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pot hole.jpgGoogle Pothole? Firm files patent to turn cars into automatic pothole reporters
A recent Google patent could see cars building a constantly updated database of the nation’s potholes, reports Autoblog. The technology would see vehicles logging the location of major bumps in the road and uploading the information to the cloud.
The system combines a GPS-equipped infotainment system with a vertical movement sensor which would be located somewhere on the vehicle. Whenever a car hits a pothole, the location would be noted and the information uploaded to a central database.
The idea is that over time and with enough cars sending reports, an accurate picture of the state of roads can be put together. From Google’s perspective, the purpose of this might be to redirect cars along smoother stretches of tarmac, but a constantly-updated database of potholes could also be employed to identify where roadworks need carrying out. Whether the work would actually be completed or not is of course another matter, so don’t throw away the spray paint or gardening gloves just yet.
A patent guarantees nothing, but if Google does decide to pursue this, the software would surely be used within the firm’s driverless cars which are currently being tested out on the road. We’ve previously reported how another patent relating to these vehicles is a way for the cars to recognise cyclists' hand signals.
Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.
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12 comments
Call me cycnical, but I don't want Google to have full access to my movements.
But why not, unless you have something to hide? But seriously, I appreciate that it's a work of fiction but read 'The Circle' - very scary.
I had this idea a few years ago, and in researching if there was anything similar, I tried a few Google searches...
....looks like that action was actually my downfall.
So, just checking but is there anything left that Google hasn't patented? (doesn't mean they'll build it, just that they have the intellectual property rights if someone else wants to).
And that's why Google has the millions and I don't.
I've had that idea bouncing around my head for a few years now but done nothing about it. My version had devices installed in buses and taxis... easier to calibrate with a small number of vehicle types.
Manchester council would be deluged with massive reports of pot-holes (as well as having reports of massive pot-holes when there is a deluge)
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manc...
Another easy way to report is to download FixMyStreet app to your phone. Works out exactly where you are from GPS and sends report to relevant council, can optionally add a photo. Also useful for reporting fly-tipping etc.
You can report them yourself and your local authority has to fix them within a given time limit ..Ive used this and generally the holes are sorted within a fortnight http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/
Naturally google would offer this service free to the authorities.
I would say we already know which roads are bad, the problem is repairing them. I don't see this solving anything. Maybe they can develop a road repairing drone to get the job done overnight.
Wouldn't be so sure about that. Edinburgh Council has a terrible habit of (when it does occasionally bother) resurfacing roads that are in a much better state of repair than the ones which really need doing.
Ideas like this could at the very least help those in charge of such works to prioritise better.
What a simple and excellent idea...
It could even be introduced into those Aviva/Admiral type 'driving well' apps...
Im pretty certain my local authority know exactly where all the potholes are already, they've had years to find each one!
Would be much better if we could see this on bikes (slower speeds should give better accuracy)
We might then be welcomed on the road network by motorists...