Blind Spot Detection via Intersection Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles fail to detect approaching vehicles in blind spots at intersections due to obstacles, limiting effective collision avoidance systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system that uses a reflector installed at intersections, combined with a communication device and image sensor, to determine the turn angle and position of a target vehicle by analyzing changes in its image reflected in the reflector, allowing for collision avoidance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is used to sense another vehicle at an intersection, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates when obstacles are present
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is installed at the intersection to act as an intermediary between the target vehicle and the image sensor. The reflector reflects light from the target vehicle back to the sensor, enabling detection without direct line-of-sight. This mediator allows the system to overcome obstacles that would otherwise block the sensor's view of approaching vehicles.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If direct sensing is used to detect target vehicles, then system complexity is reduced, but detection capability deteriorates in blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from direct line-of-sight detection to indirect detection via reflection. By using the reflector to bounce light back to the sensor, the system detects vehicles in blind spots that would be invisible through direct sensing, effectively adding a reflective dimension to the detection geometry.
3Area of stationary object
If a reflector is installed to detect vehicles in blind spots, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector creates an optical copy or virtual image of the target vehicle by reflecting its light back to the sensor. This allows the sensor to detect the vehicle's position and movement without directly observing it, extending detection coverage into areas that would otherwise be blind spots while using a relatively simple passive optical element.
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 effective collision avoidance by accurately detecting approaching vehicles in blind spots, even when obstacles obstruct direct sensing, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of collisions.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to photograph a reflector installed at the intersection to acquire an image of a target vehicle reflected in the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes: a communication device configured to receive information about a turn angle of an intersection at which the vehicle travels; an image sensor configured to photograph a reflector installed at the intersection to acquire an image of a target vehicle reflected in the reflector; and a controller configured to determine whether the target vehicle approaches the intersection, based on a change in position of the target vehicle on the image of the target vehicle, to decide an installation angle of the reflector based on the turn angle of the intersection, and to determine a position of the target vehicle reflected in the reflector based on the installation angle of the reflector.