment is applied partially - only to the extent necessary to enhance the ground light projection visibility. Rather than maximizing brightness everywhere, the system applies just enough additional brightness in the projection areas to achieve the visibility enhancement goal, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still improving recognition of directional changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating the light function of a direction indicator in a motor vehicle. The light function of the direction indicator is activated when the motor vehicle is in an operational state and an actuating element is actuated in the motor vehicle. In addition to the generation of the light function of the direction indicator, a ground light projection can be generated in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle. The ground light projection can be generated, for example, only when an ambient brightness of the motor vehicle falls below a certain limit value.