Virtual Wall concept protects pedestrians, livens up crosswalks

Let's face it -- pedestrians are already running amok in major city crosswalks; it's not like we really need to help them hold up the line of traffic any longer while their light is red, is it? All pent up aggression aside, Hanyoung Lee's brilliant Virtual Wall concept could certainly assist the non-hardened tourists cross from one side to another without fear of being flattened. Essentially, the light-formed barrier would keep cars and Earthlings separated while individuals are cleared to walk, and while we aren't sure if bumping into said obstacle would cause tire deflation, engine stall or any other totally tough consequences, we can't imagine it being too effective (or fun, in a devilish way) otherwise.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2008 1:20PM]

not effective? use holographic images of something big and scary

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2008 1:27PM]

Actually, provided that the lasers are powerful enough they can be seen in daylight without an external scattering agent projector (like a smoke screen).

I can't remember the exact numbers, but laser light of sufficient wattage is capable of scattering on natural airborne particles and can be quite bright. If you've ever attended an open-air laser light show like those at some theme parks, you might have noticed it. Problem is, lasers that powerful are quite expensive and energy-intensive.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2008 2:10PM]

Really neat! I am sure they can work out many of the issue noted in the other comments. A great Idea. Even if it doesn't go mainstream it could be used in many areas like train crossing for example or they could be temporarily setup at an accident scene to stop/slow or warn drivers of the accident. Heck you could even make a 3d sign with it, just use a flat back background.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 22nd 2008 2:17PM]

I don't think this would accomplish what it says it will. I think it might give a false sense of security to the pedestrian plus pick their pockets upon the installation. It also could be interpreted as a challenge to the immature driver.

[TuesdayExpress Posted Apr 22nd 2008 2:31PM]

Screw crosswalks. They need to make these babies portable and give 'em to the Highway Patrol. Pop them up around accidents on the Interstate and voila! no more rubbernecking. Now *that* would be a useful application.

[BigD145 Posted Apr 22nd 2008 2:37PM]

Or you could just do what we do in my city, which is to slow down and be courteous to pedestrians and let them cross the street wherever they want. There's nothing wrong with taking some time out of your day to let someone cross the street in absolute safety.

[sporkinum Posted Apr 22nd 2008 3:21PM]

Best comment from the site hosting the article...
"Comment by Eric K
2008-04-22 07:13:08



This is ‘design’? You come up with something impossible with current technology, ignore the need to create technology to make it possible, photoshop a picture of it, then claim you ‘designed’ it?

I assumed that the idea of designing such technology involved creating a viable blueprint for the hardware and programming necessary to implement the idea. I was really looking forward to an explanation if how these ‘plasma lasers’ were going to make images hover in midair in broad daylight.

But if that’s not the case, I can see a career for myself designing flying saucers, killer robots, and rocket pants. It should be easy now that I don’t have to worry about such important things as how or why.
"

[Eternal Density Posted Apr 22nd 2008 8:11PM]

Why don't they just electrify the floor? Or perhaps neurotoxin would do the trick?

[Decoy Posted Apr 22nd 2008 8:49PM]

The how and why will come when you tell Saatchi and Saatchi you're gonna put visuals in front of a captive audience.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2008 1:49AM]

How about it would be only a solid-ish banner towards the ground. It could just turn green when the peds could walk, and be red when not to.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 23rd 2008 12:44AM]

I think its a modern representation of Abbey Road, see how the car is about to run over Paul?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 23rd 2008 11:21PM]

I hope my car doesn't explode when I pass through the red light speeding to work, *crossing my fingers*