Autonomous Vehicle Exit-Zone Detection for Approaching Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack an effective system to detect approaching objects, which poses a safety risk for passengers exiting the vehicle, as they may not be aware of incoming cyclists or vehicles at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
An object approaching detection system that utilizes sensors such as camera, LIDAR, and RADAR to identify potential hazards and prevent passenger exit by locking doors or providing warnings when an object is detected within the exit zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous vehicles allow passengers to exit freely without detection systems, then ease of operation is improved, but passenger safety deteriorates due to undetected approaching objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of approaching objects using sensors (camera, LIDAR, RADAR) before the passenger exits the vehicle. The control system proactively locks the passenger door or provides warnings before the hazardous situation occurs, preventing the need for reactive safety measures after a threat is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the sensor system and the passenger door. It receives data from sensors detecting approaching objects, processes this information, and automatically intervenes by locking the door or alerting the passenger, thereby mediating between the passenger's exit intent and the safety hazard.
2Reliability
If sensors and detection systems are added to detect approaching objects, then passenger safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages sensors (camera, LIDAR, RADAR) that are already part of the autonomous vehicle's navigation and obstacle detection system. By repurposing these existing multi-functional sensors for the additional function of detecting approaching objects near the vehicle, the system avoids adding dedicated single-purpose sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system utilizes the autonomous vehicle's existing sensor infrastructure and processing capabilities to perform the additional safety function. The system serves itself by using its own navigation sensors to detect hazards that would otherwise require separate dedicated detection equipment.
3Reliability
If the system locks passenger doors to prevent exit when objects are detected, then passenger safety is improved, but loss of time occurs due to delayed exit
Solution Approach 1:
The passenger door locking status is dynamically adjusted based on real-time sensor data. The door remains unlocked and accessible when no approaching objects are detected, but automatically locks only when sensors detect objects within the hazardous exit zone. This dynamic response ensures safety only when necessary, minimizing unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data providing feedback to the control system about approaching objects. When objects are detected within the exit zone, the control system receives this feedback and automatically locks the door or provides warnings. The system continuously updates its state based on changing conditions, allowing the door to unlock again when the hazard is removed.
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
Enhances passenger safety by preventing potential collisions by accurately detecting approaching objects and preventing passenger exit when hazards are present, thereby ensuring safe exit strategies.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes sensors such as camera
Implementation Method 2
utilizes sensors such as camera, LIDAR
Implementation Method 3
utilizes sensors such as camera, LIDAR, and RADAR
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for detecting whether an object is approaching an autonomous vehicle when a passenger is about to exit the autonomous vehicle, determining a speed and type of the object that is approaching the autonomous vehicle, determining whether the object will enter an exit zone when the passenger enters the exit zone based on the speed and the type of the object that is approaching the autonomous vehicle, and preventing the passenger from exiting the autonomous vehicle based on the determining of whether the object will enter the exit zone when the passenger enters the exit zone.