Evasive Steering Support Free Space Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver assistance systems face challenges in reliably detecting free space for evasive maneuvers, particularly at high speeds and low friction conditions, where false negative errors can lead to unsafe situations, and existing systems are not adequately designed to prevent unreasonable dangers from misinterpreting the environment.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for reliable free space detection using environment detection systems, which verify potential free spaces by combining data from sensors, electronic maps, and additional vehicle information to ensure accurate identification of traversable areas, reducing the likelihood of false negatives and activating interventions only when conditions are positively recognized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system restricts evasive maneuver activation to verified traffic situations, then false activations are reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse activation preventionVSAvoidverification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the verification process into distinct functional modules: object detection, free space determination, roadway verification, and traversability assessment. This modular segmentation manages system complexity by organizing verification tasks into separate, manageable components rather than a monolithic complex system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The verification system uses multi-functional sensors and processing units that serve both primary detection functions and verification functions. The environment detection system not only detects objects but also verifies free space conditions, making the system more efficient without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional verification checks are performed before evasive maneuver activation, then functional safety is improved, but the response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional safetyVSAvoidactivation response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs verification checks in parallel with the detection process rather than sequentially after detection. By preliminarily assessing free space conditions alongside object detection, the system maintains functional safety while minimizing additional response time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The verification process skips unnecessary checks when conditions are clearly met. If the environment detection system confidently identifies a valid free space with clear traversability indicators, the system rushes through the verification process to minimize response time while still ensuring functional safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP2681089B1Limiting the activation of an evasive steering support
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2681089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2681089B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for a driver assistance system for a vehicle. Objects in the vehicle surroundings are detected using data of a surroundings detection system, and a potential clear area is ascertained, wherein no objects and/or just objects over which the vehicle can pass have been reliably detected in said clear area. The potential clear area is verified by means of additional vehicle and/or surroundings information.