Speed-Adaptive Rear Obstacle Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear obstacle detection and avoidance systems fail to provide adequate warnings and automatic collision avoidance during both low-speed and high-speed reverse maneuvers, particularly when drivers are backing up at greater speeds, and may not allow sufficient time for drivers to react to detected obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A rear obstacle detection and avoidance system that uses a combination of sensors to measure distance and vehicle speed, generating alerts and automatically applying braking force based on predefined speed vs. distance functions, with distinct alert protocols for low-speed and high-speed modes to ensure timely collision prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed distance threshold is used for obstacle detection, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot provide adequate warning for both low-speed and high-speed reverse maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the distance threshold variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the distance threshold based on the vehicle's current speed, allowing the obstacle detection system to adapt to different operating conditions (low-speed parking vs. high-speed reverse maneuvers) without requiring completely different detection systems for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of distance threshold from a constant value to a speed-dependent variable. By establishing a functional relationship between vehicle speed and distance threshold, the system can automatically adjust its detection sensitivity and warning distances according to the current speed, improving versatility while maintaining a relatively simple implementation through mathematical functions.
2Loss of time
If the alert distance is increased for high-speed detection, then adequate warning time is provided, but the alert may be generated too early for low-speed maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the alert distance threshold based on vehicle speed. At high speeds, a larger distance threshold provides earlier warning and adequate reaction time. At low speeds, the threshold automatically reduces to prevent premature alerts, ensuring the system adapts to the driver's actual needs at each speed level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the alert distance parameter from a fixed value to a speed-dependent variable. By establishing a functional relationship where alert distance increases with vehicle speed, the system optimizes driver reaction time at high speeds while avoiding premature alerts during low-speed maneuvers, improving both safety and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a single alert protocol is used for all speeds, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide timely collision prevention during high-speed reverse maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alert protocol into different levels or types based on vehicle speed. Instead of using a single uniform alert system, the system divides the operational range into different speed zones (e.g., low-speed and high-speed modes), each with appropriately tailored alert characteristics, improving collision prevention reliability without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alert protocol dynamically changes based on vehicle speed. The system automatically selects or adjusts alert characteristics (such as alert distance, warning intensity, or notification method) according to the current speed, providing timely and appropriate collision prevention for both low-speed and high-speed reverse maneuvers while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear obstacle detection and avoidance system for use on a vehicle comprises a rear obstacle detector that is coupled to the vehicle and measures the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle substantially to the vehicle's rear, a speed sensor that determines vehicle speed, an alert generator that notifies an occupant of the vehicle of a rear obstacle, and a processor that is coupled to the rear obstacle detector, the speed sensor, and the alert generator. The processor causes the generation of a first alert when the vehicle's speed is less than a threshold speed and the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle substantially to the vehicle's rear is less than a first distance determined in accordance with a first function of speed vs. distance. Additionally, the processor causes the generation of a second alert when the vehicle's speed is greater than the threshold speed and the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle substantially to the vehicle's rear is less than a second distance determined in accordance with second function of speed vs. distance.