Maneuver Detection via Frame Transformation for Micro-Mobility Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-mobility modes like kick-scooters and shared bicycles lack automotive lighting systems to alert nearby drivers and pedestrians of maneuver events, such as turns or braking, especially in crowded city environments, and face challenges in detecting these events without GPS data using inertial measurement units (IMUs).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine sensor data from devices associated with vehicles, transform maneuver parameters from a device frame of reference to an Earth frame of reference, and automatically detect maneuver events like turns or braking, providing this information to signaling units for visual or audio alerts, even without GPS data by using sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used to detect transportation maneuver events, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates when GPS signal is unavailable due to signal interference or loss of line-of-sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary frame transformation mechanism that converts device frame measurements to Earth frame coordinates, enabling maneuver detection without direct GPS dependency. This intermediary transformation layer allows the system to maintain operation when GPS signals are unavailable by using alternative reference frames and sensor fusion techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reference parameter from GPS-based Earth-centered coordinates to device-based frame of reference, then transforms between these frames. This parameter change enables the system to operate autonomously when GPS is unavailable, maintaining maneuver detection capability through local frame transformations and inertial sensor data processing.
2Reliability
If micro-mobility vehicles are equipped with automotive lighting systems, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing mobile device sensors serve multiple functions: they not only provide navigation and positioning but also detect transportation maneuver events and trigger safety signaling. This multi-functionality approach eliminates the need for dedicated automotive lighting systems while maintaining safety capabilities through repurposing available sensors and processing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own sensor data (from accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other onboard sensors) to automatically detect maneuver events and trigger appropriate signaling. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external automotive lighting systems by having the vehicle's existing sensors serve dual purposes for both navigation and safety signaling.
3Reliability
If IMU sensors are used to detect maneuver events without GPS, then reliability is improved in GPS-denied areas, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference and loss of line-of-sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/GPS-based positioning with sensor-based inertial measurement and computational frame transformation. By substituting the mechanical/GPS reference system with electronic sensor arrays and mathematical transformations, the system maintains precision through algorithmic correction and multi-sensor fusion when direct GPS positioning is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimensional transformation from device frame to Earth frame as an additional processing layer. This dimensional change enables the system to compensate for GPS unavailability by introducing a transformation dimension that reconciles local sensor measurements with global reference coordinates, thereby maintaining measurement precision through computational geometry rather than direct signal reception.
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 accurate detection and signaling of vehicle maneuver events, enhancing safety in micro-mobility scenarios by leveraging existing sensors within mobile devices, even when GPS is unavailable, thereby improving navigation and location-based services.
Implementation Method 1
a first maneuver parameter indicative of a maneuver event of the vehicle is determined from sensor data of a device associated with the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
using sensors like gyroscopes and accelerometers
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for determining vehicle maneuver events. The approach, for example, involves determining sensor data from a sensor of a device associated with a vehicle. The sensor data includes a maneuver parameter represented using a device frame of reference. The approach also involves transforming the maneuver parameter from the device frame of reference to an Earth frame of reference. The approach further involves automatically detecting a maneuver event of the vehicle based on the maneuver parameter as transformed to the Earth frame of reference. The approach further involves providing the detected maneuver event to a signaling unit associated with the vehicle.