Autonomous Vehicle Broadcasting System for Line-of-Sight Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in detecting critical incidents such as emergency braking, flat tires, or pedestrian traffic flow interference that are not within the line-of-sight of their sensors, radars, or cameras, especially when multiple vehicles are present, limiting their ability to respond effectively to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A broadcasting system that uses wireless communication to transmit and receive real-time position, velocity, and direction data between autonomous vehicles, allowing for the determination of potential collisions through vector diagrams and enabling proactive vehicle control actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If autonomous vehicles rely on sensors, radars, and cameras for obstacle detection, then they can detect objects within line-of-sight, but they cannot detect critical incidents such as emergency braking, flat tires, or pedestrian traffic flow interference that are outside their line-of-sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary medium to transfer detection information between vehicles. Instead of relying solely on direct sensor detection, each vehicle broadcasts its sensor data (from cameras, radars, LIDAR) wirelessly, allowing other vehicles to access detection information about obstacles and incidents that are outside their direct line-of-sight, thereby resolving the information loss without adding complex sensor arrays to each vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates information copies by having each vehicle broadcast its sensor detection data to surrounding vehicles. This allows a vehicle to receive copied detection information from other vehicles about obstacles or incidents that the receiving vehicle cannot directly observe, effectively extending the detection range without requiring the receiving vehicle to have sensors in all possible directions
2Reliability
If autonomous vehicles use multiple sensors to detect obstacles, then detection coverage improves, but the effective range is still limited by line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a wireless communication dimension to the traditional sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying solely on the physical dimension of sensor coverage, vehicles exchange detection data through wireless signals, creating a virtual detection network that extends the effective detection range beyond physical line-of-sight limitations while maintaining high reliability through multiple data sources
3Ease of operation
If autonomous vehicles rely on interpreted observation from sensors before taking action, then they can make decisions based on detected data, but they experience delays in responding to crucial incidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having vehicles continuously broadcast their sensor data and planned maneuvers in real-time. This allows surrounding vehicles to receive advance notice of potential hazards or incidents before they become critical, enabling earlier decision-making and response. For example, if Vehicle A detects an obstacle and plans to brake, it broadcasts this information, allowing Vehicle B to prepare for potential collision avoidance before the actual braking occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where vehicles continuously broadcast their sensor observations, detected obstacles, and intended actions. Other vehicles receive this feedback and can adjust their own trajectories or maneuvers accordingly. This real-time feedback mechanism enables coordinated response to shared environmental information, reducing response delays by allowing vehicles to react to broadcasted information rather than waiting for direct sensor detection of the same event
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
Enhances collision avoidance capabilities by providing objective, real-time data from surrounding vehicles, enabling autonomous vehicles to respond to potential collisions beyond their direct line-of-sight and improving safety in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna is configured to send and receive wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
A broadcasting system for an autonomous vehicle is disclosed and includes an antenna, a plurality of sensors, one or more processors, and a memory coupled to the processors. The antenna is configured to send and receive wireless communication, and the antenna receives publically available wireless signals. The sensors are configured to generate signals indicating a real-time velocity and a real-time direction of travel of the autonomous vehicle. The processors are in communication with the antenna and the plurality of sensors. The memory stores data comprising program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the system to receive as input the publically available wireless signals and the signals indicating the real-time velocity and the real-time direction of travel of the autonomous vehicle. The system is further caused to determine a real-time velocity and real-time direction of travel of autonomous vehicle.