Intermediary Vehicle Alerts for Obstructed Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collision detection systems face limitations when an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian is not within the line of sight of in-vehicle imaging and proximity sensors, particularly in scenarios like left-turn across path situations, and V2X communication systems are not yet viable in many markets due to limited penetration of equipped vehicles and intersections.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an intermediary vehicle with an electronic control unit that combines data from Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Cross-Traffic Collision Warning systems to detect potential collisions and provide warning signals to involved vehicles or pedestrians, using both imaging and proximity sensors as well as V2X communication to overcome line of sight obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-vehicle imaging and proximity sensors are used for collision detection, then objects within line of sight can be detected, but objects outside line of sight (e.g., in left-turn across path scenarios) cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system designates an intermediary vehicle (one that has line of sight to both objects) as a mediator to detect and communicate information about objects that are outside another vehicle's line of sight. The intermediary vehicle's sensors detect objects and the ECU communicates this information to vehicles that cannot directly observe them, enabling indirect detection in obstructed scenarios.
2Reliability
If V2X communication is used to detect objects outside line of sight, then collision awareness can be improved, but the system is not yet viable in many markets due to limited penetration of equipped vehicles and intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to serve themselves by using their own sensors and other nearby vehicles' sensors (when available) to detect objects of interest. The ECU processes sensor data from the vehicle's own Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Cross-Traffic Collision Warning systems to identify objects outside direct line of sight, reducing dependency on external V2X infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a tiered approach where V2X communication is used when available to provide enhanced detection capability, but the core functionality relies on traditional sensor systems that are universally compatible. This partial implementation allows the system to work in markets with varying levels of V2X penetration while still providing improved collision detection where the technology is available.
3Measurement precision
If the ECU combines data from multiple sensor systems (Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Cross-Traffic Collision Warning), then detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified data processing approach. It handles data from Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, and Cross-Traffic Collision Warning systems through the same collision probability determination logic, enabling the system to process diverse sensor inputs with a single multi-functional module rather than separate specialized processors for each sensor type.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of collision detection are provided which combine the concept of collaborative support with common/existing in-vehicle imaging and proximity sensor technologies. In particular, an “intermediary” vehicle may signal one or more objects (e.g. other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) which are within the line of sight of the intermediary vehicle (and thus its imaging and proximity sensors), but not within the line of sight of each other, to a potential collision between the two objects.