Roadway Obstacle Detection Using Vehicular Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing community-based traffic and navigation applications require active user input to report roadway obstacles, leading to potential distracted driving and increased risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A roadway obstacle and navigation system that uses vehicular data from sensors and on-board computers to identify obstacles automatically, transmitting this data to an obstacle identification and route determination system, which alerts drivers through audible tones when approaching obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually enter obstacle information via mobile device, then obstacle reporting functionality is achieved, but distracted driving risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically collecting obstacle information through vehicle sensors and telematics devices without requiring driver intervention. The vehicle's existing sensors detect obstacles and the system autonomously processes and transmits this data, allowing the vehicle to report its own operational status and encountered obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual input system with an automated sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical interaction with a mobile device interface, the system uses vehicle sensors, telematics devices, and processors to automatically detect, capture, and transmit obstacle information.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated vehicle data collection is implemented, then distracted driving risk is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by utilizing existing vehicle components for multiple purposes. Telematics devices originally designed for other functions are repurposed to collect obstacle data, and existing sensors serve both their primary functions and obstacle detection. This reduces the need for dedicated new hardware while achieving automated obstacle reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that consolidates processing complexity away from the vehicle. The server receives data from multiple vehicles, processes obstacle information, manages database storage, and generates alerts, thereby simplifying the on-vehicle system architecture while maintaining comprehensive obstacle monitoring capabilities.
3Reliability
If real-time obstacle detection is implemented, then driver safety is improved, but data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by selectively transmitting only relevant obstacle data rather than continuously streaming all sensor information. Data is processed and filtered to identify significant obstacles, and only this filtered information is transmitted to the server and other vehicles, reducing overall data transmission requirements while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and filtering data before transmission. The vehicle's processor analyzes sensor data in real-time, identifies actual obstacles versus normal variations, and prepares only the necessary information for transmission, thereby reducing energy consumption associated with transmitting unnecessary data.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for interfacing a roadway obstacle and navigation system with an obstacle identification and route determination system to identify roadway obstacles based on vehicular data. The roadway obstacle and navigation system may receive vehicular data through sensor utilization and communications with electronic devices. The vehicular data may be analyzed by the roadway obstacle and navigation system in conjunction with the obstacle identification and route determination system to identify roadway obstacles. The roadway obstacle and navigation system may use the roadway obstacles to provide safety alerts to drivers.