Vehicle Laser Projector Daylight Pedestrian Alerting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle lights are ineffective in alerting pedestrians and other road users to the presence of electric cars during daylight, as they rely on sound, which is not applicable, and are not powerful enough to perform an alerting function in daylight conditions.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle-mounted laser projector system that uses a power source, laser light source, and diffractive optical element to project images or information onto external surfaces, such as roads or buildings, allowing for visual alerting and information conveyance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional vehicle lights are used, then the vehicle can illuminate the way ahead at night, but they are not powerful enough to alert pedestrians during daylight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight intensityVSAvoidalerting function reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light intensity by using laser light sources instead of conventional LED or halogen lamps. Laser light provides significantly higher intensity and concentration, enabling the light to be visible and effective for alerting pedestrians during daylight conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and alerting function reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electrical lighting systems with a laser-based optical system. This substitution enables higher energy concentration and directional control, allowing the vehicle to perform both illumination and alerting functions effectively in various lighting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electric cars rely on sound to alert pedestrians, then they can be heard, but sound is not reliable in all conditions and electric cars are quieter than conventional cars

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealerting function reliabilityVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes acoustic alerting mechanisms with optical laser projection. This replacement eliminates the need for noise generation while providing reliable pedestrian alerting through visible light projection, thus reducing harmful noise factors while maintaining or improving alerting reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses different colors of laser light to convey different information and alert states. By utilizing color variations in the projected image, the system provides reliable visual communication with electric cars without generating harmful noise, addressing both the reliability and harmful factors contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lights are used for dual purpose (illumination and alerting), then they serve both functions, but they are ineffective at alerting in daylight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual function capabilityVSAvoidlight intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances the dual-function capability by using laser projectors that can adaptively switch between illumination mode and alerting projection mode. The system projects vehicle information and images onto external surfaces to alert pedestrians while maintaining the ability to illuminate, thus achieving versatile multi-functionality with high light intensity for both purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes in laser intensity and projection patterns to optimize performance for different functions. By dynamically adjusting light parameters, the system maintains adaptability for both illumination and alerting while ensuring sufficient intensity for daylight visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 laser projector system effectively alerts pedestrians and conveys vehicle information during daylight, enhancing visibility and safety for electric cars by providing a visual means of communication in conditions where sound is not reliable.

Implementation Method 1

a laser light source produces a beam of laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

passes through the diffractive optical element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS9956905B2Vehicle mounted laser projector

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 SMIDSY

AI summary

This invention relates to a method of projecting laser light onto a road surface from a vehicle. It also relates to an apparatus for projecting laser light onto a road surface from a vehicle. Said apparatus may be a stand-alone device mounted on a vehicle, or it may be integrally formed with a vehicle.