Wearable Camera Collision Alerts With Trajectory-Based Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing vehicular collisions with cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists are inadequate, often causing high false positives and failing to provide timely warnings, and lack the ability to detect dangerous vehicles and record incidents.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a camera and lower processing power algorithms to detect approaching vehicles, providing timely alerts to both cyclists and motorists, and optionally recording incident data, mounted on bicycles, helmets, or wearable vests, utilizing deep learning-based object detection and trajectory analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing detection tools (reflectors, bright color clothes, mirrors, blinking lights) are used, then visibility is improved, but collision prevention capability is insufficient and no timely warnings are provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical visibility aids (reflectors, bright clothes, mirrors, blinking lights) with an active electronic detection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. This substitution enables automatic vehicle detection, trajectory analysis, and timely audio/visual warnings, transforming the system from static visibility enhancement to dynamic collision prevention with reliable real-time monitoring and alerting capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system between the camera and the user. The image processing algorithm analyzes captured images to detect vehicles, calculate trajectories, and determine collision risk. This intermediary layer processes visual information into actionable warnings, enabling timely alerting to both cyclists and motorists without requiring direct line-of-sight communication
2Reliability
If tools with warning capabilities are used, then collision awareness is improved, but false positives increase causing users to turn off alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary trajectory analysis and collision risk assessment before issuing warnings. The system calculates the projected path of detected vehicles and determines whether they will intersect with the cyclist's path within a safe time window. This preliminary computational assessment filters out false positives by ensuring only genuine collision risks trigger alerts, maintaining high measurement precision while preserving reliable collision awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors and adjusts its detection sensitivity based on environmental context. The image processing algorithm analyzes multiple image frames to track vehicle motion patterns and collision probability over time. This feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between transient false alarms and genuine threats, reducing false positives while maintaining reliable collision detection through adaptive risk assessment
3Productivity
If existing tools are used, then basic detection is provided, but the ability to record incident data and analyze trajectories is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary capture and storage of image data and trajectory information during the detection process. The system continuously records images and calculates vehicle trajectories even before a collision occurs, preserving critical incident data. This preliminary data collection ensures that complete information about the incident is available for later analysis, eliminating information loss while maintaining efficient basic detection operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the detection system multi-functional by integrating both real-time warning capabilities and incident data recording into a single system. The same camera and image processing infrastructure serve dual purposes: providing immediate collision awareness through audio/visual alerts and simultaneously capturing comprehensive incident data for later analysis. This universality eliminates the need for separate recording systems while enhancing the overall productivity and information preservation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle detection and collision alerting device and method is described. The vehicle detection device is used by a user to detect an approaching vehicle. The vehicle detection device may include a housing and a mount attached to the housing for securing the housing to the user or the users equipment. An optical sensor secured to the housing, facing generally outward. A processor is in communication with the optical sensor to receive data and execute an algorithm to analyze the received data. This algorithm is configured to determine the size and distance of the approaching vehicle and also calculate its velocity and trajectory. Alerting modules to alert the user and to alert the approaching vehicle are configured to receive signals from the processor when a potential collision is identified based on the data being processed.