Cloud-Based Vehicle Position Indicators for Racing Spectators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectators at vehicle racing events face difficulties in tracking the positions of contestants due to the size and length of venues, often requiring them to divert attention from the race to consult external sources for updates, and implementing positional indicators at each venue is technically complex.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based system that remotely controls position indicators mounted on vehicles, using lamps or LEDs to display their positions relative to others, synchronized with a remote management service for real-time updates, allowing spectators to view positions without leaving their seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If spectators consult external sources or score boards to track vehicle positions, then they can obtain position information, but they must divert their attention from the race and leave their viewing position
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based management service acts as an intermediary between the timing/scoring system and position indicators on vehicles. The management service receives timing data, determines vehicle positions, and sends control signals to display position information directly on vehicles through indicators visible to spectators, eliminating the need for spectators to consult external sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of position information by displaying indicators on actual vehicles rather than requiring spectators to look at separate score boards or external displays. Each vehicle carries its own position indicator that is visible from the spectator's viewpoint, effectively copying the information display function directly onto the race participants
2Ease of operation
If venues implement positional indicators on vehicles, then spectators can easily track positions, but the technical complexity and setup requirements for each venue become daunting
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based management service provides a universal platform that can serve multiple venues and races simultaneously. The system integrates timing, scoring, and position indicator control in a single multi-functional service, eliminating the need for each venue to implement separate complex systems. The service can be applied to various racing events at different venues with minimal customization
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically receives timing and scoring updates from the venue's timing system, autonomously determines vehicle positions, and independently controls the position indicators without requiring manual intervention or complex venue setup. The cloud service handles all processing and control functions, reducing the technical burden on venue operators
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 spectators to easily track the positions of vehicles during races without leaving their view, simplifying the implementation by centralizing the system's management and reducing the technical complexity for each venue.
Implementation Method 1
The positional indicators include a lamp assembly with lights, LEDs, strobes, or other luminescent devices
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud-based system for controlling a position indicator for a vehicle relative to other vehicles, such as in a race. The position indicator may be mounted to the vehicle and optionally activated by a remote cloud-based service in communication with the position indicators. Position indicators may include one or more lamps, LEDs, displays, and the like operable to present positional information. During an event (or multiple separate events) such as one or more races occurring simultaneously, the system may be configured to remotely receive timing and scoring updates for the events, determine the relative position of the participants for each event, and direct the position indicators for the different participants to display positional information so that fans at the events need not divert their attention from the event to obtain positional updates for the participants.