Patent Application
20180290704
The present invention relates generally, but not exclusively, to a system and method to detect the motion of a person operating equipment while moving through space, and more particularly to a system and method for illuminating lights attached to the person when the motion of the person operating equipment indicates a change in direction or acceleration.
The illumination of lights on equipment (e.g., motor vehicles, heavy machinery) has historically been performed by devices directed by user input. However, users of the equipment often times forget to signal. Moreover, the lights illuminated on the equipment may have poor visibility in certain environments. Thus, there exists a need for a system and method (separate and independent from the lights that come manufactured on the equipment) to improve the visibility and safety of persons operating the equipment while moving through space (e.g., driving on a road). The illustrative embodiments described below provide improved visibility and safety by employing a motion detection and lighting system to detect the motions of a person operating equipment while moving through space, analyzing the data associated with the detected motions, and then instructing a lighting system to illuminate one or more lights based on the analysis. The system and method described herein can also be implemented in connection with various other transportation technologies or sporting activities (e.g., skiing, mountain biking).
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Typically, a person operating equipment while moving through space has to input or manually direct the equipment to indicate the person's intention of turning. That is, the person has to manually activate a light switch on the equipment before the person intends to turn. However, once the lights are activated, others who are also traveling in the same area may have difficulty seeing the lights. Also, in some instances, the person may forget to input directives to the equipment to illuminate the lights before making a turn. Furthermore, a stop signal on the equipment may malfunction when the user steps or grasps on the brakes. This could create an unsafe environment, particularly for a person riding a motorcycle, for instance, who shares the road with other transportation vehicles.
Thereby, one way to increase the visibility and safety of a person while operating equipment and moving through space is to incorporate a motion detection and lighting system that includes a motion detection module configured to detect the motion of the person operating the equipment and illuminate one or more lights in a lighting system based at least in part on the detected motion of the person. The motion detection module includes a plurality of sensors and is configured to receive data indicative of the person's motion. Specifically, the motion detection module is configured to analyze data from the plurality of sensors to determine whether the person intends to make a change in direction or acceleration. Based on this determination, instructions are then sent to activate lights in a lighting system that is attached to the person's body or an article of clothing worn by the person.
In illustrative examples of the present disclosure, a system and method are provided for illuminating one or more lights based at least in part on a person's motion while operating equipment and traveling through space. According to one particular implementation, a system includes one or more lights attached to the person, a motion detection module including a plurality of sensors, and a controller communicatively coupled to the motion detection module and the one or more lights. The controller is configured to receive data indicative of the motion of the person operating equipment while moving through space from the plurality of sensors, determine a change in direction or acceleration associated with the motion of the person operating equipment while moving through space based on the data received, and activate the one or more lights for illumination based at least in part on the determination.
According to another particular implementation, a method for illuminating one or more lights based at least in part on a person's motion while operating equipment and traveling through space is disclosed herein. The method includes attaching one or more lights to the person, detecting motion of the person using a motion detection module including a plurality of sensors, providing a controller that is communicatively coupled to the motion detection module and to the one or more lights. The controller further comprises receiving data indicative of the motion of the person operating equipment while moving through space from the plurality of sensors, determining a change in direction or acceleration associated with the motion of the person operating equipment while moving through space based on the data received, and activating the one or more lights for illumination based at least in part on the determination.
According to yet another particular implementation, a system comprises a motion detection module, one or more storage devices configured to store data, and one or more memories having stored thereon computer-readable instructions. The system is configured to receive data from the motion detection module indicative of the motion associated with a person operating equipment while moving through space, in response to the data received, determine a change in direction or acceleration associated with the motion of the person operating equipment while moving through space, and activate one or more lights attached to the person for illumination based at least in part on the determination.
The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description are better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. In order to illustrate the present disclosure, various aspects of the disclosure are shown. However, the disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects discussed. The following figures are included:
In an environment where a person operates equipment while moving through open space, there exists an increased demand to improve the visibility and safety of these individuals. Thus, a motion detection and lighting system, as described herein, that is configured to detect the motion of the person operating equipment while moving through space and further configured to send signals to illuminate one or more lights in a lighting system attached to the body of the person based on the person's motion may be advantageous. This motion detection and lighting system is configured to operate separate from the lighting system that comes manufactured on the equipment.
The various examples used in this disclosure are in the context of the design and development of the safety of a person in transportation context, but it should be understood that the described principles may be applied to other developmental scenarios involving the communication between devices in a communications network. Such examples in the field of lighting devices include motion detection and home lighting systems, motion detection and office lighting systems, and/or motion detection and lighting systems associated with outdoor sports. Additionally, the disclosure may be applicable in other industries.
The signal light 101 is configured to illuminate when the person riding the motorcycle intends to perform a turn. The signal light 101 is configured to flicker when illuminated. The break light 102 is configured to illuminate when the person riding the motorcycle is deaccelerating. In other words, the break light 102 illuminates when the person operating equipment intends to stop by grasping or pressing down on the brakes. The break light 102 is configured to illuminate a steady red light. Moreover, the signal light 101 and backlight 102 are configured to be illuminated in different colors.
Although
Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, the motion detection and lighting system 100 is configured to detect a person's motion while moving through space without equipment. That is, the motion detection and lighting system 100 can detect a person's motion while the person is walking, jogging, or running. The lighting system can be activated simply based on the person's motion sans equipment.
Continuing to refer to
Additionally, in alternate embodiments, the motion detection module 201 is configured as a part of a separate computing device e.g., smartphone or smartwatch (not depicted in
Continuing to refer to
Once a “yaw” change is detected, the motion detection module further determines whether the state of the “yaw” change reaches quiescence (stable reading) for at least a certain time period 507. Put another way, when the “yaw” change is detected, the time of the “yaw” change is also monitored. Typically, if the “yaw” change both exceeds the predetermined banking value and exceeds a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1/10th of a second) then the motion detection module determines that banked turn has occurred in one of two directions.
Specifically, if the “yaw” is a positive yaw and is greater than 5 degrees for a period of time longer than 1/10th of a second, for example, then the motion detection module recognizes that a left turn has occurred. The controller 202 then sends a signal to activate the left turn signal of the lighting system 203 for illumination. Alternatively, if the “yaw” is negative and exceeds the predetermined banking value of 5 degrees for a period of time longer than 1/10th of a second, then the motion detection module determines that a right turn has occurred. The controller 202 then sends the signal to the right turn signal of the lighting system 203 for illumination.
Continuing to refer to
As shown in
Again, in some instances, a controller is not necessary to be included in the motion detection module. The motion detection module may be configured to directly instruct the lighting system 203 to illuminate the one or more of the lights based on the detected change of acceleration of the person.
Referring to block 702, a motion detection module that includes a plurality of sensors is also attached to or located on the body of the person. The motion detection module is configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors may include at least one of: a global positioning system (GPS) 302, compass 303, gyroscope 304, speedometer 305, accelerometer 306, and a barometer 307. Each of these sensors is communicatively coupled to the motion detection module and is configured to detect or collect measurements from different motions of the person operating equipment while moving through space. For example, the gyroscope is included in the motion detection module to detect motion in three dimensions (e.g., vertical, longitudinal, and lateral). If the person's motion, for instance, causes the gyroscope to rotate around the front and back (e.g., longitudinal) axis then the gyroscope can detect the “roll” of the gyroscope. If the person's motion is detected by the gyroscope to rotate around the side-to-side (e.g., lateral) axis then the gyroscope can detect the “pitch” of the person. Lastly, if the rotation of the gyroscope is around the vertical axis, then the gyroscope can detect the “yaw” change of the person in motion. This “yaw” detection provides the motion detection module with information to recognize the person's intent when it comes to turning.
Referring to block 703, a controller is included and configured to receive data from the motion detection module. The controller is communicatively coupled to the motion detection module and the lighting system. The controller is configured to receive data from the motion detection module, analyze the data, and direct the lighting system to illuminate at least one of the lights. As analyzed above, in some instances, the controller may not be necessary such that the motion detection module may directly send signals to the lighting system without the controller.
Now referring to blocks 704 and 705, the controller is configured to receive data from the motion detection module and determine if a change of direction or acceleration has occurred. That is, in one embodiment, the controller is configured to detect whether a banking/tilt of the person operating equipment while moving through space has occurred. If, each time, the detected motion is greater than a banking value threshold and exceeds a predetermined period of time then the controller is configured to send instructions to the lighting system. For instance, the controller detects whether a greater than a 5 degrees change in the bank or tilt of the person operating equipment has occurred. If so, the controller then monitors whether this greater than 5 degrees tilt has occurred for longer than 1/10th of a second. And if all of this occurs, the controller recognizes that the person is most likely about to turn or is in the process of turning and the respective signal light, as shown in block 706, associated with the turn should be activated.
Moreover, the acceleration from the person operating equipment is detected and determined whether there is a decline or deceleration. If so, then the person is preparing to or has stopped. The controller of the motion detection module recognizes this deceleration and compares it to a predetermined threshold value ((e.g., −¼*gravitational constant (g)). If the comparison determines that the person is decelerating, the controller directs the lighting system to illuminate the break light and not the turning lights. In some instances, both the break light and at least one of the signal lights are illuminated simultaneously. This occurs when the motion detection module detects that the person has performed both a deceleration that is greater than −¼*g and a tilt motion larger than 5 degrees for longer than 1/10th of a second.
Processor 804 includes any suitable programmable circuit including one or more systems and microcontrollers, microprocessors, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and any other circuit capable of executing the functions described herein. The above example examples are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “processor.”
Memory device 805 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a Flash drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable memory. In the exemplary implementation, memory device 805 includes data and/or instructions embodying aspects of the disclosure that are executable by processor 804 (e.g., processor 804 may be programmed by the instructions) to enable processor 804 to perform the functions described herein.
Wireless transmitters 806 are configured to transmit control signals and data signals over a network. In one example, wireless transmitters 806 may transmit in a radio frequency spectrum and operate using an appropriate communication protocol. Moreover, wireless receivers 808 are configured to receive control signals and data signals over network. In one example, wireless receivers 807 may receive signals on a radio frequency spectrum using an appropriate communication program.
The motion detection module 850 may also include at least one output component 803 for sending data or instructions to controller 851. Output component 803 may be any component capable of conveying information to controller 851. In some implementations, output component 803 is communicatively coupled to a separate controller device 851. However, in some implementations, output component 803 is communicatively coupled to controller 851 inside of the motion detection module 850. An output adapter is operatively coupled to processor 804 and is configured to be operatively coupled to an output device, such as a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, cathode ray tube (CRT), “electronic ink” display, or the like) or an audio output device (e.g., a speaker, headphones, or the like).
The motion detection module 850 may also include at least one input component 802 for receiving input from person 801. Input component 802 may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, an audio input device, or the like. The motion detection module 850 may also be connected to a lighting system 807 that includes one or more illuminated lights. The lighting system 807 may also include its own separate battery for power.
It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the functionality provided by the routines discussed above may be provided in alternative ways, such as being split among more routines or consolidated into fewer routines. Similarly, in some embodiments, illustrated routines may provide more or less functionality than is described, such as when other illustrated routines instead lack or include such functionality respectively or when the amount of functionality that is provided is altered. In addition, while various operations may be illustrated as being performed in a particular manner (e.g., in serial or in parallel) and/or in a particular order, in other embodiments the operations may be performed in other orders and in other manners.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. As used in the description of the disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Furthermore, the terms “assets” and “computing devices,” when used in this specification, may be used interchangeably.
In general, the various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in different ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or states may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, or multiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state. The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed example examples.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the teachings herein. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt the teachings herein to a particular situation without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the claims not be limited to the particular implementations disclosed herein.
