Vehicle Collision Warning Trajectory Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parking aid systems fail to provide clear collision warnings, as they often sound continuous alarms when not necessary, do not detect lateral obstacles, and require driver interpretation of camera images to assess collision risks.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that store vehicle geometry data, use sensors to detect obstacles, predict vehicle trajectories based on steering angle and gear selection, and provide visual and audible warnings only when a collision is likely, using proximity sensors and cameras to display predicted collision zones on a digital screen or head-up display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous audible alarm is sounded when vehicle is close to detected object, then driver is warned of potential collision, but driver cannot determine whether actual collision is imminent and becomes distracted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision warning accuracyVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the warning mode based on real-time trajectory analysis. When collision is certain, continuous audible alarm is provided. When collision can be avoided by steering adjustment, visual indication is provided instead. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the warning system both reliable and minimally distracting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the driver about the predicted trajectory and collision risk. The visual indication system shows the driver where the vehicle will travel and whether adjustment is needed, enabling the driver to make informed decisions. This feedback loop maintains reliability while reducing unnecessary distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If traditional parking aid systems sound continuous alarm when object is near, then driver is warned, but warning is provided even when no collision risk exists (e.g., when simply passing objects)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarning accuracyVSAvoidtrajectory prediction system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary trajectory prediction based on current steering angle and vehicle geometry before issuing a warning. By calculating the predicted path in advance and comparing it with obstacle positions, the system determines whether a collision risk actually exists. This preliminary analysis enables accurate warning selection while managing complexity through efficient geometric calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If camera display system is used to show rear view, then driver can view obstacles, but driver must interpret the image to assess collision risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle visibilityVSAvoidcollision assessment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically calculates and presents collision risk information to the driver. Instead of requiring the driver to interpret raw camera images, the system processes the visual data and presents clear indications of collision risk and required steering adjustments. This intermediary layer reduces information loss while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If proximity sensors are mounted only in front and rear bumpers, then system is simple to manufacture, but lateral obstacles cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installation simplicityVSAvoidlateral collision detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing front and rear proximity sensors for multiple functions: detecting both forward/rearward obstacles and, through trajectory prediction, detecting potential lateral collision risks. By making the trajectory prediction capability universal, the system achieves lateral collision detection without adding physical sensors to the sides, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9569967B2Collision warning for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US9569967B2 patent drawing
  • US9569967B2 patent drawing
  • US9569967B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for warning a driver of a motor vehicle of a predicted collision with a stationary object. A proximity sensor is used to determine a position of an obstacle relative to the vehicle. A steering angle of the vehicle is determined and used to predict a trajectory of the vehicle. A collision zone on the vehicle is identified based on the vehicle trajectory, the collision zone being that spot or location on the vehicle which is predicted to contact the obstacle. A visual display within the vehicle (on the control panel, for example) provides a visual indication to the driver of the position of the collision zone on the vehicle and a predicted trajectory of the collision zone as the vehicle moves in accordance with the steering angle.