Dynamic Object Detection Indicator for Automated Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicles lack effective means to dynamically indicate the detection and tracking of external objects, such as pedestrians, to provide visual assurance of awareness and prevent potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic object detection indicator system comprising a tracking system (computer vision, radar, and LIDAR) and a controller-circuit that processes detection signals to output command signals to an indicator device, which provides a dynamic visual indication viewable from outside the vehicle, adjusting orientation and intensity based on the object's position relative to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated vehicles use tracking systems to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but lack of visual indication to external observers worsens safety communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indicator device as an intermediary component that mediates between the tracking system's internal detection and the external communication need. The indicator device receives detection signals from the tracking system and converts them into visual indicators that can be perceived by external observers, thus bridging the information gap without modifying the core detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the tracking system's detection results are fed back to the indicator device, which then provides visual feedback to external observers. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the external communication accurately reflects the internal detection state, allowing observers to understand the vehicle's awareness of surrounding objects.
2Reliability
If a dynamic visual indication system is added to indicate object detection, then safety communication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a detection status indicator and as a communication device. By making the indicator device universal in its function, the system avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thus improving safety communication while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the indication function with the existing vehicle lighting or signaling systems where applicable, rather than adding completely separate components. This consolidation approach reduces the overall device complexity while still providing the necessary dynamic visual indication for safety communication.
3Loss of information
If the indicator device dynamically changes orientation to track objects, then visual assurance of awareness is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device implements partial action by providing visual indication for only the most critical or relevant detected objects, rather than dynamically tracking all detected objects equally. This selective approach maintains visual assurance of awareness for important objects while reducing the processing burden compared to tracking every detected object with full dynamic indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing enhanced dynamic indication for specific zones or regions of interest around the vehicle, rather than uniformly applying dynamic tracking indication in all directions. This allows the system to focus processing resources on critical areas where visual assurance is most needed, reducing overall processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tracking system, a controller-circuit, and a device. The tracking system is configured to detect and track an object, and includes one or more of a computer vision system, a radar system, and a LIDAR system. The controller-circuit is disposed in a host vehicle, and is configured to receive detection signals from the tracking system, process the detection signals, determine, whether an object is detected based on the processed detecting signals, and in accordance with a determination that an object is detected, output command signals. The device is adapted to be mounted to the host vehicle, and is configured to receive the command signals and thereby provide a dynamic visual indication adapted to change in accordance with orientation changes between the host vehicle and the object. The dynamic visual indication is viewable from outside of the host vehicle.