Vehicular Image Projection for Pedestrian Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in safely interacting with pedestrians and other road users, particularly when these users are distracted and unaware of traffic conditions, as existing technologies lack effective methods to identify and respond to these situations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular image projection system that uses a computer to project symbols from a vehicle, adjusting based on detected traffic conditions, trajectory changes, and the proximity of target objects, including changing colors or blinking to indicate changes in vehicle trajectory or traffic signals, thereby enhancing awareness of approaching vehicles and traffic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional vehicle lighting and signaling systems are used, then the vehicle can provide basic visibility and signal functions, but distracted pedestrians and road users cannot adequately perceive vehicle intentions and traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing LED lights to project different colored symbols (red, yellow, green, blue, white) that convey specific traffic information and vehicle intentions to pedestrians and road users. The color changes enhance information distinguishability and capture attention of distracted individuals more effectively than traditional single-color signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is divided into multiple independent LED modules that can project different symbols simultaneously in different locations. Each LED can be controlled independently to display specific symbols (arrows, circles, triangles) conveying different traffic information, allowing complex information transmission through segmented visual elements.
2Loss of information
If complex projection systems are implemented to improve communication with road users, then information transmission effectiveness increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system uses a universal set of symbols (arrows, circles, triangles) that can convey multiple types of information through different combinations, colors, and positions. The same hardware components can display various traffic signals, vehicle intentions, and warnings, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system projects optical copies of standardized traffic symbols and signals onto the ground or surfaces visible to pedestrians. Instead of using physical signs or complex mechanical indicators, the invention creates light-based replicas of familiar traffic symbols that convey the same information in a more visible and attention-grabbing manner.
3Reliability
If the vehicle projects symbols to indicate trajectory changes and traffic conditions, then awareness of approaching vehicles improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system can operate in periodic or intermittent modes, activating lights only when trajectory changes are detected or when approaching intersections and pedestrian zones. The system alternates between active projection and standby states, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining safety communication when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time vehicle state and environmental conditions. The controller activates specific symbols and colors only when relevant trajectory changes occur or when pedestrians are detected in proximity, optimizing energy usage by avoiding continuous operation and focusing illumination only when safety communication is required.
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 system effectively communicates vehicle intentions and traffic conditions to distracted pedestrians and other road users, improving safety by increasing their awareness of approaching vehicles and traffic signals, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
actuating a light source to project a symbol outwardly from a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A computer programmed to actuate a light source to project a symbol outwardly from a vehicle. The computer is further programmed to actuate the light source to modify the projection based on a determination that a trajectory of the vehicle is changing.