Vehicle Circumference Light Signaling for Autonomous Action Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vehicles lack effective communication methods to inform vehicle occupants of ongoing or impending driving actions, making it difficult for them to plan their behavior or react appropriately.
Innovation Solution
A light providing device with multiple light sources distributed along the vehicle's circumference, emitting light outputs that are visible from anywhere inside the vehicle, to intuitively signal autonomous kinematic actions such as acceleration, deceleration, lane changes, and state transitions, along with optional vertical vehicle motions and sound outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional signaling methods are used in autonomous vehicles, then the vehicle can communicate basic information, but the communication capability is limited and occupants cannot effectively plan their behavior or react to vehicle actions
Solution Approach 1:
The light providing device is segmented into multiple light sources distributed along the vehicle's circumference, with each light source or group of light sources capable of independent control. This segmentation enables different light patterns, colors, and positions to represent different autonomous kinematic actions, thereby enhancing information communication to occupants and improving their ability to plan behavior and react to vehicle actions
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in light properties (intensity, color, position, pattern) to encode different autonomous vehicle actions. By varying these light parameters dynamically, the system communicates rich information about vehicle intentions to occupants, enabling them to understand and respond appropriately to upcoming maneuvers
2Ease of operation
If a single light source is used for signaling, then the device complexity is low, but the light output is not visible from all positions inside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The light providing device is divided into multiple light sources positioned at different locations along the vehicle's circumference. This segmentation ensures that at least one light source is visible from any position inside the vehicle, solving the visibility problem without requiring a single omnidirectional light source which would be physically impossible
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources are merged into a coordinated system controlled by a single control unit. This merging allows the system to function as a unified communication device while leveraging the positional advantages of multiple individual light sources, achieving both good visibility and manageable complexity through centralized control
3Loss of information
If multiple light sources are distributed along the vehicle circumference, then the light output is visible from all positions inside the vehicle, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed light sources serve multiple functions: they can individually indicate different vehicle actions, work in combination to create patterns, and be controlled to provide both interior and exterior visibility. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering comprehensive information communication about autonomous vehicle actions to occupants
4Device complexity
If traditional signaling methods are used, then the system is simple, but it can only communicate a small subset of information about vehicle actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system encodes comprehensive autonomous kinematic action information by dynamically changing light parameters including intensity, color wavelength, position, and temporal patterns. This parameter-based encoding allows a relatively simple light providing device to communicate rich information about different vehicle actions, maneuvers, and states to occupants
Solution Approach 2:
Different aspects of vehicle action information are communicated through segmented light sources positioned at different locations. Each light source or group can represent specific action types, and their coordinated activation creates a comprehensive communication system that conveys detailed information about autonomous vehicle behavior
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 occupant awareness and understanding of autonomous vehicle actions, allowing timely planning and reaction, and supports a wider range of actions with varied light and sound combinations, improving safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a light providing device comprising one or more light sources adapted to emit light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method performed by an intention indicating system (1) of a vehicle (2), for indicating to a potential vehicle occupant thereof an ongoing or impending autonomous kinematic action of the vehicle. The intention indicating system determines (1001) an ongoing or impending autonomous kinematic action of the vehicle. The intention indicating system further provides (1002), with support from a light providing device (3) comprising one or more light sources (30) adapted to emit light, which light providing device is provided continuously and/or intermittently along a majority of a horizontal circumference (4) of the vehicle, a visual light output visible at least from an inside of said vehicle (2) representing the autonomous kinematic action. The disclosure also relates to an intention indicating system in accordance with the foregoing, and further to a vehicle comprising such an intention indicating system.