Vehicle Passage Geometry Detection for Narrow Clearance Warnings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers often struggle to accurately assess whether their vehicle can pass through restricted passage geometries, such as tunnels or parking garages, due to unclear or variable vehicle dimensions, leading to potential accidents, especially in situations where warning signs are missing or obscured.
Innovation Solution
A method using sensors like cameras, lidar, radar, and ultrasonic sensors to detect and recognize restricted passage geometries, determine their dimensions, and communicate this information to affected vehicles via C-V2X or WLAN protocols, ensuring only relevant vehicles receive warnings and allowing for real-time adjustments to avoid hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If warning signs are placed to indicate restricted passage geometries, then drivers can be alerted to dimension restrictions, but the signs may be overlooked or obscured and are only placed shortly before the obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of restricted passage geometries using sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) and communicates this information to vehicles before they reach the obstacle. This allows drivers to assess whether their vehicle can pass through in advance, rather than relying on signs placed only shortly before the restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the restricted passage location and drivers. Sensors detect the passage geometry, a server processes the data, and communication modules transmit warnings to affected vehicles, creating an information bridge that overcomes the limitations of physical signs.
2Speed
If drivers use split-second assessment to determine vehicle fit, then passage decisions can be made quickly, but accurate assessment is difficult due to variable vehicle dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines vehicle dimensions using onboard sensors (cameras, LIDAR, radar) without requiring driver input or manual measurement. The vehicle's control unit calculates the actual dimensions including mirrors and attachments, providing accurate data to the driver instantaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the driver about whether the vehicle can pass through the restricted geometry by comparing measured vehicle dimensions with the passage restrictions. This automated feedback eliminates the need for difficult manual assessment while maintaining quick decision-making.
3Loss of information
If communication is sent to all vehicles about restricted passage geometry, then all drivers receive the information, but energy and resources are wasted on vehicles not affected by the restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by tailoring communication to specific vehicles based on their characteristics. The server determines which vehicles are actually affected by the restricted passage geometry (those with dimensions exceeding the restriction) and sends communication only to those vehicles, rather than broadcasting to all vehicles in the area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of communication targeting from universal to selective. By filtering vehicles based on their dimensional parameters and route information, the system optimizes energy consumption while ensuring all affected vehicles receive the necessary warning.
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
This method enables early recognition of restricted passage geometries, reduces the risk of accidents by providing accurate dimension data, and minimizes unnecessary distractions by targeting only affected vehicles, thus saving energy and resources.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor is preferably a camera, a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, a sonar sensor, a laser, and/or an ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
The at least one sensor is preferably a camera, a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, a sonar sensor, a laser, and/or an ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 3
The at least one sensor is preferably a camera, a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, a sonar sensor, a laser, and/or an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for a vehicle (1) to detect its surroundings in traffic situations with restricted passage geometry (60). The method comprises detecting (S2) restricted passage geometry (60) based on at least one detected sensor value relating to the vehicle's surroundings. Furthermore, based on the sensor value, the method determines (S3) the extent (61) and position (64) of the restricted passage geometry (60). The method also comprises transmitting (S5) a message to at least one other vehicle (1b), a server, and/or a roadside unit (53). The message is generated (S4) based on the determined extent (61) and position (64) of the restricted passage geometry (60).The invention further relates to a further method for controlling a vehicle (1) in traffic situations with restricted passage geometry (60), which includes, as a step, receiving (S6) the message. Furthermore, in the method, a message (A1, A2, A3) is generated and output, which is based on a comparison (S7) of the extent (61) of the restricted passage geometry (60) with the dimensions of the vehicle (1). The invention further relates to a vehicle (1) configured to carry out the method according to the invention and/or the further method according to the invention.