Automatic Braking System for Slow-Moving Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic braking systems often fail to differentiate between slow-moving objects and stationary objects, leading to inadequate braking responses when a slow-moving object is detected within the conflict zone, as they are typically classified as stationary objects and do not trigger sufficient braking in time to prevent collisions.
Innovation Solution
The system uses a ranging sensor, such as a radar or lidar sensor, to detect and classify objects based on their range rate and trail convergence with the conflict zone, determining a tangent vector and predicting the object's future path to differentiate between slow-moving and stationary objects, and activates the braking actuator only when the tangent vector intersects the conflict zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If slow-moving objects are classified as stationary objects, then the braking system uses shorter braking-distance thresholds, but this results in insufficient braking time and inadequate response to prevent collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the classification parameter from binary (stationary vs. moving) to a three-state classification (stationary, slow-moving, and moving objects). By introducing a slow-moving category with distinct braking-distance thresholds, the system achieves more precise object classification while ensuring adequate braking time for objects that move slowly but remain a collision risk.
2Reliability
If the system activates braking for all objects detected in the conflict zone, then collision prevention is improved, but this causes unnecessary braking activations for objects that will not intersect with the vehicle path
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different braking strategies based on the local characteristics of each detected object. By calculating the tangent vector for slow-moving objects and comparing it with the vehicle's conflict zone, the system selectively activates braking only when the object's path intersects with the vehicle's projected path. This localized approach ensures reliable collision prevention while avoiding unnecessary braking for objects that will not intersect with the vehicle.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses tangent-vector analysis and future-path prediction, then accurate differentiation between slow-moving and stationary objects is achieved, but this increases computational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies tangent-vector analysis and future-path prediction selectively only to slow-moving objects, not to all detected objects. By using a two-stage classification process (first detecting range rate to identify slow-moving objects, then applying complex analysis only to those), the system achieves accurate motion classification while minimizing unnecessary computational complexity for objects that can be classified with simpler methods.
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 approach ensures timely and appropriate braking responses by accurately identifying slow-moving objects and preventing collisions by activating the braking actuator only when necessary, thereby improving safety in vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a range-rate, a range, and a direction of an object proximate to the host-vehicle when the object resides in a field-of-view of the ranging-sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment, a braking-system (10) suitable for use on an automated vehicle (12) is provided. The braking-system (10) includes a ranging-sensor (14), a braking-actuator (42), and a controller (36) in communication with the ranging-sensor (14) and the braking-actuator (42). The ranging-sensor (14) is used to detect a range-rate (16), a range (18), and a direction (20) of an object (22) proximate to a host-vehicle (12) when the object (22) resides in a field-of-view (24) of the ranging-sensor (14). The field-of-view (24) defines a conflict-zone (38) and a conflict-buffer (40) separate from the conflict-zone (38). The braking-actuator (42) is used to control movement (44) of the host-vehicle (12). The controller (36) determines a trail (46) of the object (22) based on the range (18) and the direction (20). The controller (36) further classifies the object (22) as slow-moving (26) based on a rate-threshold (48). The controller (36) further determines a tangent-vector (52) based on the trail (46). The controller (36) activates the braking-actuator (42) when the object (22) is slow-moving (26), the object (22) is detected within the conflict-buffer (40), and the tangent-vector (52) intersects the conflict-zone (38).