Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of road safety systems, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a sensor-based traffic warning systems designed to enhance safety on curved and mountainous roads with limited visibility and provides smart turn alert system for safer roads.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION:
[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the application. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[0003] Road accidents remain a global public health challenge, with India reporting 4,64,910 incidents and 1,47,913 fatalities in 2017. Curved and mountainous roads pose heightened risks due to reduced visibility, where fatal accidents are over four times more likely than on straight segments. Conventional solutions like convex mirrors and static signs provide passive, limited warnings, often failing to prevent collisions effectively.
[0004] There is a lack of real-time road safety systems for curved roads where visibility is low. The need is for a cost-effective, autonomous, and scalable system that proactively alerts drivers about potential hazards.
- Overcoming Limited Visibility: Sensors actively detect approaching vehicles or pedestrians, providing dynamic alerts regardless of visual obstructions.
- Reducing Accident Risk: Real-time warning signals enable drivers to respond promptly, mitigating the potential for collisions.
- Enhancing Warning Effectiveness: Reflective signs and high-visibility LED lights ensure alerts are noticeable in low-light or adverse weather conditions.
[0005] Compared to existing solutions, such as convex mirrors or static signage, the proposed system offers proactive, real-time hazard detection and notification, making it a significant advancement in road safety technology.
[0006] US20190077409A1 describes a road hazard detection system using vehicle mounted sensors to detect obstacles and communicate warnings to nearby vehicles. Unlike the Smart Turn Alert System, it relies on vehicle-to-vehicle communication, limiting its applicability in areas without such infrastructure.
[0007] US20200242927A1 discloses a traffic warning system using roadside sensors to detect vehicles and activate warning signs. However, it lacks bidirectional detection and reflective signage, making it less effective in low visibility conditions.
[0008] WO2019150172A1 details a pedestrian detection system for urban inter sections, using cameras and machine learning. It focuses on urban environments and does not address winding roads or integrate reflective signage.
[0009] These solutions either depend on existing vehicle infrastructure or do not cater to winding, low-visibility roads.
[0010] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for the smart turn alert system for safer roads that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.
[0012] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing the Smart turn alert system for safer roads.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart turn alert system for safer roads, wherein the system employs sensors on both sides of a road curve to detect approaching vehicles or pedestrians, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of potential hazards in both directions. This bidirectional approach enhances the system’s ability to provide timely warnings.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart turn alert system for safer roads, wherein upon detection, the system activates high visibility warning signals, such as flashing LED lights, on the opposite side of the curve. This real-time alert mechanism ensures drivers receive immediate notifications of potential hazards.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart turn alert system for safer roads, wherein the system combines active sensor-based detection with passive reflective signs to maximize visibility and effectiveness, particularly in low-light conditions. This hybrid approach is unique in its ability to provide both proactive and passive safety measures.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart turn alert system for safer roads, wherein the smart turn alert system is a sophisticated safety apparatus designed to mitigate the risks associated with limited visibility on winding roads. The system integrates sensor-based detection, real-time data processing, and visual alerting mechanisms to provide drivers with timely warnings about oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions.
[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0018] The present invention provides a smart turn alert system for safer roads. The Smart Turn Alert System is a sophisticated safety apparatus designed to mitigate the risks associated with limited visibility on winding roads. The system integrates sensor-based detection, real-time data processing, and visual alerting mechanisms to provide drivers with timely warnings about oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions.
[0019] System Components
- Sensors: Infrared or radar-based sensors are installed on both sides of a road curve to detect approaching vehicles or pedestrians. These sensors are calibrated to detect objects within a range of 50–100 meters and measure their speed and distance.
- Microcontroller: A programmable microcontroller processes sensor data and determines whether to activate warning signals. It uses algorithms to analyze object proximity and speed, filtering out false positives (e.g., small animals).
- Warning Signals: High-intensity LED lights, configured to flash upon activation, are installed on both sides of the curve to alert drivers of detected hazards.
- Reflective Signs: Reflective sheeting or signs are placed adjacent to the warning signals to enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
[0020] The system operates as follows:
- Vehicle/Pedestrian Detection: Sensors monitor the road continuously, detecting approaching vehicles or pedestrians and transmitting data on their distance and speed to the microcontroller.
- Signal Processing: The microcontroller analyzes sensor data using preprogrammed algorithms to assess the risk level, such as calculating time to-collision.
- Warning Signal Activation: If a hazard is detected, the microcontroller activates warning signals on the opposite side of the curve, alerting drivers to slow down or stop.
- Reflective Sign Visibility: Reflective signs enhance the visibility of warning signals, ensuring they are noticeable in all lighting conditions.
[0021] System Operation: The system operates autonomously, powered by solar panels and battery storage, making it suitable for remote areas. It continuously monitors the road and activates warnings in real time as hazards are detected. The system is designed to be robust, with sensors capable of functioning in adverse weather conditions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
[0022] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0023] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0024] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0025] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0026] The present invention provides Smart turn alert system for safer roads.
[0027] The Smart Turn Alert System is a sophisticated safety apparatus designed to mitigate the risks associated with limited visibility on winding roads. The system integrates sensor-based detection, real-time data processing, and visual alerting mechanisms to provide drivers with timely warnings about oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions.
[0028] The Smart Turn Alert System is a sophisticated safety apparatus designed to mitigate the risks associated with limited visibility on winding roads. The system integrates sensor-based detection, real-time data processing, and visual alerting mechanisms to provide drivers with timely warnings about oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, thereby reducing the likelihood of collisions.
[0029] The smart turn alert system offers several advantages over existing road safety solutions:
- Dual Protection: Protects both drivers and pedestrians by providing bi directional warnings of approaching hazards.
- Real-Time Alerts: Delivers immediate notifications, enabling rapid driver response to potential collisions.
- Increased Visibility: Combines active LED signals with passive reflective signs for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: Prioritizes pedestrian safety by alerting drivers to their presence.
- Accident Prevention: Reduces collision risk through proactive hazard detection and warning.
- Customization: Adaptable to various road types, including mountainous, rural, or construction zones.
- Situational Awareness: Enhances awareness for drivers and pedestrians, providing critical information about potential hazards.
- Cost-Effective and Scalable: Of fers an affordable, standalone solution that requires minimal infrastructure
[0030] The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein.
[0031] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein. , Claims:We Claim:
1) A sensor-based road safety alert system, the system comprising:
- at least two infrared or radar sensors mounted on opposing sides of a curved road segment;
- a microcontroller configured to receive, analyse, and process sensor data including object speed and proximity; and
- one or more high-intensity LED warning indicators placed on the road edge to notify approaching drivers of potential oncoming vehicles or pedestrians beyond the curve.
2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller filters out non-vehicle/pedestrian noise using pre-defined speed, size, and proximity thresholds to minimize false positives.
3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprising: reflective signage adjacent to said warning indicators to enhance night time visibility and ensure alert recognition under low-light conditions.
4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply is provided by solar panels with battery backup, enabling autonomous operation in remote or off-grid environments.
5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the warning indicators are bidirectional, such that detection from either direction triggers alerts in the opposite direction for two-way traffic monitoring.
6) A method of providing pre-emptive road hazard alerts using the system of claim 1, wherein the method comprising:
- detecting an oncoming object on one side of a blind turn;
- analysing movement data using a microcontroller;
- triggering LED indicators on the opposite side; and
- deactivating alert once the object clears the zone.
7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the components are weather-resistant and operate reliably in rain, fog, or snow conditions.
8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is modular and scalable, adaptable for curved roads in urban, rural, or mountainous environments.