Active-Passive Sensor Fusion for Oncoming Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collision avoidance systems in route-bound transport systems have limited sensor ranges, making it difficult to detect oncoming vehicles in time, especially at higher speeds, and often require additional image or geometric information to confirm obstacles, leading to uncertainty in collision warnings.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first transport vehicle actively transmits detectable sensor signals that are received by a second vehicle, allowing for longer detection ranges without the need for self-emission or reflection, using passive sensors and unique modulation to distinguish between oncoming and own vehicle signals, enabling earlier and more reliable collision detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active sensors are used to detect obstacles, then detection range is limited to half the maximum possible range, but system complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines active and passive sensor functions into a single sensor unit. The sensor can actively emit signals for long-range detection and passively receive signals for obstacle detection, merging two separate systems into one integrated unit that provides comprehensive detection capabilities without requiring multiple separate sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can actively emit sensor signals for long-range detection, passively receive reflected signals for obstacle detection, and operate in both modes depending on detection needs. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate active and passive sensor systems while providing extended detection range and reliability
2Measurement precision
If additional image or geometric information is required to confirm obstacles, then measurement precision is improved, but detection time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using sensor signals that can identify obstacles at long ranges before additional image or geometric confirmation is needed. The active sensor emission allows early detection of potential obstacles, enabling the system to take preliminary action or alert the driver before detailed verification is required, thus reducing overall detection time while maintaining precision
3Ease of operation
If sensors are permanently connected to transport vehicles, then ease of operation is improved, but detection range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges active signal emission and passive signal reception capabilities into a single sensor unit that remains permanently connected to the vehicle. This integrated design maintains the ease of permanent installation while extending detection range through the combination of active and passive detection modes, allowing the sensor to detect obstacles at twice the distance of conventional active sensors alone
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 increases the detection range and reaction time, enhancing safety by allowing for more effective braking distances and reducing the need for image evaluation, thereby improving the reliability of collision warnings and preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a passive sensor unit (9b) arranged on the second transport vehicle (2) for scanning a route area lying in the forward direction of the direction of travel of the second transport vehicle (2) with the aid of which sensor signals (3) emitted by a first transport vehicle (1) can be detected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting oncoming vehicles (1, 2) in a track-bound transport system (10). In the method, detectable sensor signals (3) are actively transmitted by a first transport vehicle (1) located on a track. A second transport vehicle (2) approaching the first transport vehicle (1) on the track scans a track region lying in the forward direction, and the sensor signals (3) transmitted by the first transport vehicle (1) are detected by the second transport vehicle (2). The invention additionally relates to a collision warning system for a track-bound transport system (10) and to a track-bound transport system (10).