U.S. patent application number 17/246617 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-10 for method and apparatus for two-wheeler safety based on vehicular communications.
The applicant listed for this patent is AUTOTALKS LTD.. Invention is credited to Amos Freund, Onn Haran, Yuval Lachman, Ram Shallom.
Application Number | 20220078588 17/246617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005612075 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220078588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shallom; Ram ; et
al. |
March 10, 2022 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWO-WHEELER SAFETY BASED ON VEHICULAR
COMMUNICATIONS
Abstract
Devices for alerting visually a vehicle at an intersection when
a specific two-wheeler is detected in an alert zone associated with
the intersection using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications,
and methods for configuring and using such devices. The devices
include a display for displaying the visual alert and a
communication and processing unit for processing V2X messages
received from two-wheelers and for determining the need for and
type of visual alert. The devices may be configured remotely using
an application running on an installer's mobile device.
Inventors: |
Shallom; Ram; (Yokohama-shi,
JP) ; Haran; Onn; (Bnei Dror, IL) ; Freund;
Amos; (Kibbutz Mishmarot, IL) ; Lachman; Yuval;
(Kiryat Ono, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AUTOTALKS LTD. |
Kfar Netter |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005612075 |
Appl. No.: |
17/246617 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63075158 |
Sep 6, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60W 50/14 20130101;
H04W 4/12 20130101; B60W 2050/146 20130101; H04W 4/40 20180201 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/40 20060101
H04W004/40; H04W 4/12 20060101 H04W004/12; B60W 50/14 20060101
B60W050/14 |
Claims
1. A device, comprising: a display for alerting visually a vehicle
at an intersection when a specific two-wheeler is detected in an
alert zone associated with the intersection using
vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the specific two-wheeler is
detected based on a V2X message received at the device from the
specific two-wheeler, and wherein the received V2X message is
processed by the device.
3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a communication and
processing unit configured to perform the detection and
processing.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising powering means to
power the display and the communication and processing unit.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the display is in the form of a
traffic light with an added template of a shape of a two-wheeler
included or attached thereto.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the display is a dynamic
display.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a direction
element that indicates a direction of movement of the
two-wheeler.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured using an
application running on an installer's mobile device.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the alert zone is substantially
perpendicular to a road on which the vehicle drives.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the alert zone is substantially
parallel to a road on which the vehicle drives.
11. The device of claim 6, wherein the dynamic display may be
switched on and off.
12. The device of claim 6, wherein the dynamic display may flash
intermittently.
13. The device of claim 7, wherein the direction element includes
an arrow.
14. A method, comprising: physically installing a device configured
to visually alert a vehicle at an intersection; by the device and
using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, detecting a
specific two-wheeler in an alert zone associated with the
intersection; and visually alerting the vehicle about the specific
two-wheeler.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the detecting includes, by the
specific two-wheeler, sending a V2X message to the device and, by
the device, processing the V2X message.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the device is configured after
the physical installation using an application running on an
installer's mobile device.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the V2X message reports a
location and speed of the specific two-wheeler, and wherein the
processing includes checking if the speed is greater than a
threshold, and if yes, checking if the specific two-wheeler in
inside an alert zone.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein, if the specific two-wheeler is
inside the alert zone, the processing further includes checking if
the specific two-wheeler will arrive in less than a predetermined
time period at the intersection.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein if the specific two-wheeler
will arrive in less than a predetermined time period at the
intersection, the processing further includes checking is a state
is consistent and if yes, setting a visual alert for the visual
alerting.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 63/075,158 filed on Sep. 6, 2020, which is
expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to two-wheeler
safety systems based on vehicular communications, and in particular
to dynamic signs at an intersection alerting when a two-wheeler
(e.g. a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, moped, etc.) approaches the
intersection.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications can prevent
accidents in intersections by alerting a driver of a vehicle when
another vehicle (or more generally a "road-user", including
two-wheelers and pedestrians) enters its driving path. Some
road-users may burst into an intersection while not having
right-of-way, and V2X may assist a lawful driver to mitigate that
potential risk.
[0004] The main challenge of V2X is the limited value in the early
market. To prevent an accident, both vehicles involved in the risky
situation need to have V2X units (or "devices"), which is unlikely
given the low penetration rate of V2X in the early market. A "smart
intersection" was developed to solve this low penetration rate.
Smart intersection devices (e.g. cameras) are placed at few
selected large intersections, and the road-users detected by those
cameras, mostly vehicles and not two-wheelers, are broadcast, so
vehicles with V2X devices are aware of all road-users even if the
road-users do not have V2X devices. However, such smart
intersection devices are expensive, and they provide information
only to vehicles with V2X devices. In addition, cameras suffer from
limited ability to detect an object at night and low reliability in
detecting vulnerable road-users such as two-wheeler users.
Moreover, cameras struggle to detect two-wheelers obstructed by
cars or even by trees, as common in bike lanes.
[0005] Two-wheeler usage in cities is growing, and with there is a
growth in accidents involving two-wheelers. eScooter riders are the
most prone to accidents, since eScooter stability is lower because
of the small wheels. The vast majority of two-wheeler accidents
happen at intersections.
[0006] There is therefore a need for, and it would be advantageous
to have, devices with a visual display that can alert visually all
drivers, even (and especially) those without V2X devices, about
two-wheelers approaching an intersection.
SUMMARY
[0007] The disclosure next relates to a smart intersection capable
of reliably protecting two-wheelers, to devices in such a smart
intersection and to methods of using/operating such devices. The
suggested smart intersection, devices and methods reflect a concept
that alerts all vehicles (and their drivers), even those without
V2X devices. Drivers of vehicles without V2X devices can receive a
visual alert on a outdoor display, warning of a two-wheeler.
Drivers of vehicles with V2X devices can receive in addition an
alert displayed inside their vehicle. The new concept lowers
dramatically the cost of a smart intersection installation for
widening the protection of two-wheelers from accidents.
[0008] In various embodiments there is disclosed a device,
comprising: a display for alerting visually a vehicle at an
intersection when a specific two-wheeler is detected in an alert
zone associated with the intersection using V2X communications. The
alert zone is substantially perpendicular to a road on which the
vehicle drives, substantially parallel to the road driven, or
both.
[0009] The specific two-wheeler may be detected based on a V2X
message received at the device from the specific two-wheeler, and
the received V2X message is processed by the device. The device may
further comprise a communication and processing unit configured to
perform the detection and processing, and powering means to power
the display and the communication and processing unit.
[0010] In some embodiments, the display may be in the form of a
traffic light with an added template of a shape of a two-wheeler
included or attached thereto. In some embodiments, the display is a
dynamic display. A dynamic display may include a direction element
that indicates a direction of movement of the two-wheeler. The
direction element may for example be an arrow. More than one
direction element may be included in a dynamic display. A dynamic
display may be switched on and off, or flash intermittently.
[0011] In various embodiments, the device may be configured using
an application running on an installer's mobile device.
[0012] In various embodiments there is disclosed a method,
comprising: physically installing a device configured to visually
alert a vehicle at an intersection; by the device and using V2X
communications, detecting a specific two-wheeler in an alert zone
associated with the intersection; and visually alerting the vehicle
about the specific two-wheeler. The device may be configured after
the physical installation using an application running on an
installer's mobile device. Alternatively, the device may be
pre-configured.
[0013] In some embodiments, the detecting includes, by the specific
two-wheeler, sending a V2X message to the device and, by the
device, processing data from the V2X message. In some embodiments,
the V2X message reports a location and speed of the specific
two-wheeler, and the processing includes checking if the speed is
greater than a threshold, and if yes, checking if the specific
two-wheeler in inside an alert zone. In some embodiments, if the
specific two-wheeler is inside an alert zone, the processing
further includes checking if the specific two-wheeler will arrive
in less than a predetermined time period at the intersection. If
yes, the processing further includes checking if a state related to
the data is consistent and if yes, the method further includes
setting a visual alert.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Non-limiting examples of embodiments disclosed herein are
described below with reference to figures attached hereto that are
listed following this paragraph. The drawings and descriptions are
meant to illuminate and clarify embodiments disclosed herein, and
should not be considered limiting in any way. Like elements in
different drawings may be indicated by like numerals. Elements in
the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a 4-way stop intersection with
V2Signs;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary alert zone;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates in a flow chart an exemplary method of
V2Sign operation;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates in a block diagram an exemplary
embodiment of a V2Sign;
[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a V2Sign display with a
steady light;
[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of a V2Sign display with a
flashing light;
[0021] FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of a V2Sign display with
symbol indicating direction of a two-wheeler;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for configuring a
V2Sign.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Within the concept of a smart intersection capable of
reliably protecting two-wheelers, there is disclosed herein a
two-wheeler vehicular communication safety sign, named exemplarily
"V2Sign". A V2Sign can be placed adjacent to or on existing
road-sign poles in signalized and non-signalized intersections. The
V2Sign is observed by drivers of vehicles approaching an
intersection, visually alerting when V2X-connected two-wheelers are
about to enter an intersection. The V2Sign is powered by powering
means, e.g. a power source such as a power grid or a solar panel.
Its initial configuration may be simple enough to be performed by a
non-technologically savvy installer, using for example a simple
smartphone application.
[0024] A V2Sign may fit any intersection geometry, with any number
of connecting roads, even a roundabout. FIG. 1 illustrates a 4-way
stop intersection 100 with four V2Signs 102a-d, one per incoming
road. The intersection may include crosswalks, for example four
crosswalks 112a-d. V2Sign 102a visually alerts a driver in a
vehicle with or without V2X that arrives at the intersection from
road segment 104. Similarly, V2Signs 102b, 102c and 102d alert
drivers arriving from road segments 106, 108 and 110
respectively.
[0025] The V2Sign provides a visual alert to vehicles driving
toward the intersection when two-wheelers approach the intersection
while located in "alert zones" described below, for example
two-wheelers 116 and 118 arriving from the right or left of a
V2Sign such as 102a on, respectively, road segments 106 and 110.
The two-wheelers have V2X units communicating through direct
communication standards, either DSRC or C-V2X. The two-wheeler V2X
unit broadcasts its location (obtained from a GNSS receiver and/or
inertial sensors) over-the-air, and the V2Sign processes the
received messages from all two-wheelers to detect if any of the
two-wheelers approaches the intersection from an alert zone. V2Sign
102a is observable by vehicles arriving to the intersection, for
example by a vehicle 114 arriving on road segment 104. From the
point of view of V2Sign 102a, road segment 106 is to the right of
road segment 104 and road segment 110 is to the left of road
segment 104. Optionally, an alert can be extended to two-wheelers
arriving on road segments 104 and 108.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary alert zone. An alert zone is
defined as a polygon (e.g. a rectangle) inside which movement of a
two-wheeler is detected and will trigger an alert. The definition
of alert zones is unique for each V2Sign. The alert zones are
configured (in terms of shape/size/location) according to the shape
of roads and bike lanes in intersection, intersection lanes
routing, and location of a V2Sign in the intersection. The polygon
shape matches the entire road, including the curb. An exemplary
length of the polygon, from an entrace (starting point) to the
intersection, may be 30 meters. More generally, an exemplary range
of lengths may 20-40 meters. A more obstructed environment (by
buildings, trees, etc.) may require a longer alert zone. An
environment with perfect visibility may require a shorter alert
zone. The alert zone width depends on the width of the road. An
exemplary width may vary for example from 3 meters in a narrow ally
to 20 meters in a major road with wide curbs.
[0027] In FIG. 2, two alert zones are provided with reference to
V2Sign 102b. A first alert zone 202 covers the road perpendicular
to the vehicles observing sign 102b (i.e. road segments 104, 108
and/or the intersection itself) and therefore can be referred to as
a "perpendicular alert zone" for V2Sign 102b. Any two-wheeler
riding in this zone toward the intersection will alert sign 102b if
certain conditions are met. Zone 202 also covers crosswalk 112a and
a bike lane, if existing. A second alert zone 204 is parallel to
the vehicles approaching the intersection (i.e. parallel to road
segments 106 and 110), mostly to alert two-wheelers in crosswalk
112a. Alert zone 204 can be referred to as a "parallel alert zone"
for V2Sign 102a.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of V2Sign operation,
performed at the V2Sign. Operation begins in step 300 after a
message is received from a two-wheeler (which is referred to next
as a "specific" two-wheeler). The message reports location and
speed of the two-wheeler. In step 302, a check is made if the
specific two-wheeler's speed is greater than a threshold. Exemplary
thresholds may be 10 km/h or 15 km/h. If No, the operation
continues from step 312, where an alert received previously from
the specific two-wheeler is cleared (if such an alert was set).
That is, if an alert was previously set because of the specific
two-wheeler, then that alert is cleared. If the alert from the
specific two-wheeler was not set (triggered) previously, then no
change is needed. Alerts set by other two-wheelers continue to be
set. If Yes in step 302, the operation continues from step 304,
which checks if the two-wheeler is inside an alert zone, for
example, zone 202 or 204. If No in step 304, the operation
continues from step 312. If Yes in step 304, the operation
continues from step 306, which checks if the two-wheeler will
arrive in a predetermined time period (e.g. less than X seconds) at
the intersection. The value of X may be for example 3 seconds. If
No in step 306, the operation continues from step 312. If Yes in
step 306, the operation continues from step 308, which checks if a
state is consistent, i.e. it an event associated with speed and
location as reported in a previous message from the two-wheeler. If
No in step 308 (i.e. the state is inconsistent), the operation
continues from step 312. If Yes in step 308, the operation
continues from step 310, which sets an alert for the specific
two-wheeler. From both steps 310 and 312, the operation continues
to step 314, where the operation ends.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates schematically in a block diagram
components of a V2Sign exemplarily numbered 400. V2Sign 400 may
comprise a display unit (or simply "display") 402 and a
communication and processing unit 404. Optionally and as a powering
means, a V2Sign may also comprise a solar panel 406. Each component
may be located in a separate enclosure (box), although display unit
402 may be integrated with communication and processing unit 404 in
a single enclosure. Communication and processing unit 404 may
include a vehicular communication device 408, operative to
communicate with vehicles and road-users (including two-wheelers),
an optional GNSS receiver 410, and a processor 412. The GNSS is
optional since the location of V2Sign may be configured at
installation. However, adding the GNSS enables unit self-test such
as detecting unexpected movement of the V2Sign (either accidental,
i.e. if an operator moved the sign, or intentional, for example if
someone stole the sign), which should stop operation until
reinstallation is performed. An additional potential use of GNSS is
to create positioning corrections for allowing the connected
two-wheelers to improve their positioning. One or more additional
communication devices 414, supporting protocols such as Bluetooth,
WiFi, or cellular, can be added for configuration and for
monitoring. One or more antennas 416 may be embedded inside the
communication and processing unit or located externally for serving
the V2X, GNSS and other protocols, if exist.
[0030] Display unit 402 may be dynamic and may be provided in
various embodiments. The dynamic display may take many different
shapes and forms, and may be adapted to match signs used per
country. For example, it may use a standard traffic light with an
added template of a shape of a two-wheeler included or attached
thereto. The shape can be of a regular bicycle, an electric
bicycle, or a scooter, chosen for example by the local authorities.
The light can operate by being continuously ON once a two-wheeler
is approaching, or it can operate intermittently (i.e. flash) once
the two-wheeler is approaching.
[0031] FIG. 5A shows an exemplary embodiment of a V2Sign display
(screen) marked 402'. Display 402' is "dynamic" in the sense that
includes a steady light element 500 that can be turned ON and OFF
and which is lit whenever a two-wheeler triggers an alert. The
display shows a traffic sign, which may differ per country. For
example, some countries use a yellow sign, while others use a white
sign with a red outline.
[0032] FIG. 5B shows another exemplary embodiment of a dynamic
V2Sign display marked 402''. Display 402'' uses a different light
element (502) that flashes when a two-wheeler triggers an
alert.
[0033] FIG. 5C shows an exemplary embodiment of a V2Sign display
marked 402''', which includes direction elements (e.g. arrows or
other symbolic representation of direction) that indicate
symbolically the direction of travel of a two-wheeler. Display unit
402''' includes a main element 504, i.e. a screen that can be
configured to show different shapes, symbols, etc., and direction
elements 506a and 506b. For example, main element 504 may be a LED
matrix. Direction elements 506a and 506b show the direction from
which the two-wheeler approaches the intersection (i.e. its
direction of travel), which could be left, right, or even behind.
The symbolic representation of a direction element that means
"behind" may be a dedicated icon (not shown). The direction element
may be static or flashing. Multiple direction elements may exist to
represent multiple two-wheelers, and more that one direction
element may be operational if more than one two-wheeler is
endangered near an intersection. For example, when two different
two-wheelers approach the intersection at the same time on two
roads within alert zones of a given V2Sign (i.e. one in the
perpendicular zone and one in the parallel zone), both arrows (506a
and 506b) may lit up, flash, etc.
[0034] Each V2Sign needs to be configured before becoming
operational, using for example a dedicated installation
application. When a V2Sign is installed, it can be visible to
multiple roads. The installation and configuration determine the
orientation of the V2Sign in the intersection. The role of an
installer is critical to determine which roads observe it, and
consequently the alert zone for two-wheelers.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for configuring V2Sign. A
V2Sign is not operational until the configuration is completed. The
configuration is typically performed in the field after a V2Sign is
physically installed, although pre-installation configuration is
feasible as well. A dedicated installation application may
typically run on an installer's mobile electronic device such as a
smartphone or tablet. The V2Sign receives configuration parameters
from the installer's mobile electronic device. The connectivity
between the installer equipment and V2Sign may be wireless, for
example using Bluetooth or similar, or wired.
[0036] In step 600, the V2Sign is powered-on for the first time
after its physical installation but before configuration. In step
602, the V2Sign waits for the installation (for configuration)
application. In step 604, the installation application shows the
estimated location of the V2Sign on an area map on the installer's
mobile device. The installer may have to validate the estimated
location and can adjust the physical location of the sign on the
map if the is location mistaken. In step 606, the installation
application displays to the installer suggested alert zones on the
map on the mobile device. The perpendicular and parallel alert
zones (for example zones 202 and 204 for V2Sign 102a) are displayed
on the mobile device perpendicular to the road in which the drivers
are observing the sign (i.e. road segment 104). The installer may
have to validate the correctness of the suggested alert zones. This
may be needed because the application applies logic to select only
the roads that are relevant to the driver observing the sign, but
any logic can be mistaken. The installer may adjust and fix the
alert zones on the map. After finishing this step, V2Sign is now
configured and ready for work.
[0037] While this disclosure has been described in terms of certain
embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and
permutations of the embodiments and methods will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. The disclosure is to be understood as not
limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *