Bicycle Traffic Notification Device Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traffic notification devices for bicycles face a conflict between capturing high-quality images for accurate notifications and maintaining long battery life, as high image quality consumes more power.

Innovation Solution

The device operates in two modes: a high image quality mode for detailed notifications and a low power mode for energy saving, with mode switching based on detected traffic conditions, using machine vision techniques to adapt image quality and power consumption accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera unit operates in high image quality mode to provide accurate traffic notifications, then the image quality parameter is improved, but the power consumption increases and battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera unit dynamically switches between a first operational mode (high image quality) and a second operational mode (low power) based on detected traffic situations. The system adapts its operational characteristics in real-time rather than maintaining a fixed mode, resolving the contradiction by making image quality high only when necessary for accurate notifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the camera unit based on traffic situation assessment. When a traffic situation is detected, the camera switches to the first mode with higher image quality parameters; when no traffic situation is present, it switches to the second mode with lower power consumption parameters. This conditional parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between image quality and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the camera unit operates continuously in high image quality mode, then accurate and detailed traffic notifications are provided, but the battery life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification accuracyVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera unit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between high image quality mode and low power mode based on the presence of traffic situations. Instead of continuous high-quality operation, the system uses periodic high-quality capture only when traffic situations are detected, thereby extending battery life while maintaining notification accuracy when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The traffic notification device autonomously monitors traffic situations and self-regulates its operational mode without continuous user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting when high image quality is necessary and automatically switching modes, ensuring reliable notifications while conserving battery life through intelligent self-management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4300949A1Method for operating a traffic notification device for a bicycle, data processing apparatus, computer program, computer-readable storage medium, traffic notification device and bicycle assembly
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 ALPS ALPINE EUROPE GMBH
  • EP4300949A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4300949A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4300949A1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(c)

AI summary

A method for operating a traffic notification device (28) for a bicycle (26) is presented. The traffic notification device (28) is configured for being mounted on the bicycle (26) and comprises a camera unit (38) for capturing images of a traffic situation in the surroundings of the bicycle (26). The method comprises triggering the camera unit (38) to operate in a first operational mode, wherein in the first operational mode the camera unit (38) captures at least one image being characterized by a first image quality parameter. Moreover, according to the method, a mode switching information is detected or received. Additionally, the method comprises triggering the camera unit (38) to operate in a second operational mode, wherein in the second operational mode the camera unit (38) captures at least one image being characterized by a second image quality parameter. Furthermore, a data processing apparatus comprising means for carrying out the method, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium are described. Also a traffic notification device (28) for a bicycle (26) and a bicycle assembly (24) comprising such a traffic notification device (28) are explained.