Vehicle Light Projection for Clear Road Warnings and Distance Gauging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle communication systems are limited in conveying accurate and clear information to other road users and pedestrians, leading to potential accidents due to unclear intentions and spatial gauging challenges, especially in dynamic and variable environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that emits shaped light from a vehicle and projects it onto external surfaces using a controller, sensors, and light emitters with optical fibers, allowing for dynamic and three-dimensional projections of visible images to convey intentions and assist drivers in gauging distances, including warnings for door openings and hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional external alerts (indicators, horns, hand gesturing) are used to communicate between road users, then communication can be established, but the clarity and accuracy of information conveyed is limited and can lead to confusion and uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a visual copy or representation of the vehicle's intended path and spatial boundaries onto the road surface using light. This creates a graphical reference that directly communicates the driver's intentions and vehicle dimensions to other road users, eliminating the need for ambiguous hand gestures or indicator lights. The projected light pattern serves as a visual replica of the vehicle's spatial envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional communication (flat road surface markings) to three-dimensional communication by projecting light that creates perceived depth and spatial volume. The projected light patterns give other road users a three-dimensional understanding of the vehicle's intended path and spatial boundaries, enhancing communication clarity.
2Reliability
If hazard warning lights are used on a broken down vehicle, then other vehicles are alerted, but the warning is only effective when other vehicles are in relatively close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects visual warnings onto the road surface in advance of potential hazards, such as a broken down vehicle. By creating projected light patterns that indicate the vehicle's presence and spatial boundaries before other road users reach them, the system provides early warning that allows approaching vehicles adequate time to react and avoid collisions.
3Measurement precision
If drivers rely on traditional indicators and warning lights, then basic communication is achieved, but accurate gauging of distances and spatial relationships remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a visual copy of the vehicle's spatial envelope and intended path onto the road surface. This graphical reference provides drivers with immediate visual feedback about their vehicle's position, dimensions, and trajectory, enabling accurate gauging of distances to other road users and obstacles without requiring complex mental calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to the driver through projected light patterns that represent the vehicle's spatial boundaries and intended path. This feedback loop allows the driver to continuously monitor and adjust their positioning and speed to maintain safe distances from other road users, improving both measurement precision and ease of operation.
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 communication clarity and safety by providing visible warnings and spatial references that can be accurately perceived by other road users, reducing the risk of accidents and improving driver control in complex scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one light emitter is coupled to at least one of said light sources by one or more optical fibres
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (90) for emitting shaped light (26) from a vehicle (10) and for projecting the shaped light (26) onto a surface (18) external to the vehicle (10), the system comprising a controller, one or more light sources and at least one light emitter, wherein the at least one light emitter is arranged to emit at least a first light signal directed towards said surface (18) external to the vehicle (10), the light emitter comprising a projection head arranged to direct light externally to the vehicle (10) and a beam shaper element, wherein the at least one light emitter is coupled to at least one of said light sources by one or more optical fibres.