Road Curve Advisor Device Using GPS and Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining road curve properties and maximum safe advisory speed are labor-intensive, prone to errors due to manual data recording and inconsistent vehicle speeds, requiring multiple trial-and-error test runs and laborious post-testing analysis.
Innovation Solution
A compact, self-contained device combining a GPS receiver and digital accelerometer with custom software that automatically captures road curve properties and calculates the maximum safe advisory speed, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing errors through real-time data processing and noise reduction using a second-order polynomial algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual methods (level, ruler, survey techniques) are used to measure road curve properties, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate due to labor-intensive processes and manual data recording errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (level, ruler, survey equipment) with electronic sensors including GPS receivers for position tracking, accelerometers for lateral acceleration measurement, and inclinometers for bank angle detection. This substitution eliminates manual data recording errors and significantly improves measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs automatic data collection, processing, and curve property calculation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-calibrates and computes road curve radius, super-elevation, and advisory speeds automatically, eliminating labor-intensive post-testing analysis and improving productivity.
2Measurement precision
If digital inclinometer/accelerometer with trial-and-error method is used, then measurement precision improves through digital readout, but productivity and time consumption worsen due to multiple test runs and manual calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors lateral acceleration, GPS position, and vehicle speed in real-time, providing immediate feedback to automatically adjust measurements and determine the maximum safe advisory speed. This eliminates the need for multiple trial-and-error test runs while maintaining high measurement precision through continuous data validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-programs the measurement protocol and automatic calculation algorithms before testing begins. The GPS receiver continuously tracks position to identify curve entry and exit points, and the system automatically processes data to compute curve properties, eliminating laborious post-testing analysis and improving productivity.
3Productivity
If automated system with GPS and digital sensors is implemented, then productivity and measurement precision improve through automatic data capture, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates GPS receivers, accelerometers, inclinometers, and processing electronics into a single unified measurement system. This merging of components achieves automatic data collection and processing (improving productivity) while managing device complexity through integrated design and shared power/communication buses.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: tracking GPS position, measuring lateral acceleration, detecting bank angle, identifying curve boundaries, and calculating road curve properties. This multi-functionality improves productivity by consolidating multiple measurement tasks into a single device rather than requiring separate specialized equipment.
4Measurement precision
If trial-and-error testing at constant speed is performed, then measurement precision can be maintained, but time consumption increases due to multiple runs and manual speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to varying vehicle speeds and automatically adjusts measurements accordingly. The GPS receiver continuously tracks position and speed, and the processing system compensates for speed variations in real-time calculations, maintaining measurement precision without requiring constant speed operation or multiple test runs, thereby reducing time consumption.
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 solution provides accurate, cost-efficient, and automated measurement of road curve radius and super-elevation, enabling the determination of recommended curve speed with a single pass at normal road speeds, reducing manual labor and error, and functioning even when GPS signals are lost.
Implementation Method 1
A custom computer application processes satellite based signals from a GPS receiver to determine the position and speed of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The software, using a second-order polynomial algorithm, reduces noise in the signal from the digital accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates generally to the field of Highway signage and more specifically to a device for automatically capturing road curve properties and a process for automating calculating the maximum safe Advisory Speed of Roads. This invention is a new device that automates the accurate measurement of road curve/Railway radius and super elevation. This information is assembled to automatically report the recommended curve speed, or Curve Advisor Speed (CAS) for a particular curve. The device is assembled into a single, compact, low power and transportable case which can be driven at normal road speeds in a car.