Path Driving Assistance Using Hazard Alerts Beyond Blind Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in navigating paths with blind curves and road hazards due to limited visibility, which can lead to accidents and increased risk for vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for driving assistance that utilizes communication devices and electronic control units (ECUs) to establish communication channels between vehicles and communication devices. This system receives unique identifiers to establish communication, gathers sensor data, and generates alert information based on road surface characteristics and hazards, providing a combined view to the driver through various display options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If drivers rely on direct visibility to detect road hazards and blind curves, then the system remains simple and requires no additional infrastructure, but the driver cannot detect hazards beyond the visible range leading to delayed reaction and potential accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication devices positioned at strategic locations along the path that act as intermediaries to detect road hazards and transmit information to vehicles. These devices include sensors and communication transmitters that monitor the road ahead and relay hazard information to drivers before they reach blind curves or hazardous areas, effectively extending the driver's visibility range without requiring the driver to directly see the hazards.
2Speed
If drivers brake hard when encountering sharp curves suddenly, then the vehicle can slow down to navigate the curve safely, but the vehicle may under-steer or over-steer causing loss of control and potential accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing advance warning to drivers about upcoming sharp curves and road hazards through the communication system. Drivers receive information about the nature and location of upcoming curves before reaching them, allowing them to gradually reduce speed and prepare for the turn rather than making sudden braking maneuvers. This preliminary speed adjustment maintains vehicle control stability and prevents under-steering or over-steering incidents.
3Reliability
If the system provides comprehensive alert information about road hazards and vehicle positions, then driver safety is enhanced, but the amount of data to be processed and transmitted increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and prioritizes only the most critical hazard information for transmission to drivers, such as the presence of sharp curves, road hazards, and recommended speed adjustments. Rather than transmitting all available sensor data, the system selectively extracts essential safety-critical information and transmits it through communication devices. This approach enhances driver safety by providing relevant alerts while minimizing system complexity by avoiding transmission of unnecessary data.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of a system and method for driving assistance along a path are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, a unique identifier is received from a communication device at an electronic control unit (ECU) of a first vehicle. The unique identifier is received when the first vehicle has reached a first location along a first portion of the path. A communication channel is established between the first vehicle and the communication device based on the received unique identifier. Data associated with a second portion of the path is received by the ECU from the communication device based on the established communication channel. Alert information associated with the second portion of the path is generated by the ECU based on the received data.