An electric vehicle detection and notification system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric vehicle detection and notification system tailored for blind and elderly individuals, utilizing the microcontroller (101). The system incorporates a high-resolution camera module for real-time object detection and an ultrasonic sensor (102) to detect vehicle proximity. A microcontroller module control unit (103) manages the system's operations, while a vibration sensor (104) provides tactile feedback upon EV detection. Powered by a battery (105) and regulated by a boost converter (106), the system ensures reliable operation. Computer vision algorithms from TensorFlow Lite or OpenCV analyze live video feeds, triggering vibration motors and speakers for user alerts. The user interface includes tactile switches and voice commands, enabling customizable settings. Wireless connectivity through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi allows integration with external devices for enhanced accessibility. The system is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing assistive technologies, enhancing safety and accessibility in EV-rich environments.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention is related to the field of electronic engineering. Morespecifically, it relates to an electric vehicle detection and notification system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe background information herein below relates to the present disclosure butis not necessarily prior art.The design and development ev detection module for blind and elderly peopleusing ESP32-CAM addresses the need for enhanced safety and accessibility inenvironments with electric vehicles (EVs), particularly for individuals with visualimpairments or mobility limitations. Prior to this invention, existing EV detectionsystems primarily catered to mainstream users, lacking sufficient consideration for thespecific needs of the blind and elderly demographic. Prior art in this field includesvarious approaches to EV detection, such as sensor-based systems utilizing ultrasonicsensors for proximity detection or camera-based systems for visual recognition.However, these solutions often fall short in providing intuitive feedback mechanismstailored to the unique requirements of blind and elderly users. The invention buildsupon the microcontroller capabilities and integrates advanced computer visionalgorithms to detect and classify EVs in real-time. By leveraging these technologies,the module offers timely alerts and notifications to users, enhancing situationalawareness and promoting safety. Moreover, the invention prioritizes user-centricdesign principles, incorporating intuitive feedback mechanisms such as hepaticvibrations, auditory alerts, and voice-based interfaces to ensure accessibility forindividuals with sensory impairments. This user-centric approach distinguishes themodule from prior art, fostering inclusivity and empowering blind and elderly users tonavigate EV-rich environments with confidence and independence.US20180345816A1 related to an electrically driven vehicle and a notificationsystem therefor are provided. The electrically driven vehicle includes a high-voltagebattery and an inlet, a charging connector of an external power source is connected tothe inlet, and power can be supplied from the external power source to the highvoltagebattery. The electrically driven vehicle includes a battery heater unit heatingthe high-voltage battery by using power supplied from the external power source; anda charging ECU detecting an alighting preparing operation of a user, acquiring anenvironmental temperature at a time of detection in accordance with detection of thealighting preparing operation, and causing a meter panel to display a messageprompting a driver to connect the charging connector to the inlet when the acquiredenvironmental temperature is equal to or lower than an output decline temperature setfor the high-voltage battery.OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTIONThe primary objective of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicledetection and notification system.Yet another objective of the invention is to improve safety for blind andelderly individuals by providing real-time detection of approaching electric vehiclesin their environment.Yet another objective of the invention is to enable the module to detect EVs inreal-time and provide timely notifications to users, allowing them to react promptlyand avoid potential collisions.Yet another objective of the invention is to increase the autonomy andconfidence of users by enabling them to navigate environments with a high presenceof EVs independently.Yet another objective of the invention is to provide customizable settings forfeedback intensity, alert frequency, and interaction methods to accommodateindividual user needs and preferences.Yet another objective of the invention is to ensure compatibility and seamlessintegration with existing assistive technologies, such as mobile phone, navigationdevices, screen readers, and braille displays.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly the following invention provides an electric vehicle detection andnotification system designed to enhance safety and accessibility for blind and elderlyindividuals. Utilizing the microcontroller (101), the module incorporates a highresolutioncamera for real-time EV detection through advanced computer visionalgorithms. The system triggers immediate feedback via vibration motors andauditory alerts to notify users of approaching EVs.A user-friendly interface allows for customizable settings, including feedbackintensity and alert frequency, accommodating diverse sensory needs. The moduleseamlessly integrates with assistive technologies via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, providingadditional navigational support through smartphones or other devices. By bridging theaccessibility gap in EV-rich environments, this invention empowers users with greaterindependence and confidence, ensuring a safer and more inclusive experience in theirsurroundings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGFigure 1 of Sheet 1 illustrates the block diagram of the present invention.Whereas,101 denotes microcontroller,102 denotes ultrasonic sensor,103 denotes microcontroller module control unite,104 denotes vibration sensor,105 denotes battery,106 denotes boost converter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONAs used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, themeaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in"includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.The present invention is related to an electric vehicle detection andnotification system designed to enhance safety and accessibility for blind and elderlyindividuals. The design and development of the Electric Vehicle (EV) detectionmodule tailored for blind and elderly individuals leveraging the ESP32-CAMmicrocontroller (101) involve a systematic process aimed at integrating cutting-edgetechnology with user-centered design principles.The foundation of the module lies in the ESP32-CAM microcontroller (101),known for its computational power and versatility, and is equipped with a highresolutioncamera module essential for real-time object detection and recognition.Additional hardware components such as vibration motors, speakers, and tactileswitches are incorporated to facilitate intuitive feedback mechanisms for users withdiverse sensory needs.The software component includes a suite of computer vision algorithmsdesigned to detect and classify EVs within the camera's field of view. Utilizinglibraries such as TensorFlow Lite or OpenCV, the ESP32-CAM processes live videofeed from the camera module, identifying EVs based on predefined visualcharacteristics. Upon detection, the software triggers appropriate feedbackmechanisms, such as vibrating motors or auditory alerts, to notify users of thepresence and movement of EVs in their surroundings. The user interface of the EVdetection module for blind and elderly individuals is designed with accessibility inmind, featuring intuitive controls and customizable settings to accommodate varyingsensory abilities.Users can interact with the module through tactile switches or voicecommands, adjusting preferences for feedback intensity, alert frequency, andcommunication with external devices. The interface may include auditory cues orsynthesized speech output to effectively convey information to users with visualimpairments.The system includes a microcontroller configured to process real-time videofeed from an integrated high-resolution camera module and execute a computer visionsystem to detect and classify electric vehicles (EVs). An ultrasonic sensor positionedto assist in detecting vehicle proximity provides additional data to the microcontrollerfor improved accuracy.A microcontroller module control unit connected to the microcontrollermanages the overall operation of the detection system, including coordinatingfeedback mechanisms and the user interface. A vibration sensor activated by themicrocontroller provides tactile feedback to users upon EV detection, ensuring nonvisualalerts about nearby EVs.A battery supplies power to the system components, including themicrocontroller, ultrasonic sensor, and vibration sensor, ensuring operability invarious environments. A boost converter connected to the battery regulates and booststhe voltage to supply required power levels to the microcontroller and othercomponents.Feedback mechanisms in the EV detection module include vibration motorsconnected to the microcontroller, which are activated based on EV detection toprovide tactile feedback, and speakers connected to deliver auditory alerts orsynthesized speech output. The microcontroller utilizes computer vision algorithmsfrom libraries such as TensorFlow Lite or OpenCV to analyze the live video feed andidentify EVs based on predefined visual characteristics.Additionally, the microcontroller is connected to a user interface with tactileswitches and voice command inputs, allowing users to adjust feedback intensity, alertfrequency, and communication settings. The system further comprises wirelessconnectivity features, including Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, enabling integration with externaldevices such as smartphones or navigation devices for supplementary informationabout EV presence and location.The module is designed to seamlessly integrate with existing assistivetechnologies, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity to communicate withsmartphones or navigation devices, providing supplementary information about EVpresence and location. Compatibility with screen reader software or braille displaysensures accessibility for users reliant on these technologies.Rigorous testing is conducted throughout the development process to evaluatethe module's performance under various conditions, with iterative refinements madebased on feedback from blind and elderly users. Continuous improvement ensures thefinal product meets the highest standards of reliability, usability, and inclusivity,enhancing safety, autonomy, and accessibility in EV-rich environments.While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to theseembodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, andequivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from thespirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle detection and notification system, comprising of; a microcontroller (101) configured to process real-time video feed from an integrated high-resolution camera module and execute computer vision system to detect and classify electric vehicles (EVs); an ultrasonic sensor (102) positioned to assist in detecting the proximity of vehicles and providing additional data to the microcontroller (101) for improved accuracy of vehicle detection. a microcontroller module control unit (103) connected to the microcontroller (101), responsible for managing the overall operation of the detection system, including coordinating the feedback mechanisms and user interface. a vibration sensor (104) activated by the microcontroller (101) to provide tactile feedback to users upon detection of an EV, ensuring that users receive non-visual alerts about nearby EVs. a battery (105) providing the necessary power to the system components, including the microcontroller (101), ultrasonic sensor (102), and vibration sensor (104), ensuring the system's operability in various environments. a boost converter (106) connected to the battery (105), responsible for regulating and boosting the voltage to supply the required power levels to the microcontroller (101) and other components.

2. The electric vehicle detection and notification system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a feedback mechanism in the EV detection module include vibration motors connected to the microcontroller, which are activated based on EV detection to provide tactile feedback to users, and speakers also connected to the microcontroller, delivering auditory alerts and synthesized speech output to notify users of the presence and movement of EVs.

3. The electric vehicle detection and notification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the microcontroller (101) is configured to utilize computer vision algorithms from libraries such as TensorFlow Lite and OpenCV to analyze the live video feed and identify EVs based on predefined visual characteristics.

4. The electric vehicle detection and notification system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the microcontroller (101) is connected to a user interface including tactile switches and voice command inputs, allowing users to adjust feedback intensity, alert frequency, and communication settings.

5. The electric vehicle detection and notification system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising wireless connectivity features, including Bluetooth and Wi- Fi, enabling the system to integrate with external devices such as smartphones or navigation devices for supplementary information about EV presence and location.