Pilot Vehicle Control for Automated Passing Maneuvers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preventing collisions during passing maneuvers, especially when a vehicle is double parked, do not effectively support automated driving vehicles in safely navigating around obstructing vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles that impede visibility.
Innovation Solution
A method for a pilot vehicle to detect surroundings, identify passing intentions of approaching vehicles, and select appropriate passing maneuvers based on detected third vehicles on a passing trajectory, emitting control signals to influence the passing operation of second vehicles, either by stopping or allowing them to pass when it is safe, using detection units, control units, and emission units for radio-based or optical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vehicle is double parked along the roadside, then the vehicle can be stationary and accessible, but it impedes the visibility and passing maneuver of approaching vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot vehicle acts as an intermediary between the double-parked vehicle and approaching traffic. It detects the surroundings, identifies passing intentions of second vehicles, and communicates safety information to coordinate safe passing maneuvers, thereby mediating the conflict between stationary accessibility and dynamic safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the pilot vehicle continuously detects surroundings, receives passing intention signals from second vehicles, evaluates collision risks with third vehicles, and sends back control signals to influence passing maneuvers. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic coordination of passing operations
2Extent of automation
If automated driving vehicles approach a double-parked vehicle, then automated passing can be initiated, but collision risk increases due to limited visibility of oncoming traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot vehicle performs preliminary detection of third vehicles (oncoming traffic) before the second vehicle completes its passing maneuver. By identifying potential collision risks in advance and communicating this information to the automated driving vehicle, the system enables preemptive safety measures
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot vehicle serves as an intermediary sensor system that extends the automated driving vehicle's awareness beyond its limited field of view. It detects third vehicles that the second vehicle cannot see and provides this critical safety information, enabling the automated vehicle to make informed passing decisions
3Reliability
If the pilot vehicle monitors and controls passing maneuvers, then collision risk is reduced, but system complexity increases due to multiple detection and communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot vehicle is designed as a multi-functional system that performs detection of surroundings, identification of passing intentions, detection of third vehicles, evaluation of collision risks, and emission of control signals. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal system, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems in each vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot vehicle autonomously performs the complex task of monitoring its surroundings, identifying passing intentions of second vehicles, detecting third vehicles, evaluating collision risks, and determining appropriate passing maneuvers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex inter-vehicle communication and coordination protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a pilot vehicle for influencing a passing maneuver of at least one second vehicle approaching the pilot vehicle, including the steps: detecting surroundings of the pilot vehicle; identifying a passing intention of the at least one second vehicle; detecting at least one third vehicle on a passing trajectory of the at least one second vehicle; ascertaining and selecting at least one passing maneuver of the at least one second vehicle as a function of the at least one detected third vehicle. The method provides for the emission of at least one signal for controlling the at least one selected passing maneuver. Alternatively provided is a method for a second vehicle for influencing a planned passing maneuver of the second vehicle or a method for a third vehicle for influencing a planned passing maneuver of a second vehicle.