Fog Proxy Speed Control for Autonomous Vehicle Stopping Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles lack the ability to adjust their speed in real-time based on changing fog intensities, which can impact their safe stopping distance and collision avoidance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The system uses sensors to detect fog intensity and adjust the vehicle's speed based on a calculated track spawning range, which is determined through mathematical and machine learning models, ensuring a safe stopping distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the autonomous vehicle maintains a fixed speed, then the vehicle operation is simple and stable, but the vehicle cannot adapt to changing fog conditions and maintain safe stopping distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment by continuously monitoring fog intensity through sensor data and modifying the vehicle's speed accordingly. The system transitions from fixed speed operation to adaptive speed control, where the speed limit is dynamically determined based on real-time atmospheric conditions and calculated stopping distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by using sensors to detect fog intensity, calculating the required stopping distance, and adjusting the speed limit based on this information. The continuous loop of sensing, calculating, and adjusting ensures the vehicle maintains appropriate speed relative to current fog conditions.
2Productivity
If the vehicle increases speed to improve productivity, then the travel efficiency increases, but the stopping distance increases and collision avoidance capability deteriorates in foggy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the speed parameter dynamically based on fog intensity levels. By adjusting the speed limit according to atmospheric conditions and calculated stopping distances, the system optimizes both travel efficiency and safety. The speed parameter is modified in real-time to balance productivity requirements with collision avoidance needs.
3Reliability
If the vehicle decreases speed to maintain safe stopping distance, then the collision avoidance capability improves, but the travel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speed based on actual fog conditions rather than maintaining a constantly reduced speed. This allows the vehicle to travel at higher speeds when conditions permit and reduce speed only when necessary to maintain safe stopping distances, optimizing both safety and efficiency.
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
Enables autonomous vehicles to maintain a safe stopping distance by dynamically adjusting speed in response to varying fog conditions, enhancing safety and collision avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
collect sensor data for an environment around an autonomous vehicle (AV)... sensor data is collected from at least one of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor
Implementation Method 2
sensor data is collected from at least one of... a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to improved autonomous vehicle (AV) navigation in foggy conditions and, more specifically, to determining a fog intensity level and adjusting the speed of the AV based on the fog intensity level. In some aspects, a method of the disclosed technology includes steps for collecting sensor data for an environment around an AV; determining, based on the collected sensor data, that fog exists in the environment around the AV; determining, based on the collected sensor data, a fog proxy level; determining, based on the fog proxy level, a track spawning range of the AV; and adjusting, based on the track spawning range of the AV, a speed of the AV. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.