Vehicle Collision Detection Using Multi-Threshold Acceleration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision detection systems in autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately identifying both major and minor collisions due to noise in acceleration data, which can mask minor collisions and make detection difficult.
Innovation Solution
A collision detection system that categorizes occurrences based on unexpected changes in acceleration data, using threshold values and sensor data to differentiate between high-energy and low-energy collisions, and further re-categorizes based on additional sensor data to increase certainty, triggering appropriate responsive actions such as alerts and system adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threshold-based collision detection is used, then major collisions can be detected, but minor collisions are masked by noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments collision detection into multiple categories (high-energy collisions, low-energy collisions, and indeterminate events) based on acceleration threshold levels. By dividing the detection space into distinct segments with different analysis approaches, the system can accurately detect both major collisions (using high thresholds) and minor collisions (using low thresholds and additional sensor data), thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are deployed to detect minor collisions, then detection accuracy improves, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing vehicle sensors multi-functional by using them for both normal vehicle operation monitoring and collision detection. The acceleration sensors already present in the vehicle are utilized for collision detection across multiple energy levels, eliminating the need for additional dedicated collision sensors and thereby improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing sensor infrastructure to serve the additional function of collision detection. By leveraging data from sensors already deployed for vehicle control and monitoring, the system achieves accurate minor collision detection without requiring external investments in additional sensing equipment.
3Measurement precision
If acceleration thresholds are lowered to detect minor collisions, then detection sensitivity increases, but false positives from noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold selection and event categorization where the detection criteria adapt based on the magnitude of acceleration changes. The system dynamically adjusts its response based on whether the event falls into high-energy, low-energy, or indeterminate categories, allowing high sensitivity for minor collisions while maintaining reliability through adaptive classification and contextual analysis of sensor data patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for detecting vehicle collisions. One or more computing devices may receive acceleration data of a vehicle and the expected acceleration data of the vehicle over a period of time. The one or more computing devices may determine a change in the vehicle's acceleration over the period of time, where the change in the vehicle's acceleration over the period of time is the difference between the expected acceleration data and the acceleration data. The one or more computing devices may detect an occurrence when the change in the vehicle's acceleration is greater than a threshold value and assign the occurrence into a collision category. Based on the assigned collision category, the one or more computing devices may perform a responsive action.