Federal rules require new vehicles bought within the U.S. to have brake lights which can be clearly seen to the human eye, however a latest Ford patent submitting signifies the automaker is concocting a extra high-tech answer.
The patent software, which was printed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Sept. 14, 2023, and filed in Might of this yr, is for an automatic brake gentle detection system. Within the software, Ford claims this might assist enhance the efficiency of driver-assist techniques and, doubtlessly, future self-driving vehicles.
Ford automated brake gentle detection system patent picture
As described within the software, lidar and cameras may very well be used to scan the street forward, whereas software program would interpret the lidar readings and digital camera photos to find out if a automobile’s brake lights are on. Ford additionally mentions day and evening modes, with completely different software program methods for detecting gentle and accurately figuring out illuminated brake lights.
Such a system might assist autonomous vehicles extra precisely decide when it is protected to maneuver, based on Ford. It might, for instance, stop a automobile from accelerating if a visitors gentle turns inexperienced, however the vehicles in entrance have not began shifting but. It may be useful if visitors lights will not be working or, in human-driven vehicles with driver-assistance tech, recognizing brake lights within the occasion the driving force will get distracted.
Argo AI self-driving automobile prototype
As with all patent filings, the concepts introduced right here could by no means make it to manufacturing. Ford just isn’t shy about submitting patent purposes. Different latest examples embody an extendable cargo mattress for pickup vehicles and a roof-mounted EV backup battery.
Final yr, Ford launched its Latitude AI division to develop automated driving techniques, which might make use of automated brake gentle detection. The automaker can be persevering with to refine its BlueCruise freeway driving help, so maybe automated brake gentle detection can be used there.
#Ford #creating #brake #gentle #detection #system
