Vehicle Side Lighting Arrangement for Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sides of vehicles do not effectively utilize lights for visibility and communication, lacking strategic lighting arrangements to alert operators and other vehicles of approaching objects or intentions to turn.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that includes side lights controlled by a sensor and controller, emitting lights of different colors based on the presence of approaching objects or the vehicle's intention to turn, using exterior sensors, door handle sensors, and turn indicator stalk data to activate lights strategically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lights are strategically arranged on the sides of the vehicle, then visibility and communication are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side lighting system is divided into multiple independent light sources (first light, second light, third light, fourth light) positioned at different locations along the vehicle side. Each light can be independently controlled to provide specific visual signals for different conditions such as object detection, door opening, and turning intentions, thereby enhancing visibility without requiring a single complex lighting unit
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple side lights serve multiple functions: they indicate approaching objects, signal door opening/closing actions, communicate turning intentions, and provide general side visibility. This multi-functionality allows a single lighting arrangement to address various communication needs, reducing the need for separate specialized lighting systems for each function
2Loss of information
If multiple lights are used to provide visual signals, then communication effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side lights operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when specific conditions are detected such as objects approaching, doors being opened, or turning signals being activated. This conditional periodic operation ensures effective communication is maintained while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during normal driving conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Different lights are activated based on local conditions at specific vehicle locations. For example, the first light activates when objects approach the front side, the second light when objects approach the rear side, and door-adjacent lights when doors are opened. This localized activation ensures communication effectiveness is maintained only where and when needed, optimizing energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprising: a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side; a first light capable of emitting light from the first side; a controller in communication with the first light; an exterior sensor that provides data to the controller, which determines whether an object is approaching the first side of the vehicle; and the controller causes the first light to emit light from the first side, when the controller determines that an object is approaching the first side. The first light is capable of emitting flashing light in a first color; and the controller causes the first light to emit flashing light in the first color, when the controller determines that an object is approaching the first side.