Vehicle Sensor Data for Real-Time Road Incident Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing road incident detection systems rely on user input and traffic operator reports, which are prone to errors and delays, leading to inaccurate and delayed updates in road maps.

Innovation Solution

Automated road incident detection using real-time vehicle sensor data, including GPS, accelerometer, and other sensors, to identify traffic slowdowns or lane closures, with confidence-based data validation and alternate sources for verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user input is used to detect road incidents, then map updates can be provided, but errors and delays occur due to manual reporting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of road incident detectionVSAvoiddelay in updating maps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical reporting systems with automated electronic sensor-based detection. Vehicle sensors (GPS, accelerometers, microphones) automatically detect and report road incidents, eliminating the need for manual user input or traffic operator reporting. This substitution provides real-time, accurate incident detection without human error or delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If traffic operators report road incidents, then maps can be updated, but there is a time delay before operators arrive at incident locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimeliness of incident informationVSAvoidarrival time of traffic operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and reporting of road incidents using vehicle sensors before traffic operators arrive at the scene. The automated detection system continuously monitors road conditions and immediately reports incidents, providing timely information to both map systems and emergency responders without waiting for operator arrival.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If manual user reporting is used, then road incident information can be collected, but the information is error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of incident data collectedVSAvoidaccuracy of incident reporting

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual reporting mechanisms with automated sensor-based detection systems. Vehicle sensors objectively measure and report incident parameters such as location, speed changes, and environmental conditions, eliminating human error in data collection while maintaining comprehensive incident coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12442660B2Automated road incident detection using vehicle sensor data

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for automated road incident detection using vehicle sensor data to detect road incidents in real time. The vehicle sensor data is provided from sensors on vehicles on the road segment. The methods and systems update a map with the detected road incidents in real time of detecting the road incident, resulting in updated maps with the road incident information and updated traffic flow information on the maps.