Detecting Second-Order Objects Through Translucent Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in detecting objects located behind other objects due to sensor obstruction, which can lead to incomplete information about the external environment, affecting navigation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensors and processors to detect first-order objects, identify translucent portions, and analyze these portions to detect second-order objects within, enabling more comprehensive environmental awareness and improved navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect objects in the external environment, then object detection capability is improved, but objects located behind other objects cannot be detected due to sensor obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses translucent portions of first-order objects as intermediaries to detect second-order objects. By analyzing the translucent regions where light can pass through, the system can detect objects that would otherwise be completely obscured, effectively using the translucent material as a mediator to reveal hidden information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct line-of-sight detection to detecting objects through translucent portions, effectively adding a new detection dimension. Instead of only detecting objects directly visible to sensors, the system now detects objects through the translucent regions of other objects, expanding the detection capability into a new spatial dimension.
2Extent of automation
If the vehicle navigates with minimal or no human driver input, then automation level is improved, but safety is compromised due to inability to detect hidden objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of translucent portions and analyzes them for hidden objects before making navigation decisions. By proactively identifying and analyzing translucent regions in advance, the system ensures that hidden objects are detected early, allowing the autonomous vehicle to plan safe navigation routes without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection of second-order objects through translucent portions of first-order objects provides additional environmental information back to the navigation system. This enhanced feedback loop allows the autonomous vehicle to make more informed safety decisions based on complete environmental awareness.
3Device complexity
If sensors detect only directly visible objects, then device complexity is reduced, but environmental awareness is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two distinct stages: first detecting first-order objects and their translucent portions, then analyzing those translucent portions for second-order objects. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relatively simple sensor hardware while achieving comprehensive environmental awareness through structured multi-stage processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by focusing computational resources only on translucent portions of detected objects rather than analyzing entire scenes. By concentrating analysis efforts on specific regions of interest (the translucent areas), the system achieves enhanced environmental awareness without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements related to the detection of objects in an external environment of a vehicle are presented. At least a portion of the external environment can be sensed to detect a first order object therein. It can be determined whether the first order object includes a translucent portion. Responsive to determining that the first order object includes a translucent portion, the translucent portion can be analyzed to determine whether a second order object is located within the translucent portion. Responsive to determining that a second order object is located within the translucent portion, the second order object can be analyzed. Information about the second order object can be presented to a vehicle occupant, an alert regarding the second order object can be presented to a vehicle occupant, and/or, when the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, a driving maneuver for the autonomous vehicle can be determined.