Threat Number Collision Avoidance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision avoidance systems face challenges in effectively mitigating vehicle collisions at intersections, particularly due to the complexity and cost of implementing multiple sensor data assessments.
Innovation Solution
A computer system in a host vehicle determines threat numbers based on predicted lateral distances, velocities, and actuation times of brakes and steering components to autonomously adjust direction or speed, minimizing the need for multiple component actuations by calculating an overall threat number to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor data assessments are used to assess target vehicles, then collision detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on the most critical assessment parameters (brake capability, steering capability, acceleration capability) from the full set of possible sensor data. By selecting only these key parameters for evaluation, the system achieves adequate collision detection accuracy without processing all available sensor data, thereby reducing computational complexity and system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified threat number calculation approach that uses basic vehicle parameters (brake, steering, and acceleration capabilities) rather than requiring expensive, complex sensor arrays. This disposable-like approach accepts that the assessment is simplified and sufficient for the specific purpose of collision avoidance at intersections, without investing in overly complex detection systems.
2Reliability
If multiple vehicle components are actuated to avoid collisions, then collision avoidance effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selecting only the single most effective component to actuate based on the calculated threat numbers, rather than actuating multiple components simultaneously. The system identifies which component (brake, steering, or acceleration) will provide the greatest collision avoidance benefit and activates only that component, reducing complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the collision avoidance function into three distinct threat number calculations (brake threat number, steering threat number, acceleration threat number), each corresponding to a specific vehicle component. This segmentation allows the system to evaluate each component's individual effectiveness separately and select the optimal single component for actuation, rather than treating all components as a unified system.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine at least one of: a brake threat number of a host vehicle, a brake threat number of a target vehicle, a steering threat number, or an acceleration threat number and to actuate the host vehicle to change at least one of direction or speed based on at least one of the threat numbers. The brake threat number of the host vehicle is based on a predicted lateral distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle. The brake threat number of the target vehicle is based on a velocity of the target vehicle adjusted by an acceleration of the target vehicle and an actuation time of a brake. The steering threat number is a lateral acceleration being a predicted lateral distance adjusted by an actuation time of a steering component. The acceleration threat number is based on a predicted lateral offset adjusted by a predicted heading angle of the host vehicle.