Portable Device Collision Avoidance via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distracted use of wireless, portable, and handheld devices while walking or moving poses a hazard due to the lack of awareness of the user's surroundings, leading to potential collisions with objects or individuals.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, portable, and handheld device equipped with a camera system, collision avoidance sensors, and a central processing unit that provides a view of the surroundings and alerts the user to objects in their path, allowing them to avoid collisions while using the device for texting, emailing, or gaming on the go.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users engage in texting, emailing, or gaming on wireless devices while walking or moving, then device functionality and mobility are improved, but user awareness of surroundings deteriorates leading to collision hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, sensors, and audio output devices that mediate between the user's distracted state and the surrounding environment. The camera captures visual information, sensors detect obstacles, and the audio system communicates hazards to the user, allowing them to remain engaged with their device while still receiving critical safety information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of direct user observation with an automated electronic sensing and communication system. Instead of relying on the user's eyes and attention to detect obstacles, the system uses cameras, sensors, and audio feedback to automatically monitor and alert the user to hazards, substituting human sensory processing with electronic detection mechanisms.
2Productivity
If users focus on device activities such as texting or gaming, then device usage effectiveness is improved, but safety awareness of surrounding objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of hazards before the user would naturally encounter them. Cameras and sensors continuously scan the environment ahead of the user, identifying obstacles and potential collision risks in advance, and provide audio alerts that give the user time to react and avoid hazards before they become immediate threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the environment, process visual and spatial data, and provide real-time audio feedback to the user about detected hazards. This closed-loop system allows the user to maintain device usage while receiving continuous information about surrounding conditions and potential dangers.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, including cameras, microphone, speaker, processor, display, touchscreen keyboard, global positioning system, and collision avoidance sensor. Upon detecting a texting, e-mail, operational mode, game or gaming operational mode, or speakerphone, operational mode, the processor activates a camera and the collision avoidance sensor. The display displays a view in front of, or an anticipated travel path of movement of, the apparatus. The processor monitors a location of the apparatus. If the apparatus is outside of the safe area of travel, the processor activates the camera or a second camera to record a picture or video at the apparatus. The processor generates a notification message containing the picture or the video or containing a link to the picture or the video. The apparatus transmits the notification message to a communication device associated with an authorized individual or law enforcement personnel.