METHOD FOR PREVENTING A VEHICLE COLLISION

Abstract

A method for preventing a collision between vehicles at an intersection, comprising: Calculating position information of a subject vehicle approaching the intersection and position information of an opposing vehicle approaching the intersection via a different approach path; Calculating intersection approach times of the subject vehicle and the opposing vehicle based on the position information; Calculating an approach time difference between the intersection approach time of the subject vehicle and the intersection approach time of the opposing vehicle; and Performing a follow-up action depending on the approach time difference, wherein performing the follow-up action comprises: continuing to drive the subject vehicle in the current state when the approach time difference is greater than or equal to a first set time; Performing a collision warning to the subject vehicle when the approach time difference is less than the first set time and greater than or equal to a second set time; and Calculating a target acceleration of the subject vehicle when the approach time difference is less than the second set time.

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for preventing a collision between vehicles at an intersection, and more particularly to a method for preventing a collision between vehicles at an intersection capable of calculating an approach time difference according to intersection approach times of a subject vehicle and an opposing vehicle to stably prevent the collision. 2. Discussion of the state of the art

[0002] In general, the accident rate at an intersection is much higher than that of other roads, and therefore careful driving at the intersection is very important.

[0003] However, such an accident at the intersection cannot be completely avoided only by a driver's safety awareness and caution, and thus intersection collision avoidance systems using various methods are being developed and applied.

[0004] However, the intersection collision avoidance systems developed and applied in the prior art have a complex process for calculating a collision time of vehicles and low calculation accuracy.

[0005] In addition, subsequent action after calculating the collision time is unclear, so that the accident frequency at an intersection is not remarkably reduced.

[0006] Accordingly, a method for solving the above problems is needed.

[0007] DE 10 2006 046 697 A1 describes a method for the early detection of dangerous situations in intersection areas, in which conflict points are calculated and a warning message is issued if danger is suspected.

[0008] US 2009 / 0 237 269 A1 relates to an environmental monitoring device comprising a three-stage warning system which, depending on the degree of danger, issues a warning as a change in colour or shade on a screen.

[0009] US 2011 / 0 307 139 A1 describes an intersection collision avoidance system which issues a warning when a collision appears unavoidable, but only takes over control of the vehicle's braking or acceleration when an avoidable collision is imminent in order to avoid the avoidable collision. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is directed to providing a method for preventing a collision of vehicles at an intersection, which is capable of appropriately calculating a vehicle collision time at the intersection and clearly performing a subsequent action thereto.

[0011] The aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, but the other aspects and features not described will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0012] A method for preventing a collision between vehicles at an intersection according to the present invention includes: calculating position information of a subject vehicle approaching the intersection and position information of an opposing vehicle approaching the intersection along a different approach path; calculating intersection approach times of the subject vehicle and the opposing vehicle based on the position information; calculating an approach time difference between the intersection approach time of the subject vehicle and the intersection approach time of the opposing vehicle; and performing a follow-up action depending on the approach time difference.

[0013] According to the invention, performing the follow-up action includes: continuing to drive the subject vehicle in the current state when the approach time difference is greater than or equal to a first set time; performing a collision warning to the subject vehicle when the approach time difference is less than the first set time and greater than or equal to a second set time; and calculating a target acceleration of the subject vehicle when the approach time difference is less than the second set time.

[0014] Furthermore, if the approach time difference is smaller than the second set time, the calculated target acceleration can be communicated to a driver.

[0015] Furthermore, if the driver does not change the acceleration according to the notified target acceleration, the acceleration of the subject vehicle can be automatically controlled according to the calculated target acceleration.

[0016] In addition, when the approach time difference is less than the second set time, the acceleration of the subject vehicle can be automatically controlled according to the calculated target acceleration.

[0017] Furthermore, the target acceleration can be calculated using the following equation: S−V0t12t2 where S represents a distance to the intersection, V0 represents a current speed, and t represents an intersection approach time.

[0018] Since the method for preventing the collision of vehicles at the intersection has a simple and reasonable algorithm for preventing collision of vehicles, a quick and accurate countermeasure can be carried out.

[0019] In addition, a clear follow-up action can be carried out to further increase security.

[0020] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other additional effects will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a view showing a case where a subject vehicle and an opposing vehicle approach an intersection; Fig. 2 is a view showing intersection approach times of the subject vehicle and the opposing vehicle; Fig. 3 is a view showing a case where the vehicles collide when the intersection approach times of the subject vehicle and the opposing vehicle are within the same range; Fig. 4 is a view showing a case where the intersection approach time of the subject vehicle is longer than that of the opposing vehicle; Fig. 5 is a view showing a case where the intersection approach time of the subject vehicle is shorter than that of the opposing vehicle; and

[0022] Fig. 6 is a view showing a follow-up action calculation process according to a first set time and a second set time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the present invention is shown and described in connection with embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0024] Hereinafter, a method for preventing a collision of vehicles at an intersection according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a view showing a case where a subject vehicle V1 and an opposing vehicle V2 approach an intersection. When the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 approach an intersection c at the same time as in Fig. 1, there is a probability of a collision between both vehicles. Accordingly, to solve this problem, the present invention proposes a method for preventing a collision between vehicles at an intersection.

[0026] Hereinafter, the subject vehicle V1 is a vehicle in which an intersection collision avoidance system is mounted, and the opposing vehicle V2 is a vehicle that approaches the intersection c on a different approach path when a driver of the subject vehicle V1 approaches the intersection c.

[0027] First, a step of calculating position information of the subject vehicle V1 approaching the intersection c and position information of the opposing vehicle V2 approaching the intersection c on the other approach path is performed.

[0028] In this step, the intersection collision avoidance system installed in the subject vehicle V1 calculates the position information of the subject vehicle V1 approaching the intersection c and the position information of the opposing vehicle V2 approaching the intersection c on the other approach path. That is, the intersection collision avoidance system installed in the subject vehicle V1 can calculate the current positions of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2.

[0029] Here, the calculation of the position information can be performed using various means such as GPS, radio communication or the like, and can be performed through direct communications between the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2.

[0030] After the step, a step of calculating intersection approach times of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 based on the position information is performed.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a view showing the intersection approach times of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2.

[0032] As in Fig. 2, a distance to an intersection point P of the intersection C can be calculated based on the position information calculated by the step of calculating the position information, and thus the intersection approach time required until the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 reach the intersection can be calculated taking into account the current speeds of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2.

[0033] The intersection approach time of the subject vehicle V1 is set here as T1, and the intersection approach time of the opposing vehicle V2 is set here as T2.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a view showing a case where the vehicles collide when the intersection approach times of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 are within the same range.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, when the intersection approach time T1 of the subject vehicle V1 and the intersection approach time T2 of the opposing vehicle V2 are equal to or similar to each other, the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 arrive at the intersection point P at the same time, causing a collision between the vehicles. Here, approximate values of the intersection approach times T1 and T2 that may cause the collision between the vehicles can be determined by considering the entire length or the like of the vehicle.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a view showing a case where the intersection approach time T1 of the subject vehicle V1 is greater than the intersection approach time T2 of the opposing vehicle V2.

[0037] When the intersection approach time T1 of the subject vehicle V1 as shown in Fig. 4, is greater than the intersection approach time T2 of the opposing vehicle V2, since the opposing vehicle V2 arrives at the intersection point P first, the subject vehicle V1 reaches the intersection point P after the opposing vehicle V2 passes the intersection point P. Accordingly, the vehicles do not collide in this case.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a case where the intersection approach time T1 of the subject vehicle V1 is smaller than the intersection approach time T2 of the opposing vehicle V2.

[0039] When the intersection approach time T1 of the subject vehicle V1 as shown in Fig. 5, is smaller than the intersection approach time T2 of the opposing vehicle V2, since the subject vehicle V1 arrives at the intersection point P first, the opposing vehicle V2 reaches the intersection point after the subject vehicle V1 passes the intersection point P. Accordingly, in this case, the vehicles do not collide.

[0040] As described above, in order to anticipate the probability of a collision between the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2, after the step of calculating the intersection approach times, a step of calculating an approach time difference between the intersection approach time T1 of the subject vehicle V1 and the intersection approach time T2 of the opposing vehicle V2 is performed. Hereinafter, the approach time difference is referred to as T d set.

[0041] That is, if the approach time difference T dis equal to 0 or a set value close to 0, a collision of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 is expected, and when an absolute value of the approach time difference T d deviates from a set value close to 0, the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 are expected not to collide.

[0042] Accordingly, a step of performing a follow-up action depending on the approach time difference T d The follow-up action is performed by the intersection collision avoidance system, and various actions, such as normal driving, deceleration, or the like, of the subject vehicle V1 can be performed according to the circumstances.

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a follow-up action calculation process according to a first set time S1 and a second set time S2.

[0044] In the embodiment, the follow-up action includes deceleration, warning and normal driving, and the approach difference T d can be divided into the first set time S1 and the second set time S2.

[0045] More specifically, the first set time S1 represents a boundary point between a point at which a collision of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 occurs and a point at which the collision of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 does not occur.

[0046] That is, if the approach time difference T d is less than the first set time S1, a collision of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 occurs, and if the approach time difference T d is greater than the first set time S1, the collision of the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 does not occur.

[0047] In addition, the second set time S2 represents a boundary point between a point at which the collision between the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 does not occur, but a danger due to approach during driving is high, and a point at which the collision between the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 does not occur and a danger due to approach during driving is low.

[0048] That is, if the approach time difference T d is less than the second set time S2 and greater than the first set time S1, while the collision between the subject vehicle V1 and the opposing vehicle V2 does not occur, the approach when driving the vehicles may cause a subsequent danger, and if the approach time difference T d is greater than the second set time S2, the probability of the subsequent hazard is reduced so that normal driving is possible.

[0049] As described above, in the embodiment, a 3-stage follow-up action including a deceleration, a warning, and a normal driving is set with respect to the first set time S1 and the second set time S2.

[0050] That is, if the approach time difference T d is greater than or equal to the first set time S1, the subject vehicle V1 continues to travel in the current state when the approach time difference T d is less than the first set time S1 and greater than or equal to the second set time S2, the subject vehicle V1 performs a collision warning, and when the approach time difference T d is less than the second set time S2, deceleration of the subject vehicle V1 can be performed.

[0051] Here, if the approach time difference T dis less than the second set time S2, while the system can automatically perform the deceleration of the subject vehicle V1, the system can calculate a target acceleration before performing the deceleration and inform a driver of the target acceleration in advance.

[0052] That is, if the driver does not change the acceleration of the subject vehicle V1 by himself according to the notified target acceleration, the system can automatically control the acceleration of the subject vehicle V1 according to the calculated target acceleration.

[0053] In addition, the target acceleration can be calculated according to the following equation. S−V0t12t2

[0054] In the equation, S represents a distance to an intersection, V0 represents a speed of the subject vehicle, and t represents an intersection approach time of the traveling subject vehicle. A system with high reliability can be realized by calculating the target acceleration.

[0055] As described above, the method for preventing a collision of vehicles at an intersection according to the present invention can divide the follow-up action into multiple steps and improve the reliability of the system by calculating the target acceleration to prevent the collision.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover all such modifications, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] A method for preventing a collision between vehicles at an intersection, comprising: Calculating position information of a subject vehicle approaching the intersection and position information of an opposing vehicle approaching the intersection via a different approach path; Calculating intersection approach times of the subject vehicle and the opposing vehicle based on the position information; Calculating an approach time difference between the intersection approach time of the subject vehicle and the intersection approach time of the opposing vehicle; and Performing a follow-up action depending on the approach time difference, wherein performing the follow-up action comprises: continuing to drive the subject vehicle in the current state when the approach time difference is greater than or equal to a first set time; Performing a collision warning to the subject vehicle when the approach time difference is less than the first set time and greater than or equal to a second set time; and Calculating a target acceleration of the subject vehicle when the approach time difference is less than the second set time. [2] A method for preventing the collision of the vehicles at the intersection according to claim 1, wherein, when the approach time difference is less than the second set time, the calculated target acceleration is notified to a driver. [3] A method for preventing collision of vehicles at the intersection according to claim 2, wherein, when the driver does not change the acceleration according to the notified target acceleration, the acceleration of the subject vehicle is automatically controlled according to the calculated target acceleration. [4] A method for preventing collision of vehicles at the intersection according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, when the approach time difference is less than the second set time, the acceleration of the subject vehicle is automatically controlled according to the calculated target acceleration. [5] A method for preventing collision of vehicles at the intersection according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the target acceleration is calculated by the following equation: S−V0t12t2 where S represents a distance to the intersection, V0 represents a current speed, and t represents an intersection approach time.

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