Multi-Level Object Detection for Unprotected Turn Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in safely maneuvering due to delayed detection of objects, especially in high-speed scenarios where precise detection may not be timely, leading to potential collisions or unsafe maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-level sensor range system with a first, less precise sensor range adjacent to the outer bounds and a second, more precise range closer to the vehicle, allowing for earlier detection and response to objects with lower confidence values, and using cross-validation and signal filtering to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single high-precision sensor range is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection timing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detection space is segmented into two distinct ranges: a first sensor range with lower confidence values and a second sensor range with higher confidence values. This segmentation allows the system to perform preliminary detection in the first range for early warning, and confirmatory detection in the second range for high-precision identification, thereby resolving the contradiction between early detection timing and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection actions in the first sensor range before the object enters the second sensor range. By detecting objects earlier in the first range and taking preliminary actions, the system gains additional response time while maintaining safety through the validation mechanism when objects are subsequently detected in the second range.
2Loss of time
If early detection with lower confidence is performed, then response time is improved, but detection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where detections in the first sensor range trigger preliminary actions, and subsequent detections in the second sensor range validate these preliminary detections. This feedback loop ensures that early low-confidence detections are confirmed by later high-confidence detections, maintaining reliability while enabling early response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary actions based on low-confidence detections in the first sensor range, then validates these actions when high-confidence detections occur in the second sensor range. This approach allows early response while maintaining reliability through the validation process.
3Area of stationary object
If multi-level sensor ranges are implemented, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into two concentric sensor ranges with different confidence thresholds. This segmentation extends detection coverage by creating an outer first sensor range for early detection and an inner second sensor range for confirmed detection, while managing complexity through a structured two-level approach with clear validation rules.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for early detection of objects by a perception system of a vehicle, and triggering a precautionary action by the vehicle in response without waiting for a more precise detection. The vehicle has a multi-level sensor range, wherein a first level of the sensor range is adjacent an outer bounds of the sensor range and has a first confidence value, and a second level of the sensor range is within the first range and has a second, higher confidence value. In situations when oncoming traffic is traveling at a high rate of speed, the vehicle responds to noisier detections, or objects perceived with a lower degree of confidence, rather than waiting for verification which may come too late.