Optical Road Surface Sensor for Early Friction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver assistance systems, such as ABS and ESC, cannot detect low coefficients of friction on roadways until wheel speed differences are detected, leading to delayed intervention in critical situations, and systems like SMR and automatic transmissions lack information about road conditions, causing potential skidding or unstable driving states.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that emit light of various wavelengths onto the roadway surface, detect reflected light, and acquire information about the road conditions, allowing driver assistance systems to adjust their parameters based on the road surface conditions, enabling early intervention and prevention of critical situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If speed sensors are used to detect wheel speed differences, then wheel speed can be measured, but road surface friction conditions cannot be detected until skidding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of road surface friction conditions before wheel speed differences occur. By measuring the reflection characteristics of light from the road surface in advance, the system identifies low-friction conditions (ice, snow, wet surfaces) before skidding happens, enabling proactive adjustment of driver assistance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary detection device that measures road surface properties through light reflection characteristics. This intermediary measurement provides indirect information about friction conditions without requiring direct mechanical contact or wheel speed variation, thus enabling early detection of hazardous road conditions.
2Reliability
If driver assistance systems wait for unsafe states to occur before intervening, then system complexity remains low, but safety and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of road surface conditions before critical situations develop. The optical sensor continuously monitors friction conditions and transmits this information to the driver assistance systems in advance, allowing them to prepare and adjust parameters proactively rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where optical sensor data about road surface conditions is continuously transmitted to the driver assistance systems. This feedback enables the systems to adapt their behavior dynamically based on real-time road conditions, improving safety while maintaining manageable complexity through structured information flow.
3Loss of time
If early detection of road conditions is implemented, then critical situations can be prevented, but additional sensors and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or indirect detection methods with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on wheel speed sensors or mechanical contact to infer road conditions, the system uses optical sensors to directly measure light reflection characteristics, providing faster and more direct detection of surface conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor serves multiple functions: it detects various road surface conditions (dry, wet, icy, snowy) by analyzing light reflection at different wavelengths, provides early warning of hazardous conditions, and enables multiple driver assistance systems to adapt their behavior. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each condition type.
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
The system allows driver assistance systems to adapt to road conditions before unsafe states are reached, reducing the risk of skidding and unstable driving by providing real-time information on road surface conditions, such as friction levels and surface types, enabling more effective control of ABS, traction, and transmission settings.
Implementation Method 1
emitting light of at least one wavelength onto a roadway surface under the vehicle, detecting light of the at least one wavelength reflected at the roadway surface
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and a device for controlling a driver assistance system of a vehicle, a process is carried out which includes the steps of emitting light of at least one wavelength onto a road surface under the vehicle, detecting the light reflected by the road surface, acquiring at least one piece of information on the nature of the road surface using the detected reflected light, transmitting the information on the nature of the road surface to the driver assistance system, and modifying at least one parameter of the driver assistance system such that the driver assistance system reacts depending on the nature of the road surface.