Camera-Based ACC Distance Correction for Recognition Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera-based adaptive cruise control systems face recognition errors due to varying appearances of preceding vehicles, leading to incorrect speed and distance assessments, resulting in unreliable control and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A control system using a front camera sensor to determine a relevant difference in length and criticality of the distance between vehicles, outputting a corrected distance to the ACC control, and providing warnings or deactivating ACC control when criticality deviates from a limit value, to ensure safe driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mono camera sensor is used for ACC control, then the system can recognize cyclists and pedestrians better, but recognition errors occur due to varying appearances of preceding vehicles leading to incorrect distance assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation unit that processes the raw distance signals from the mono camera. This unit applies plausibility checks and filtering algorithms to detect and correct recognition errors caused by varying vehicle appearances, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving the reliability benefits of camera-based detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the evaluation unit continuously monitors distance measurements and compares them against expected physical constraints and historical data. When recognition errors are detected (e.g., impossible distance jumps), the system provides feedback to correct the measurements or switch to alternative reference objects, resolving the contradiction between recognition accuracy and measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If image evaluation jumps between preceding vehicle and trailer for distance reference, then the system adapts to different vehicle configurations, but distance assessment becomes unreliable leading to potential collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit performs preliminary analysis of detected objects to determine their suitability as distance reference objects before using them for ACC control. It pre-establishes criteria for valid reference objects and proactively selects appropriate references, preventing the reliability issues that arise from jumping between vehicle and trailer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation layer that mediates between the raw object detection and the ACC control system. This evaluation unit applies plausibility checks and selects appropriate distance reference objects based on predefined criteria, ensuring reliable distance control while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle configurations
3Productivity
If ACC control is used at close range (5m-20m), then the system provides tight following control, but recognition errors result in physically impossible distance jumps and potential rear-end collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit implements beforehand cushioning by continuously monitoring distance measurements for plausibility and preparing corrective actions in advance. When recognition errors are detected at close range, the system has pre-prepared fallback mechanisms and correction algorithms ready to prevent the harmful effect of collision, thus maintaining following control efficiency while reducing collision risk
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the criticality of distance measurements and provide real-time corrections. When physically impossible distance jumps are detected, the feedback loop activates correction procedures or switches to alternative reference objects, maintaining productivity while eliminating the collision hazard
Data Source
AI summary
A control system having an ACC control, which for use in a host motor vehicle (ego) is configured and intended for recognizing a preceding motor vehicle (alter) and preferably preceding objects, based on surroundings data obtained from at least one front camera sensor associated with the host motor vehicle (ego). The front camera sensor (FKS) is configured for providing to an electronic control unit of the control system the surroundings data that represent an area in front of the host motor vehicle (ego). The control system is at least configured and intended for detecting another motor vehicle (alter) in traffic that is in front of the host motor vehicle (ego), by means of the at least one front camera sensor (FKS), determining a distance between the host motor vehicle (ego) and the preceding motor vehicle (alter), based on data from the front camera sensor (FKS),determining a relevant difference in length (Diffrel), based on the last determined distance (At-1) and the instantaneously determined distance (At), determining a distance (AACC) to be used by the ACC control, based on the relevant difference in length (Diffrel) and the instantaneously determined distance (At), determining a measure of the criticality of the determined distance between the host motor vehicle (ego) and the preceding motor vehicle (alter), and outputting the distance (AACC) to be used to the ACC control of the host vehicle (ego) when the measure of the criticality deviates significantly from a limit value.