Beacon Signal Scattering for View-Blocked Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle detection systems, such as radar and LiDAR, are unable to detect vehicles that are view-blocked by other vehicles, leading to potential collisions due to delayed reaction times.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing active beacons and sensing receivers, where beacon signals are transmitted towards the road and scattered, allowing detection even when a direct line of sight is blocked by another vehicle. The system includes at least one beacon signal transmitter on a first vehicle and at least one sensing receiver on a second vehicle, capable of measuring the existence, distance, velocity, and angle of view of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If radar and LiDAR sensors use reflected signals for detection, then detection range is extended, but detection of view-blocked vehicles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces road surface scattering as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight between the sensing vehicle and the target vehicle, the beacon signals from the target vehicle scatter off the road surface to reach the sensing receiver. This intermediary scattering path enables detection of view-blocked vehicles while maintaining reliable signal reception.
2Measurement precision
If active beacons are used for detection, then detection precision is improved, but line-of-sight blockage still prevents detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct line-of-sight detection (one-dimensional path) to indirect detection via road surface scattering (two-dimensional path). By utilizing the vertical dimension and road surface as a scattering medium, the system can detect vehicles even when the direct horizontal path is blocked by other vehicles.
3Device complexity
If direct line-of-sight detection is used, then system complexity is reduced, but detection capability in blocked views is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The road surface serves as a self-service scattering medium that naturally redirects beacon signals around obstacles. The system leverages the existing road surface properties without requiring additional active components, maintaining relatively simple system architecture while enabling detection of view-blocked vehicles through the passive scattering effect.
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
Enables the detection of view-blocked vehicles, providing earlier warning and reducing the risk of collisions by allowing vehicles to react more promptly to changes in the traffic scenario.
Implementation Method 1
at least one beacon signal transmitter, installed on a first vehicle, for transmitting beacon signals
Implementation Method 2
the beacon signals are configured to include at least one beam or one part of a beam towards road so that said at least one beam or one part of the beam is scattered by the road
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensing receiver, installed on a second vehicle, for detecting the beacon signals and measuring at least one of an existence, distance, velocity and angle of view of the first vehicle
Implementation Method 4
measuring at least one of an existence, distance, velocity and angle of view of the first vehicle, relative to the second vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Radar and LiDAR sensors play important roles in autonomous vehicles and ADAS (advanced driving assistance systems) in automobiles, however, they can only detect objects in view (line-of-sight). For example, when three vehicles are driving on road in a same lane, and if the first vehicle suddenly brakes, the third vehicle cannot detect it by regular radar and/or LiDAR because the second vehicle in front blocks the view. This invention discloses system and method to enable radar and/or LiDAR to detect vehicles on road that are blocked in view by another vehicle by specially configured active beacon transmitters, and reduce risks of rear-end collisions.