Intelligent Road Markings for Precise Vehicle and Pedestrian Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic management systems lack effective solutions to enhance traffic safety and efficiency, particularly in urban environments where autonomous vehicles and pedestrians interact, with existing technologies providing only minimal improvements in road safety and navigation for impaired individuals.
Innovation Solution
The development of intelligent paint systems incorporating crystalline rare earth phosphors that absorb and convert light into electromagnetic energy, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to determine their location and receive operational guidance through sensors, enhancing situational awareness and safety by recognizing specific markings and signs on roadways and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional traffic management systems are used, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but traffic safety and efficiency improvement is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of road markings by incorporating phosphorescent materials that convert absorbed light into visible wavelengths, enabling sensors to detect markings from greater distances and in various lighting conditions, thereby improving safety without requiring complex infrastructure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phosphorescent coatings as an intermediary between traditional road markings and sensor systems, allowing conventional infrastructure to communicate effectively with autonomous vehicles through enhanced optical signals
2Measurement precision
If GPS-based location systems are used, then location information is provided, but precision is insufficient in urban environments with building blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location determination system into multiple independent sensing modalities: GPS for general positioning and optical recognition of phosphorescent markings for precise relative location, allowing the system to compensate for signal blockage in urban environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on satellite-based electromagnetic positioning with an optical-mechanical recognition system that uses sensors to detect phosphorescent materials on road markings, providing precise location information independent of sky visibility
3Reliability
If sensors mounted on vehicles are used to recognize road markings, then location determination is achieved, but detection reliability is reduced in adverse lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the luminescent properties of road markings by using phosphorescent materials that absorb light at one wavelength and emit at another, creating a distinct optical signature that sensors can reliably detect regardless of ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the wavelength transformation property of phosphorescent materials, which absorb ultraviolet or visible light and emit visible or infrared light at different wavelengths, creating a detectable signal that is independent of surrounding lighting conditions
4Measurement precision
If conventional road markings are used, then visibility is adequate in good conditions, but detection accuracy is insufficient for precise navigation and collision avoidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the optical parameters of road markings by incorporating phosphorescent materials with specific absorption and emission characteristics, enabling sensors to detect markings with high precision and extract detailed navigation information
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 intelligent paint system improves traffic safety and efficiency by providing precise location determination and operational guidance for vehicles and pedestrians, even in challenging environments, and supports autonomous vehicle navigation, while also enhancing safety for impaired individuals through accurate navigation and collision avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
The materials of the invention incorporate crystalline rare earth phosphors that absorb light while converting to (or from) visible or infrared wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The materials of the invention incorporate crystalline rare earth phosphors that absorb light while converting to (or from) visible or infrared wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The sensors transform the converted light into processing signals that are then used to determine operating characteristics of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A cooperative vehicle-highway communication system allows vehicles and pedestrians to determine their location by sensing selected coatings on roadways, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces in both indoor and outdoor environments. The systems recognize intelligent materials under sensors to determine geo-location. The intelligent materials are incorporated into paints on the roadway surface to mark key locations. Additionally, vehicles recognize highway paint/markings and signs with intelligent paint that provide specialized message content to support driver information and control applications. The intelligent paint materials include a coating that absorbs light while converting the absorbed light to electromagnetic energy. This electromagnetic energy is read by sensors to recognize the materials. The sensors transform the electromagnetic energy into processing signals to determine operating characteristics of the vehicle, including position and motion characteristics, and to provide operation actions of the vehicle. For mobility impaired pedestrians, the precisely defined geo-locations