Google has received new patents from the US Patent and Trademark Office for a technology which will help the cars to interact with pedestrians and make the roads safer.
The company has received patent for "pedestrian notifications" that is likely to allow the cars to communicate with pedestrians directly and sense whether a person is standing in front or closer to the vehicle.
The car is likely to use an electronic screen placed on top or side of the vehicle that will tell the pedestrians if the way is clear.
It might also display stop sign, a traffic sign, or just text, and depending upon the situation the car might stop, or maintain its pace.
According to the patent, Google might also use speaker on the outside of the vehicle which will alert the pedestrians by saying things like "coming through" or "safe to cross." Just the way a regular driver would from behind the wheel.
It is also planning to deploy robotic hand and eyes to gesture at pedestrians.
The patent says: "The vehicle may include sensors which detect an object such as a pedestrian attempting or about to cross the roadway in front of the vehicle.
"The vehicle's computer may then determine the correct way to respond to the pedestrian.
"The vehicle may then provide a notification to the pedestrian of what the vehicle is going to do or is currently doing."
