Acoustic Road Surface Classification for Real-Time Friction Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating road surface friction coefficients are inaccurate and economically inefficient, particularly in real-time applications, as they rely on dynamic vehicle information or electromagnetic wave sensors, which have limitations in accuracy and require expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device using sound signals and artificial neural networks to classify road surfaces by transmitting and receiving sound signals, correcting for atmosphere information, and determining the road surface type, allowing for real-time management and control of road surfaces through devices like heating wires or brine sprays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic wave sensors are used to estimate road surface friction coefficient, then road surface can be estimated remotely, but expensive sensor equipment and signal processing devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic wave sensors with acoustic sensors (microphones) to detect road surface friction sounds. This substitution uses acoustic energy instead of electromagnetic energy, dramatically reducing equipment cost while maintaining estimation capability through sound signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sound signals as a cheaper copy or alternative to expensive electromagnetic wave sensing. By capturing acoustic reflections and friction sounds, the system creates an economical sensing approach that mimics the functionality of expensive sensors without requiring complex hardware
2Measurement precision
If dynamic information of vehicle is used to estimate friction coefficient, then measurement can be performed, but accuracy is lowered in situations deviating from predetermined modeling and friction coefficient cannot be estimated in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables advance estimation of friction coefficient by detecting sound signals from the road surface before the vehicle reaches it. The acoustic sensing system captures friction sounds and surface characteristics in real-time, allowing predictive estimation rather than reactive measurement after contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical dynamic information to acoustic sound signal characteristics. By analyzing frequency, amplitude, and temporal patterns of friction sounds, the system adapts to various road conditions without requiring complex vehicle dynamic models
3Productivity
If acoustic information is used to estimate road surface state, then estimation can be performed, but accuracy is insufficient and front of road surface state cannot be checked before passing through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances acoustic estimation by adding temporal dimension through real-time continuous monitoring and spatial dimension through multiple microphone arrays. This multi-dimensional acoustic analysis improves accuracy by capturing sound signal variations from different angles and time points
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate classification of road surfaces, preventing accidents and managing road surfaces economically and efficiently, providing real-time transportation network information.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a sound signal toward a target road surface spaced apart from the electronic device by a first distance using the transceiver, receive a reflection signal of the sound signal for the target road surface using the transceiver
Implementation Method 2
acquire atmosphere information related to the sound signal using the atmosphere sensor, generate second data by correcting the first data based on the atmosphere information
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, an electronic device for classifying a road surface using a sound signal and a road surface classification method using the same are disclosed. In addition, a device and method for managing a road surface through road surface classification are disclosed. Meanwhile, a method for installing an infrastructure for implementing a road surface classification method is disclosed. Other various embodiments are possible.