Vehicle Hazard Detection and Mitigation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems, such as puddle lights, are inadequate to automatically identify and mitigate hazards near a vehicle during passenger ingress and egress, requiring manual inspection and communication between passengers and drivers to avoid accidents.
Innovation Solution
A computing system with sensors, such as cameras, lidar, and GPS, that detects hazards in the passenger access zone, calculates a safety metric, and notifies occupants, potentially repositioning the vehicle to ensure safe entry and exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If puddle lights are used to illuminate the ground next to the vehicle, then passenger visibility of ground hazards is improved, but automatic hazard mitigation is not achieved and manual inspection is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical illumination system (puddle lights) with an active sensor-based detection system using cameras, LIDAR, and other sensors to automatically detect hazards. This substitution transforms the system from merely illuminating the ground to actively identifying and classifying hazards such as puddles, debris, and uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary hazard detection and classification system that processes sensor data and communicates hazard information to the vehicle control system. This intermediary layer translates raw sensor data into actionable hazard assessments, enabling automatic mitigation without requiring direct manual inspection by passengers.
2Reliability
If manual hazard inspection and communication between passenger and driver is required, then hazard detection capability is maintained, but response time is increased and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary hazard detection and classification before the passenger attempts to exit the vehicle. The system continuously monitors the ground area adjacent to the vehicle and pre-identifies hazards, allowing the vehicle control system to automatically adjust positioning or alert the passenger in advance, thereby eliminating the need for last-minute manual inspection and communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensor data about ground conditions is continuously processed and used to adjust vehicle positioning or alert the passenger. This closed-loop system provides real-time feedback about hazard conditions, enabling automatic response and significantly reducing the time delay associated with manual hazard detection and communication.
3Reliability
If the vehicle position is manually adjusted to avoid hazards, then passenger safety is improved, but operational complexity and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the vehicle to automatically reposition itself to avoid detected hazards without requiring manual intervention from the driver or passenger. The vehicle control system autonomously processes hazard information from sensors and executes repositioning maneuvers, allowing the vehicle to serve its own safety needs and eliminating the complexity of manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary vehicle repositioning before the passenger exits, based on pre-detected hazard conditions. By proactively adjusting the vehicle position in advance rather than reacting after the passenger begins to exit, the system simplifies the overall process and reduces the need for complex real-time coordination during the egress maneuver.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automatically identifies and mitigates hazards, enhancing passenger safety and convenience by providing real-time notifications and adjusting the vehicle's position to avoid potential dangers.
Implementation Method 1
A computing system with sensors, such as cameras, lidar, and GPS, that detects hazards in the passenger access zone
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mitigating hazards to access to passenger vehicles. The method includes detecting, with one or more sensors, a hazardous condition in an area proximate a vehicle. A processor may calculate a safety metric corresponding to the hazardous condition and analyze the safety metric relative to a predetermined threshold. A vehicle occupant may be automatically notified of the hazardous condition in the event the safety metric satisfies the predetermined threshold. A corresponding system is also claimed herein.