Portable Device Proximity Detection for Pedestrian Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing use of portable devices by pedestrians leads to decreased attention to road safety, resulting in accidents due to distraction from mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A portable device equipped with a detection system that recognizes approaching objects and emits warning signals, utilizing inertial sensors, ultrasonic or infrared units, cameras, and digital maps to determine proximity and movement, thereby enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pedestrians use portable devices for mobile applications, then functionality and entertainment are improved, but attention to road safety decreases leading to accidents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile application functionalityVSAvoidroad safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the pedestrian's movement state through inertial sensors and provides real-time feedback by emitting warning signals when potential collisions are detected, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that operates alongside mobile application usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The portable device acts as an intermediary between the pedestrian and the environment, using detection systems to sense obstacles and transmitting warning signals to alert the user, thereby mediating the safety issue without interfering with mobile application functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a detection system is added to warn of approaching objects, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddetection system components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions (inertial sensing, ultrasonic ranging, infrared detection, camera imaging, and GPS location) into a single integrated portable device that processes all inputs through one control unit, merging previously separate safety systems into a unified device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mobile applications, safety detection through various sensors, navigation via GPS, and warning signal generation, making a single device universal rather than requiring separate dedicated safety equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The device effectively warns users of potential collisions, improving safety for both general and visually impaired users by providing timely alerts through acoustic, optical, or vibration signals.

Implementation Method 1

the detection system has an ultrasonic or infrared or light or radar unit with which a distance to an object can be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

the detection system has an ultrasonic or infrared or light or radar unit with which a distance to an object can be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the detection system has an ultrasonic or infrared or light or radar unit with which a distance to an object can be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 4

An inertial sensor system can be used to detect the movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 5

the detection system has a camera and an image evaluation unit, with which an approach to an object can be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage processing: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentEP2289056B1Portable device with warning system and method
Publication Date: 2011.09.07 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2289056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2289056B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a portable device (1) for displaying information, in particular a mobile telephone, comprising a display (2) for outputting image or text information, a detection system (5), and an output unit (11). According to the invention, the detection system is designed to detect an approach of the mobile device to an object, wherein a warning signal can be outputted by the output unit in the event of a predetermined approach to an object, particularly at a defined distance therefrom.