Blind Spot Detection Using Wearable Device Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle blind spot detection systems are inadequate in fully eliminating blind spots, leading to accidents, as they rely on mirrors and technologies like VORAD and lane-changing alarms, which are not comprehensive enough to prevent collisions, especially for tractor-trailer drivers and pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensors, GPS, and mobile devices to track the relative position of vehicles and pedestrians, determining blind spots, and transmitting alarm signals to wearable or portable devices, which can provide audible, vibratory, or tactile alerts based on the proximity of objects within the blind spot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If mirrors are used to reduce blind spots, then the driver can see objects behind the vehicle, but blind spots cannot be completely eliminated due to varying vehicle types and driver heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror system with an electronic detection system using sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, radar, or camera-based) mounted on the vehicle to detect objects in blind spots. This electronic system can adapt to different vehicle types and driver heights through software configuration, eliminating the physical limitations of fixed mirror geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters dynamically based on vehicle type and driver height. Sensors can be positioned and configured with adjustable detection ranges and angles, allowing the blind spot monitoring system to adapt to midsize sedans, mini vans, trucks, and tractor-trailers by modifying detection parameters rather than physical mirror positions.
2Reliability
If VORAD microwave signals are used to detect obstructions, then detection works through environmental conditions like darkness and fog, but the system is not comprehensive enough to prevent all collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, radar, and camera-based systems) into an integrated blind spot monitoring system. This multi-sensor approach complements VORAD microwave signals by providing different detection mechanisms that work together to cover more scenarios, enhancing both reliability in environmental conditions and comprehensiveness in collision prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors with multiple functions: ultrasonic sensors for proximity detection, infrared sensors for heat signature detection in low visibility, radar for range and velocity measurement, and cameras for visual confirmation. This multi-functional sensor array ensures comprehensive collision prevention across various environmental conditions and object types.
3Loss of information
If lane-changing alarms use passive infrared sensors to detect heat of moving tires, then the system can detect vehicles in blind spots, but the system lacks versatility for different object types and speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive infrared sensor detection with active ultrasonic, radar, and camera systems. While infrared sensors excel at detecting heat signatures of moving tires, the combined system uses ultrasonic sensors for stationary object detection, radar for velocity-based detection, and cameras for visual identification, creating a versatile detection system that handles different object types and speeds effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting and alerting a user of objects in their blind spots, includes: tracking movement and relative position of a user to one or more objects; determining a blind spot of the user; determining when at least one of the one or more objects occupies the blind spot of the user; and transmitting a signal to a user mobile device to perform an alarm operation when at least one of the one or more objects occupies the blind spot of the user.