A strange yet nearly practical idea from designer Hanyoung Lee, this virtual wall could spell the way forward for increased pedestrian safety in large urban centers.
The virtual barrier is created using a plasma laser that, while not strong enough to damage humans or vehicles, provides a stunningly powerful visual effect that would seem to effectively communicate where vehicles should stop before crosswalks. The wall would clearly indicate to cars when and where to stop by projecting the laser “walkers” exactly where the crosswalk begins, making it easier for cars to see than the current system of stripes painted on the pavement (though we’d guess it to be abjectly more expensive as well).
Making the whole operation more plausible is the idea that the same laser walls could be used to project advertisements while commuters wait. Check out some renderings of the concept in our gallery below.
+ Concept Trends: The future of traffic lights
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Except that it can’t work. Come on, WR… you know better than that. In order to be visible, the light needs to shine into the viewer’s eyes. If the light source is in the poles on either side, what exactly does the light reflect off of in order to reach the viewer? Lasers only work the way this designer wants in Star Wars movies. Read a science book for crying out loud.
The key seems to be a plasma laser, so it also shoots blood? Sweet!
OK, Will it work? After having my Son hit by a car while he was in a crosswalk on a walk signal, I would like to see it go into use.
A semi transparent warning across the intersection would help.
Oh Lord, as if we didn’t get bombarded with enough advertising already…
Actually, holographs are current technology. I read a couple years ago about a technology which required no medium to be placed in the projection space, and could project 3d objects. THey had it as a demo displaying a heart with force feedback clamps that would let you feel it beat. Here is another type, which uses compressed air, since I am unable to locate the “medium-less” holographic display.
http://www.masternewmedia.org/news/2006/07/24/video_display_interface_of_the.htm
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I’m with Trinks. I’ve already given up commercial TV and radio because of the ridiculous amount of advertising. Don’t make me give up going outside too.
@c4v3man: Your link proves my point. They are using jets of air to scatter the light so that it can be seen from all directions. Notice that you can’t see anything between the projector and the air jets. That’s exactly what I’m talking about.
Again, this thing is pure fantasy. At least the way they have it concepted.
What in the world is that diagram with the colored arrows supposed to be showing anyway? Does anyone understand it?
It’s an interesting concept and could work given the proper application of technology, for example a projector aimed at the windshields of cars.
Countless lives would be saved if this were used, and that is worth any money.
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that is the single most hilarious diagram I have ever seen.
Did the designers think no one would look at it? Are they brain-dead?
For Christ’s sake, there’s an arrow labeled “paying attention”
Sounds like great advertising space for body-shop owners. Having some weird digital image just appear in front of cars pulling up to the light is certain to cause more than a few panic stops!
Will the lasers cut the nose off any car/driver that pulls into the cross walk while people are crossing?
If not, what’s the point?
Sounds like a terrible waste of electricity. And how is this even feasible? Just think about how much money one of these systems would cost.
Holy crap that’s front and Simcoe in Toronto!!
That intersection needs this but for pedestrians because they cross whenever they feel like it.
This will not be an easy task. Especially when envirnomental considerations are taking to effect. For example, during high humidity, or a sunset right at the drivers eye level. Take a look at how Rayleigh Scattering works for example. In order to overcome these effects, one would need to create a high intensity plasma laser effect in order to be visible. Interesting thought, but for outdoors applications it may not be ideal.
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