Vehicular Alert System Using Sensor Fusion for Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensing systems fail to effectively alert other vehicles of approaching hazards, especially in situations where the hazard is obscured from view, such as during abrupt traffic maneuvers or on curved roads.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system that utilizes cameras and sensors to process image and sensor data to detect potential hazards and automatically alert nearby vehicles through flashing lights or audible signals, using a control unit with image processing capabilities and wireless communication to share hazard information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vehicle sensing systems use sensors to detect hazards, then hazard detection capability is improved, but the ability to alert other vehicles of obscured hazards remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication signals as an intermediary to transmit hazard information from the detecting vehicle to other vehicles. The control unit generates alert signals that communicate hazard presence to surrounding vehicles, bridging the information gap when hazards are obscured from other drivers' direct view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the environment through sensors and immediately communicating detected hazards to other vehicles. The control unit processes sensor data in real-time and provides feedback alerts to surrounding vehicles, creating a closed-loop information system that enhances collective situational awareness.
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple cameras and sensors to detect hazards, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors, determines hazard presence, generates alert signals, and manages wireless communication. This multi-functional approach consolidates complex operations into a single control unit, managing system complexity while maintaining high detection reliability through integrated sensor processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor inputs (cameras, radar, LIDAR) and processing functions into a unified hazard detection and alert system. The control unit merges data from different sensor types and integrates detection, analysis, and communication functions, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through sensor fusion.
3Reliability
If the system provides real-time hazard alerts to other vehicles, then safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensing and alert transmission rather than continuous operation. Sensors periodically scan the environment, and alert signals are transmitted only when hazards are detected, rather than maintaining constant communication. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption while maintaining safety through timely hazard detection and alerting.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular alert system includes a control disposed at a vehicle, the control including a processor for processing potential hazard data received by the control. The control, responsive to receiving potential hazard data, determines the vehicle is approaching a hazard. The control, responsive to determining the equipped vehicle is approaching the hazard, alerts another vehicle of the approaching hazard at least by actuating hazard lights of the equipped vehicle.