Vehicle Gaze Detection Light Indicators for Traffic Acknowledgment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lack of clear acknowledgments between road traffic participants leads to confusion and accidents, especially at intersections where drivers and cyclists may not confirm if others have seen them, relying on human expectation and gestures which can be misinterpreted.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system using cameras and object recognition sensors on vehicles to detect the gaze direction of drivers and identify objects, with light indicators emitting signals to notify other participants that they have been seen, reducing confusion and promoting safer interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drivers rely on human expectation and gestures to communicate at intersections, then the system remains simple and requires no additional technology, but acknowledgment clarity is insufficient and accidents may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light indicators as an intermediary communication medium between drivers. Instead of relying solely on human gestures and eye contact, the system uses visible light signals to clearly indicate when a driver has seen another traffic participant, providing unambiguous acknowledgment without requiring complex automated driving systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of human gestures and eye contact with an optical signaling system. The light indicators provide automated visual feedback that substitutes for uncertain human communication, delivering clear acknowledgment signals while maintaining driver control of the vehicle
2Reliability
If drivers maintain eye contact or stare at other participants to ensure they are seen, then acknowledgment may be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and can be misinterpreted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where light indicators provide immediate visual confirmation to other traffic participants that they have been seen. This feedback loop eliminates the need for prolonged staring or repeated gestures, as the light signal instantly communicates acknowledgment status, reducing waiting time and misinterpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of other traffic participants and automatically activates light indicators to establish acknowledgment before any potential conflict occurs. This preliminary action eliminates the need for reactive staring or last-minute gestures, saving time and preventing accidents
3Loss of information
If drivers look in the direction of other participants, then they may see them, but actual visual acknowledgment cannot be confirmed without additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light indicators as an intermediary to transmit visual acknowledgment information from the driver to other participants. Instead of relying on external sensors to detect and communicate eye direction, the system provides direct visual feedback through lights that clearly indicate when the driver has seen someone, eliminating information loss without complex sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the driver's own visual system to serve the communication function. By detecting when the driver is looking in a certain direction and automatically activating appropriate light indicators, the system uses the driver's natural behavior to trigger acknowledgment signals, eliminating the need for additional complex sensing and communication infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, a computer program product, and a computer system for sensor-based acknowledgments between road traffic participants. One or more cameras on a vehicle identify a gaze direction of a driver of the vehicle. The one or more cameras identify a focused eye state of the driver. One or more object recognition sensors on the vehicle identify objects around the vehicle. The computer system determines whether an object is identified in the gaze direction. In response to the object being identified in the gaze direction, the computer system instructs a light indicator to emit light in a direction toward the object. The light indicator notifies a traffic participant associated with the object that the driver has seen the object.