Intersection Light Signaling for Low-Visibility Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road collision prevention systems are inadequate in reducing the possibility of collisions at intersections, particularly for vehicles with reduced visibility and autonomous vehicles, and there is a need for a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution applicable to any type of intersection and vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A road anti-collision system comprising a signal transceiver apparatus installed at intersections and a signal receiving apparatus on vehicles, using LED or laser-based light emitting sources to transmit and receive modulated light signals conveying vehicle status information, enabling timely warnings and actions to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional road collision prevention systems are used, then general road safety is improved, but collision prevention at intersections with reduced visibility remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs light emitting sources that can function both as traffic signal indicators and as active communication signals for collision warning. The same infrastructure (light sources at intersections and receivers on vehicles) serves dual purposes: traditional traffic control and enhanced collision prevention, making the system universally applicable to various intersection types without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
2Reliability
If existing collision warning systems are implemented, then safety is improved on average, but cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collision warning function with existing traffic light infrastructure. The light emitting sources already present at intersections for traffic signal purposes are integrated to also transmit collision warning signals. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated warning infrastructure, reducing implementation costs and complexity while maintaining safety improvements
3Extent of automation
If autonomous vehicles are deployed, then driving automation is improved, but collision detection capability at intersections with reduced visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces light-based communication signals as an intermediary medium between vehicles and the intersection environment. These optical signals carry encoded information about vehicle presence, movement, and intent, providing autonomous vehicles with enhanced situational awareness at intersections where direct visual detection is limited. The light signals act as a mediator that bridges the information gap for autonomous navigation
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 informs vehicles of approaching vehicles' status, reducing collision risks through efficient, reliable, and cost-effective communication, applicable to any intersection and vehicle type, enhancing safety and reducing accident possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
using LED or laser-based light emitting sources to transmit and receive modulated light signals
Implementation Method 2
transmit, to the signal transceiver apparatus 10, one or more first signals Si indicative of the dynamical status
Implementation Method 3
a signal receiving apparatus (30) installed on board of the second vehicle (102) and configured to detect and process the one or more first light signals LS1
Data Source
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AI summary
A road anti-collision system (1) comprising at least: - a signal transceiver apparatus (10) installed at or close to a road intersection (100); - a signal transmitter apparatus (20) which is configured at least to transmit, to the signal transceiver apparatus (10), first signals (Si) indicative of the dynamical status of a first vehicle (101) approaching the road intersection (100) along a first direction (A) leading to the road intersection (100). The signal transceiver apparatus (10) is configured, based on the first signals (Si), to emit corresponding first light signals (LS1) carrying information indicative of the dynamical status of the first vehicle (101) at least towards a second vehicle (102) which is along a second direction (B) leading to the road intersection (100); - a signal receiving apparatus (30) which is installed on board of the second vehicle (102) and is configured at least first to detect and then to process the first light signals (LS1) for extracting the carried information indicative of the dynamical status of the first vehicle (101) approaching the road intersection (100) along the first direction (A). The invention encompasses also a method (200) for preventing road collisions at a road intersection (100).