Autonomous Driving Control for Multi-Target Speed and Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current autonomous driving methods face safety deficiencies when multiple target objects are detected, as they often rely on the closest object for adaptive speed regulation, which can lead to risky maneuvers if that object behaves dangerously, such as quickly overtaking a slower vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A method for autonomous driving that regulates the ego-vehicle's speed based on the second target object while maintaining a target distance from the first target object, reducing the risk of sudden maneuvers and ensuring passenger safety by avoiding dangerous proximity to the first target object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the closest target object is used as reference for adaptive cruise control, then the response to immediate obstacles is quick, but the safety is compromised when the closest object exhibits dangerous behavior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using the closest target object as the reference for speed regulation, the patent inverts the logic by using the second closest target object as the reference. This inversion allows the system to maintain quick response capabilities while avoiding the safety risks associated with following dangerously behaving closest objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary selection mechanism that evaluates multiple target objects and chooses the most suitable one (second closest) as the reference for adaptive cruise control. This intermediary layer filters out dangerous target objects while maintaining appropriate response times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the ego-vehicle follows the first target object closely, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of collision increases when the first target object performs sudden maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraffic flow efficiencyVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary evaluation of multiple target objects before selecting the reference for adaptive cruise control. By anticipating the potential dangerous behavior of the closest object and pre-selecting the second closest object as reference, the system prevents collision risks before they materialize while maintaining efficient traffic flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If adaptive cruise control regulates speed based on the first target object, then the speed regulation is simple, but the passenger comfort deteriorates due to sudden avoidance maneuvers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol logic simplicityVSAvoidpassenger comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic target object selection based on the behavior characteristics of detected objects. The system dynamically evaluates whether the closest or second closest object should be the reference, adjusting the control logic in real-time to balance simplicity with passenger comfort and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3924237B1Autonomous driving based on distance and speed of distinct target objects

Publication Date: 2024.11.20 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for autonomous driving of a vehicle, called ego vehicle (EV), in the presence of at least two target objects, a first target object and a second target object, in which a target speed and a target distance are taken into account.