Vehicle Light Projection for Clearer Road Maneuver Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light systems rely solely on turn signal lights to indicate intended vehicle maneuvers, which may not be sufficiently visible or clear, especially in complex driving scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle light system that incorporates a light projection apparatus capable of projecting graphical images, patterns, or symbols onto a roadway surface to visually indicate vehicle maneuvers, such as lane changes or turns, in addition to traditional turn signal lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional turn signal lights are used to indicate vehicle maneuvers, then the system structure remains simple, but the visibility and clarity of the indication is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional turn signal lights with a light projection apparatus into a single integrated system. The projection apparatus is mounted within the turn signal light housing and shares the same power source and control circuitry, merging multiple functions (illumination and projection) into one unified structure that indicates vehicle maneuvers more clearly without requiring completely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection surface (roadway surface) as an intermediary between the turn signal system and the observer. Instead of directly illuminating the road with traditional lights, the system projects graphical images onto the roadway surface, using the road itself as a medium to display maneuver information in a more visible and understandable manner
2Loss of information
If supplemental projection is added to turn signal lights, then the visibility of maneuver indication is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turn signal light system is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional illumination and graphical projection. The same housing, power source, and control system serve both the traditional turn signal bulbs and the projection apparatus, allowing one system to convey maneuver information through multiple modes (light emission and image projection) without requiring entirely separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is divided into multiple segments or zones within the projection apparatus, allowing different portions of the turn signal to correspond to different graphical elements or patterns. This segmentation enables the system to display various types of maneuver information (direction, intensity, duration) using the same projection mechanism, reducing the need for completely separate indicators for each type of information
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 the visibility and clarity of intended vehicle maneuvers by providing a supplemental visual indication on the roadway surface, improving safety and reducing the risk of misunderstandings between drivers.
Implementation Method 1
The light projection apparatus comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a predetermined pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle, a vehicle light system, a light projection apparatus for implementation in the vehicle light system, a computer-implemented method of operating a vehicle, and a computer program product for operating a vehicle. The light projection apparatus is controlled to generate one or more projections of a graphical image, pattern, text, symbol, character, geometric shape, indicia, or combinations thereof on a target roadway surface (e.g., projection surface, road surface, etc.) to visually indicate an intended or actual implementation of a vehicle maneuver (e.g., change of lane and/or left or right turn) and/or an intended actuation of the vehicle braking. The one or more projection(s) would be supplemental to the use of forward and rear turn signal light indicators.