Automated Driving Sensor Fusion for Low-Impact Collision Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated driving systems face challenges in detecting low-impact collisions, which are below the activation thresholds of traditional vehicle safety systems, and require enhanced sensing capabilities to identify and respond to such events effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a combination of AD sensors, such as cameras, radar, LIDAR, and microphone sensors, in conjunction with VSS sensors like accelerometers and pressure sensors, to identify and determine low-impact collisions, utilizing pedestrian protection system optimized sensors for directional information and external yaw torque verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional vehicle safety system sensors are used, then high-impact crash detection is reliable, but low-impact collision detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple sensor types with different sensitivity thresholds: AD sensors (cameras, radar, LIDAR) for low-impact detection and VSS sensors (accelerometers, pressure sensors) for high-impact detection. This segmentation allows each sensor type to operate optimally within its detection range, resolving the contradiction between detecting low-impact events and maintaining reliable high-impact detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data from AD sensors and VSS sensors into a unified detection system. The AD sensors provide early warning of low-impact risks, while VSS sensors confirm actual collisions. This combination enables the system to detect both low-impact events and maintain reliability for high-impact crashes by cross-validating sensor inputs.
2Measurement precision
If AD sensors are utilized to identify possible low impact collision risks, then detection sensitivity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AD sensors serve multiple functions: they identify possible low-impact collision risks, provide directional information, and work in conjunction with VSS sensors for comprehensive detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate sensor systems, thereby managing complexity while improving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes data from multiple sensor types. It integrates AD sensor data with VSS sensor data, filtering and prioritizing information to manage the complexity of multiple sensor inputs while maintaining high detection precision through coordinated processing.
3Area of stationary object
If detection is extended to 360 degrees around the vehicle, then coverage area is improved, but sensor requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends detection from traditional front-focused sensing to 360-degree spatial coverage by distributing sensors around the entire vehicle. AD sensors are positioned to monitor all directions, while VSS sensors provide omnidirectional impact detection. This dimensional expansion from linear to spherical coverage area is managed through coordinated sensor networks.
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
Enables the detection of low-impact collisions around the vehicle, allowing the automated driving system to take appropriate actions, enhancing safety by extending detection beyond conventional crash thresholds and providing comprehensive 360-degree coverage.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing VSS sensors of the vehicle safety system to determine a low impact collision resulting from the identified possible low impact collision
Implementation Method 2
utilizing VSS sensors of the vehicle safety system to determine a low impact collision resulting from the identified possible low impact collision
Implementation Method 3
The method includes utilizing AD sensors of the AD system to identify possible low impact collision risks
Implementation Method 4
The method includes utilizing AD sensors of the AD system to identify possible low impact collision risks
Implementation Method 5
utilizing AD sensors of the AD system to identify possible low impact collision risks
Data Source
AI summary
A method helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle (10) equipped with an automated driving system (200) and a vehicle safety system (100) by detecting low impact crash events (99) with the vehicle (10). The method includes utilizing automated driving sensors (220, 230, 240, 250, 260) of the automated driving system (200) to identify possible low impact collision risks. The method also includes utilizing vehicle safety system sensors (110, 115, 120, 125, 130) of the vehicle safety system to determine a low impact collision resulting from the identified possible low impact collision. A vehicle safety system (100) includes an airbag controller unit (150) configured to implement the method to determine low impact crash events with the vehicle (10).