Method and system for warning vehicle riders about safe riding based on rider posture

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method, computing unit (101), and system for warning a vehicle rider about safe riding based on the rider's posture. The method includes receiving (301) sensor data and / or visual data related to the rider from an imaging and sensing unit (111). The method then includes determining (303) an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on the sensor data and / or visual data. If the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the method then includes determining (305) weight instability of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data. Finally, if weight instability is determined, the method includes warning the rider about safe riding (307). The vehicle is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to the field of rider safety systems, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method, computing unit, and system for alerting a vehicle rider about a safe ride based on the rider's posture. [Background technology]

[0002] As vehicle technology for two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles advances, rider safety systems have also improved. Rider safety systems exist that maintain traction control during cornering or sudden braking and prevent skidding during heavy braking using anti-lock braking mechanisms. However, existing rider safety systems do not take into account the rider's posture during normal riding or cornering. As a result, riders with poor cornering speed and / or poor rider posture may experience vehicle instability and / or a fall.

[0003] The information disclosed in this Background section of the present disclosure is intended to enhance understanding of the overall background of the present invention and is not an admission or suggestion that this information forms prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A need exists to overcome the above-mentioned problems with existing rider safety systems.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for warning a rider of a vehicle about a safe ride. The method includes receiving at least one of sensor data and visual data related to the rider from an imaging and sensing unit. Thereafter, the method includes determining an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data. The method then includes determining weight instability of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data if the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle. Finally, the method includes warning the rider about a safe ride if weight instability is determined.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a computing unit for warning a rider of a vehicle about a safe ride. The computing unit includes a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the processor, the memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to receive at least one of sensor data and visual data related to the rider from an imaging and sensing unit. The processor is then configured to determine an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data. In a subsequent stage, the processor is configured to determine weight instability of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data if the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle. Finally, the processor is configured to warn the rider about a safe ride when weight instability is determined.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for warning a rider of a vehicle about riding safety. The system includes an imaging and sensing unit and a computing unit communicatively connected to the imaging and sensing unit. The computing unit is configured to receive at least one of sensor data and visual data related to the rider from the imaging and sensing unit. The computing unit is then configured to determine an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data. In a subsequent stage, the computing unit is configured to determine weight instability of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data when the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle. Finally, the computing unit is configured to warn the rider about riding safety when weight instability is determined.

[0008] The above-described methods, computing units, and system embodiments of the present disclosure provide several technical advantages.

[0009] In the present disclosure, the rider's posture in the vehicle is continuously monitored and a warning is given to the rider in case of weight instability, which ensures the rider's safety and prevents accidents that may occur due to weight instability.

[0010] The use of sensor data and visual data provides comprehensive data for determining absolute lean angle and subsequently determining weight instability. This approach using sensor data and visual data minimizes the number of single-vehicle accidents caused by poor rider riding style and / or an improper center of gravity of the vehicle.

[0011] The warning mechanism (i.e., method) of the present disclosure prevents the rider from being thrown from the vehicle due to inappropriate cornering speeds and / or improper riding position by making the rider aware of conditions such as weight imbalance or improper riding position and allowing them to take corrective action.

[0012] Furthermore, the use of infrared cameras in the present disclosure allows for warnings to be sent to vehicle riders if signs of rider drowsiness / fatigue are detected. This approach further prevents accidents caused by rider lack of awareness while riding. The use of infrared cameras is also useful for detecting rider movement at night.

[0013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to like features and components. Several embodiments of systems and / or methods according to embodiments of the present subject matter will now be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1a] 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for warning a vehicle rider about a safe ride according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1b] 1 illustrates at least one camera positioned on a vehicle dashboard according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1c] 1 illustrates at least one camera positioned on a vehicle dashboard according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a computing unit according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for alerting a vehicle rider about a safe ride according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Those skilled in the art should appreciate that any block diagrams herein represent a conceptual view of an illustrative system embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, any flowcharts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, etc., will be understood to represent various processes that may be substantially represented on a computer-readable medium and executed by such a computer or processor, whether or not a computer or processor is explicitly depicted.

[0017] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0018] The present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a configuration, apparatus, or method that includes a list of components or steps may include not only those components or steps, but also other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such configuration, apparatus, or method. In other words, one or more elements of a system or apparatus described by "comprises...a" does not, without further constraints, exclude other or additional elements from being present in the system or method.

[0020] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0021]

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for warning a vehicle rider about riding safety based on the rider's posture. In this disclosure, the rider refers to the driver of the vehicle. The vehicle is a motorcycle or a tricycle. This disclosure can be extended to any vehicle other than a motorcycle or a tricycle that can implement the rider warning solution of this disclosure. This disclosure discloses a method, a computing unit, and a system for warning a vehicle rider about riding safety. The method receives at least one of sensor data and visual data related to the rider from an imaging and sensing unit. Based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data, the method determines an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture. If the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the method uses the absolute lean angle and the sensor data to determine weight instability of the rider. If weight instability is determined, the method warns the rider about riding safety. The rider is warned using at least one of an audio signal, a tactile signal, and a visual signal. This disclosure improves rider safety.

[0022] FIG. 1a illustrates an exemplary environment for alerting a vehicle rider about a safe ride according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1a, the environment 100 includes a computing unit 101, a communication network 109, and an imaging and sensing unit 111. The imaging and sensing unit 111 captures sensor data and / or visual data related to a vehicle rider. The vehicle may be a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a bicycle, an electronic power-assisted cycle (EPAC), a scooter, an all-terrain vehicle, and any type of motorcycle. The present disclosure can be extended to any vehicle other than a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that can implement the rider warning solution of the present disclosure. The imaging and sensing unit 111 includes pressure sensor arrays coupled to the vehicle's seat unit and handlebar grips (i.e., the left and right handlebar grips), at least one camera 121 disposed on the vehicle's instrument panel, wheel speed sensors coupled to the vehicle's wheels, and an accelerometer and gyroscope coupled to the vehicle's inertial measurement unit. The at least one camera 121 disposed on the vehicle's instrument panel is shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c. At least one camera 121 located on the vehicle's dashboard is positioned facing the rider to cover a field of view of 120 degrees or more to monitor all rider movements or activities. The at least one camera includes at least one of a color camera and an infrared camera. The color camera may be any type of color camera for capturing visual data. The infrared camera is used to measure or track the rider's eye movements when the rider is wearing a helmet without a visor or a helmet with a transparent visor. The visual data from the infrared camera helps the computing unit 101 to warn the rider if signs of rider drowsiness or fatigue are detected. Furthermore, the visual data from the infrared camera helps the computing unit 101 to detect the rider's movements at night. The visual data from the at least one camera 121 is a continuous stream of video. In one embodiment, the at least one camera 121 processes the continuous stream of video to provide visual data in the form of a continuous stream of images.A pressure sensor array associated with the vehicle's seat unit actively monitors whether the rider is properly seated in the seat unit or leaning away from a normal seated position. The pressure sensor array associated with the vehicle's handlebar grips includes a pressure sensor array associated with the left handlebar grip and a pressure sensor array associated with the right handlebar grip. The pressure sensor array associated with the handlebar grips actively monitors the rider's engagement with the vehicle, such as detecting proper handlebar grip and rotation. The wheel speed sensors provide data regarding the speed at which the vehicle rider is traveling or entering a curve. The gyroscope provides data regarding how the rider's lean is affecting the vehicle's lean. The accelerometer provides data regarding the vehicle's acceleration. The sensor data includes data from at least one of the pressure sensor array, the wheel speed sensors, the accelerometer, and the gyroscope. The imaging and sensing unit 111 transmits at least one of the sensor data and visual data regarding the rider to the computing unit 101 using the communication network 109.

[0024] The communications network 109 may include, but is not limited to, a direct interconnection, an e-commerce network, a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (e.g., using a Wireless Application Protocol), the Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

[0025] The computing unit 101 receives sensor data and / or visual data related to the rider from the imaging and sensing unit 111. Based on the sensor data and / or visual data, the computing unit 111 warns the rider about a safe ride. The computing unit 101 can reside on a server or in a vehicle's navigation device, or as an independent unit (or device) combined with the vehicle's dashboard. The server may be a local server or a cloud server. The computing unit 101 includes an I / O interface 103, a memory 105, and a processor 107. The I / O interface 103 is configured to communicate with the imaging and sensing unit 111. The I / O interface 103 may employ communication protocols / methods such as, but not limited to, audio, analog, digital, mono, Radio Corporation of America (RCA) connector, stereo, IEEE® 1394 high-speed serial bus, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, Personal System / 2 (PS / 2) port, Bayonet Neill Concelman (BNC) connector, coaxial, component, composite, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®), radio frequency (RF) antenna, S-Video, Video Graphics Array (VGA), IEEE® 802.11b / g / n / x, Bluetooth, cellular, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM®), Long Term Evolution (LTE®), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax®), and the like.

[0026] The memory 105 is communicatively coupled to the processor 107 of the computing unit 101. Additionally, the memory 105 stores processor instructions that cause the processor 107 to execute instructions for warning a vehicle rider about a safe ride.

[0027] The processor 107 may include at least one data processor for alerting the vehicle rider about a safe ride.

[0028] In one embodiment, the imaging and sensing unit 111 together with the computing unit 101 form a system for warning vehicle riders about safe riding.

[0029] The following describes the operation of the computing unit 101 for warning the vehicle rider about safe riding.

[0030] Situation 1, i.e., the rider is turning on a curve: When the rider is turning, the computing unit 101 receives at least one of sensor data and visual data related to the rider from the imaging and sensing unit 111. The computing unit 101 determines an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data. If the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the computing unit 101 determines weight instability of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data. Thereafter, based on the determination of weight instability, the computing unit 101 warns the rider for safe riding using at least one of an audio signal, a haptic signal, and a visual signal.

[0031] Situation 2, i.e., the rider's eyes are showing signs of drowsiness or fatigue: When the rider is driving the vehicle, the computing unit 101 receives sensor data and / or visual data related to the rider from the imaging and sensing unit 111. The computing unit 101 determines an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on the sensor data and / or visual data. If the absolute lean angle does not exceed a predetermined threshold angle, the computing unit 101 continues processing the provided sensor data and / or visual data to monitor the rider's posture. Furthermore, the computing unit 101 utilizes visual data from the infrared camera received in the sensor data and / or visual data related to the rider to determine whether the rider's eyes are focused on the road surface or whether the rider's eyes are showing signs of drowsiness or fatigue. If the rider's eyes are focused on the road surface or the rider's eyes are not showing signs of drowsiness or fatigue, the computing unit 101 continues processing the provided sensor data and / or visual data to monitor the rider's posture. If the rider's eyes are not focused on the road surface or the rider's eyes show signs of drowsiness or fatigue, the computing unit 101 warns the rider for safe riding using at least one of an audio signal, a haptic signal, and a visual signal.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram of a computing unit according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] The computing unit 101 includes the I / O interface 103 and processor 107 described above, as well as data 201 and one or more modules 211, which are described in detail herein. In this embodiment, the data 201 is stored in memory 105. The data 201 includes, for example, sensor data and visual data 203 and other data 205.

[0034] The sensor and visual data 203 includes data from at least one of a pressure sensor array, a wheel speed sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. The sensor and visual data 203 receives data from the imaging and sensing unit 111.

[0035] Other data 205 may store data including temporary data and files generated by one or more modules 211 for performing various functions of the computing unit 101 .

[0036] In this embodiment, data 201 in memory 105 is processed by one or more modules 211 residing in memory 105 of computing unit 101. In this embodiment, one or more modules 211 may be implemented as dedicated hardware units. As used herein, the term module refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable system-on-a-chip (PSoC), a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, one or more modules 211 are communicatively coupled to processor 107 to perform one or more functions of computing unit 101. One or more modules 211, when configured with the functionality defined in this disclosure, result in novel hardware.

[0037] In one embodiment, the one or more modules 211 include, but are not limited to, a receiving module 213, a determining module 215, and an alerting module 217. The one or more modules 211 also include other modules 219 for performing various miscellaneous functions of the computing unit 101.

[0038] The receiving module 213 receives sensor data and / or visual data related to the rider from the imaging and sensing unit 111 via the I / O interface 103. Furthermore, the receiving module 213 transmits the sensor data and / or visual data to the determining module 215.

[0039] The determination module 215 determines the absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data. Specifically, the determination module 215 detects the rider's leaning motion using the visual data received in the sensor data and / or the visual data. In one embodiment, the determination module 215 determines the rider's leaning motion using sensor data from wheel speed sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes in addition to the visual data. The determination module 215 correlates and compares the rider's leaning motion with at least one of sensor data from pressure sensor arrays coupled to the vehicle's seat unit and handlebar grips, which are received in the sensor data and / or the visual data. Based on the correlation and comparison, the determination module 215 determines the absolute lean angle. Then, when the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the determination module 215 determines the rider's weight imbalance using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data. Specifically, the determination module 215 compares the absolute lean angle with a predetermined threshold angle. The predetermined threshold angle may be an angle defined according to an industry standard for two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles. In one, non-limiting embodiment, the absolute lean angle is 35°. If the absolute lean angle does not exceed the predetermined threshold angle, the determination module 215 continues processing the provided sensor data and / or visual data to monitor the rider's posture. If the absolute lean angle exceeds the predetermined threshold angle, the determination module 215 determines rider weight imbalance. To determine weight imbalance, the determination module 215 uses the visual data to determine whether the rider is leaning to the left, right, or neither side. If weight imbalance does not exist, i.e., the rider is not leaning to either side, the determination module 215 continues processing the provided sensor data and / or visual data to monitor the rider's posture.If the determination module 215 determines that the rider is leaning to the left, the determination module 215 correlates sensor data from the pressure sensor array coupled to the vehicle's seat unit and the left handlebar grip to determine rider weight instability. Similarly, if the determination module 215 determines that the rider is leaning to the right, the determination module 215 correlates sensor data from the pressure sensor array coupled to the vehicle's seat unit and the right handlebar grip to determine rider weight instability. The determination module 215 transmits the determined rider weight instability to the warning module 217.

[0040] In another embodiment, the determination module 215 utilizes visual data from an infrared camera received in the sensor data and / or visual data related to the rider to determine whether the rider's eyes are focused on the road surface or whether the rider's eyes are showing signs of drowsiness or fatigue. If the rider's eyes are focused on the road surface or the rider's eyes are not showing signs of drowsiness or fatigue, the determination module 215 continues processing the provided sensor data and / or visual data to monitor the rider's posture. If the rider's eyes are not focused on the road surface or the rider's eyes are showing signs of drowsiness or fatigue, the determination module 215 sends the rider's determined instability of the rider's eye focus to the warning module 217.

[0041] When weight instability is determined, the warning module 217 warns the rider about safe riding. The warning module 217 warns the rider using at least one of an audio signal, a tactile signal, and a visual signal. For example, the warning module 217 warns the rider if the rider is entering a curve with excessive speed and / or poor posture, which may adversely affect the center of gravity of the vehicle and result in a skid.

[0042] In one embodiment, the warning module 217 warns the rider about riding safety when the rider's eye focus is determined to be unstable. The warning module 217 warns the rider using at least one of an audio signal, a haptic signal, and a visual signal.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for alerting a vehicle rider about a safe ride according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] 3, the method 300 includes one or more blocks for alerting a vehicle rider about a safe ride. The method 300 may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions. Generally, computer-executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[0045] The order of description of method 300 is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks can be deleted from the method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Additionally, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0046] In block 301, the receiving module 213 of the computing unit 101 receives at least one of sensor data and visual data related to the rider from the imaging and sensing unit (111). The imaging and sensing unit (111) includes pressure sensor arrays coupled to the seat unit and handlebar grips (i.e., the left and right handlebar grips) of the vehicle, at least one camera (121) disposed on the vehicle's instrument panel, wheel speed sensors coupled to the vehicle's wheels, and accelerometers and gyroscopes coupled to the vehicle's inertial measurement unit. The at least one camera (121) includes at least one of a color camera and an infrared camera. The sensor data includes data from at least one of the pressure sensor array, the wheel speed sensors, the accelerometer, and the gyroscope. The vehicle is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle.

[0047] In block 303, the determination module 215 of the computing unit 101 determines the absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on the sensor data and / or the visual data.

[0048] In block 305, the determination module 215 of the computing unit 101 determines rider weight instability using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data when the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle.

[0049] In block 307, the warning module 217 of the computing unit 101 warns the rider about safe riding when weight instability is determined, and the warning to the rider is performed using at least one of an audio signal, a haptic signal, and a visual signal.

[0050] Some of the technical advantages of the present disclosure are listed below:

[0051] In the present disclosure, the rider's posture in the vehicle is continuously monitored and a warning is given to the rider in case of weight instability, which ensures the rider's safety and prevents accidents that may occur due to weight instability.

[0052] The use of sensor data and visual data provides comprehensive data for determining absolute lean angle and subsequently determining weight instability. This approach using sensor data and visual data minimizes the number of single-vehicle accidents caused by poor rider riding style and / or an improper center of gravity of the vehicle.

[0053] The warning mechanism (i.e., method) of the present disclosure prevents the rider from being thrown from the vehicle due to inappropriate cornering speeds and / or improper riding position by making the rider aware of conditions such as weight imbalance or improper riding position and allowing them to take corrective action.

[0054] Furthermore, the use of infrared cameras in the present disclosure allows for warnings to be sent to vehicle riders if signs of rider drowsiness / fatigue are detected. This approach further prevents accidents caused by rider lack of awareness while riding. The use of infrared cameras is also useful for detecting rider movement at night.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing embodiments consistent with this disclosure.

[0056] In one embodiment, a computer system 400 is used to implement the computing unit 101. The computer system 400 includes a central processing unit ("CPU" or "processor") 402. The processor 402 includes at least one data processor for alerting the vehicle rider about a safe ride. The processor 402 includes dedicated processing units such as an integrated system (bus) controller, a memory management control unit, a floating point unit, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processing unit, etc.

[0057] The processor 402 is arranged to communicate with one or more input / output (I / O) devices (not shown in FIG. 4) via an I / O interface 401 . The I / O interface 401 may employ communication protocols / methods such as, but not limited to, audio, analog, digital, mono, Radio Corporation of America (RCA) connector, stereo, IEEE® 1394 high-speed serial bus, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, Personal System / 2 (PS / 2) port, Bayonet Neill Concelman (BNC) connector, coaxial, component, composite, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®), radio frequency (RF) antenna, S-Video, Video Graphics Array (VGA), IEEE® 802.11b / g / n / x, Bluetooth, cellular, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA+), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM®), Long Term Evolution (LTE®), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax®), and the like.

[0058] Using I / O interface 401, computer system 400 communicates with one or more I / O devices, such as input device(s) 412 and output device(s) 413. For example, input device(s) 412 may be an antenna, keyboard, mouse, joystick, (infrared) remote control, camera, card reader, fax machine, dongle, biometric reader, microphone, touch screen, touch pad, trackball, stylus, scanner, storage device, transceiver, video device / source, etc. Output device(s) 413 may be a printer, fax machine, video display (e.g., cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), plasma, plasma display panel (PDP), organic light emitting diode display (OLED), etc.), audio speaker, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments, the computer system 400 comprises a computing unit 101. The processor 402 is arranged to communicate with a communication network 109 via a network interface 403. The network interface 403 communicates with the communication network 109. The network interface 403 employs a connection protocol including, but not limited to, a direct connection, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Token Ring, IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / x, etc. The communication network 109 includes, but is not limited to, a direct interconnect, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (e.g., using a wireless application protocol), the Internet, etc. Using the network interface 403 and the communication network 109, the computer system 400 communicates with the imaging and sensing unit 111. The network interface 403 employs connection protocols including, but not limited to, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Token Ring, IEEE® 802.11a / b / g / n / x, etc.

[0060] The communications network 109 may include, but is not limited to, a direct interconnection, a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network (e.g., using a Wireless Application Protocol), the Internet, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processor 402 is arranged to communicate with memory 405 (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc., not shown in FIG. 4 ) via a storage interface 404. The storage interface 404 is connected to memory 405, including, but not limited to, memory drives, removable disk drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE® 1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Fibre Channel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), etc. Memory drives further include drum, magnetic disk drives, magneto-optical drives, optical drives, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

[0062] Memory 405 stores a collection of program or database components, including, but not limited to, a user interface 406, an operating system 407, etc. In some embodiments, computer system 400 stores user / application data such as data, variables, records, etc. as described in this disclosure. Such databases may be implemented as fault-tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as Oracle or Sybase.

[0063] Operating system 407 facilitates resource management and operation of computer system 400. Examples of operating systems include, but are not limited to, APPLE® MACINTOSH® OS X®, UNIX®, UNIX-like system distributions (e.g., BERKELEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION® (BSD), FREEBSD®, NETBSD®, OPENBSD, etc.), LINUX® distributions (e.g., RED HAT®, UBUNTU®, KUBUNTU®, etc.), IBM® OS / 2®, MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® (XP®, VISTA®, 7, 8, 10, etc.), APPLE® IOS®, GOOGLE® ANDROID®, BLACKBERRY® OS, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, computer system 400 implements stored program components of a web browser 408. Web browser 408 is a hypertext browsing application such as MICROSOFT® INTERNET EXPLORER®, GOOGLE™ CHROME™, MOZILLA® FIREFOX®, APPLE® SAFARI®, etc. Secure web browsing is provided using Secure Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS), etc. Web browser 408 utilizes features such as AJAX, DHTML, ADOBE® FLASH®, JAVASCRIPT®, JAVA®, application programming interfaces (APIs), etc. Computer system 400 implements stored program components of a mail server (not shown in FIG. 4 ). The mail server is an Internet mail server such as Microsoft Exchange. The mail server may utilize functionality such as ASP, ACTIVEX®, ANSI® C++ / C#, MICROSOFT® .NET, CGI SCRIPTS, JAVA®, JAVASCRIPTS®, PERL®, PHP, PYTHON®, WEBOBJECTS®, etc. The mail server may utilize communication protocols such as Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI), MICROSOFT® exchange, Post Office Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), etc. Computer system 400 implements the stored program components of a mail client (not shown in FIG. 4).The email client is an email viewing application such as APPLE (registered trademark) MAIL, MICROSOFT (registered trademark) ENTOURAGE (registered trademark), MICROSOFT (registered trademark) OUTLOOK (registered trademark), MOZILLA (registered trademark), THUNDERBIRD (registered trademark), or the like.

[0065] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory capable of storing information or data readable by a processor. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium stores instructions for execution by one or more processors, such as instructions for causing the processor to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term "computer-readable medium" should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage medium.

[0066] The above operations may be implemented as a method, individual unit, system, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to generate software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The above operations may also be implemented as code maintained on a "non-transitory computer-readable medium," where a processor can read and execute the code from the computer-readable medium. The processor is a microprocessor and / or processor capable of processing and executing queries. Non-transitory computer-readable media may include media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disks, tapes, etc.), optical storage devices (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disks, etc.), volatile and non-volatile memory devices (e.g., EEPROMs, ROMs, PROMs, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, flash memory, firmware, programmable logic, etc.). Furthermore, non-transitory computer-readable media includes all computer-readable media except for transient media. Furthermore, code performing the above operations may be implemented in hardware logic (e.g., integrated circuit chips, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.).

[0067] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," "embodiments," "the embodiment," "the embodiment," "the illustration," "one or more illustrations," "some illustrations," and "one embodiment" mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments of the invention," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0068] The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0069] The listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0070] The terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more," unless otherwise specified.

[0071] A description of an embodiment having several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required, but rather, various optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] Where a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that two or more devices / articles (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of the single device / article. Similarly, where two or more devices or articles (whether or not they cooperate) are described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device / article may be used in place of the two or more devices or articles, or that a different number of devices / articles may be used in place of the number of devices or programs shown. The functionality and / or features of a device may be embodied by one or more other devices not explicitly described as having such functionality / features. Thus, other embodiments of the present invention need not include the device itself.

[0073] The example operations in Figure 3 show certain events occurring in a particular order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or removed. Furthermore, steps may be added to the logic described above and still conform to the described embodiment. Furthermore, operations described herein may be performed sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Still further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

[0074] Finally, the language used herein has been selected primarily for purposes of readability and explanation, and may not be selected to delineate or limit the subject matter of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims that issue on an application based thereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0075] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, the scope of which is indicated by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] TIFF2025528829000002.tif141170

Claims

1. 1. A method for warning a vehicle rider about safe riding, comprising: receiving (301) sensor data and / or visual data relating to a rider from an imaging and sensing unit (111); determining (303) an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data; determining (305) weight instability of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data if the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle; When the weight instability is determined, warning the rider for safe riding (307); A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging and sensing unit (111) comprises a pressure sensor array coupled to a seat unit and handlebar grips of the vehicle, at least one camera (121) disposed on an instrument panel of the vehicle, wheel speed sensors coupled to wheels of the vehicle, and accelerometers and gyroscopes coupled to an inertial measurement unit of the vehicle.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the at least one camera (121) comprises at least one of a color camera and an infrared camera.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensor data includes data from at least one of a pressure sensor array, a wheel speed sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the rider is alerted using at least one of an audio signal, a tactile signal, and a visual signal.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle.

7. A computing unit (101) for warning a vehicle rider about a safe ride, comprising: A processor (107); a memory (105) communicatively connected to the processor (107); It is equipped with The memory (105), when executed, causes the processor (107) to receiving at least one of sensor data and visual data relating to said rider from an imaging and sensing unit (111); determining an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data; determining weight instability of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data if the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle; and When the weight instability is determined, a warning is given to the rider for safe riding. a computing unit (101) storing processor-executable instructions for causing the

8. 8. The computing unit (101) of claim 7, wherein the imaging and sensing unit (111) comprises a pressure sensor array coupled to a seat unit and handlebar grips of the vehicle, at least one camera (121) arranged on an instrument panel of the vehicle, wheel speed sensors coupled to wheels of the vehicle, and accelerometers and gyroscopes coupled to an inertial measurement unit of the vehicle.

9. The computing unit (101) of claim 8, wherein the at least one camera (121) comprises at least one of a color camera and an infrared camera.

10. The computing unit (101) of claim 7, wherein the sensor data includes data from at least one of a pressure sensor array, a wheel speed sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.

11. The computing unit (101) of claim 7, wherein the warning to the rider is performed using at least one of an audio signal, a tactile signal, and a visual signal.

12. The computing unit (101) according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle.

13. 1. A system for warning a vehicle rider about safe riding, comprising: an imaging and sensing unit (111); a computing unit (101) communicatively connected to said imaging and sensing unit (111); It is equipped with The computing unit receiving sensor data and / or visual data relating to the rider from an imaging and sensing unit (111); determining an absolute lean angle of the rider's posture based on at least one of the sensor data and the visual data; determining a weight imbalance of the rider using the absolute lean angle and the sensor data when the absolute lean angle exceeds a predetermined threshold angle; When the weight instability is determined, the rider is warned about safe riding. The system is configured as follows:

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the imaging and sensing unit (111) comprises a pressure sensor array coupled to a seat unit and handlebar grips of the vehicle, at least one camera (121) disposed on an instrument panel of the vehicle, wheel speed sensors coupled to wheels of the vehicle, and accelerometers and gyroscopes coupled to an inertial measurement unit of the vehicle.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the sensor data includes data from at least one of a pressure sensor array, a wheel speed sensor, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope.

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