Virtual Merge Guidance Using V2V and AR Driver Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems are inadequate for safely merging onto freeways due to blind spots, vehicle position complexities, and environmental factors like weather, as they often rely on unreliable sensors and lack accurate, time-critical instructions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines a merging plan for a merging vehicle based on the position of a reference vehicle in a first lane, overlaying a virtual target in the driver's field of view to facilitate smooth merging, using vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to provide reliable assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sonar or radar sensors are used to detect vehicles in blind spots, then vehicle proximity can be identified, but the system fails in inclement weather and only works when vehicles are very close by
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses V2V communication as an intermediary to transfer vehicle position and velocity data between vehicles. Instead of relying on sensors to directly detect vehicles, the system communicates through digital messages exchanged between vehicles, which are then processed to determine relative positions and generate guidance signals. This mediator approach eliminates sensor reliability issues in inclement weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with a communication-based information system. Rather than using sonar or radar to physically detect vehicles, the system substitutes these with V2V communication protocols that exchange structured data about vehicle states, which is then processed computationally to achieve the same detection goal with improved reliability.
2Ease of operation
If in-dash navigation units with generic traffic data are used, then basic navigation is provided, but the system lacks fidelity to identify surrounding vehicles and requires significant driver interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of V2V communication data to pre-calculate optimal merging plans and generate ready-to-execute guidance signals before the merging maneuver begins. By preparing the merging plan in advance based on current vehicle positions and velocities, the system eliminates the need for real-time driver interpretation during the critical merging moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from V2V communications about the positions and velocities of surrounding vehicles, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the merging plan. The guidance signals provided to the driver are updated in real-time based on changing traffic conditions, ensuring the merging strategy remains optimal throughout the maneuver.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If drivers rely on repeated shoulder checks and visual assessment, then basic hazard identification is possible, but the process is burdensome and time-consuming with limited range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the hazard detection and assessment functions automatically without requiring driver action. The vehicle's communication system self-service detects surrounding vehicles, calculates merging plans, and generates guidance signals autonomously, freeing the driver from the burdensome task of repeated manual assessments while providing continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously performs preliminary assessments of the merging environment in the background, maintaining an up-to-date understanding of surrounding vehicles and potential hazards. This ongoing preliminary analysis is ready to immediately inform merging decisions without requiring the driver to initiate separate assessment actions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method determines a reference vehicle traveling in a first lane. The first lane merges with a second lane at a merging point. The method can determine a merging plan for a merging vehicle traveling in the second lane to merge into the first lane based on a vehicle position, and in some cases the speed, of the reference vehicle in the first lane. The method can overlay, via a display device, a virtual target in a field of view of a roadway environment of a driver of the merging vehicle based on the merging plan of the merging vehicle.