Automated Braking System Using Object Height Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicle braking systems often erroneously activate when detecting objects that do not warrant braking, due to incomplete assessment of the object's size and proximity.
Innovation Solution
A braking system that includes a ranging sensor, a braking actuator, and a controller, which uses a similar triangle property to accurately determine the height and distance of an object, activating the braking actuator only when the object crosses a defined boundary and meets specific thresholds of height and proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the braking system uses multiple parameters (height, distance, range-rate) for object assessment, then braking accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ranging-sensor serves multiple functions: it detects objects in the field-of-view, determines their height, measures distance, and calculates range-rate. By using a single multi-functional sensor and controller that processes multiple parameters, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that integrates multiple parameters (height, distance, range-rate, and boundary position) to make the braking decision. This central processing unit coordinates the complex assessment logic, allowing the system to maintain high accuracy while managing complexity through centralized control rather than distributed complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the braking system determines object height using similar-triangle property, then height measurement precision is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical or physical measurement of object height with an optical/radar-based ranging-sensor that uses the similar-triangle property for calculation. This substitution allows height determination through mathematical computation from angular and distance measurements, achieving high precision without complex mechanical measurement apparatus.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of braking system activation, preventing unnecessary braking by ensuring the object's size and proximity are adequately assessed before engaging the braking actuator, thereby improving safety and reducing false activations.
Implementation Method 1
The ranging-sensor is used to detect an object proximate to a host-vehicle when the object resides in a field-of-view of the ranging-sensor
Implementation Method 2
The controller may determine the height of the object based on a similar-triangle property
Implementation Method 3
The controller determines a range-rate of the object when the object is in the field-of-view
Data Source
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AI summary
A braking-system (10) includes a ranging-sensor (18), a braking-actuator (42) and a controller (28). The ranging-sensor (18) is used to detect an object (16) proximate to a host-vehicle (12) when the object (16) resides in a field-of-view (24) of the ranging-sensor (18). The field-of-view (24) defines a boundary (34) of a conflict-zone (36). The controller determines a height (14) of the object, determines a distance to the object, determines a range-rate (30) of the object when the object (16) is in the field-of-view (24), and activates the braking-actuator (42) when an estimated-distance (48) to the object (16) is less than a distance-threshold (50), the height (14) of the object (16) is greater than a height-threshold (52), and the object (16) has crossed the boundary (34) and thereby enters the conflict-zone (36).