Exterior Camera Fusion for Rearward Vehicle Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems do not provide adequate assistance to drivers when a rearward approaching vehicle is closing in at high speed, as they rely on forward-facing sensors and lack rearward collision warning capabilities, potentially leading to collisions in traffic jams or similar scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A collision avoidance system utilizing rearward-facing cameras and image processing to detect approaching vehicles, calculate deceleration ratios, and communicate with other vehicles via telematics to alert drivers and control vehicle systems, such as braking and steering, to mitigate potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If forward-facing sensors are used in vehicle vision systems, then the system can detect objects in front of the vehicle, but the system cannot detect rearward approaching vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with multiple cameras positioned at different locations (front, rear, sides) to divide the detection coverage into separate zones. Each camera monitors a specific area, collectively providing 360-degree surveillance capability around the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from unidirectional (forward-only) sensing to omnidirectional sensing by adding cameras in multiple spatial dimensions, enabling detection of vehicles approaching from any direction including rearward approaches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are added to provide rearward viewing capability, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera feeds from different positions are merged and processed together to create a unified rearward view display, allowing the driver to see combined information from rear and side cameras in a single interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: providing rearward view, detecting approaching vehicles, monitoring blind spots, and triggering collision avoidance maneuvers, thereby justifying the added complexity through versatile functionality.
3Reliability
If the system provides multiple functions (alert driver, control braking, control steering), then the collision avoidance capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by alerting the driver in advance of potential collision and preparing safety systems (seatbelts, airbags) before impact occurs, allowing the driver time to respond and reducing the need for complex automated intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver is empowered to take self-service action through visual alerts and rearward view display, enabling them to manually steer or brake to avoid collision without requiring complex automated control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular control system includes a forward-viewing camera viewing through the windshield at least forward of the equipped vehicle, a left-side camera viewing at least sideward and rearward of the equipped vehicle, a right-side camera viewing at least sideward and rearward of the equipped vehicle, and an electronic control unit (ECU). Image data captured by the cameras is transferred to and is processed at the ECU. Responsive at least in part to processing at the ECU of transferred image data, the vehicular control system detects another vehicle present rearward of the equipped vehicle and approaching the equipped vehicle in the same traffic lane that the equipped vehicle is traveling in on the road the equipped vehicle is traveling along. The vehicular control system undertakes a pre-impact measure to prepare the equipped vehicle for impact by the other vehicle and/or controls the equipped vehicle to mitigate impact by the other vehicle.