Vehicle Projection Illusion for Wildlife Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) are challenging to predict and prevent due to the unreliable detection of animals by automatic brake assist systems and the lack of effective warning mechanisms that ensure safe distance from vehicles, often resulting in injuries and vehicle damage.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that projects a larger virtual representation of a vehicle on the roadway to increase its perceived size, alerting animals and other road users to maintain a safe distance, using sensors and projectors to dynamically adjust the projection based on environmental conditions and animal presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic brake assist systems are used to detect animals, then collision avoidance may be achieved, but detection reliability is insufficient and false positives occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual intermediary (projected representation of the vehicle) that mediates between the detection system and the animal. Instead of relying solely on complex detection systems to prevent collisions, the projection serves as a visual mediator that alerts animals to the vehicle's presence and size, reducing the burden on detection reliability while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (projection) of the vehicle that is larger than the actual vehicle. This copied representation is projected onto the roadway surface to visually communicate the vehicle's presence and size to animals, providing an additional layer of safety without requiring more complex detection systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If warning signs are posted to alert drivers of animal hazards, then drivers are advised to be cautious, but drivers do not slow down and collisions still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional warning approach by projecting the vehicle image onto the roadway surface in front of the vehicle rather than placing static signs for drivers to observe. This projection directly communicates the vehicle's presence and size to animals, reversing the direction of the warning message from driver-to-animal communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/passive warning system (static signs that rely on driver attention and response) with an optical projection system that actively displays visual information about the vehicle's size and presence directly in the animal's path, substituting driver-dependent mechanical warnings with direct optical communication.
3Reliability
If sudden braking is applied when an animal is detected, then collision may be avoided, but accidents may be caused due to swerving or loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by projecting the vehicle representation onto the roadway before the vehicle reaches the animal's location. This advance visual warning gives animals time to react and move away, preventing the need for sudden emergency braking and the associated risk of loss of control or secondary accidents.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle's actual size is used for warning, then the warning is simple, but animals do not maintain sufficient distance and collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by projecting a representation of the vehicle that is intentionally larger than the actual vehicle dimensions. This asymmetric scaling emphasizes the vehicle's presence and potential hazard, encouraging animals to maintain greater distance than they would based on the vehicle's actual size alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional static warning signs to a dynamic optical projection that creates a virtual third dimension on the roadway surface. This projection adds visual depth and scale information that helps animals perceive the vehicle's presence and appropriate safety distance more effectively.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of WVCs by creating a visible illusion of a larger vehicle, enhancing safety for both animals and drivers, particularly in conditions with impaired visibility or sudden animal movements.
Implementation Method 1
a representation of at least a portion of the moving vehicle is projected for virtually increasing a visual size of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention includes, during movement of a vehicle, monitoring for a predetermined condition corresponding to potential presence of an animal on a roadway. In response to detecting the predetermined condition, a representation of at least a portion of the moving vehicle is projected for virtually increasing a visual size of the vehicle. The projected representation (also referred to as a projection) has a dimension that is greater than the portion of the moving vehicle corresponding to the representation.