International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 12, Issue 3, March-2021 546

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DISTANCE WARNING DEVICE FOR

MOTORCYCLE
*Jake M. Quitasol, MATPra

University of Northern Philippines

[email protected]

ABSTRACT
This research study mainly aimed to develop a distance warning device which
works as a warning system for motorcycles. The device utilizes an ultrasonic sensor
which serves as detecting device of the object in front. It can notify the driver using
sound and light indicator when it reaches the distance covered in order to take
immediate action.
This research study made use of a project development method. It also
employed the descriptive research method, specifically, the evaluative research
design.
The constructed device was evaluated by electronics technology experts and

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end-users who drive a motorcycle. They evaluated the device regarding its usefulness
and effectiveness (functionality and reliability). To described the quality of the device,
it was treated statistically by the use of mean.
The findings of the study reveal an “Excellent” overall descriptive rating on the
quality of the distance warning device for motorcycles. This finding implies that the
device is useful and effective to use for motorcycle driving.
Based on the findings, a conclusion about the device was formulated: The
distance warning device for a motorcycle is useful, functional and reliable to use in
order to assist the driver for his/her safety.
The following recommendations are forwarded: (1) Although the device was
rated excellent quality, further improvement should be considered like replacing the
proximity sensor to cover a long range distance; the device should encase in a water
proof box; the sound should have chime that is comfortable to hear, and other features
to be integrated like speed limiter of the motorcycle. (2) Motorcycle drivers should be
encouraged to utilize the constructed device as assistance in driving to prevent a
collision. (3) The device should also be installed to a four-wheeled vehicle to test its
effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The power of innovation has brought things better than its purpose before. With
these creative innovations, human problems are resolved with ease. In particular,
innovations brought by technology has carried out man’s life hacks in every aspect
from households, communication, and up to the transportation system.
Over the years, technology advanced to great heights which made human life
more comfortable through easier and faster tasks accomplished than in the past. For
instance, transportation significantly improved by cutting travel time from days into
hours and minutes. Manufacturers continuously develop and innovate accessories for
vehicles to make life more convenient and at pace with the fast demands of everyday

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living. It could be said that life would not have been this wonderful world without
technology.
Transportation technology can become disastrous especially with fast and
irresponsible driving. In 2016, the statistics provided by the Philippine National Police-
High Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) records 32,369 reported road crashes of vehicles in
the whole country resulting in 549 deaths. Based on the police data, speeding,
distance, and wrong overtaking are the most cause of road accidents. The vehicles
involved are motorcycle 53%, pedestrians 19%, drivers of vehicles with four wheels or
more 25%, cyclist 2% and others 1%. In this case, the motorcycles account for a big
chunk of road accidents and tend to be the most vulnerable resulting to death.
However, this is a partial report on road crash incidents in the country (Ager, 2016).
Every rider must account for a safe distance of the vehicle in front. This could
not be avoided by riders especially during the rush or peak hours of the roads. The
drivers could not easily stop their moving vehicle considering the close distance during
traffic. Although there are now cities enforcing the use of safety gears, these could not
completely protect riders from fatal collisions.
New vehicles nowadays have installed a device that assists in their safety, but
some people prefer to use a motorcycle and old car because of its cheap maintenance
cost. There are already accessories available on the market for safety assistance, but
drivers are hesitant if these are cost efficient. These kinds of vehicle are more prone

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to commit accidents and would lead to fatal injuries. It is not enough for a driver to be
defensive in driving in order to avoid accidents. There should be a reliable device to
be installed in a vehicle to assist the driver for their safety.
To address the above-mentioned problems, the researcher thought of creating
a distance warning device for motorcycles that could provide safety assistance to
avoid accidents. This device could notify the distance of the rider to an object in front
to prevent a collision. It is also an important device especially when a vehicle is turning
in a cross-sectional area of the road or a blind spot area. It also considered usefulness
when driving at night because the area illuminated by the headlight is not visible.
This research project is an innovation for the motorcycle drivers for safe travel.
Furthermore, the advantage of the said device is its portability. It can be easily installed
in any kind of vehicle because of its small size. Also, it requires only a low voltage
supply. The researcher expects this device to prevent future motorcycle collision which
will eventually lessen road accidents. It is further expected that after the device is
improved, it will also be installed for to all types of vehicle for safety driving.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate the performance of distance
warning device for a motorcycle.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What are the steps/procedure in constructing and assembling the distance warning
device for a motorcycle?
2. What is the performance of the device regarding the covered distance for the
warning feature?
3. What is the quality of the device regarding the following criteria:
a. Usefulness
b. Effectiveness
b.1 Functionality
b.2 Reliability

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Related Works and Studies

The following concepts are tools used by the researcher to construct the device.

On the Arduino Uno.

The Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based and an open-source
electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards
can read inputs in order to; light on a sensor, a tweeter message, or a finger on a
button and turn it into output like activating a motor, turning on a LED, publishing
something online. Because of this features of Arduino, the researcher bears up of how
to impose this outstanding feature so that it may be used as a switching device to
lights on the ultrasonic sensor to detect the distance from the object in front. This nice
idea inspired the researcher to incorporate this device to a distance meter or collision
alarm. (http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/ArduinoUno)

On the Ultrasonic HC-SR04 Module.

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The Ultrasonic HC-SR04 Module is a sensor ranging module that provides
2cm-400cm of non-contact measurement. This module includes ultrasonic
transmitters, receiver and control circuit. The HC-SR04 module will operate using the
Arduino uno to provide 10us high level signal and automatically sends eight 40 khz
and sense whether there is a pulse signal back. In connection to this research study,
since the device under study has a feature of detecting distance in an object in front,
the researcher will use this as the sensor of the device under study for an accurate
distance measuring to achieve the main feature of the device under study
(http://www.sainsmart.com/products/ultrasonic-ranging-detector-mod-hc-sr04-
distance sensor).

On the TDA2003 Integrated Circuit.

The TDA2003 IC are electronically components that commonly used in car
radio audio amplifier. The integrated circuit provides high output current capability (up
to 3.5A). It can deliver 10W to a 4 ohms’ load at 18V DC supply voltage. It can also
be operated 12V and makes it applicable in car audio systems. The useful features
include short circuit protection between all pins, thermal overload protection, low
harmonic distortion, a low cross over distortion. (http://www.circuitstoday.com/10w-
amplifier-using-tda2003)

In connection to the device under study, since the device has an alarm feature
when a danger distance reached, the researcher will employ an amplifier circuit to
modulate the sounds of the alarm. The amplifier increases the strength of electric
signals in order to create a louder sound in the alarm of the device.

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Conceptual Framework

The construction of the distance warning device proceeded through the

following paradigm. The input includes the different materials used in the construction
of the device. Other inputs of the study were the different tools and equipment needed.
The process includes the overall quality of the device based on the evaluation of the
experts and end-users. Moreover, the output includes the constructed distance
warning device for motorcycles.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Materials: Quality of The

Distance Warning
 Arduino
Device:
 Ultrasonic
A. Usefulness

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sensor
 Resistor B. Effectiveness
 Diodes
b.1Functionality.
 Integrated Distance Warning
b.2 Reliability
circuit Device for
 capacitors Motorcycle

2. Tools/equipment:
 Pliers
 Soldering iron
 Multitester
 Set of screw
drivers

Figure 1. The Research Paradigm

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study made use of Project Development Method of research. In

constructing the device, the following process was made. This device will utilize an
ultrasonic sensor as the sensing component of the device. This ultrasonic sensor will
be connected to the Arduino uno as microcontroller of the system. The ultrasonic
sensor will activate the Arduino of the device to sense the object in front. A set of
codes will be programmed to the Arduino uno to control the ultrasonic sensor in
generating ultrasonic sound. A row of the light emitting diode was connected to the
Arduino as a distance indicator. This indicator consists of 6 light-emitting diodes. Every
light emitting diode has its calibrated distance to measure. An alarm will be

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incorporated to the device to notify the driver. The alarm consists of speaker, amplifier,
and the switching circuitry. The 12 volts’ battery of the motorcycle will be connected to
power up the device. Below is the block diagram of the device.

BATTERY ARDUINO UNO ULTRASONIC

SENSOR

AMPLIFIER AND DISTANCE LED

BUZZER INDICATOR

Figure 2. The block diagram of Distance Warning Device

As illustrated in the figure above, the constructed device will power up by the
battery, giving a signal from the proximity sensor to detect an object in front. The
device module will trigger the output devices (buzzer and distance LED indicator) to
operate when the proximity sensor detects an object in front.

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Figure 3. The schematic diagram of Distance Warning Device

From figure 3, it shows the proper connection of wires of the ultrasonic sensor,
amplifier; distance LED indicator and the Arduino uno. The Arduino board is supplied
by a 12v battery, and that will drive the circuit connected to it in order to perform its
function.

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RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The following are the answers addressed to each of the problems raised in
the study.

Problem 1. What are the steps/procedure in constructing and assembling the

distance warning device for a motorcycle?

The following pictures present the steps/procedures in assembling the distance

warning device for a motorcycle.

A. Design the schematic diagram of the device.

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Design the schematic diagram of the device by consolidating the different
circuits needed in the construction of the device considering each function. This
schematic diagram served as the guide of the researcher in constructing the device.

B. Construct the device.

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In the construction of the device, it includes the etching of CCB, soldering and
mounting the components, and fabrication of the boxes for different circuits for
isolation.

C. Formulate and Upload the program of the device.

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In order to operate the device, a set of codes will be formulated by the use of
IDE software from the computer. The codes will be uploaded to the Arduino board by
connecting USB cable in the computer.

The Distance Warning Device for Motorcycle

The finished product of distance warning device consists of an ultrasonic

sensor, Arduino uno, rows of LED, buzzer, switches, and fabricated cables. This
device is ready to install in any motorcycle.

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D. Install the Distance Warning Device in the motorcycle.

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The device was installed in SZ Yamaha motorcycle for testing. The ultrasonic
sensor was placed in front of the motorcycle for distance detection, and the rows of
LED was placed in the dash board of the motorcycle for distance monitoring. The main
circuit was placed under the seat of the motorcycle for water protection.

Problem 2. What is the performance of the device regarding the covered

distance for the warning feature?
Table 1
Performance of the device regarding the covered distance for the warning
feature of the device
COVERED DISTANCE
LED INDICATOR
(cm)

400

350

300

250

200

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150

Based on the table above, the distance covered of the device is from a minimum
of 150 centimeters up to the maximum of 400 centimeters. The light emitting diode will
light, and a buzzer will sound when the calibrated distance is reached. This distance
measurement shows that the rows of the light emitting diode will increase the light if
the object is coming near and the light decreases if the object in front is keeping away.
In that case, the driver should already take an immediate action to avoid a collision, if
and when an unexpected sudden stopped may happen. The device will also notify the
driver from a blind spot crossing area of the road and provide the distance using the
rows of the light emitting diode. This data implies that the device can notify the driver
to the distance of an object in front for a maximum of 400 centimeters covered
distance. It further implies that the uploaded program on the device is accurate to the
output of the device.

Problem 3. What is the quality of the device regarding the following criteria:
a. Usefulness

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b. Effectiveness
b.1 Functionality
b.2 Reliability

Table 2
The assessment of the Experts and End-users on the Quality of the Distance
Warning Device in terms of its usefulness.
Experts End-users Overall
Usefulness
̅
𝒙 DR ̅
𝒙 DR ̅
𝒙 DR
1. The device can be used as a
warning device to avoid a 4.80 E 4.80 E 4.80 E
collision.
2. The device minimizes
vehicular accidents, especially 4.70 E 4.30 E 4.50 E
for motorcycles
3. The device meets user
4.70 E 4.70 E 4.70 E
needs for their safety.
4. The device beautifies the
motorcycle-as an additional 4.80 E 4.60 E 4.70 E
feature and accessory
5. The device can be used to
measure a distance of an 4.80 E 4.70 E 4.75 E
object in front
Mean 4.76 E 4.62 E 4.69 E
Legend:
4.21 - 5.00 Excellent (E)
3.41 - 4.20 Very Good (VG)
2.61 - 3.40 Good (G)
1.81 - 2.60 Poor (P)
1.00 - 1.80 Very Poor (VP)

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Based on the above table, the device is “Excellent” in its usefulness as reflected
by the mean of 4.76 on the evaluation of experts. Further, all the indicators in the
criteria of usefulness were rated excellent. This implies that the expert in electronics
technology finds the constructed device to be highly useful in the transportation system
as a distance warning device for a motorcycle to avoid a collision. Due to the
characteristics and feature of the device, experts also remarked that the device has
potential use in minimizing the road accidents and lessens traffic due to vehicular
accidents, especially for motorcycles. Even though the device was rated excellent by
the expert regarding its usefulness, there is still a part to improve in the device to
become completely excellent from the given standard. The item no. 1 and no. 2 which
are rated lowest should be addressed by improving the device like adding the feature
that could totally avoid a collision.
On the other hand, the end-user evaluation of the constructed device was
revealed by the computed mean that the device is very useful. The end-user which
are a driver of motorcycle finds that the device is very useful for driving. This indicates
that the device can assist the driver for their safety. Moreover, with this device, the
end-user meets their needs for their safety. Although the device was rated excellent
̅ = 4.62) there is still much improvement in the device. There should also other
(𝒙
feature of the device that minimizes accidents as it was rated lowest in the item no. 2
along usefulness.

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In general, the overall mean rating of the constructed device along its
usefulness yielded excellent with a mean of 4.69. Though it was rated excellent, there
is still a lot to improve in some part of the device like adding a feature that avoids a
collision in order to convince experts and end-users to rate the device completely
excellent.

Table 3
The assessment of the Experts and End-users on the Quality of the Distance
Warning Device regarding its effectiveness (functionality and reliability).
INDICATORS ALONG Experts End-users Overall
EFFECTIVENESS ̅
𝒙 DR ̅
𝒙 DR ̅
𝒙 DR
A. Functionality
1. The device was able to detect
objects at a certain distance. 4.90 E 4.90 E 4.90 E
2. The device produces enough
sound/siren to notify the rider. 4.80 E 4.50 E 4.65 E
3. The device is cost effective 4.60 E 4.50 E 4.55 E
4. The device is functional
anytime. 4.70 E 4.50 E 4.60 E
5. The device does not modify
the original set up of the
motorcycle, especially the 4.70 E 4.40 E 4.55 E
electromechanical parts.
Mean 4.74 E 4.56 E 4.65 E
B. Reliability
1. The device may last for a
considerable period. 4.60 E 4.70 E 4.65 E

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2. The device is durable and

serves its purpose quick and 4.60 E 4.60 E 4.60 E
easy
3. The device is user-friendly. It
is compatible with any 4.90 E 4.80 E 4.85 E
motorcycle unit.
4. The device incorporates
consistency of performance 4.90 E 4.70 E 4.80 E
5. The device consumes low
power to operate. 4.90 E 4.90 E 4.90 E
Mean 4.78 E 4.74 E 4.76 E
Grand-Mean 4.76 E 4.65 E 4.70 E
Legend:
4.21 - 5.00 Excellent (E)
3.41 - 4.20 Very Good (VG)
2.61 - 3.40 Good (G)
1.81 - 2.60 Poor (P)
1.00 - 1.80 Very Poor (VP)

The experts rated the device as “excellent” regarding its effectiveness along
functionality. The expert evaluators find the device to be functional as it gives warning
to the driver when a distance of an object in front is already near. They also remarked

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the device to provide distance to the object in front by the rows of the light emitting
diode. The evaluator gave the lowest rate in the item “The device is cost effective”
because as of now there is no commercial device that has the same concept intended
for a motorcycle with the device constructed. However, the rating of 4.74 further
implies that the device still needs improvement. The device should have been used a
wide and long-range sensor for highway purposes. Although the device has enough
sound, a chime should be made in the sound of the device to hear comfortably.
On the other hand, the end-users’ evaluation regarding its effectiveness along
functionality earned a total mean of 4.56. This implies that the constructed device is
functional as it can notify drivers for their safety. However, the device still needs to be
improved to some items that were rated lowest by the end-user. The device should
have already a holder intended for any kind of vehicle in order to address the item no.
five along functionality on the evaluation of the end-users.
The overall rating of the constructed device by the experts and end-users was
yielded excellent with a mean of 4.65. This implies that the group of evaluators find
the constructed device as functional. However, it also implies that the group of
evaluators wants something to improve in the device from the given standard for it to
be completely excellent.
The device was also rated “Excellent” along reliability with a mean of 4.78 by
the experts. This implies that the device constructed is reliable to be used as a warning
device for distance. However, there is still a lot to improve in the device in its durability.
The device should have been encased in a more durable material and water resistant
for it to be completely reliable. The device was also rated excellent with the mean of
4.74 along reliability. The end-user finds that the device is reliable to use as a warning
device for a motorcycle as it does not affect the operation of the motorcycle because
it only consumes a low power to operate.
Taken as a whole, the grand mean on the indicators of effectiveness shows
̅ = 4.76) “Excellent.” The grand
that the experts rated the functionality and reliability (𝒙
mean rating of the end-users regarding functionality and reliability was also rated

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excellent with a mean of 4.65. The experts have the highest evaluation on the device
constructed. This implies that experts are more technically knowledgeable in rating the
quality of the device. Even though end-users rated the lowest regarding the device
effectiveness it was consistently rated excellent (𝒙 ̅ = 4.70) with the combined
evaluation of experts and end-users.

FINDINGS

This research study came out with the following salient findings:

1. The procedure in constructing/assembling the device.

There are four (4) general procedures to be followed in constructing the device;
these are as follows:
a. Design the schematic diagram,
b. Construct the device based on the schematic diagram
c. Write a program in the IDE software and Upload the program in the
device
d. Install the device in the motorcycle for testing

2. Performance of the device regarding the covered distance for the warning

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feature of the device.
The distance covered of the device is from a minimum of 150 centimeters up to
the maximum of 400 centimeters. The light emitting diode will light, and a buzzer will
sound when the calibrated distance is reached. This shows that the rows of light
emitting diode will increase the light if the object is coming near and the light decreases
if the object in front keeping away. In that case, the driver should already take an
immediate action to avoid collision, if and when an unexpected sudden stopped may
happen. The device will also notify the driver from a blind spot crossing area of the
road and provide the distance using the rows of the light emitting diode. This implies
that the device can notify the driver to the distance of an object in front for a maximum
of 400 centimeters covered distance. It further implies that the uploaded program on
the device is accurate to the output of the device.

3. The evaluation on the quality of the device regarding usefulness and

effectiveness (functionality and reliability).
The device was consistently rated “Excellent” ( 𝒙 ̅ = 4.76) by the experts
regarding its usefulness and effectiveness (functionality and reliability). The expert
finds the device useful and reliable as they highly rate in every indicator of the criteria.
Though it was consistently rated excellent; there is still a part to improve specially to
its functionality as it was rated the lowest.
On the other hand, the evaluation of the end-user resulted in an overall score
of “Excellent” with a mean of 4.64. However, some of the indicators was rated low
because end-users are not technically knowledgeable to appreciate some indicators
of the device rating scale.
Nevertheless, the overall rating of the device constructed was described
excellent with the combined evaluation of experts and end-user. This implies that the
device is highly acceptable and can be used as a warning device for a motorcycle rider
to assist for their safety in order to avoid accidents due to a collision.

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CONCLUSION

Based on the findings presented, below is the conclusion of the device.

The constructed distance warning device is useful, functional and reliable to
use for a motorcycle in order to avoid a collision. Though the device was rated
excellent with a grand mean of 4.7, it further implies that there is still to improve the
device from the given standard.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Relative to the findings and conclusions made in the study, the following
recommendations are forwarded.
1. Although the device was rated excellent quality, further improvement should be

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considered like replacing the proximity sensor to cover a long-range distance; the
device should encase in a water proof box; the sound should have a chime that is
comfortable to hear, and other features to be integrated like speed limiter of the
motorcycle.
2. Motorcycle drivers should be encouraged to utilize the constructed device as
assistance in driving to prevent a collision.
3. The device should be installed to a four-wheeled vehicle to test its effectiveness.

REFERENCES

Maila Ager (2016). Statistics of Vehicular Accidents in 2017: Retrieved January 06,
2018, from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/821966/10000-vehicular-accidents
police

Massimo Bansi (2017). Introduction to Arduino: Retrieved January 20, 2018, from
http://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/ArduinoUno

SainSmart (2010). Ultrasonic Ranging Module HC-SR04: Retrieved January 21,

2018, from http://www.sainsmart.com/products/ultrasonic-ranging-detector-
mod-hc-sr04-distancesensor

Circuits today (2017). 10W Amplifier Using TDA2003: Retrieved January 27, 2018,
from http://www.circuitstoday.com/10w-amplifier-using-tda2003

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