Acoustic Collision Avoidance for Hidden Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional collision avoidance systems in vehicles are limited to line-of-sight detection of objects, failing to detect potential hazards that are obscured from view, such as those around corners or behind structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a plurality of microphones on a vehicle to detect and characterize acoustic signals from hidden objects, combined with an acoustic model of the environment, allows for the determination of object location through matched field processing, enabling the detection of objects even when they are not in the direct line of sight, such as around corners or behind buildings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If line-of-sight sensors are used for object detection, then the detection system is simple and direct, but objects hidden behind structures or around corners cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection mechanisms (cameras, light-based sensors) with acoustic detection mechanisms (microphones, acoustic sensors). Acoustic waves can diffract around corners and penetrate obstacles that block line-of-sight, enabling detection of hidden objects without requiring direct visual contact. This substitution fundamentally changes the detection modality from optical to acoustic, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability for hidden objects and system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect hidden objects. Instead of requiring direct sensor-to-object contact, acoustic waves serve as carriers that can travel around obstacles, reflect off surfaces, and bring information about hidden objects to the sensors. This intermediary approach enables indirect detection of objects that are not in the direct line of sight.
2Reliability
If acoustic sensors are added to detect hidden objects, then detection capability for hidden objects is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic sensor system multi-functional by using the same microphone array for both object detection and environmental mapping. The acoustic signals used to detect hidden objects also provide information about the surrounding environment, building layouts, and acoustic characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving collision avoidance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and environmental mapping using the acoustic signals it receives. By analyzing the acoustic responses from the environment, the system automatically builds maps and identifies object locations without requiring external calibration equipment or additional sensors. This self-service capability reduces the overall system complexity while enhancing detection reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively alerts the driver to potential collision hazards that would otherwise be undetectable, enhancing safety by allowing for earlier detection and avoidance of hidden objects, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of microphones is provided on the vehicle which detect acoustic signals from the object
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic signal may propagate from the object to the vehicle around a corner of the structure, allowing determination of the object location
Implementation Method 3
An acoustic signal may diffract or reflect around the corner
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for assisting collision avoidance between a vehicle and an object include receiving an acoustic signal from the object using microphones supported by the vehicle, and determining a location of the object using the acoustic signal and an acoustic model of the environment, the environment including a structure that blocks a direct view of the object from the vehicle.