Dynamic Road Markers for Real-Time Hazard Boundary Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for informing drivers of road incidents, such as accidents or road work zones, are inadequate as they often rely on visual cues that provide little warning and may not reach all drivers, especially those without mobile apps, and fail to dynamically update boundaries of changing incidents.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of road markers equipped with processing circuitry that determine and communicate a digital boundary of an area of interest, allowing them to connect with vehicles and networks to provide real-time information about hazards, using communication protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra-Wide Band for inter-marker communication and with vehicles or satellites for broader dissemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If visual notification methods (road cones, flashing lights, signs) are used to indicate road incidents, then drivers can see the incident location, but the warning distance is insufficient and drivers are notified too late
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual notification (road signs and cones on the road surface) to three-dimensional spatial notification by deploying multiple road markers that form a virtual boundary around the incident area. This creates a volumetric warning zone that drivers can detect from greater distances through mobile device notifications, effectively extending the warning distance and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as an intermediary between the incident and the driver. Instead of relying solely on direct visual contact with road markers, drivers receive notifications through their mobile devices when approaching the virtual boundary, providing earlier warning and allowing more time for reaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile apps are used to notify drivers of incidents, then information can be disseminated widely, but drivers without the app or with inaccurate location data are not informed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the notification system into multiple independent road markers that each can detect and report incidents. This segmentation allows the system to cover a broader area and provides redundancy, ensuring that drivers receive accurate notifications even if one marker's data is imperfect. The collective data from multiple markers improves overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the notification system universal by implementing it through infrastructure-based road markers rather than relying solely on mobile applications. This approach reaches all drivers regardless of whether they have the app installed, as the road markers themselves provide the notification capability through multiple channels (visual, auditory, mobile device notifications).
3Duration of action of stationary object
If static road signs are used to indicate road work zones, then the zone can be marked, but the boundary cannot be updated when the zone moves or changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static road markers into dynamic, networked devices that can communicate their positions and status in real-time. The virtual boundary formed by multiple road markers can be dynamically adjusted as incidents move or change, with the system automatically updating driver notifications to reflect the current boundary location while maintaining continuous presence on the road.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method for dynamically communicating information of an area of interest by way of road marker devices, such as road cones, pucks, barricade, or the like. The apparatus may communication information for areas of interest including road work zones, traffic accidents, disabled vehicles, or other road hazards. The road marker devices include processing circuitry configured to determine a peripheral shape as a boundary indicated by the road marker devices as the information of the area of interest, and communicate the information of the peripheral shape from a marker device to vehicles approaching the area of interest. The road markers may communicate information of the area of interest to autonomous vehicles, or vehicles having certain sensors.