Road Condition Mapping via Vehicle Vertical Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mapping road conditions are either manual, time-consuming, or require complex equipment, lacking a simple and automated solution that can provide accurate and vehicle-specific data for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact unit combining an acceleration sensor, GPS, and evaluation software in a portable device, such as a smartphone, measures and evaluates vertical accelerations to assess road conditions, integrating vehicle-specific parameters for accurate mapping and display of road conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual visual assessment methods are used to map road conditions, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and productivity are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment with an automated sensor-based system. Acceleration sensors mounted on vehicles automatically detect road surface conditions through measured vibrations and accelerations, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection while significantly increasing mapping speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service road condition mapping by using vehicles that naturally traverse the roads to collect data. The acceleration sensors automatically record road conditions during normal vehicle operation, and the evaluation unit processes the data without requiring dedicated assessment teams, thereby dramatically improving productivity.
2Productivity
If automated sensor-based methods are used to map road conditions, then productivity and speed are improved, but device complexity and measurement precision requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acceleration sensors that serve multiple functions: they detect vertical accelerations from road bumps, measure horizontal accelerations from vehicle dynamics, and provide data for both road condition assessment and vehicle performance monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system assesses road conditions by analyzing changes in acceleration parameters (magnitude, frequency, patterns) rather than requiring complex imaging or measurement systems. By transforming road surface characteristics into measurable acceleration parameter variations, the system achieves accurate mapping with relatively simple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If vehicle-specific conditions are incorporated into road condition evaluation, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and data processing requirements are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback from vehicle-specific parameters (suspension characteristics, vehicle mass, speed) into the road condition evaluation process. The evaluation unit uses this feedback to compensate for vehicle-related variations in acceleration signals, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of vehicle-specific conditions (suspension properties, vehicle dynamics) before or during the road condition mapping process. This preliminary action allows the evaluation algorithm to properly interpret acceleration signals and distinguish between vehicle-induced variations and actual road conditions, improving precision while keeping the system manageable.
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 solution enables efficient, automated, and vehicle-specific mapping of road conditions, providing real-time data for route planning and comfort assessment, with the ability to share information among users, enhancing navigation and maintenance decisions.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor for measuring vertical accelerations is carried and activated on the body, in or on a vehicle during locomotion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for mapping road conditions. According to the invention, an acceleration sensor (10) for measuring vertical accelerations is carried and activated during a person's movement. This sensor continuously emits acceleration measurement signals for evaluation, detecting vertical accelerations caused by road surface irregularities or gradients. Based on defined values of successive acceleration measurement signals, an assessment (11) of the condition and/or nature of the road surface is performed. During movement, an activated position detection system (13) is also carried, which generates successive position data to determine the current position and to document the currently used route/road.The current acceleration measurement signals determined during movement, which detect the existing condition and/or nature of the subsoil, and/or the resulting evaluation results for the condition and/or nature of the subsoil, as well as the correspondingly assigned current position data, are combined and stored in a memory (14), so that a mapping of the conditions and/or nature of the subsoil over the travel distance is available in the memory (14).