Automatic Vehicle Classification via Acceleration Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control mechanisms, such as adaptive speed maintainers and overtaking support functions, rely on manual classification of target vehicles, which diverts the driver's attention and increases the risk of traffic accidents, and require multiple data points for accurate characterization.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine target vehicle characteristics solely based on acceleration and distance, using a speed determination unit, acceleration determination unit, and acceleration value processing unit to classify vehicles and deliver classification data to a regulating device, thereby simplifying the process and reducing the need for manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual classification of target vehicles is used, then driver input can provide accurate classification information, but driver attention is diverted from traffic leading to increased accident risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle classification accuracyVSAvoiddriving safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic vehicle classification by having the vehicle itself reveal its characteristics through acceleration behavior. The classification is performed autonomously by processing acceleration data without requiring driver intervention, thus maintaining safety while achieving accurate classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual classification methods with an automated electronic system that uses acceleration sensors and processing units. This substitution eliminates the need for driver input while maintaining or improving classification accuracy through objective measurement of vehicle acceleration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple data points are collected for target vehicle characterization, then more accurate vehicle classification can be achieved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle characterization accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and focuses on a single critical parameter - acceleration - that is sufficient for vehicle classification. By taking out only the essential data point rather than collecting multiple parameters, the system achieves accurate characterization while minimizing processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from collecting multiple static parameters to measuring dynamic acceleration parameters over time. This parameter transformation allows accurate vehicle type identification through acceleration patterns, reducing the need for multiple simultaneous measurements and simplifying the data collection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2219899B1Method and device for supporting a regulating strategy for the driving of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2012.06.27 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP2219899B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2219899B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2219899B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method, a device and a computer programme product for supporting a regulating strategy for the driving of a vehicle, and to a motor vehicle comprising such a device. According to the method, a number of acceleration values (a) for a target vehicle are determined (36) on the basis of input values (?v), which input values take the form of or are derived from detected distance values for the distance between the vehicle and the target vehicle. The acceleration values are thereafter processed (40) to obtain data (CD) which characterise the target vehicle. These data which characterise the target vehicle are thereafter delivered (42) for regulating (44) the driving of the vehicle.