Vehicle Road User Communication via Visual Acoustic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) communication protocols do not enable direct communication between vehicles and road users, such as pedestrians, which is crucial for enhancing safety and acceptance of autonomous vehicles in traffic.
Innovation Solution
A control unit in vehicles, equipped with sensors and adaptation systems, detects road users and determines the need for communication, using visual and acoustic outputs to inform them of detection and vehicle intentions, thereby facilitating direct communication without driver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ITS communication protocols are used for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, then communication between vehicles is enabled, but direct communication between vehicles and road users is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing ITS communication infrastructure to serve multiple communication needs simultaneously. The same communication protocols and infrastructure used for vehicle-to-vehicle communication are adapted to enable vehicle-to-road user communication, allowing a single system to perform multiple communication functions without requiring entirely separate systems
2Extent of automation
If autonomous driving systems are implemented, then driver intervention is eliminated, but direct communication with road users becomes necessary for safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the autonomous vehicle communicates its detection status and intentions back to road users. Through visual and acoustic signals, the vehicle provides continuous feedback about whether it has detected pedestrians or other road users, and what actions it intends to take, thereby compensating for the lack of direct human-to-human communication in automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system acts as an intermediary between the autonomous vehicle's control systems and road users. Instead of direct interaction between human drivers and pedestrians, the patent introduces a mediated communication channel that translates vehicle sensor data and control decisions into understandable signals for road users, bridging the information gap created by automation
3Adaptability or versatility
If visual and acoustic communication systems are added to vehicles, then direct communication with road users is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visual and acoustic communication systems into an integrated communication module that works together to convey information to road users. Rather than treating these as separate independent systems, they are merged into a unified communication architecture that coordinates their operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The communication systems are designed to serve multiple functions within a unified framework. The same communication infrastructure supports both visual signaling and acoustic signaling, and can adapt between different communication modes depending on the situation, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each communication type
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a corresponding device permit an at least partially computer-controlled and/or autonomous vehicle to communicate with its surroundings, in particular with a road user such as a person in its surroundings. A control unit for a vehicle is configured to receive surroundings data from one or more surroundings sensors of the vehicle and to detect at least one road user in the surroundings of the vehicle on the basis of the surroundings data. The control unit is configured to determine on the basis of the surroundings data whether there is a need for communication between the road user and the vehicle. The control unit is configured, if it has been determined that there is a need for communication between the road user and the vehicle, to actuate an adaptation system of the vehicle and/or one or more visual communication system in order to communicate with the road user.