Vehicle Path Width Calculation for Narrow Road Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in navigating narrow roads due to blind spots and unexpected road narrowing, which can lead to accidents, as conventional mirrors fail to provide complete situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing sensors, such as LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors, to detect obstacles and calculate the width of the path, generating arcs and offset curves to determine if a road is narrow, and providing driving guidance to ensure safe passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver directly identifies narrow road conditions, then the vehicle can navigate the road, but the driver cannot accurately calculate the width of the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation system that uses arc geometry and obstacle position data to compute path width. By measuring the distance between the vehicle and obstacles on both sides of the road using arc intersections, the system automatically calculates whether the path width is sufficient, removing the need for direct driver estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the driver's manual width estimation with an automated computational system. The controller calculates path width by processing sensor data and arc geometry mathematically, substituting human judgment with precise mechanical-computational measurement to determine if the vehicle can safely pass through the narrow road.
2Productivity
If the vehicle enters a narrow road without proper detection, then the vehicle can proceed, but damage to the vehicle may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and width calculation before the vehicle enters the narrow road. The controller generates arcs, detects obstacles, and calculates path width in advance, allowing the driver to make an informed decision about whether to proceed, thereby preventing potential vehicle damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the driver about the calculated path width and whether it is sufficient for the vehicle to pass safely. This feedback loop allows the driver to adjust the vehicle's path or speed based on the automated width assessment, ensuring safe navigation through narrow roads and preventing damage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for controlling driving of a vehicle are provided and the apparatus includes a sensor unit that has at least one sensor disposed at sides of a vehicle. In addition, a controller uses sensing information received from the sensor unit to confirm whether the vehicle enters a path and detects obstacles located in the path. The controller calculates a left and right width of the path based on the obstacles and then confirms whether the path is a narrow road. Further, the controller is configured to output a driving guidance to the confirmed narrow road.