Vehicle Path Selection Using Road Heat Traces Ahead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated driving systems face challenges in path selection due to conflicting sensor data and outdated maps, especially in scenarios with temporary road changes or construction, leading to difficulties in accurately identifying available paths.
Innovation Solution
A computer system using heat sensors to identify paths traveled by other vehicles based on heat distribution on the road surface, allowing for the selection of a candidate path that is likely to be safe and travelable, even in situations where traditional sensor data and maps are unreliable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensor data and maps are used for path selection, then the system works under normal conditions, but path selection becomes unreliable when there are temporary road changes or construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heat sensor data as an intermediary information source to bridge the gap between traditional sensor data/maps and actual road conditions. The heat sensors detect thermal signatures of recently traveled paths, serving as a mediator that reveals current usable paths even when maps and traditional sensors provide conflicting or outdated information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical/optical sensors and static maps with thermal sensing technology. By substituting the traditional sensing mechanism (cameras, LIDAR, radar) with heat-based detection, the system can identify paths through thermal residues left by vehicle tires, providing adaptability to temporary road changes that other sensors cannot detect.
2Measurement precision
If heat sensors are used to identify paths traveled by other vehicles, then path selection accuracy improves in uncertain conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the thermal sensing capability serve multiple functions: it detects path locations, determines path validity, identifies popular routes, and provides fallback information when other sensors fail. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by extracting maximum value from the heat sensor integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the heat signatures naturally left by vehicles traveling on roads as its own sensing mechanism. Rather than requiring active communication between vehicles or external infrastructure, the system passively detects thermal residues that automatically serve as path markers, reducing the need for additional complex active sensing components.
3Reliability
If the system relies on popular paths identified by heat distribution, then safety improves by avoiding untested routes, but the ability to take optimal or alternative paths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heat sensor data selectively rather than exclusively. It uses thermal path information partially to confirm or correct paths identified by traditional sensors and maps, rather than completely replacing the decision-making process. This partial application maintains safety benefits while preserving flexibility for optimal route selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors heat sensor data to provide feedback on path validity. When heat signatures indicate a popular, recently traveled path, the system receives positive feedback to confirm safety. When no heat signatures are present or conflicting data arises, the feedback loop allows the system to seek alternative paths, balancing safety with adaptability.
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 approach enables accurate path selection by utilizing heat sensor data to determine popular paths traveled by other vehicles, ensuring a valid route for the vehicle, even in conditions where traditional data is unreliable, thereby improving navigation and safety.
Implementation Method 1
obtain, from at least one temperature sensor, heat sensor data indicative of heat distributed on a road surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system (800) comprising a processor device (802) configured to select a candidate path for a first vehicle (1) to travel is provided. The processor device (802) is further configured to obtain, from at least one temperature sensor (20), heat sensor data indicative of heat distributed on a road surface of a road (202) located ahead of the first vehicle (1) in a driving direction (D) of the first vehicle (1). The processor device (802) is further configured to, based on the heat distributed on the road surface, identify at least one first path (201) travelled by at least one second vehicle (200). The processor device (802) is further configured to select a candidate path for the first vehicle (1) to travel. The candidate path is selected out of the at least one first path (201).