Determining the possibility of passage through narrow alleys using ultrasonic sensors

Abstract

The complex road topography of South Korea presents significant challenges to the timely arrival of emergency vehicles. Compounding the issue, obstacles such as legally or illicitly constructed structures, and improperly parked or stationary vehicles, frequently obstruct the path of emergency vehicles. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel system aimed at enhancing emergency response times. The system employs ultrasonic sensors that can be integrated into personal devices to measure the width of the numerous narrow alleys prevalent in Korea's densely populated regions. Experiments demonstrate that within a 1-meter range in front of a narrow alley with widths varying between 270 cm and 450 cm where vehicle maneuvering is possible, it's possible to accurately gauge the width using two ultrasonic sensors, achieving a precision within a 5 cm margin of error. This level of accuracy enables the practical assessment of whether emergency vehicles can access the area in real-time by identifying the alley's narrowest point. The proposed system is a cost-effective method using easy-to-buy devices for augmenting emergency preparedness and enhancing emergency response times by ensuring that emergency vehicles can navigate through alleys, thereby fostering a safer living environment.