Road Lighting With Pedestrian Tracking and Ground Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers, both human and automated, face difficulties in identifying pedestrians in various road and lighting conditions, particularly in the absence of designated crosswalks or adequate illumination, which can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
A road lighting system incorporating one or more light sources, detectors, and processors that provide spot illumination and projection capabilities to enhance pedestrian visibility, using LED or laser technology to ensure positive contrast and reduce glare, with adaptive lighting that follows pedestrians and projects warning signs or images on the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional road lighting is used, then general illumination is provided, but pedestrian visibility and contrast are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent LED modules that can be selectively activated. Each module corresponds to a specific road segment or pedestrian detection zone, allowing the system to illuminate only where needed rather than providing uniform illumination across the entire road, thus improving pedestrian visibility while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides localized illumination quality tailored to specific needs by detecting pedestrian presence and activating lighting only in those specific areas. The lighting intensity and distribution are adjusted locally based on pedestrian position, movement, and environmental conditions, rather than applying uniform lighting everywhere, which enhances visibility while managing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stationary crosswalk lighting is installed, then designated crossing areas are illuminated, but pedestrians crossing outside designated areas remain invisible
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions from static, pre-configured crosswalk illumination to dynamic, real-time adaptation. Sensors continuously detect pedestrian locations and movement patterns, and the system dynamically adjusts lighting activation to match actual crossing behavior, whether at designated crosswalks or unauthorized locations, thereby enhancing adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration for every possible crossing point.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system serves multiple functions: it illuminates designated crosswalks, detects and illuminates unauthorized crossing areas, provides directional guidance to drivers, and adapts to various environmental conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single system configuration to handle diverse crossing scenarios, increasing versatility while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each crossing type.
3Illumination intensity
If high-intensity lighting is used to improve visibility, then pedestrian detection is enhanced, but glare and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system employs periodic illumination patterns rather than continuous high-intensity lighting. LEDs are activated in pulses or cycles based on pedestrian detection, movement speed, and distance from vehicles, providing sufficient contrast only when and where needed. This periodic action maintains effective pedestrian visibility while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-intensity illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts lighting parameters including intensity, duration, and spectral characteristics based on real-time conditions. When a pedestrian is detected, the system changes parameters to provide optimal contrast; when no pedestrians are present, parameters are reduced or lighting is turned off entirely. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures adequate visibility while minimizing energy consumption across varying operational conditions.
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 significantly improves pedestrian visibility by providing adequate vertical illuminance and contrast, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing safety in both designated and non-designated crosswalks, while also being energy-efficient and adaptable to different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more light sources may provide spot illumination to moving objects (for example, pedestrians) on a road surface
Implementation Method 2
using LED or laser technology to ensure positive contrast and reduce glare
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed in which one or more light sources, a detector, a processor and a controller are configured such that light from the one or more light sources improves the ability of a human or automated motor vehicle driver to identify and avoid pedestrians. The one or more light sources may provide spot illumination to moving objects or pedestrians on a road surface, with the spot illumination following the moving object or pedestrians along the portion of the road surface. The one or more light sources may project images on the ground or on other surfaces. The light source may be carried by a pedestrian or on personal transport used by a pedestrian. The light sources may be stationary and provide lighting for a pedestrian street crossing.