Racetrack Projection Tunnel With LIDAR-UWB Vehicle Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for creating simulated environments on racetracks are complex, costly, and limited in immersive experience due to the need for numerous cameras and high-bandwidth communication, and are often only effective in dark environments, providing limited projection visibility.

Innovation Solution

A modular tunnel system with ultra-high-definition projectors mounted above the roof of truncated pyramid-shaped tunnel segments, which project virtual elements onto the racetrack, combined with a position detection system using LIDAR and UWB technology to enhance visibility and interaction with vehicles, allowing for immersive experiences in both lit and outdoor environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems use numerous cameras and high-bandwidth communication to create simulated environments, then the immersive experience is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmersive experienceVSAvoidcamera infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based detection system with a projection system that directly creates virtual elements on the racetrack surface. Instead of using numerous cameras to capture and process visual data, the system uses projectors to directly display virtual objects, eliminating the need for complex camera infrastructure and high-bandwidth communication systems while maintaining immersive experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of environmental elements (trees, rocks, buildings, etc.) that are projected onto the racetrack surface. These virtual elements replicate the appearance and spatial arrangement of real-world objects, providing an immersive experience without requiring physical cameras or complex communication infrastructure to capture and transmit actual visual data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Illumination intensity

If conventional systems use projection systems in dark environments, then projection visibility is improved, but the adaptability to different lighting conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection visibilityVSAvoidlighting condition adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs projectors with adjustable brightness parameters that can adapt to different lighting conditions. The projection system can increase illumination intensity in dark environments while maintaining visibility in lit or outdoor environments by adjusting projection parameters, thereby achieving both high projection visibility and adaptability to various lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The projection system dynamically adjusts its operation based on ambient lighting conditions. The system can modify projection intensity, contrast, and timing to optimize visibility across different environmental conditions, transitioning from static dark-environment-only operation to dynamic adaptability that maintains immersive experience in lit and outdoor settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If conventional systems deploy extensive camera infrastructure along the racetrack, then position detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces extensive camera infrastructure with a projection-based system that uses the racetrack surface itself as the display medium. Position detection is achieved through the interaction between projected virtual elements and the vehicle's position, eliminating the need for numerous cameras and complex installation while maintaining measurement precision through the spatial relationship between projected elements and vehicle location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides an immersive and cost-effective immersive experience for drivers by seamlessly projecting virtual elements onto the racetrack, reducing the need for extensive camera infrastructure and enabling operation in various lighting conditions, while maintaining efficient data transfer and vehicle interaction.

Implementation Method 1

a position detection system using LIDAR and UWB technology to enhance visibility and interaction with vehicles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

ultra-high-definition projectors mounted above the roof of truncated pyramid-shaped tunnel segments, which project virtual elements onto the racetrack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3893525B1Interactive system for a track for human-driven vehicles and method for data transfer in an interactive system
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 BRP-ROTAX GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3893525B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3893525B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3893525B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

At least one virtual element is depicted in at least a first area on a road surface of a track for human-driven vehicles or as a hologram hovering above the road surface in the first area of the track. An interactive system comprises a first position detection system fixedly disposed at the track, the first position detection system being adapted for performing position detection of the vehicles in a second area of the track. At least one second position detection system fixedly is disposed proximally to the first area, which smaller than the second area. The at least one second position detection system allows more precise position detection than the first position detection system.