Wireless Spotter Signal System for Vehicle Backup Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backing up large vehicles is hazardous due to obstructed rear views and adverse conditions, making it difficult for drivers to receive clear signals from spotters, which can lead to delayed perception of stop signals and increased risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transmission system where a handheld transmitter outside the vehicle sends signals to a receiver and indicator inside the vehicle, providing audible and visual cues to the driver to initiate or stop reverse motion, ensuring safety even in adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hand signals and visual cues are used by the spotter, then the driver can perceive signals in good visibility conditions, but the driver cannot reliably perceive signals in adverse conditions such as darkness, heavy rain, fog, or high engine noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual hand signals with an electronic communication system consisting of a transmitter worn by the spotter and a receiver in the vehicle. The transmitter converts the spotter's gestures into electrical signals that are transmitted wirelessly to the receiver, which then drives visual (LED indicators) and audible (speaker) outputs inside the vehicle cabin, eliminating dependence on external visibility and noise conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary system (transmitter and receiver) between the spotter and the driver. The transmitter detects the spotter's hand signals and converts them into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the receiver inside the vehicle. The receiver converts these signals into visual and audible indicators that the driver can perceive reliably regardless of external conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the spotter moves behind the vehicle to monitor the backup path, then the spotter can observe obstacles, but the spotter moves in and out of the driver's field of view in the mirrors, causing signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical line-of-sight requirement with an electronic signal transmission system. The transmitter worn by the spotter continuously transmits electrical signals to the receiver inside the vehicle as long as the spotter is within wireless range, eliminating the need for the spotter to remain visible in the mirrors while maintaining continuous signal transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the driver relies on side mounted mirrors for rearward visibility, then the driver can see behind the vehicle, but blind spots are created due to rearward obstructions such as trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary system that bypasses the limitations of mirrors entirely. The spotter positioned behind the vehicle uses the transmitter to send signals directly to the receiver inside the vehicle, providing the driver with information about rearward conditions without requiring direct visual contact through mirrors, thereby eliminating blind spot limitations.
4Productivity
If the driver perceives stop signals with delay, then the vehicle can backup further, but the risk of injuring the spotter or damaging property increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces delayed visual perception through mirrors with immediate electronic signal transmission. The transmitter converts the spotter's stop signals into electrical signals that are instantly transmitted to the receiver, which immediately activates visual and audible indicators inside the vehicle cabin, eliminating perception delay and enabling immediate driver response.
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
Enhances driver safety by providing clear and reliable go/stop signals regardless of visibility or noise levels, reducing the risk of accidents and improving backup operations in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal in response to activation of the transmitter
Implementation Method 2
the two or more tones emitted from a speaker
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods which allow a spotter external to a vehicle to provide signals to a driver of the vehicle in order to facilitate safe backup operations of the vehicle are disclosed. A wireless transmitter, in wireless communication with a receiver positioned within the vehicle, is operated by the spotter. An indicator, also in communication with the receiver, is configured to provide a plurality of audible and/or visible signals perceivable by the driver in response to a wireless signal received by the receiver from the transmitter. The audible and/or visible signals may comprise selected patterned tones and lights which inform the driver whether they should proceed to backup the vehicle or stop the vehicle.