Segmented LED Traffic Lights for Predictable Signal Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic signaling systems do not provide a mechanism for drivers to anticipate signal changes, leading to confusion and increased likelihood of accidents during transitions, particularly at intersections with multiple lanes.
Innovation Solution
A stop light system with LEDs divided into sections and controlled sequentially to provide signal information, allowing drivers to predict signal changes through the illumination and extinguishing patterns of LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional traffic lights use simple color transitions (green to yellow to red), then the signaling system is simple and easy to understand, but drivers cannot anticipate signal changes in advance, leading to confusion and accidents during transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic light system performs preliminary action by sequentially turning off LEDs from left to right before the actual color change occurs. This progressive extinction pattern provides drivers with advance warning information about the upcoming signal transition, allowing them to prepare for the change without sudden confusion. The system executes this preliminary indication action in the time period between the current signal state and the next signal state.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic light signal is segmented into multiple individual LEDs arranged horizontally, where each LED can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows the system to create progressive extinction patterns by turning off specific LEDs in sequence rather than all at once, providing graduated warning information to drivers about the impending signal change.
2Reliability
If traffic lights provide gradual warning signals before transition, then driver anticipation and safety improve, but the signaling system becomes more complex with multiple control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by activating a warning pattern (sequential LED extinction) before the actual signal transition occurs. This preliminary warning phase provides drivers with sufficient time to react and prepare for the upcoming color change, thereby improving traffic safety and reducing accidents caused by sudden signal transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic light system operates in periodic cycles, where each cycle includes a warning phase (sequential LED extinction) followed by the actual signal transition. This periodic structure ensures that the gradual warning mechanism is consistently applied at regular intervals, maintaining predictable and reliable safety warnings for drivers throughout operation.
3Loss of time
If multiple LEDs are controlled sequentially to provide prediction information, then driver response time improves, but the control system requires more sophisticated timing and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The control system executes preliminary action by initiating the sequential LED extinction process in advance of the signal transition. This timing strategy provides drivers with a predictable warning period, allowing them to adjust their vehicle speed and position appropriately, thereby reducing the loss of response time at the moment of actual signal change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control by adjusting the timing and sequence of LED extinction based on operational requirements. The progressive turning off of LEDs creates a dynamic visual pattern that evolves over time, providing continuously updating information to drivers about the impending signal change and optimizing their response time.
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
Enhances driver anticipation of signal changes, reducing traffic accidents and associated casualties by enabling accurate prediction and response to signal transitions.
Implementation Method 1
a traffic light which includes a plurality of LEDs, and illuminates or extinguishes the LEDs to output signal information
Data Source
AI summary
A stop light system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a traffic light which includes a plurality of consecutive LEDs, and illuminates or extinguishes the LEDs to output signal information; and a signal control server which generates control signals including the illumination and extinguishing of each LED of the traffic light, wherein the traffic light controls the illumination and extinguishing of each LED based on the control signals received from the signal control server. The traffic light includes the plurality of LEDs divided into sections numbered 1 to 10, and each of the plurality of LEDs is arranged adjacently.