Autonomous Vehicle External Imaging for Obstructed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face navigation challenges in congested urban environments with limited sensor visibility due to obstructing objects, which can lead to potential collisions when human operators signal other vehicles or pedestrians to cross without notification, causing the vehicle to modify its path unaware.
Innovation Solution
An automated driving system equipped with a perception system and computing device that detects and tracks objects within obstructed viewing regions using an external imaging assist device with a reflective surface, allowing for advanced notification of hidden objects and enabling the vehicle to modify its path accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the autonomous vehicle uses standard sensors for navigation, then the system complexity remains manageable, but the vehicle cannot detect objects in obstructed viewing regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external imaging assist device as an intermediary component that captures images of obstructed viewing regions and transmits them to the autonomous vehicle's perception system. This mediator enables detection in blind spots without requiring the vehicle to directly sense these areas, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the vehicle's sensing capability into spatial dimensions beyond its direct field of view by utilizing images from external devices. This dimensional extension allows the perception system to access obstructed viewing regions indirectly, improving detection reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If the autonomous vehicle stops to allow traffic to clear the intersection, then collision risk is reduced, but the vehicle's productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the autonomous vehicle to take preliminary actions by detecting potential conflicts in advance through images of obstructed viewing regions. By identifying hidden objects before they become immediate threats, the vehicle can plan its path modifications proactively, reducing unnecessary stops and improving travel efficiency while maintaining collision avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The perception system continuously receives feedback from external imaging devices about objects in obstructed regions. This real-time feedback loop allows the autonomous vehicle to dynamically adjust its path and speed based on actual conditions, optimizing the balance between collision avoidance and travel efficiency by stopping only when truly necessary.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous vehicle operator manually signals other vehicles or pedestrians to cross, then courtesy is improved, but the risk of collision increases if the vehicle is not notified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the perception system, enhanced by external imaging devices, continuously monitors for objects that may respond to or accept the operator's signals. This feedback loop ensures the vehicle is notified when another vehicle or pedestrian intends to cross, allowing the autonomous system to adjust its path accordingly and maintain both social courtesy and collision safety.
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 safety by providing advanced notification of potential conflicts, allowing the autonomous vehicle to adjust its path and avoid collisions in complex urban environments with obstructed sensor views.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging assist device may include a reflective surface capable of transmitting an image of the obstructed viewing region to the perception system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an autonomous vehicle that includes guiding the autonomous vehicle along a planned path of travel. The autonomous vehicle may be brought to a stop along the planned path of travel, during which an operator of the vehicle may offer to allow another vehicle and/or person to pass in front of the stopped autonomous vehicle. The vehicle to which the offer is directed may transmit an acceptance signal in response to the offer signal indicating acceptance of the offer. The acceptance signal may be received by the autonomous vehicle, which may modify its planned path of travel in response to receiving the acceptance signal.