Even the most advanced danger detection algorithm is of little value if the user is not warned about a detected hazard in time. That is why the alert system is one of the most important components of the Smombie Assistant module. Its purpose is not only to notify pedestrians about potential danger as quickly as possible, but also to do so in the most effective way for a particular situation.
All warning methods can be broadly divided into three categories: visual, audible, and haptic. Each of these has its own advantages and is suitable for different situations. Some users may only need a subtle notification, while others may require a more noticeable warning. For this reason, the module provides several alert methods, each with its own characteristics and capable of working either independently or in combination with the others.
Status bar icon
The status bar icon is the simplest and least intrusive way of warning the user about danger. It appears in the notification area and remains visible regardless of which application is currently open on the smartphone. This approach has virtually no impact on the user's interaction with the device and does not interrupt normal smartphone use.
However, its compact size is also its biggest drawback. While walking, users may become so focused on the content displayed on the screen that they simply fail to notice a small icon in the status bar. For this reason, this method is better suited for warning about lower-risk situations or as an additional visual indicator that complements other alert methods.
Push notification
A push notification provides a more noticeable form of warning. Because it suddenly appears over the active application, it is very likely to capture the user's attention. At the same time, it does not completely interrupt the use of the smartphone, allowing the user to decide how to respond.
This can be considered a "soft" warning method. In most situations, it is sufficient to draw the user's attention away from the screen for a few seconds and encourage them to look ahead and assess their surroundings.
Full-screen alert
In some situations, a standard notification may not be enough. If the module determines that a potentially dangerous object or high-risk area lies ahead, it can use a more assertive warning method.
A full-screen alert temporarily covers the entire display, replacing the content of the active application with a warning message or image. Its primary purpose is to immediately shift the user's attention from the smartphone to the surrounding environment. For this reason, it can be considered a "strong" warning method and should only be used in situations that involve a genuine risk.
Vibration alert
Vibration is an effective complement to visual warning methods. Since people usually hold their smartphones in their hands while walking, the vibration can be felt almost instantly and helps draw attention to the warning more quickly.
However, vibration alone should not be used as the only alert method. Users may ignore it or mistake it for a notification from another application. It is most effective when combined with visual messages or audible alerts, reinforcing their impact.
Sound alert
An audible warning is one of the most effective ways to capture a pedestrian's attention. For the Smombie Assistant module, the sound of a car horn could be the most appropriate option. For most people, this sound is subconsciously associated with immediate danger on the road and naturally triggers a rapid reaction.
Unlike ordinary notification tones, which have become familiar and are often ignored, the sound of a vehicle horn is difficult to mistake for anything else. Upon hearing it, most pedestrians instinctively look up and try to identify the source of danger. This is exactly the response the warning system is designed to achieve – quickly redirecting the user's attention from the smartphone to the surrounding environment.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of a warning system depends not only on how accurately it detects danger, but also on how quickly and appropriately the user responds to the alert. That is why the Smombie Assistant module incorporates several different warning methods, each varying in visibility and level of urgency. Some are intended for everyday use and provide subtle notifications about potential hazards, while others are designed for situations that require the user's immediate attention. By combining multiple alert methods, the module becomes more flexible, more effective, and better suited to the individual preferences and needs of every user.