Turn Signal Blinking Control for Clearer Intersection Turn Intent
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving scenarios, especially at intersections, there is a risk of confusion among drivers about the intended turn of a vehicle, leading to potential misunderstandings and panic braking, as existing systems do not clearly indicate the intended turn due to fixed blinking cycles of turn signal lamps, which can be misleading when there are multiple intersections involved.
Innovation Solution
A drive assist apparatus that adjusts the blinking cycle of turn signal lamps based on the vehicle's proximity to the intersection and the presence of other vehicles or intersections, using a controller to set different blinking cycles for turn signal lamps on the front and rear sides, ensuring clear indication of the intended turn to surrounding vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the turn signal lamps blink at a fixed cycle, then the system is simple and reliable, but surrounding vehicles cannot clearly recognize the intended turn direction when multiple intersections are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blinking cycle variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the blinking cycle of turn signal lamps based on the vehicle's distance to the intersection and the presence of other vehicles. When the vehicle is far from the intersection or no other vehicles are present, a standard blinking cycle is used. When approaching the intersection with other vehicles detected, the blinking cycle is shortened to increase visibility and clarity of the turn indication, thereby resolving the contradiction between indication clarity and system complexity.
2Reliability
If the blinking cycle is shortened when approaching the intersection, then the turn indication becomes clearer to surrounding vehicles, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by implementing the shortened blinking cycle only partially - specifically when the vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the intersection and other vehicles are detected in the vicinity. When these conditions are not met, the system reverts to the standard blinking cycle. This selective application of the shortened cycle provides sufficient turn indication clarity only when necessary, thereby avoiding excessive energy consumption during normal driving conditions while still ensuring reliable recognition when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the turn signal lamps blink continuously at a fixed cycle, then the system operation is simple, but it may cause misunderstanding among drivers about the vehicle's intended turn at multiple intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the blinking cycle parameter based on the vehicle's distance to the intersection and the detection of other vehicles. The control unit changes the blinking cycle from standard to shortened when specific conditions are met (vehicle within predetermined distance and other vehicles detected), and reverts when conditions change. This parameter adjustment provides clear turn direction information to surrounding drivers without requiring complex control logic, as the system automatically adapts the blinking parameter based on environmental conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive assist apparatus for a vehicle includes a turn signal drive unit, an environment information obtainer, and a controller. The controller includes a blinking cycle adjuster configured to cause the turn signal drive unit to drive with drive signals indicating blinking cycles different from each other. The blinking cycles include a first blinking cycle and a second blinking cycle shorter than the first blinking cycle. The blinking cycle adjuster is configured to set the first blinking cycle for the vehicle that travels at a first position, and set the second blinking cycle for the vehicle that travels at a second position closer to the intersection than the first position.