Vehicle Braking Control for Intersection Collision and Red Light Scenarios

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems often result in excessive braking when approaching intersections with red traffic lights, as they do not differentiate between situations where stopping is required and those where passing is permitted, leading to unnecessary intervention.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus for vehicles that includes a collision determination unit, a signal determination unit, and a braking control unit, which applies high braking force if a collision is possible and low braking force if the traffic light is red but passing is allowed, based on local traffic laws and signs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the vehicle always stops at red traffic lights, then traffic light compliance is improved, but excessive braking occurs leading to driver burden and reduced driving efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraffic light complianceVSAvoiddriver burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the braking force parameter based on different traffic scenarios. When a red light is detected, the system evaluates whether passing is permitted according to local laws and signs. If permitted, a first (reduced) braking force is applied; if not permitted, a second (stronger) braking force is applied. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining compliance while avoiding excessive braking in permissible scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the vehicle applies strong braking force at red lights, then stopping reliability is improved, but driving efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestopping reliabilityVSAvoiddriving efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different braking forces according to local traffic conditions and regulations. By evaluating local laws and road signs, the system determines whether passing a red light is permitted in the specific location. This localized approach ensures reliable stopping only when necessary, maintaining driving efficiency in areas where passing is allowed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the vehicle differentiates between collision risk and red light conditions, then braking appropriateness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking appropriatenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional units: a collision determination unit that assesses collision risk, a signal determination unit that detects red light conditions, and a braking control unit that applies appropriate braking force. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple determination tasks independently, improving braking appropriateness while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11597362B2Vehicle and control apparatus thereof
Publication Date: 2023.03.07 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11597362B2 patent drawing
  • US11597362B2 patent drawing
  • US11597362B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control apparatus of a vehicle includes a collision determination unit configured to determine whether there is the possibility that the vehicle will collide with an object moving in a direction intersecting a longer direction of the vehicle, a signal determination unit configured to determine whether or not a traffic light in front of the vehicle is red, and a braking control unit configured to apply braking force to the vehicle. When the vehicle is travelling toward an intersection, in a case where it is determined that there is the possibility that the vehicle will collide with the moving object, the braking control unit applies higher braking force, and in a case where it is not determined that there is such a possibility and it is determined that the traffic light is red, the braking control unit applies lower braking force.