Federal laws require new automobiles bought within the U.S. to have brake lights which might be clearly seen to the human eye, however a latest Ford patent submitting signifies the automaker is concocting a extra high-tech resolution.

The patent utility, which was printed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Sept. 14, 2023, and filed in Could of this yr, is for an automatic brake gentle detection system. Within the utility, Ford claims this might assist enhance the efficiency of driver-assist methods and, doubtlessly, future self-driving automobiles.

Ford automated brake gentle detection system patent picture

As described within the utility, lidar and cameras could possibly be used to scan the highway forward, whereas software program would interpret the lidar readings and digital camera pictures 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 appropriately figuring out illuminated brake lights.

Such a system may assist autonomous automobiles extra precisely decide when it is secure to maneuver, based on Ford. It may, for instance, forestall a automotive from accelerating if a site visitors gentle turns inexperienced, however the automobiles in entrance have not began transferring but. It is also useful if site visitors lights usually are not working or, in human-driven automobiles with driver-assistance tech, recognizing brake lights within the occasion the motive force will get distracted.

Argo AI self-driving automotive 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 functions. 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 methods, which may 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 shall be used there.