Pedestrian Collision Avoidance via Mobile Phone Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision avoidance systems in road traffic do not effectively protect non-motorized road users, such as pedestrians, as they primarily focus on vehicle-to-vehicle interactions and lack comprehensive protection for other road users.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a mobile phone carried by the pedestrian to transmit position signals, which are used by an evaluation device to estimate the pedestrian's future position, combined with acceleration data from the phone's sensor to dynamically adjust the minimum safe distance, enabling effective collision avoidance without requiring special equipment for the pedestrian.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing collision avoidance systems are used, then vehicle-to-vehicle collision protection is achieved, but protection for non-motorized road users is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the mobile phone to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a communication device and a collision avoidance system for non-motorized road users. The phone transmits position data, receives vehicle signals, and triggers warnings without requiring separate specialized equipment, thus expanding collision protection to include pedestrians and cyclists alongside vehicles.
2Reliability
If special equipment is provided for pedestrians to enable collision avoidance, then protection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the mobile phone that pedestrians already carry for its collision avoidance function. Instead of requiring separate specialized equipment, the system leverages the phone's existing capabilities (positioning, communication, sensors) to enable collision detection and warning, thereby avoiding additional device complexity and cost for pedestrians.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone is made multi-functional by integrating collision avoidance capabilities into an device pedestrians already use for communication. The phone simultaneously serves as a communication tool and a collision detection system, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If position signals are transmitted continuously, then collision detection accuracy is improved, but data processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the mobile phone transmit position signals at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic transmission maintains sufficient position data for accurate collision detection while significantly reducing the data processing load compared to continuous transmission, achieving a balance between precision and efficiency.
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
This approach allows for reliable advanced collision assessment and avoidance, reducing the risk of accidents by considering the pedestrian's movement patterns and environmental factors, while minimizing procedural effort and equipment requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile phone (4), in particular a mobile telephone, which the other road user (2) carries with him
Implementation Method 2
If the acceleration sensor outputs at least one acceleration component, which provides information as to whether the other road user changes his speed of movement and/or changes his direction of movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method for avoiding collisions between a vehicle (1) and another traffic participant, in particular a pedestrian (3). According to the invention, a position of the pedestrian (3) is conveyed to an evaluation device associated with the vehicle (1) by way of a mobile telephone (4) carried by the pedestrian (3). An evaluation history is taken into account in the evaluation device, in particular positions y(t1), y(t2) … of the pedestrian (3). A future trajectory (6) for the pedestrian (3) is determined from the evaluation history. If a distance (7) of said trajectory (6) from the trajectory (5) of the vehicle (1) falls below a minimum distance, a collision avoidance action is triggered in the vehicle (1), said action being optionally a notification to the driver or an automatic intervention into the drive train.