Vehicle Reversing Detection Using Machine Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle telematics systems face challenges in accurately detecting reversing events, especially when vehicles do not provide a reverse gear indication, and existing methods rely heavily on accelerometer orientation and direction determination, which can be complex and inaccurate.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning-based approach using a central reversing determination model trained with acceleration data from three-axis accelerometers to determine reversing indications, allowing for accurate detection of reversing events without relying on explicit reverse gear signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional accelerometer-based reversing detection is used, then the system can detect reversing events, but the detection accuracy is reduced due to complex orientation determination and false positives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversing detection accuracyVSAvoidaccelerometer orientation determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical accelerometer-based detection system with a machine learning model that processes acceleration data. Instead of relying on complex physical orientation determination, the system uses trained neural networks to interpret acceleration patterns and determine reversing events, thereby substituting mechanical complexity with computational intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the approach by changing from direct physical measurement interpretation to pattern recognition in acceleration data. The machine learning model learns optimal parameter combinations and patterns from training data, enabling accurate reversing detection without explicitly determining accelerometer orientation or vehicle direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If explicit reverse gear signals are required for detection, then the detection method is simple, but vehicles without such signals cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different vehicle typesVSAvoiddetection reliability without reverse gear indication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning model is designed to be universal and work with different vehicle types regardless of whether they provide explicit reverse gear signals. The model processes acceleration data patterns that are common to all vehicles, making the system adaptable to various vehicle configurations and communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acceleration data as an intermediary that bridges the gap between vehicles with and without reverse gear signals. By using acceleration patterns as the common input for the machine learning model, the system can infer reversing events indirectly, serving as a mediator that enables detection across different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If machine learning models are used for reversing detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational resources and processing time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversing detection accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by training the machine learning model offline before deployment. The model learns from extensive training data during a preliminary phase, allowing it to make accurate predictions during operation with minimal computational resources. This pre-training approach separates the computationally intensive learning phase from the resource-constrained inference phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4210017B1Systems and methods for vehicle reversing detection using machine learning
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 GEOTAB INC
  • EP4210017B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4210017B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4210017B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and systems for reversing determination for a vehicle asset are provided. The methods include capturing by a telematics device coupled to the vehicle acceleration data from a three-axis accelerometer, determining by a reversing-determination machine learning mode, a machine-learning-determined reversing indication for the vehicle asset. The reversing-determination machine-learning model being trained by a vehicle reversing indication comprising a vehicle speed and a reverse gear indication.