Wrong-Way Detection System Using GPS Map Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for detecting and warning drivers about wrong-way vehicle situations on roads and motorways are prone to false alerts due to GPS precision fluctuations and do not effectively alert other vehicles in the area, lacking integration with traffic regulation authorities for intervention.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle-mounted detection system using GPS geolocation, a cartographic database, and communication interfaces to verify GPS signal reliability before alerting drivers and remotely warning traffic authorities and nearby vehicles, with customizable warning messages based on proximity and location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS-based detection systems are used to detect wrong-way driving situations, then the ability to detect and warn drivers is improved, but false alerts occur due to GPS precision fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidGPS positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors GPS position data and compares it with expected trajectory based on map data. When deviations are detected, the system generates corrective feedback to verify whether the deviation represents actual wrong-way driving or GPS error, thereby improving detection reliability despite GPS precision fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-loads map data and expected route information into the detection device before GPS tracking begins. This preliminary preparation enables real-time comparison of actual GPS positions with expected positions, allowing the system to distinguish between GPS errors and actual wrong-way driving situations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If GPS-based detection systems alert only the driver of the wrong-way vehicle, then the system complexity is reduced, but the safety of other approaching vehicles is not improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The warning system is segmented into multiple independent communication channels: one channel alerts the wrong-way driver through the vehicle's audio/visual interfaces, while separate channels transmit warnings to approaching vehicles via wireless communication and to traffic authorities through dedicated interfaces. This segmentation allows comprehensive safety coverage without requiring a single complex unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces communication interfaces as intermediaries between the detection system and various stakeholders. These interfaces include wireless communication modules for approaching vehicles, audio/visual alert systems for the wrong-way driver, and connection interfaces for traffic authorities. The intermediaries simplify the overall system architecture by providing standardized communication protocols at each interface point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If radar systems are deployed at all motorway entrances to detect wrong-way vehicles, then detection coverage is improved, but the operational cost becomes prohibitively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system utilizes the vehicle's own GPS receiver and onboard computer as the primary detection means, eliminating the need for expensive external radar infrastructure at motorway entrances. The vehicle itself performs the detection function using freely available GPS signals and pre-loaded map data, making the system economically viable for widespread deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs GPS receivers and map data that serve multiple functions: they provide navigation guidance to drivers, track vehicle position for safety monitoring, and enable wrong-way detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated detection infrastructure, reducing operational costs while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage across all locations where GPS signals are available

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

Data Source

PatentEP2681724B1System and method for detecting a ghost driving situation and for warning accordingly
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 COYOTE SYSTEM SAS
  • EP2681724B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2681724B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

System for detecting and warning a situation in which a vehicle is travelling in the wrong direction, comprising: onboard positioning means of GPS type (3), a cartographic database (5) of a road network, comprising the directions of traffic flow permitted on sections, calculation means (2) able, with the help of the database (5), of a position and of a heading of the vehicle, to establish respectively the section of road and the direction of travel of the vehicle on the latter, and to generate an alarm state when said direction of travel is not the direction of travel permitted on this section, onboard warning means (7, 9), able to emit a warning message after an alarm state has been established, verification means able, when an alarm state is established, to proceed to a verification of its reliability.