Vehicle Sensor Detection Optimization via Distance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with sensors for detecting traffic control devices often face obstruction issues due to other vehicles, which impede the detection of traffic control devices, leading to potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine if a vehicle is approaching an intersection with a traffic control device, scanning for the device, and controlling the vehicle to adjust its distance from the obstructing vehicle based on the detected height and distance from the intersection to optimize detection, including deceleration or stopping if the device is not detected within predetermined distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle maintains a close distance to the vehicle in front, then fuel efficiency and traffic flow are improved, but the sensor's field of view is obstructed and traffic control device detection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning for traffic control devices using map data and vehicle location information before the vehicle actually approaches the intersection. This allows the vehicle to maintain normal following distance while the system prepares detection data in advance, resolving the contradiction between close following distance and detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct optical detection (2D image plane) to multi-dimensional detection by combining map data, vehicle location information, and predicted trajectory. This dimensional expansion allows detection without requiring unobstructed line-of-sight, maintaining both close following distance and detection reliability.
2Reliability
If the vehicle increases distance from the vehicle in front, then traffic control device detection reliability is improved, but fuel consumption increases and traffic flow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs detection准备工作 in advance using available data before the vehicle needs to slow down or stop. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to maintain optimal following distance for fuel efficiency while the system prepares detection information without requiring increased distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing vehicle data (location, heading, speed) and map information to perform self-detection without requiring additional sensors or physical adjustments. This self-service approach maintains detection reliability without impacting fuel consumption or requiring distance changes.
3Reliability
If the vehicle decelerates to improve detection, then detection reliability is improved, but travel time increases and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs detection准备工作 in advance using map data and predicted trajectory before the vehicle reaches the intersection. This preliminary detection eliminates the need for deceleration to improve detection, maintaining both detection reliability and normal travel time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection strategy based on real-time conditions. When a traffic control device is detected in advance, the vehicle maintains normal speed. The system only triggers deceleration when detection is uncertain and the vehicle is very close to the intersection, minimizing time loss while ensuring detection reliability.
4Reliability
If the vehicle stops at the intersection when not detected, then safety is improved, but productivity and traffic flow deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning and prediction before the vehicle reaches the intersection using map data and current trajectory. This early detection allows the vehicle to maintain normal speed and only stop when absolutely necessary, improving safety without unnecessarily reducing traffic flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors detection results and adjusts vehicle control in real-time. If detection is successful, the vehicle proceeds normally. If detection fails and the vehicle is within the second predetermined distance, the system triggers a stop command. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while minimizing interruptions to traffic flow.
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
Enhances the reliability of traffic control device detection by ensuring the sensor's field of view is clear, allowing for timely detection and appropriate vehicle control to maintain safety, such as maintaining or increasing distance to prevent obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a traffic control device in an image of taken by a vehicle sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for optimizing traffic control device detection are provided. The method includes: determining whether a first vehicle is traveling to an intersection with a traffic control device and whether the first vehicle is within a predetermined distance of the intersection; in response to determining that the first vehicle is traveling to the intersection with the traffic control device and that the first vehicle is within the first predetermined distance of the intersection, scanning for the traffic control device; controlling the first vehicle to increase a distance between the first vehicle and a second vehicle in front of the first vehicle if the scanning fails to detect the traffic control device; and controlling the first vehicle to maintain the distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle in front of the first vehicle if the scanning detects the traffic control device.