Cyclist Interference Alerts With Dynamic Risk Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warning devices for cyclists struggle to provide adaptive and effective notifications of potential interference from road users behind them, leading to overburdening in heavy traffic or missed notifications in low-traffic situations due to fixed risk thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A method that analyzes images from the cyclist's perspective to assess the risk of interference by generating a dynamic risk level threshold based on historic indicators, triggering notifications when the current risk exceeds this threshold, and providing adaptable visual and audio alerts based on the severity of the risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed risk level threshold is used for triggering notifications, then the notification system is simple to operate, but it causes overburdening in heavy traffic or missed notifications in low-traffic situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed risk level threshold to a dynamic threshold that automatically adapts to current traffic conditions. The system continuously monitors the traffic environment and adjusts the threshold accordingly, making the notification system both simple to operate and adaptable to varying traffic situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the risk level threshold from a static value to a dynamic value that varies based on traffic conditions. By monitoring environmental parameters and adjusting the threshold parameter accordingly, the system resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
2Reliability
If notifications are triggered frequently to ensure safety in heavy traffic, then road safety is improved, but cyclists become overburdened with unnecessary alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the notification trigger threshold based on monitored traffic conditions. In heavy traffic, the threshold is adjusted to reduce unnecessary alerts while maintaining safety, and in light traffic, it increases sensitivity to catch potential hazards. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.
3Reliability
If the risk level threshold is set low to catch all potential risks, then no notifications are missed, but false alarms increase in low-traffic situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the risk level threshold based on the current traffic environment. In low-traffic situations, the threshold is raised to reduce false alarms, while in heavy traffic, it is lowered to ensure all potential risks are caught. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between notification accuracy and false alarms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a dynamic risk level threshold based on historic indicators is implemented, then adaptability to traffic conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring traffic conditions and adjusting the risk level threshold without requiring manual intervention or complex external control. The historic risk level indicators are automatically processed to determine the current threshold, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for assessing a risk of interference between a first road user, especially a cyclist, and a second road user is described. The method comprises receiving at least one image taken from a position of the first road user showing a traffic situation including the second road user (S1). The image is analyzed and a current risk level indicator is deducted (S2). The current risk level indicator describes a current risk of interference between the first road user and the second road user. Additionally, a current risk level threshold is determined (S3). The current risk level threshold is a function of a set of historic risk level indicators. The current risk level indicator and the current risk level threshold are compared (S4) and a notification for the first road user is triggered if the current risk level indicator exceeds the current risk level threshold (S5). Moreover, a data processing device and a system for assessing a risk of interference between the first road user and the second road user is presented. Moreover, a bicycle assembly comprising a bicycle and such a system is explained.