Jaywalking Detection via Trajectory Prediction and Path Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems fail to effectively detect jaywalking by vulnerable road users (VRUs) at distances beyond pedestrian crosswalk areas and do not provide sufficient lead time for vehicles and VRUs to react, as existing technologies lack detection units for jaywalkers not detectable by lidar, radar, or video systems, and do not predict trajectories to enable timely reactions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that store past trajectory data of vehicles and VRUs, detect current moving trajectories, and determine if they match infrequently taken paths, predicting future paths to identify jaywalking by determining if the predicted path crosses frequently used vehicle paths, thereby triggering warnings for nearby vehicles to slow down or stop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static systems (pedestrian crosswalk markings, flashing traffic panels) are used, then safety at crosswalk areas is improved, but detection capability for jaywalkers distant from crosswalk areas is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety at crosswalk areasVSAvoiddetection capability for distant jaywalkers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the detection task into multiple components: static detection at crosswalk areas using traditional systems, and mobile detection for distant areas using smartphone-based detection units. Each segment handles a specific detection zone, collectively providing comprehensive coverage from distant approach to crosswalk entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static, location-fixed detection to mobile, user-carried detection by placing sensors in smartphones. This dimensional shift allows detection capabilities to move with potential jaywalkers, enabling early detection at any location before they reach crosswalk areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If traditional detection systems are used, then detection at crosswalk areas is provided, but sufficient lead time for reaction is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection at crosswalk areasVSAvoidlead time for reaction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and trajectory analysis before the VRU actually enters the crosswalk area. By detecting movement patterns and predicting future paths in advance, the system provides early warnings to both VRUs and approaching vehicles, enabling timely reaction and prevention of potential collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares safety buffers by providing advance warnings to VRUs and vehicles before dangerous situations develop. This cushioning effect allows participants to adjust their behavior proactively, creating a safety margin that prevents accidents rather than reacting after danger occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Loss of information

If mobile communication systems are used for tracking, then location tracking is provided, but sufficient spatial resolution for jaywalking ascertainment is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation tracking capabilityVSAvoidspatial resolution for jaywalking ascertainment
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple data sources including smartphone GPS location data, device orientation sensors, movement speed measurements, and trajectory prediction algorithms. This combination compensates for the limited precision of individual mobile communication tracking by integrating multiple measurements to achieve sufficient spatial resolution for jaywalking determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11263896B2Method and system for detecting jaywalking of vulnerable road users
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 B&H LICENSING INC
  • US11263896B2 patent drawing
  • US11263896B2 patent drawing
  • US11263896B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This application relates to a method and a system for automatically detecting jaywalking of vulnerable road users (VRUs). In one aspect, the method includes first determining whether a detected current trajectory of the first VRU substantially matches a first path infrequently taken by the plurality of VRUs. The method also includes second determining whether a predicted trajectory of a selected VRU crosses a second path frequently taken by a plurality of vehicles based on the past trajectory data of the plurality of vehicles. The method further includes third determining whether the predicted trajectory of the selected VRU is substantially distal to a third path marked for VRU use. The method further includes determining whether the selected VRU is jaywalking based on the first determining, the second determining, and the third determining.