Side Road Surface Detection Using Visible Light Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road surface state detection systems do not effectively monitor the sides of a vehicle, which can lead to slipping hazards when the road surface is wet or frozen, and current methods of illumination may cause discomfort to drivers and bystanders.
Innovation Solution
A road surface state detection apparatus that projects an image with visible light onto the road surface below a vehicle and uses an optical sensor to receive reflected light for determining the road surface state, with an electronic control unit providing alerts and controlling light emission based on vehicle status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light is projected on the road surface to detect road surface state, then detection capability is improved, but it may cause discomfort or strangeness to drivers and bystanders
Solution Approach 1:
The system directs light projection and detection specifically to the side road surface areas where passengers step in and out, rather than illuminating the entire road surface. This localized approach enables targeted detection of hazardous conditions at critical locations while minimizing light exposure to drivers and bystanders, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and comfort.
2Loss of information
If the side of the vehicle is irradiated with light for detection, then road surface state on vehicle sides can be detected, but it gives a feeling of strangeness to driver or persons around the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates light projection and detection only when the vehicle is stopped and a door is opened, which is the preliminary action before a passenger steps out. This timing ensures that road surface state information is obtained exactly when needed for safety assessment, while avoiding unnecessary light projection during vehicle operation that would cause strangeness to drivers and bystanders.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If visible light is used to project image on road surface, then detection is enabled without causing discomfort, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter operates periodically only during specific events (vehicle stop + door open) rather than continuously. This periodic activation uses visible light when needed for comfortable detection while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and energy efficiency.
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 non-discomforting detection of road surface states on the sides of a vehicle, providing alerts for potential slipping hazards and aiding in safe vehicle operation by determining road surface conditions without causing strangeness to drivers or bystanders, and allowing for luxury features like foot illumination.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor is provided on the side of the vehicle and configured to receive reflected light from the projected image
Data Source
AI summary
A road surface state detection apparatus includes a light emitter, an optical sensor, and an electronic control unit. The light emitter is configured to project an image with visible light on a road surface below a side of a vehicle. The optical sensor is provided on the side of the vehicle and configured to receive reflected light from the projected image. The electronic control unit is configured to determine a state of the road surface based on the reflected light received by the optical sensor.