Networked Vehicle Path Illumination for Pedestrians
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle networking technologies, such as Car2X communication, face challenges in providing reliable illumination for pedestrians and bicyclists on inadequately lit paths, especially in poor visibility conditions, due to limitations in object recognition and path lighting coverage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a central processing unit and networked vehicles with detection and communication units that activate vehicle lights to illuminate paths based on geo-position data, ensuring maximum path illumination by routing objects through areas with the highest concentration of parked vehicles, and using adaptable LED matrix lights to minimize glare on surrounding structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If street lighting is used to illuminate paths, then path illumination is provided, but it requires additional infrastructure and cannot cover inadequately lit regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables parked vehicles to autonomously illuminate paths using their own lighting systems. Vehicles detect pedestrians or bicyclists and automatically activate path illumination without requiring external infrastructure control, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional street lighting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle lighting system serves multiple functions: it provides path illumination for pedestrians and bicyclists, maintains vehicle visibility, and integrates with the vehicle's existing electrical and communication systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate path lighting infrastructure.
2Illumination intensity
If vehicle lights are activated to illuminate paths, then path illumination is provided in inadequately lit regions, but it increases energy consumption by vehicle electrical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle lighting system activates path illumination periodically only when needed - specifically when a pedestrian or bicyclist is detected in the vicinity. The system uses sensors to detect presence and activates lights only during these periods, rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective path illumination when required.
3Illumination intensity
If path illumination is provided by parked vehicles, then illumination coverage is extended to inadequately lit regions, but it requires intelligent vehicle networking and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs communication units as intermediaries that enable vehicles to exchange information about detected pedestrians, bicyclists, and illumination status. This intermediary communication layer coordinates vehicle actions without requiring complex centralized control, allowing vehicles to independently decide when to activate path illumination based on received information and local sensor data.
4Reliability
If vehicle lights illuminate paths, then safety for pedestrians and bicyclists is improved, but glare may be created on surrounding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system directs path illumination locally toward the path surface where pedestrians and bicyclists are located, rather than allowing light to scatter broadly. By focusing illumination on the specific area needing lighting and controlling light distribution, the system maximizes safety benefits while minimizing glare on surrounding structures.
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
Enables safe navigation for pedestrians and bicyclists in darkness or low-light conditions by optimizing path illumination through intelligent vehicle networking, enhancing safety and comfort by ensuring continuous illumination along the route.
Implementation Method 1
using adaptable LED matrix lights to minimize glare on surrounding structures
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing an illuminated path for an object, such as a pedestrian or bicyclist. The system includes a central system unit, a number of vehicles networked with the central system unit and parked in a region. Each of the vehicles includes a detection unit designed to detect an object approaching the parked vehicle and to activate a vehicle light and illuminate a path. Each of the vehicles include a communication unit designed to transmit geo-position data of the parked vehicle. The central system unit is designed, as a result of a route query, to ascertain a route for the object from a starting location to a destination location under the criterion that a maximum number of parked vehicles networked with the central system unit are present along the route so that the best possible path illumination is ensured on the route.