The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Youth do their bit for accident prevention

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 22, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Youth do their bit for accident prevention

Chitra V. Ramani

Umanath R. Kamat, Ashwin Bhat have developed ‘Protunik’

It is a device that has motion detectors
It can measure light intensity

Bangalore: Everyday, one hears about accidents on our roads. People often blame it on lack of infrastructure, a proper signalling system or reckless driving.

This is what prompted Umanath R. Kamat and Ashwin Bhat, engineering students from M.S. Ramiah Institute of Technology, to work on finding an efficient, cost-effective aid for drivers, which can be easily integrated with the present system.

Speaking to The Hindu here, the young inventors said they had developed a device — Protunik — that had motion detectors and could measure light intensity. “Protunik means unique protection. This can be used for dual purposes — it can be installed in traffic junctions for automated signals and it can be fixed on the rooftop of four-wheelers for automatic dipping of headlights,” said Ashwin.

The device ensures a safe and comfortable driving experience. “It does not give unnecessary warning as it is automated. When placed at junctions or blind curves, the system will give warning only if two vehicles approach the junction. A warning in terms of a stop sign is given to the alternate roads to prevent accidents. This system will be useful in the Ghat sections, which is full of hairpin bends and blind curves,” he said.

Of its other function, Umanath said the device works as a reliable and automatic system for dipping of headlights for safe navigation at night by preventing glare from the oncoming vehicles. “However, this will work only if all vehicles are fitted with ‘Protunik’. It does not serve any purpose if only one vehicle has it.”

The device is unique because of the combination of motion detectors and light intensity measuring system. “It is this combination that ensures that there are no false alarms. The device will detect only moving light or headlights,” he added.

Umanath said that their invention was featured at the Freescale Tech Forum 2007, held recently in the city, where it won the first place. “We got a good response when we demonstrated the technology. We are now looking for collaborations from the industry so that it can be developed into a full-scale product. We only have a prototype with us,” he said.

The two have been invited to visit a chip-making facility in Malaysia. “We will be going to Malaysia in February. We are excited about the prospect,” said Ashwin.

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