Mobile Device Proximity Sensor for Pedestrian Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of mobile devices while walking leads to collisions with pedestrians and obstacles due to users' distraction from their surroundings, resulting in accidents and injuries.
Innovation Solution
Integration of proximity sensors and cameras on mobile devices to detect approaching objects and obstacles, coupled with warning systems such as audible alarms, visible lights, haptic signals, and images on the screen, to alert users of potential collisions, with adjustable settings for mode and intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users operate mobile devices while walking, then productivity and convenience are improved, but safety and collision risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the user's walking state through sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, step counter) and provides real-time feedback through visual displays and audible warnings when obstacles are detected, enabling users to maintain mobile device operation while staying aware of their surroundings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and processing systems as intermediaries between the user and the environment, where the sensor suite detects obstacles and the control system translates this data into user-friendly warnings, allowing users to operate devices safely without directly observing their surroundings
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If proximity sensors and cameras are integrated into mobile devices, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional mobile device components (camera for photography also serves obstacle detection, accelerometer for navigation also detects walking motion, display for media also shows obstacle warnings) to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple sensors (proximity sensor, camera, accelerometer, gyroscope, step counter) into a unified collision avoidance system that shares processing resources and output channels (display and speaker), reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function
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
Enhances pedestrian safety by providing real-time alerts and awareness of the environment, reducing the likelihood of collisions and injuries by keeping users informed of their surroundings while using mobile devices on the go.
Implementation Method 1
A proximity sensor is disposed on a side opposite the display screen. The proximity sensor is positioned to detect any objects and obstacles present in a path of a user operating the display screen while moving.
Implementation Method 2
A camera is disposed on a side opposite the display screen. The camera is configured to detect any objects and obstacles present in a path of a user operating the display screen while moving.
Implementation Method 3
An optical device can be disposed in front of a lens of the camera to redirect light toward the camera to detect the objects and obstacles present in the path. The optical device can include a reflective or refractive media.
Data Source
AI summary
A collision avoidance device includes a mobile device having a display screen. A proximity sensor is disposed on a side opposite the display screen. The proximity sensor is positioned to detect any obstacles present in a path of a user operating the display screen while moving. A warning device is powered by the mobile device to alert the user of any obstacles in the path.