In-Vehicle Alert Apparatus Method Switching Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle alert systems face inaccuracies in detecting obstacles due to switching between radar and camera detection methods, leading to erroneous alerts, especially when the accuracy of position specification changes significantly.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle alert apparatus that selectively uses a fusion method or camera-alone method for specifying object position and speed, with an electronic control unit that switches between methods based on detection accuracy conditions and prohibits alert displays during transition periods to minimize errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the detection method is switched between fusion method and camera-alone method, then the detection coverage is improved, but the position specification accuracy deteriorates due to significant changes in detected position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting a prohibition period before allowing alert display after method switching. When switching from camera-alone to fusion method, the system prohibits alert display for a first predetermined period. When switching from fusion to camera-alone, the system prohibits alert display for a second predetermined period. This preliminary prohibition action prevents erroneous alerts that would occur due to position specification inaccuracies immediately after switching detection methods.
2Measurement precision
If the fusion method is used for position specification, then the distance detection accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases due to switching between multiple detection methods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between fusion method and camera-alone method based on detection conditions. The electronic control unit determines whether to use fusion method or camera-alone method by evaluating detection results, and adjusts the detection method accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high distance detection accuracy when fusion method is available while simplifying operations when switching between methods by implementing prohibition periods for alert display during transitions.
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
Reduces the likelihood of erroneous alerts by stabilizing object position and speed calculations during method switches, ensuring accurate detection and timely alerts for potential collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a radar sensor configured to radiate an electric wave to the region around the host vehicle, receive a reflective wave of the electric wave, and detect the azimuth of the object with respect to the host vehicle and the distance between the object and the host vehicle based on the reflective wave
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle alert apparatus includes a camera sensor, a radar sensor, a display unit, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit specifies a position and a relative speed of an object by selectively using any of a fusion method and a camera-alone method. The electronic control unit extracts an obstacle and calculates a margin time period in which the obstacle reaches a tip end region of a host vehicle. The electronic control unit displays an alert screen that guides driver's line of sight in a direction of the obstacle having the margin time period less than or equal to a threshold. The electronic control unit prohibits display of a new alert screen while a first predetermined time period elapses from switching to the camera-alone method, and while a second predetermined time period elapses from switching to the fusion method.