Vehicle Orientation Warning Using Slope Map and Simulated Bubble
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety measures for preventing wrong-way collisions, such as extra signage, often exacerbate driver confusion rather than alleviating it, particularly in complex road environments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle safety apparatus utilizing onboard computers, accelerometers, and gyroscopes to create a color-coded slope map and simulate a bubble's orientation, comparing it to the vehicle's actual orientation to provide warnings when the driver is heading in the wrong direction through complementary color detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If extra signage is added at trouble spots, then driver guidance is improved, but driver confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical visual signage systems with an electronic sensor-based system. Accelerometers and gyroscopes detect vehicle orientation and movement, while onboard computers process this data to generate directional guidance. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple physical signs that confuse drivers, replacing them with a streamlined electronic system that provides clear, actionable feedback through the vehicle's existing display interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to self-diagnose its orientation and provide its own guidance. Rather than relying on external signage that drivers must interpret, the vehicle uses its own sensors to detect whether it is on the correct path, and its own display systems to communicate directional corrections to the driver. This self-service approach reduces information overload by providing only the specific guidance needed based on real-time vehicle state.
2Loss of information
If traditional visual signage is used, then information is provided to drivers, but the signage adds to driver confusion in complex road environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual signage on the road to a multi-dimensional sensor-based detection system. Accelerometers measure acceleration in three axes, gyroscopes measure rotational orientation in three axes, and the onboard computer integrates these six degrees of freedom to determine precise vehicle orientation. This dimensional expansion allows the system to understand vehicle context far better than flat signage, providing accurate directional guidance without contributing to confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for directional guidance from static visual signs to dynamic sensor measurements. Instead of relying on drivers to see and interpret road signs, the system continuously monitors vehicle acceleration, velocity, and orientation parameters, comparing them against stored route information to determine if the vehicle is on the correct path. This parameter-based approach provides real-time, context-aware guidance that adapts to actual vehicle conditions rather than assuming standard driver behavior.
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
Effectively prevents wrong-way collisions by providing timely and intuitive warnings to the driver and other vehicles, enhancing safety on various road types without relying on visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle with an onboard computer and accelerometers and gyroscopes, the accelerometers and gyroscopes coupled to provide signals compensating for acceleration, velocity, and centripetal forces produced by movement of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A simulated free floating bubble within the onboard computer, the bubble having a fixed orientation relative to the vehicle and the bubble having a color dependent upon the vehicle longitudinal slope (SL) and cross slope
Data Source
AI summary
Safety apparatus for use in vehicles traveling on roadways. The apparatus including a vehicle with a computer having accelerometers and gyroscopes coupled to provide signals compensating for acceleration, velocity, and centripetal forces produced by movement of the vehicle. A color coded slope map stored in the computer. A simulated color wheel overlying a level bubble matrix within the computer with a fixed orientation relative to the vehicle. The matrix including a simulated bubble floating within the matrix, and the signals applied to the simulated bubble so that the position of the bubble and the color of the bubble is only dependent upon the orientation of the vehicle. The computer comparing or mixing the color of the slope map to the color of the bubble at each location along the slope map and providing a warning when the color of the slope map and the color of the bubble are compliments.