Infrastructure Object Detector for Obstructed Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detection devices such as radar and cameras in vehicles may fail to detect objects due to obstructions like buildings or other vehicles, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
An object detector mounted on a building or roadside fixture detects objects within its coverage area and transmits information to a supervisory computer, which alerts the vehicle's collision avoidance system to prevent collisions, and can also warn pedestrians through personal communication devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection devices (radar, camera) are mounted on the vehicle, then the vehicle can detect objects in its vicinity, but objects may remain undetected due to obstructions like buildings or other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supervisory computer as an intermediary that receives detection data from both vehicle-mounted devices and infrastructure-mounted devices. This mediator integrates information from multiple sources to compensate for the limitations of single-vehicle detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between having detection capability and avoiding undetected objects due to obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines detection capabilities of multiple vehicles and infrastructure-mounted detectors into a unified detection network. By merging detection data from different locations and perspectives, the system overcomes individual detection limitations caused by obstructions, improving overall detection reliability while identifying previously undetectable objects.
2Reliability
If multiple detection devices are deployed on infrastructure, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisory computer serves multiple functions: it acts as a data aggregator, an information processor, and a communication hub between infrastructure detectors and vehicles. By making the supervisory computer universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby managing complexity while improving detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the supervisory computer processes detection data and sends alerts back to vehicles when potential collisions are detected. This feedback mechanism automates the complex coordination between multiple infrastructure detectors and vehicles, managing system complexity through intelligent control while maintaining high detection coverage.
3Reliability
If real-time detection and alerting is implemented, then collision prevention is improved, but response time requirements increase system demands
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisory computer continuously monitors and processes detection data in advance, identifying potential collision risks before they materialize. By performing preliminary analysis and early warning, the system provides adequate response time to drivers while maintaining real-time collision prevention capability, balancing reliability requirements with reasonable response time demands.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to systems and methods for preventing vehicular mishaps. In an example method, an object detector mounted on a building or a roadside fixture, detects an object in a detection coverage area of the object detector. The object is undetectable by a collision avoidance system of a vehicle. The object detector conveys information about the object to a supervisory computer. The information can include, for example, a location and/or a direction of travel of the object (if the object is moving). The supervisory computer evaluates the information and transmits an alert to the collision avoidance system of the vehicle, so as to prevent a collision between the vehicle and the object. In an example situation, where the object is a pedestrian, the supervisory computer may also transmit a warning alert to a personal communication device of the pedestrian.