Pedestrian Collision Mitigation via Speed-Adaptive Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pedestrian detection and collision mitigation systems (PDCMS) face challenges in effectively reducing pedestrian impacts and injury rates due to high lethality and injury rates in traffic accidents, as they often rely on incomplete detection methods and lack efficient activation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for operating a PDCMS that utilizes image detection to recognize pedestrians and activates the system based on speed information and motion distance, incorporating an image collecting device, engine management system, electronic control unit, and determination module to issue warnings and automatically apply the emergency brake when a collision is imminent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pedestrian detection methods are used, then the system structure is simpler, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (image recognition, laser radar, ultrasonic sensors) into a unified PDCMS system. The image collecting device captures pedestrian images for recognition, while laser radar and ultrasonic sensors provide additional detection capabilities, creating a multi-sensor fusion system that improves detection precision through complementary technologies working together
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs an electronic control unit that serves multiple functions: it processes image data from the image collecting device, integrates information from laser radar and ultrasonic sensors, determines collision risk, and controls both warning devices and emergency braking systems. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex operations into a single control platform
2Reliability
If the PDCMS is activated at all speeds, then the safety coverage is improved, but the energy consumption and false alarm rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its activation state based on vehicle speed. The electronic control unit determines whether to activate the PDCMS function by evaluating current speed conditions against predetermined thresholds. At higher speeds where collision risk and severity are greater, the system activates for enhanced safety; at lower speeds, it remains inactive to conserve energy and reduce false alarms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on speed conditions. The activation threshold, detection sensitivity, and response thresholds are adjusted according to the vehicle's current speed. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize between safety coverage and energy consumption by tailoring its behavior to the actual risk level at different speeds
3Reliability
If the emergency brake is automatically activated, then the collision mitigation effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a two-stage warning mechanism before automatic emergency braking. The electronic control unit first activates warning devices (visual and auditory alerts) to notify the driver of potential collision risk. Only if the driver fails to respond or the situation deteriorates does the system proceed to automatic emergency brake activation. This preliminary warning action gives the driver opportunity to maintain control while preparing for automated intervention if necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors driver response and system state through feedback loops. The electronic control unit receives feedback from warning device activation, driver actions, and sensor data to determine whether to escalate to emergency braking. This feedback mechanism ensures that automatic braking is applied only when truly necessary, maintaining driver authority while providing automated safety intervention
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (100) for operating a pedestrian detection and collision mitigation system (PDCMS) of a vehicle (700) includes: an engine management system (EMS) (200) acquiring speed information of the vehicle in real time; an image collecting device (300) recognizing a pedestrian (600) positioned within a driving lane of the vehicle and detecting information on a relative speed or a distance between the pedestrian (600) and the vehicle (700), when a speed of the vehicle (700) is equal to or greater than a set first speed; an electronic control unit (ECU) (400) activating a PDCMS function based on a mapping table using speed information of the vehicle (700) and information on a motion or a distance of the pedestrian (600) with respect to the vehicle (700); and a warning device (500) operated to inform a driver of a collision of the pedestrian (600) with the vehicle (700) by a control of the ECU (400).