3D Imaging Collision Avoidance System for Vehicle Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collision avoidance systems for vehicles, such as those using ultrasonic sensors and cameras, are inherently inaccurate as they fail to distinguish between objects that can be cleared by the vehicle's body and those that pose a collision risk, leading to unnecessary warnings and potential misjudgments by drivers.
Innovation Solution
A collision avoidance system utilizing a three-dimensional imaging device to map objects in the vehicle's environment, a positioning module to superimpose the vehicle's potential position on the objects, and a communication module to differentiate between impact and clearance locations, allowing for accurate risk assessment and automated or manual collision avoidance measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors or cameras are used to detect objects, then collision detection capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates because the system cannot distinguish between clearable objects and actual collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional image data from cameras to three-dimensional spatial mapping using LiDAR technology. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to accurately determine object distance, height, and spatial position, enabling differentiation between clearable objects and actual collision risks based on their three-dimensional characteristics relative to the vehicle's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a geometric model of the vehicle as an intermediary element. This model, which includes the vehicle's body, wheels, and ground contact points, serves as a reference framework to evaluate whether detected objects pose a real collision risk. By comparing object positions against the geometric model, the system can determine if objects are clearable by the vehicle body or if they represent actual hazards.
2Reliability
If the system warns the driver of all detected objects, then safety is improved, but false warnings increase causing driver annoyance and potential misjudgment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of detected objects by comparing their three-dimensional positions against the vehicle's geometric model before issuing warnings. This preliminary action involves calculating whether objects are clearable by the vehicle body based on their spatial relationship to the vehicle geometry, thereby filtering out false hazards before they reach the driver alert stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where detection results are continuously evaluated against the geometric model and vehicle state information. This feedback loop allows the system to refine its assessment of collision risks by considering multiple factors including object position, vehicle geometry, and suspension settings, thereby reducing false warnings while maintaining accurate hazard detection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vehicle body is used to clear ground objects, then no additional clearance mechanism is needed, but measurement precision of clearance capability must be high
Solution Approach 1:
The geometric model of the vehicle serves as an intermediary that encapsulates the vehicle's clearance capabilities. By modeling the vehicle's body, wheels, and ground contact points, the system creates a virtual representation that can be used to evaluate clearance potential without requiring physical measurement mechanisms. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving high measurement precision for clearance assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a collision system and method in a vehicle that uses a three dimensional imaging device to map a three dimensional object (18) external to the vehicle. A positioning module will superimpose the position of the body of the vehicle onto the mapped object. An impact detection module is arranged to distinguish between an impact location (42) and a clearance location (40) on the mapped object. A communication module will communicate the impact location to a collision avoidance aid such as an audio or visual warning or control vehicle parameters, e.g. speed, steering, suspension, for automatic collision avoidance.