Vehicle Collision Avoidance Overpass Detection Data Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collision avoidance systems in vehicles often generate false alerts due to the difficulty in distinguishing overpasses from potential collision objects, leading to insufficient warning distances and inefficient use of radar capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A digital map and sensor-based collision avoidance system that utilizes data fusion to accurately identify overpasses by comparing detected object locations with pre-mapped overpass locations, modifying the warning assessment algorithm to reduce false alerts and provide sufficient warning distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar-based detection is used to identify objects, then the system can detect objects at a distance, but it cannot distinguish overpasses from potential collision objects, leading to false alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar detection data with GPS location information and digital map data to create a composite identification system. The radar detects objects while the GPS and map data provide contextual location information, allowing the system to determine whether detected objects are overpasses or potential collision hazards by cross-referencing with pre-stored overpass location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital map data and GPS location information as intermediary elements between the radar detection and the collision assessment. These intermediaries provide contextual information about the vehicle's location and known overpass positions, enabling the system to filter out false alerts caused by overpasses while maintaining sensitivity to real threats.
2Loss of time
If the system issues warnings at longer distances to provide sufficient warning time, then safety is improved, but false alerts increase due to inability to distinguish overpasses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of overpasses using GPS and digital map data before the radar detection triggers a collision warning. By pre-loading overpass location data and continuously monitoring the vehicle's GPS position, the system can predict upcoming overpass locations and preemptively suppress false warnings when radar detects objects at these predetermined locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously compares radar-detected object locations with GPS-determined vehicle position and map-stored overpass locations. When the detected object location matches a known overpass location within a threshold distance, the system provides feedback to suppress the warning, thereby reducing false alerts while maintaining long detection ranges.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses signal strength trend analysis to identify overpasses, then some discrimination is achieved, but warning distances are insufficient for high-speed vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional signal strength analysis to multi-dimensional identification by incorporating GPS location coordinates and digital map spatial data. Instead of relying solely on radar signal characteristics, the system uses spatial positioning information to identify overpasses, enabling much earlier detection and warning while maintaining high accuracy in distinguishing overpasses from real threats.
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
The system effectively reduces false alerts and maintains reliable warning distances by efficiently utilizing radar range and combining sensory data with map database information, ensuring timely and accurate detection of potential collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the radar to discriminate between objects present at different elevations
Data Source
AI summary
A collision avoidance system adapted for use with a vehicle, and a method of modifying a first warning assessment algorithm of the system to reduce false alerts caused by overpasses, and maintain sufficient warning distances are presented, wherein the system includes at least one sensor operable to detect an object location, a locator device operable to determine the current position coordinates of the vehicle, a map database presenting a plurality of overpass locations ahead of the vehicle, and an electronic control unit operable to execute a second algorithm, if the detected object location generally matches an overpass location, and in a preferred embodiment, a third algorithm, if the detected location does not match an overpass location, such that the third algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the second, and the second algorithm is executable over a shorter period than the first.