US Patent Application 18447082. INTELLIGENT ELECTRONIC FOOTWEAR AND CONTROL LOGIC FOR AUTOMATED PEDESTRIAN COLLISION AVOIDANCE simplified abstract
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Contents
INTELLIGENT ELECTRONIC FOOTWEAR AND CONTROL LOGIC FOR AUTOMATED PEDESTRIAN COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Christopher Andon of Portland OR (US)
Simplified Explanation
This patent application describes an innovative type of intelligent electronic footwear designed to enhance pedestrian safety. The shoes are equipped with advanced technology that can detect potential collisions with vehicles and warn the wearer. Here's how it works:
1. The shoes have a special detection tag that can receive signals from nearby transmitter-detector modules. 2. When the tag receives a signal, it sends a response back to the module. 3. This information is then processed by a remote computing system. 4. If the system detects a potential collision risk, it sends a warning signal to the shoes. 5. The shoes' built-in controller receives this signal and activates a warning system. 6. The warning system alerts the wearer through visual, audible, or tactile means.
This technology aims to significantly reduce pedestrian accidents by providing real-time warnings to people walking in potentially dangerous areas.
Key Features and Innovation
- Integration of electronic systems into footwear
- Detection tag for interaction with external transmitter-detector modules
- Wireless communication capabilities
- On-board footwear controller for processing signals
- Multi-modal warning system (visual, audible, tactile)
- Real-time threat detection and warning
- Automated collision avoidance system for pedestrians
Potential Applications
- Urban safety enhancement in high-traffic areas
- Improved safety for pedestrians in low-visibility conditions
- Enhanced protection for children and elderly pedestrians
- Integration with smart city infrastructure
- Use in industrial settings to prevent workplace accidents
- Application in sports and recreational activities for increased safety
- Potential integration with autonomous vehicle systems
Problems Solved
- Reduces pedestrian inattention to surrounding traffic
- Addresses the issue of pedestrians not being visible to drivers
- Mitigates risks associated with distracted walking
- Enhances safety in areas with high vehicle-pedestrian interaction
- Provides an additional layer of protection beyond traditional road safety measures
Benefits
- Increased pedestrian safety and reduced accident rates
- Real-time threat awareness for wearers
- Potential reduction in pedestrian fatalities and injuries
- Enhanced mobility and confidence for vulnerable pedestrians
- Seamless integration of safety technology into everyday footwear
- Potential reduction in healthcare costs associated with pedestrian accidents
- Improved urban livability through enhanced pedestrian safety
Commercial Applications: Smart Footwear Revolution in Pedestrian Safety
The intelligent electronic footwear described in this patent has significant commercial potential across various markets:
1. Consumer Market: Safety-conscious individuals, parents, and caregivers could drive demand for this technology in everyday footwear.
2. Urban Planning and Smart Cities: Municipalities might incorporate this technology into city-wide safety initiatives.
3. Industrial Safety: Companies could adopt this technology to enhance workplace safety in environments with heavy machinery or vehicle traffic.
4. Healthcare and Assisted Living: The footwear could be particularly valuable for patients with mobility issues or cognitive impairments.
5. Sports and Recreation: Integration into athletic footwear for enhanced safety during outdoor activities.
6. Insurance Industry: Potential for insurance companies to offer incentives for using such safety-enhancing technology.
7. Automotive Industry: Possible collaboration with car manufacturers for integrated vehicle-to-pedestrian communication systems.
Prior Art
While the abstract doesn't provide information on prior art, potential areas to explore for related technologies might include:
1. Wearable technology for pedestrian safety 2. Vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication systems 3. Smart city infrastructure for traffic management 4. Collision avoidance systems in autonomous vehicles 5. Augmented reality applications for pedestrian navigation 6. IoT devices for personal safety
Researchers interested in prior art could start by examining patents and academic papers in these fields, particularly those published before the filing date of this patent application.
Frequently Updated Research
For the most current research related to this technology, consider following these areas:
1. Smart wearable technology advancements 2. Developments in V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication 3. Progress in pedestrian detection systems for autonomous vehicles 4. Innovations in urban safety infrastructure 5. Advancements in miniaturized sensors and low-power communication technologies 6. Research on human-computer interaction in safety applications 7. Studies on the effectiveness of wearable safety devices
