Adaptive Automatic Braking via Collision Confidence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems for vehicles lack an efficient method to determine the optimal deceleration strategy based on the probability of a collision, which can lead to either unnecessary braking or insufficient response, particularly in scenarios with varying collision confidence levels.

Innovation Solution

An automatic braking system that uses a controller to monitor vehicle motion and detect objects with sensors, calculating a collision confidence value to determine a velocity profile for deceleration, where the deceleration is inversely proportional to the collision confidence value, allowing for adaptive braking maneuvers to prevent collisions while minimizing driver intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic braking is activated with high sensitivity to detect potential collisions, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but driver intrusion and unnecessary braking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidance capabilityVSAvoiddriver intrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the deceleration parameter based on the collision confidence value. When collision confidence is high, the system applies stronger deceleration forces; when confidence is low, deceleration is minimized or avoided. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain high collision avoidance capability while reducing unnecessary braking that would cause driver intrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The braking system transitions from a static, fixed-response approach to a dynamic, adaptive response based on real-time collision confidence assessment. The controller continuously monitors sensor data and adjusts the braking force dynamically, applying brakes only when the calculated collision confidence exceeds predetermined thresholds, thereby balancing safety with driver comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If deceleration is applied early at greater distances from the object, then collision avoidance is improved, but driver comfort deteriorates due to sudden braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoiddriver discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the deceleration parameter based on the collision confidence value and distance to the object. When the object is detected at a greater distance with low collision confidence, the system applies minimal or no deceleration. When the object approaches and collision confidence increases, the system progressively increases deceleration force, ensuring timely collision avoidance while minimizing unnecessary early braking that would cause driver discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of collision risk using sensor data and confidence calculations before initiating braking. By evaluating collision confidence in advance and only triggering deceleration when thresholds are met, the system prepares for potential collision avoidance without committing to premature braking actions that would disrupt driver comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If braking force is increased to ensure collision avoidance, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidbraking energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the braking force parameter based on the calculated collision confidence value. Instead of applying maximum braking force in all potential collision scenarios, the system scales the deceleration force proportionally to the assessed risk level. This parameter adaptation ensures adequate braking energy is consumed only when collision confidence is high, while minimizing energy waste in low-risk situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2902291B1Method for minimizing automatic braking intrusion based on collision confidence
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYST U S INC
  • EP2902291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2902291B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2902291B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An automatic braking system (12) for a vehicle (10) includes an electronic brake system (16) capable of applying wheel brakes (20) to decelerate the vehicle and a controller. The controller includes instructions for detecting an object proximate to a vehicle with at least one sensor (30, 36) for a reverse collision avoidance system (14) and determining a collision confidence value based upon the probability of collision with the object. The controller further includes instructions for determining a desired velocity profile of the vehicle that provides for deceleration of the vehicle.