Vehicle Warning Control for Occluded Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle safety systems fail to alert drivers to potentially dangerous objects that are obscured from view due to weather conditions, distractions, or other vehicles, leading to increased collision risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that utilize vehicle-to-X communication to receive position data of obscured objects, assess visibility using vehicle and map data, and initiate a warning cascade based on object and situational criticality values to alert the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate warning devices are used to alert drivers of different types of hazards, then the coverage of hazard warnings is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single warning device to perform multiple functions. The device can issue different types of warnings (visual, acoustic, haptic) through a single unit, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized warning devices while maintaining comprehensive hazard coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple warning functions into a single integrated device. By merging visual indicators, acoustic alarms, and haptic feedback mechanisms into one unit, the system reduces the total number of components while preserving the ability to warn about various hazard types
2Ease of operation
If conventional warning devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the warnings are not noticeable enough for drivers to react in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through haptic feedback mechanisms that physically vibrate or pulse the warning device. This tactile stimulation creates a more noticeable and urgent warning sensation for the driver, improving reaction effectiveness compared to static visual or acoustic warnings alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing flashing visual indicators and rhythmic acoustic patterns. These time-varying warning signals capture driver attention more effectively than continuous static warnings, creating a more noticeable and urgent alert without requiring additional device complexity
3Reliability
If the steering wheel is locked to prevent unauthorized use, then the theft protection is improved, but the driver cannot operate the vehicle in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the steering wheel lock system adaptive rather than static. The lock engages under normal conditions to prevent theft but can dynamically disengage when emergency conditions are detected through sensors or specific operational patterns, allowing the system to switch between security and operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to monitor vehicle conditions, driver inputs, and environmental factors. This feedback loop allows the system to detect emergency situations and automatically adjust the steering wheel lock state, providing both theft protection and emergency operation capability through condition-based control
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for warning a driver of a motor vehicle (1), and to a control device (6) for a motor vehicle (1). The method comprises the following steps: receiving position data of a first object (10) by means of the motor vehicle (1) from a vehicle-external communication device (7), capturing a vehicle environment by means of a capturing device (5) of the motor vehicle (1), and detecting an ego-position of the motor vehicle (1). Furthermore, it is checked whether a second object (4) concealing the first object (10) is captured by the capturing device (5) in a viewing range (13) between the motor vehicle (1) and the first object (10), which viewing range is determined on the basis of the received position data and the ego-position, and whether a potentially critical situation for the vehicle (1) results from the first object (10). If it is detected that the first object (10) is concealed and that the potentially critical situation for the motor vehicle (1) results from the first object (10), a predefined warning cascade is initiated.