Smartphone Distance Detection Using Visual and Map Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the distance to objects on a road are often expensive, inaccurate, and require complex hardware installations, posing a risk of collision due to driver distraction from smartphone navigation applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize image capture devices and processors to receive and synchronize visual data, motion data, and location data, calculate distances based on map data, and generate notifications for potential collisions, without the need for expensive hardware synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing distance determination systems are implemented, then distance measurement capability is provided, but the system becomes expensive and requires complex hardware installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical hardware systems with a software-based solution using smartphone camera images and computational algorithms. Instead of using specialized distance measurement hardware, the system processes standard camera images through image processing and geometric calculations to determine distance, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and complex hardware installations while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standard smartphone camera images (copies of the visual scene) instead of requiring specialized optical sensors or hardware. By processing these ordinary image copies through computational methods, the system achieves distance measurement without needing dedicated measurement hardware, reducing both cost and installation complexity
2Ease of operation
If driver uses smartphone navigation application, then navigation assistance is provided, but driver attention is distracted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the road environment through the smartphone camera and provides real-time feedback about obstacles and distance to the driver. This feedback mechanism allows the driver to maintain navigation app usage while still receiving critical safety information, compensating for the distraction by automating the monitoring function that would otherwise require full driver attention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated obstacle detection and distance calculation without requiring active driver engagement. The smartphone's camera and processor independently monitor the road, detect objects, calculate distances, and alert the driver, freeing the driver to use navigation applications while maintaining safety monitoring capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of a system, a method, and a computer program product for determining a distance to the object on a road are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, the system includes a memory and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive visual data, location data and motion data of the vehicle corresponding to the first instance in time, and map data corresponding to the location data. The processor may be configured to calculate a distance of the vehicle from the object based on the visual data. The processor may be further configured to validate the location data, the motion data, and the calculated distance of the vehicle from the object, based on the map data. The processor may be further configured to generate output data corresponding to the object, based on the validated location data, the validated motion data, and the validated distance of the vehicle from the object.