Vehicle Usable Distance Prediction for Moving Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are unable to effectively determine a safe distance from moving objects, leading to unnecessary deactivation of safety features, as they only consider stationary obstacles, potentially increasing danger when moving objects are closer than the predetermined safety distance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate a usable distance by extending the current obstacle-free distance with an extension distance predicted based on the moving object's velocity, considering emergency braking and steering scenarios to ensure safety without exceeding a safety margin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the safety distance is determined based on stationary objects only, then the detection system can use a simple predetermined limit, but the assistance systems are unnecessarily deactivated when moving objects are closer than the limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static safety distance determination (based on predetermined limits for stationary objects) to a dynamic determination that accounts for the velocity and movement of obstacles. The system now considers the temporal aspect of obstacle movement, allowing the safety distance to adapt based on whether obstacles are stationary or moving, thereby reducing unnecessary deactivations while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for safety distance determination from solely spatial (distance to obstacle) to include temporal parameters (velocity of obstacle, predicted future position). By incorporating velocity information and predicting where the obstacle will be when the host vehicle arrives, the system adjusts the effective safety distance parameter dynamically, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the assistance systems are deactivated when the obstacle free distance is below the predetermined limit, then safety is ensured for stationary objects, but the systems are unavailable even when it would be safe to use them with moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the future position of moving obstacles before the host vehicle reaches that position. By calculating where the obstacle will be when the host vehicle arrives (considering its velocity), the system proactively determines that the space will be clear in time, allowing assistance systems to remain activated. This preliminary prediction prevents unnecessary deactivations while maintaining safety.
3Productivity
If the safety distance is extended to account for moving objects, then the availability of assistance systems improves, but the calculation complexity increases due to velocity prediction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a prediction module that focuses only on the essential parameter needed for safety determination - the velocity of the obstacle in the direction of travel. Rather than tracking all possible movement parameters, the system calculates only the relevant component (velocity along the host vehicle's path), thereby improving assistance system availability while limiting the increase in calculation complexity to what is strictly necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a usable distance between a host vehicle and a moving object is provided. According to the method, a current obstacle free distance is detected in front of the host vehicle, wherein the current obstacle free distance is limited by a current position of the moving object, and a current velocity of the moving object is determined. An extension distance is estimated based on the current velocity of the moving object, and the usable distance is determined based on the current obstacle free distance and the extension distance.