Wireless Presence Detection for Blind-Spot Collision Warnings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety systems in buildings, such as mirrors and hardwired warning sensors, are inadequate for preventing collisions in areas with limited visibility, and relocating or removing these systems is labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensor assembly system with separate units that communicate directly, using Bluetooth Low Energy, to detect motion in multiple areas and activate visual and auditory indicators only when motion is detected in both areas, powered by an integrated battery for easy installation and relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired warning sensors are used, then reliability of warning system is improved, but ease of installation and relocation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the warning system into separate wireless sensor units that can be independently installed and relocated without hardwiring. Each unit contains its own sensor, controller, and power source, allowing modular deployment while maintaining system reliability through wireless communication between units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired electrical connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors communicate warning signals through wireless transmission (such as radio frequency) instead of physical wire connections, enabling easy relocation while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
2Illumination intensity
If mirrors are used to improve field of view, then visibility is improved, but coverage of blind spots deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional mirror reflection to three-dimensional spatial coverage using multiple wireless sensor units positioned at different locations. Each sensor monitors its own field of view, and together they provide comprehensive coverage of areas that would be blind spots for any single mirror location.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mirrors as intermediaries to reflect light and provide visibility, the system uses wireless sensor units as intermediaries to detect motion and transmit warning signals. These sensors act as mediators between the monitored area and the warning indication system.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If central controller connection is required, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the controller function from each sensor unit, allowing sensors to operate independently with embedded controllers. Each unit contains its own processing capability, eliminating the need for a separate central controller and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each wireless sensor unit is designed as a universal, self-contained module that performs sensing, processing, and communication functions independently. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate central controller infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability across multiple locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system for preventing collisions includes presence detection sensors oriented to sense the presence of a person or machine within a first and a second field of monitoring, and providing a visual indicator indicative of the person and/or machine sensed within the first and second fields of monitoring.