Passive Collision Alert Using Directional Radio Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicular collision avoidance systems are complex and expensive, and passive systems like optical detection have limited capabilities in inclement weather, necessitating a cost-effective alternative for detecting potential collisions and alerting drivers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular system utilizing a directional antenna array and radio receiver to detect radio signals from devices associated with vehicular use, combined with a navigational system to determine the location and heading of both the vehicle and signal sources, and a collision prediction computer to alert drivers of potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active systems with inter-vehicular communications are used, then collision detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from complex active systems by using a simple radio receiver to detect signals from devices already present in vehicles (cell phones, GPS units, infotainment systems). This eliminates the need for dedicated collision detection hardware while maintaining detection capability through creative reuse of existing electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of collision detection functionality by processing radio signals that already exist in the environment. Instead of requiring physical sensors or active communication systems, the invention uses signal processing algorithms to reconstruct collision risk information from passive radio emissions, effectively copying the detection function through software rather than hardware.
2Reliability
If semi-active systems with active sensors are used, then collision detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive radio receivers and standard electronic components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. By using off-the-shelf radio reception technology rather than expensive active sensors like radar or laser, the system achieves cost-effective collision detection through simple electronic circuitry and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages signals that are already being transmitted by devices in vehicles for their primary functions (cell phone communication, GPS navigation, infotainment). These devices essentially pay for themselves by providing the detection function as a byproduct of their normal operation, eliminating the need for separate paid detection systems.
3Reliability
If optical detection systems are used, then collision detection capability is improved, but performance deteriorates in inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection mechanisms with radio wave-based detection. By substituting the optical domain with the radio frequency domain, the system achieves detection capability that is immune to weather conditions affecting light transmission. Radio signals penetrate through rain, fog, and snow without the attenuation that plagues optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental detection parameter from optical wavelength to radio frequency wavelength. This parameter transformation fundamentally alters the interaction with the environment, moving from a detection mode susceptible to atmospheric interference to one that operates effectively in all weather conditions through the use of radio wave propagation characteristics.
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
Provides a cost-effective means to detect and alert drivers of potential collisions by determining the direction and heading of radio signal sources, enabling timely driver intervention without the need for complex inter-vehicular communication or active sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a radio receiving unit coupled to a directional antenna array mounted on the vehicle. The antenna array is configured to receive radio signals produced by devices associated with vehicular use
Implementation Method 2
a navigational system configured to determine a present location and heading of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
the collision prediction system is coupled to the radio receiving unit and the navigational system, and is configured to compare the direction and a heading of the source of received signals with the location and heading of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a vehicular collision alert system (100) which receives signals (104) from devices (102) commonly associated with vehicular use. The direction (308) of the received signals is determined, and a heading of the signal source is also determined (610) and compared with the present location and heading of the vehicle (612). If the comparison indicates a sufficient chance of a collision, and alert is generated (616) to notify the driver of the vehicle of the potential collision.